Build Your Own Computer: Blog
1Dec/11Off

Upcoming technology in computers : CPU

In the fast moving world of technology, it can become impossible to keep up with the ever changing landscape. This is why I have introduced this new series of posts to give you guys an idea of what is upcoming in the world of computers and whether it is worth the wait or better to just buy what is currently on offer. New technology also leads to price drops in the older (but not outdated) technology. For example, when Sandy Bridge processors from Intel came out, they offered a large jump in processing power as well as efficiency but laptops with the older generation of i5 and i7 could be found for $500-700, a far cry from the $1700 they were available for 6 months before. If you're willing to buy slightly older technology, the newer components can lead to massive savings for you especially as manufacturers and shops try to clear out their stocks. So what's new in the world of CPUs?

VN:F [1.9.12_1141]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
11Feb/11Off

Build A Computer for Under A$600

Ever wanted to try and build your own computer or you just needed a new computer but couldn't afford one. Well, here are the specs for a well rounded system which has decent speed, the latest processor and is perfect for normal everyday use. With Intel HD graphics you can do a bit of video and photo editing but no games at this price. Of course, the motherboard is compatible with a video card so if you want to add a video card on later, it is possible. So not only is this system cheap, it is flexible and pretty powerful. All for under A$600.

All of the parts I have chosen are good quality and like I stated in the previous post, I have gone with a reputable case manufacturer. The other components are made by trusted brands. One potential downside is that to get it this cheap, I have had to use Linux instead of Windows. It is pretty good if you give it a go and it is free but some people absolutely must have Windows in which case the whole computer will cost another $150-250 extra depending on the version.

So if you are on a tight budget but are looking for a computer which will last you 2-3 years (depending on how much you hate having outdated components) and has a bit of flexibility for future upgrades, then consider a build like this.

Depending on the store you buy the parts from, you can also bargain and get it for even less. Try StaticIce to see if you are getting the best deal on your parts.

Motherboard: Intel BOXDH55PJ H55 lGA1156 $ 89.00
Case/PSU: Thermaltake Soprano RS 201 with 430W PSU $ 69.00
CPU: Intel Core i3-550 3.2GHz using integrated graphics $ 139.00
RAM: Kingston 4GB (2x2GB) kit DDR3 1333MHz $ 47.00
HDD: Seagate 3.5" SATA 500GB 7200rpm $ 39.00
Optical: LG DVD Burner SATA $ 22.00
OS: Ubuntu 10.10 $ -
Keyboard and mouse: Logitech MK120 Desktop $ 18.00
Monitor: LG 20.1" E2040T-PN LED 5ms DVI Slim Monitor $ 136.00
TOTAL $ 559.00
Motherboard: Intel BOXDH55PJ H55 lGA1156 $ 89.00
Case/PSU: Thermaltake Soprano RS 201 with 430W PSU $ 69.00
CPU: Intel Core i3-550 3.2GHz using integrated graphics $ 139.00
RAM: Kingston 4GB (2x2GB) kit DDR3 1333MHz $ 47.00
HDD: Seagate 3.5" SATA 500GB 7200rpm $ 39.00
Optical: LG DVD Burner SATA $ 22.00
OS: Ubuntu 10.10 $ -
Keyboard and mouse: Logitech MK120 Desktop $ 18.00
Monitor: LG 20.1" E2040T-PN LED 5ms DVI Slim Monitor $ 136.00
TOTAL $ 559.00
VN:F [1.9.12_1141]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
17Aug/10Off

What Is The Best Value Computer You Can Buy?: Part 1

AMD Phenom II X6

In today's day and age, when you go out to buy a new computer or upgrade your existing one, there are so many choices out there. You can get a bargain basement computer which will need to be replaced in a couple of years or you can buy a top of the line PC which has the best of the best components but its value is halved in six months time when better components come out. There is a point when you go up in models where you end up paying double the amount of the model down just for a tiny performance gain. This is unrealistic for most people and so there is always a sweetspot when looking at computer components. This is a special consideration you have to make when building your own computer and on this post I hope to show you the best value computer you can get for your money today.

VN:F [1.9.12_1141]
Rating: 9.0/10 (1 vote cast)
23Sep/09Off

Intel Shows Off New 32nm CPU


The new chip has graphics capability built into the core processor, a first for Intel, and has new Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) instructions also built in for faster encryption and decryption. The new chip will go into production in the fourth quarter of the year.

“The rapidly increasing number of transistors and processor instructions we add have made possible the integration of more and more capabilities and features within our processors,” he said.

“This has driven an incredible amount of innovation throughout the industry.”

Maloney will also be showing the Westmere-EP server platform and said that it would provide a performance boost greater than that seen with the introduction of the Xeon 5500 series of server chips over the previous generation.

Intel is also working on an ultra-low power server chip in the Xeon 3000 range, which will operate at just 30 watts.

[ad#Adsense]

As a follow up to Westmere the next generation chip, codenamed Sandy Bridge, will see an acceleration in graphics capabilities for the chip, with Intel's sixth generation graphics core built into the die. This will accelerate floating point, video and processor intensive software applications.

To help IT administrators Intel has developed a new PC management tool called Keyboard Video Mouse Remote Control, which allows managers to view problems directly as the user sees them, which it hopes will speed up fault solving.

Read Full Story

VN:F [1.9.12_1141]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
   

Build Your Own Computer: Blog is Stephen Fry proof thanks to caching by WP Super Cache