PCA Forums

about 5-6 years ago I'd have the fastest and latest custom built computer avail. now I'm running a computer i built like 3-4 years ago and xp pro on it. its works for my needs and thats good enough for me. i use to be if a faster part came avail i'd rebuild my computer to have it. even if that ment a complete rebuild.
today i had a company e-mail me and ask if i be interested in doing a beta test for them on a software. and for like a min. i thought ok i just run out and build a brand new computer. then i went why go out and spend hundreds of dollars for new hardware and then go spend a couple hundred more for a new OS on top of that to do a beta test that wont pay for a 1/4 of the costs.
gee how i have changed over the last 5 year.

I've always had a monetary limit on how much I'd spend on certain parts. This usually meant that I had a mid range computer. I still stick to it too.

Mobo $150
Processor $150
Heat Sink $40
RAM $100
Video Card $150-200
PSU $100 (a good PSU will last you many computer builds)
Case $50-100
Hard Drive $70
DVD+-RW $25

Many of the things on this list I've had for years. My PSU has been through 4 builds, but at 750 watts & being from PCP&C, I expect it to last another 3 builds or so. My RAM (8gb of DDR2 from the days when it was super cheap) has followed me through the last 3 builds & I've considered switching over to AMD for my next processor upgrade in order to keep it for another build. The DVD & hard drives also have lasted me years. If anyone noticed on my recent overhaul, the case I'm using has just now hit 10 years & it's just as beautiful as when I first fell in love with it. That was $75 well spent.

Most of the time, the only real upgrading I do is the video card about once a year & my mobo/processor every 2 years. I'm never cutting edge, but I can usually max out 90% of the games made. I do like to play around if I find a good deal though.

Fasted? This must be a religious computer...LOL

This must be a religious computer

or fasting for a blood test but I didn't know PCs needed to do that.