Life's Corner

I have build a new desktop machine and the configuration I have are as follows:

Intel Core 2 duo E4400 2.0GHz 2 x 1MB of Cache with FSB of 800MHz
Intel D946GZABL MoBo
160 Gb SATA Seagate
2 Gb of Corsair DDR2 PC667
Palit Daytona HD3850 512mb ddr3 dvi 256 bit
Samsung DVD Double Layer w/ Lightscribe SATA

Silverstone ST50f 500 watts
Viewsonic VX1932WM 19" Widescreen
Windows Vista Ultimate

Here is why I choose the above:

1. Processor - I'm not into very demanding job like video editing, so a choice was to go for a mid-range processor. Choosing between E4400 (Allendale) against the E6300 was a factor of price and performance. In so many test conducted the former performs well against the latter despite the price difference of 2,000.00 plus (Phil. Currency). The lower FSB and etc. of E4400 was somehow compensated by the clock speed advantage it had against the E6300. While the high-end Conroe Processors are very good in overall aspect and way above in terms of performance, the cost would be a big factor. It is not reasonable on my part as the E4400 capacity is more than enough of my needs. So, sorry they are not considered at all.

Choosing Intel over AMD is now an easy choice, since the release of Core 2 Duo reclaims Intel's supremacy over the smaller but tough competitor-the AMD. Im aware though, that AMD reduce its prices giving Intel a run for every peso. I used AMD in the office and I'm impressed but a good motherboard for AMD is a hard find here in my place-Cebu.

2. Motherboard - The choice of motherboard is a tough choice to make. I kinda like Asus Board but a little of price consideration, I opted for the Intel Board, beside I'm not into overclocking. For around the same price, the chipset I got from Asus Board are Intel 945 only, so its better to get the the i946 chipset which Intel board have. The dual memory channel thing and SATA 2 is not a good sale to me. Besides, I presume intel knows best their own stuff.

3. Hard Disk - Seagate is a popular choice in the Philippines. So no hard time choosing it! I opted for 160 Gb to be able to store more videos and photos. I did not choose the much higher capacity drives though, because I'm planning to add another drives in the future.

4. RAM - DDR2 is the in nowadays, besides new boards dont support the outdated slow running predecessors. Corsair is my Choice! Its a good thing I find one here in Cebu. I have no experience with it but Reviews says its Good. Besides i have already tried Kingston, and I know how good Kinston is.. I go for 667 because its above the standard here. Most package PC use 533 only and beside I use it already in my other machine. .

5. Video Card - There are so many video card manufacturer nowadays but there were only 2(two) chipset manufacturer-that is ATI and nVIDIA. The former has the Radeon Series and the latter has in its arsenal the GeForce. They have a close fight, nothing at stake on whats the choice. Just have the latest and high end of their products and you can never go wrong. One thing for sure! NO more AGP, besides new board does not support them. Instead, PCI Express$$$$. Hey, i hope i could have SLI or a crossfire. Huh! that too much for me., maybe in the future if I have a new MOBO.

I think i have to get those graphics card that support DirectX 10..its the best. So its between GEForce 8000 series or a Radeon 2000 series..

6. Optical Drive - DVD is a choice today, no doubt. I have a good find in Samsung in SATA, it's double layer capable and has lightscibe v2.1. Lightscribe is for disc labeling but its not a priority because you still needs a compatible disc.

7. Casing and Power Supply - There are many power supply in the market, but i would always go for the quality of the built, that's why I choose the decent one. Avoid having generic one!!!Why? Because it is not efficient in electricity, wasted power means HEAT and huge bills. Every computer professional know that heat limits the computing power, that's why you always see cooler, heat sink, and fan in your pc.

8. Monitor - LCD's are In! they are the popular choice. I settled with VX 1932WM. It's a widescreen display and belong to the best Series of Viewsonic. Its advertised at 2 ms of response time. But, I tell you, don't be fooled by the advertisement. Response Time to get away with ghost and shadows in movies and videos. Samsung has the best response time but the advertised one is just a Gray To Gray not Black-White-Black. I know 19 inc monitor has the same native resolution with their 17 " counterpart, but I find the more real estate I get with 19 inch a good deal with a litle price difference. So don't be fooled with them. Consider also factors such as viewing angle and etc.

I opted for viewsonic though, i find it appropriate just for my needs. In comparison, they are head to head with samsung in terms of quality.

9. Operating Software - Window's Vista is in nowadays, but i still like windows XP. First, because, I still don't have a budget for windows vista, don't buy the home edition, that is nothing!!!but shell???Second, My needs for operating system is still all available in XP, its already tested. And lastly, Window's Vista still has some bugs, like drivers and compatibility, but don't worry if you had it, that would be solved with the release of either a minor update or a service pack..its coming?. I don't want to be a lab rat so i stick to the xp....folks at Microsoft...ill just upgrade next year. just wait before you get my Peso....or you'll never get it at all...hello pirated!!!joke only...

To update all of you guys! I got a vista already and still exploring this OS.

I'm asking and soliciting, computer geeks out there to write comments on my choice......those novice in PC, out their hope you learn something from this site.