Originally Posted by Xtrafresh seeing all these comments i started doubting the expertise of this guide... So i did a bit of a comparison of my own.
Here are the Gaming Workhorse builds from may (Harry/Bit-Tech) and June (Alex/CPC):
Since you're addressing this to me, I feel I should respond. The decisions about what goes into the buyer's guide are made by the editorial team as a group - I just happened to write this month's updates as Harry was busy with SSD testing. They are recommendations we stand by as a team. Perhaps we should put "bit-tech staff" as the author in future.
In terms of your specific points:
When it comes to a PSU, total wattage is far from the be all and end all. We're always conscious of price, and the Be Quiet is an expensive component, so moving to the OCZ helped keep the budget under control.
The Antec Twelve Hundred is excellent - the problem is that it wasn't reviewed on Bit when it came out, and if we did it now, we'd get a load of comments along the lines of "why are you reviewing old hardware?" It's unfortunate that it wasn't covered at the time, but we don't have an infinite amount of time.
As for Blu-Ray, when I actually wrote the copy I did recommend putting in the Blu-Ray drive, but you can equally argue that in a gaming/OC machine it isn't really relevant - and of course, it bumps up the price again.
As for the Q9650 - I've got say that our testing does show that it's significantly quicker, especially when overclocked, than the Phenom II. The Core i7 argument is interesting, but we do already have a Core i7 machine in the buyer's guide - and I do feel that the difference between a good i7 machine a good Core 2 Quad machine is more than £50 - an i7 rig really ought to have 6GB RAM, and it needs a much bigger PSU for instance (again, testing shows i7's power draw is way up on C2Q).
As for finding the Buy buttons invasive... well, sure, you're welcome to your opinion but any smaller and the text would be illegible, I feel. Colour scheme, you may have a point - I think we need to calibrate the screen the JPGs were created on :S
Originally Posted by Sifter3000 Since you're addressing this to me, I feel I should respond. The decisions about what goes into the buyer's guide are made by the editorial team as a group - I just happened to write this month's updates as Harry was busy with SSD testing. They are recommendations we stand by as a team. Perhaps we should put "bit-tech staff" as the author in future.
In terms of your specific points:
When it comes to a PSU, total wattage is far from the be all and end all. We're always conscious of price, and the Be Quiet is an expensive component, so moving to the OCZ helped keep the budget under control.
The Antec Twelve Hundred is excellent - the problem is that it wasn't reviewed on Bit when it came out, and if we did it now, we'd get a load of comments along the lines of "why are you reviewing old hardware?" It's unfortunate that it wasn't covered at the time, but we don't have an infinite amount of time.
As for Blu-Ray, when I actually wrote the copy I did recommend putting in the Blu-Ray drive, but you can equally argue that in a gaming/OC machine it isn't really relevant - and of course, it bumps up the price again.
As for the Q9650 - I've got say that our testing does show that it's significantly quicker, especially when overclocked, than the Phenom II. The Core i7 argument is interesting, but we do already have a Core i7 machine in the buyer's guide - and I do feel that the difference between a good i7 machine a good Core 2 Quad machine is more than £50 - an i7 rig really ought to have 6GB RAM, and it needs a much bigger PSU for instance (again, testing shows i7's power draw is way up on C2Q).
As for finding the Buy buttons invasive... well, sure, you're welcome to your opinion but any smaller and the text would be illegible, I feel. Colour scheme, you may have a point - I think we need to calibrate the screen the JPGs were created on :S
You raise some valid points, and i don't mean any offense. However, of the two machines, i must admit i'd much rather have the May edition then the June edition, as it's a much more balanced build imho. The June build seems lopsided towards CPU power to me, and as it's a gaming workhorse, i'd be putting that extra budget in graphics or extra functionality.
We could probably bicker back and forth for weeks on the topic of the components, so i won't rebuttle.
I hope you are not too offended, but my main point is that i see a lot of CPC flowing into bit-tech, and not always for the better.
However, much thanks for the reply, i do appreceate it!
Not that it interests me so much, but how come there hasnt been a selection of watercooling gear? There's lots of crap on the market so I figured that would be a good thing to put in, especially in the high end selection.
Just curious, tis all. I could never afford that kinda stuff, at least not until i've won the lottery....
I love bit-tech, and I probably am quite a jittery one, but some of the little changes like these new 'Buy from CCL!' links etc. do make me a bit nervous. But I don't want to pick excessive fault.
I thought i'd post in support of the article. Personally i really enjoy these articles. I don't have time to keep up with the cutting edge and i think it's a good to have a summary of various systems each month. It'll also be valuable as a demonstration of just how transitional the market is.
Only critism on this months is the lack of alternatives.
Originally Posted by mystvearn I enjoyed it too, no need to think what works with what. Just look at the guide.
Bottom line, I think the most important thing is that you need traffic to this site. Doesn#t matter the criticism right?
More traffic=more revenue
Right, and that is EXACTLY the kind of attidude Bit-Tech never had, and i hope never will get.
This sir, is a community site of hardware enthousiasts, modders, and gamers, which is a niche-market by definition. let's not aim for the lowest common denominator, like every other piece of media in the world. Cheers!
OK - why not have the same bundle options from a "wide selection of e-tailers" that way you may help to drive down the price and improve the customer service....!
Originally Posted by Xtrafresh Right, and that is EXACTLY the kind of attidude Bit-Tech never had, and i hope never will get.
This sir, is a community site of hardware enthousiasts, modders, and gamers, which is a niche-market by definition. let's not aim for the lowest common denominator, like every other piece of media in the world. Cheers!
Instead of doing a gaming workhorse, power pc and budget pc, why not just have a selection of the top 5 products in each category with prices next to them and we can choose and build our system from that?
Originally Posted by bogie170 Instead of doing a gaming workhorse, power pc and budget pc, why not just have a selection of the top 5 products in each category with prices next to them and we can choose and build our system from that?
there will be a problem of compatibility if you do that
I felt the need to register to respond to the Gaming Workhorse build this month.
I ordered (mostly from CCL but the "Buy all components" button gave me some random stuff so ordered individually) all the components and built the system last night, but wanted to mention that if you use the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R with the Quad Q9650 and the Titan Fenrir, the top mounting bracket for the Titan Fenrir actually interferes with one of the heatsinks on the motherboard.
This wasn't a huge issue as I THINK I was able to screw it in place tightly enough anyway, but haven't extensively checked yet. Thought it worth a mention as it isn't really an ideal combo for that reason (unless you're happy to take a pair of pliers to the top mounting).
Originally Posted by Xar I felt the need to register to respond to the Gaming Workhorse build this month.
I ordered (mostly from CCL but the "Buy all components" button gave me some random stuff so ordered individually) all the components and built the system last night, but wanted to mention that if you use the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R with the Quad Q9650 and the Titan Fenrir, the top mounting bracket for the Titan Fenrir actually interferes with one of the heatsinks on the motherboard.
This wasn't a huge issue as I THINK I was able to screw it in place tightly enough anyway, but haven't extensively checked yet. Thought it worth a mention as it isn't really an ideal combo for that reason (unless you're happy to take a pair of pliers to the top mounting).
Cheers
Hey Xar,
Could you please explain in further detail about the problem? As I am planning on purchasing one of those mobos and the titan fenrir, along with a q6600. Surely if you "took a pair of pliers to the top mounting", you would void the warranty ??
I really would like to go with the setup, but please could you outline further detailed info on this matter? I just don't want to void any warranties or anything.
You said you were able to screw it in place tightly enough anyway, but you haven't extensively checked yet... So how does tightening it in place enough avoid the problem with the top mounting bracket conflicting with one of the UD3R's heatsink? is it all okay?
Comments 51 to 70 of 70
ReplySince you're addressing this to me, I feel I should respond. The decisions about what goes into the buyer's guide are made by the editorial team as a group - I just happened to write this month's updates as Harry was busy with SSD testing. They are recommendations we stand by as a team. Perhaps we should put "bit-tech staff" as the author in future.
In terms of your specific points:
As for the Q9650 - I've got say that our testing does show that it's significantly quicker, especially when overclocked, than the Phenom II. The Core i7 argument is interesting, but we do already have a Core i7 machine in the buyer's guide - and I do feel that the difference between a good i7 machine a good Core 2 Quad machine is more than £50 - an i7 rig really ought to have 6GB RAM, and it needs a much bigger PSU for instance (again, testing shows i7's power draw is way up on C2Q).
As for finding the Buy buttons invasive... well, sure, you're welcome to your opinion but any smaller and the text would be illegible, I feel. Colour scheme, you may have a point - I think we need to calibrate the screen the JPGs were created on :S
I was talking about readyboost. 4gb seems to be the limit in vista
We could probably bicker back and forth for weeks on the topic of the components, so i won't rebuttle.
I hope you are not too offended, but my main point is that i see a lot of CPC flowing into bit-tech, and not always for the better.
However, much thanks for the reply, i do appreceate it!
Just curious, tis all. I could never afford that kinda stuff, at least not until i've won the lottery....
I love bit-tech, and I probably am quite a jittery one, but some of the little changes like these new 'Buy from CCL!' links etc. do make me a bit nervous. But I don't want to pick excessive fault.
Yep...
Also missing the "Alternative choises" page for each system.
A step backwards.
Xir
Microdirect has 4770 in stock, whoever are waiting for the card. Its the sapphire model. But only 2 left...
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/Product/40940
So I'll just quickly sum up what I don't like about this month's guide:
Will give it a second [more thourough] read to see if I can find more. :p
Only critism on this months is the lack of alternatives.
Keep up the good work!
Bottom line, I think the most important thing is that you need traffic to this site. Doesn#t matter the criticism right?
More traffic=more revenue
This sir, is a community site of hardware enthousiasts, modders, and gamers, which is a niche-market by definition. let's not aim for the lowest common denominator, like every other piece of media in the world. Cheers!
SCAN
e-Buyer
Overclockers
Or is this a Dennis the menace thing...?
I bought half of the items stated here from Microdirect because its cheaper.
unfortunately, i think it is happening...
there will be a problem of compatibility if you do that
I ordered (mostly from CCL but the "Buy all components" button gave me some random stuff so ordered individually) all the components and built the system last night, but wanted to mention that if you use the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R with the Quad Q9650 and the Titan Fenrir, the top mounting bracket for the Titan Fenrir actually interferes with one of the heatsinks on the motherboard.
This wasn't a huge issue as I THINK I was able to screw it in place tightly enough anyway, but haven't extensively checked yet. Thought it worth a mention as it isn't really an ideal combo for that reason (unless you're happy to take a pair of pliers to the top mounting).
Cheers
Think the hardware guide from the month before also said 'in the near future'. Any sign of it guys?
Thanks :)
Hey Xar,
Could you please explain in further detail about the problem? As I am planning on purchasing one of those mobos and the titan fenrir, along with a q6600. Surely if you "took a pair of pliers to the top mounting", you would void the warranty ??
I really would like to go with the setup, but please could you outline further detailed info on this matter? I just don't want to void any warranties or anything.
You said you were able to screw it in place tightly enough anyway, but you haven't extensively checked yet... So how does tightening it in place enough avoid the problem with the top mounting bracket conflicting with one of the UD3R's heatsink? is it all okay?
Thanks :D
-
« Previous
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
Next »
Discuss in the forums