Does there exist a "frugal" pc builders magazine?

[me]

I been thinking abt trying to build my very first
computer...... but I'm NOT a hardware tech at
all...don't know what is the latest and greatest

Having dais that..... does there exist a magazine one
could subscribe to that is for a "frugal" PC builder?
One that has specific "recipes" of components for a
good bang for the buck desktop PC?

I subscribe to PC Mag now..... I know that's not a
builder magazine..... but one thing I don't like abt it
is how "rich: it has become..... the reviews are for
stuff only rich people could buy. High end stuff!

 

[mctwist]

I been thinking abt trying to build my very first
computer...... but I'm NOT a hardware tech at
all...don't know what is the latest and greatest

Having dais that..... does there exist a magazine one
could subscribe to that is for a "frugal" PC builder?
One that has specific "recipes" of components for a
good bang for the buck desktop PC?

I subscribe to PC Mag now..... I know that's not a
builder magazine..... but one thing I don't like abt it
is how "rich: it has become..... the reviews are for
stuff only rich people could buy. High end stuff!

I've been reading Maximum PC for a while now (probably 6-7 years), and
although it's not always about building, you'll be learning a lot.
They run many different features each month, have great review
sections, great building tips and more. Every once in a while, they'll
run a feature containing full "recipes" with different configs. Try
one next month, you'll probably be pleased.

 

[John Weiss]

I've been reading Maximum PC for a while now (probably 6-7 years), and
although it's not always about building, you'll be learning a lot.

I'll second Maximum PC. I subscribe to both, and Max PC is more like the "old"
PC-Mag in reviews and building hints. I used a recent Max PC "recipe" for a
middle-of-the-road PC as the basis for my latest build.

 

[me]

I've been reading Maximum PC for a while now (probably 6-7 years), and
although it's not always about building, you'll be learning a lot.
They run many different features each month, have great review
sections, great building tips and more. Every once in a while, they'll
run a feature containing full "recipes" with different configs. Try
one next month, you'll probably be pleased.

Ok will go buy a copy of maximum PC and see how I like
it.

Like I said..... PC Mag has become for the rich as far
as I'm concerned..... everything thy test is at he high
end range cost wise..... not the low end or best bang
for the buck range.

 

[me]

I'll second Maximum PC. I subscribe to both, and Max PC is more like the "old"
PC-Mag in reviews and building hints. I used a recent Max PC "recipe" for a
middle-of-the-road PC as the basis for my latest build.

Ok thanks.... done deal then...will get Max PC

 

[me]

I'll second Maximum PC. I subscribe to both, and Max PC is more like the "old"
PC-Mag in reviews and building hints. I used a recent Max PC "recipe" for a
middle-of-the-road PC as the basis for my latest build.

I once subscribed to computer power user mag....
CPU..... and it too was a bit "rich" for my tastes

 

[Chris Hill]

I been thinking abt trying to build my very first
computer...... but I'm NOT a hardware tech at
all...don't know what is the latest and greatest

Building a pc isn't frugal, unless you can get most of the parts as
last year's stuff or used.

 

[me]

Building a pc isn't frugal, unless you can get most of the parts as
last year's stuff or used.

Well that's not exactly what I meant by frugal

What I meant is building a PC that is maybe one or two
notches behind the "curve"..... i.e. where the bets
bang for buck in terms of performance vs cost.

Although I know that buying is sometime cheaper.... my
gut feeling is you get sub par power supplies, cases,
proprietary connectors..... like dell is supposed to be
in their cheaper lines, right?

 

[Phisherman]

Well that's not exactly what I meant by frugal

What I meant is building a PC that is maybe one or two
notches behind the "curve"..... i.e. where the bets
bang for buck in terms of performance vs cost.

Although I know that buying is sometime cheaper.... my
gut feeling is you get sub par power supplies, cases,
proprietary connectors..... like dell is supposed to be
in their cheaper lines, right?

Why build? There are plenty of older PCs that are free or very cheap.
Listen to "swap-shop" radio programs, yard sales, etc. Goodwill and
schools won't accept old PCs anymore.

 

[frodo]

I like CPU magazine too (Computer Power User). Like most they are
graphics card heavy, but that's mainly 'cause these cards are always
evolving (monthly it seems). But they give good coverage to cpus and
motherboards too.

For good guides on system building there are lots of web sites; try:

www.anandtech.com

click the Guides tab. Anand's site publishes new "system" guides about
quarterly; the last Budget Guide was November. He has other guides too,
look them over; the last CPU/Chipset guide was pretty good re: budget
choices.

You'll find other "first time builder" guides out there. Bottom Line: you
won't necessarily save big bucks, but you will get EXACTLY what you want
and understand it all when you're done. You'll end up getting maximum
bang-for-the-buck too if you've done your homework.

It's a HOBBY after all, treat it as such and enjoy.

 

[me]

You'll find other "first time builder" guides out there. Bottom Line: you
won't necessarily save big bucks, but you will get EXACTLY what you want
and understand it all when you're done. You'll end up getting maximum
bang-for-the-buck too if you've done your homework.

It's a HOBBY after all, treat it as such and enjoy.

understood

But I'm short on time with classes and all

Question..... if I were to buy the Optiplex line of
computers from dell..... would I get a better case,
more standard parts, basically better build over all
than the other "consumer lines"?

 

[John Weiss]

Building a pc isn't frugal, unless you can get most of the parts as
last year's stuff or used.

Not necessarily true, especially at the higher end. I saved $300+ building one
over a similarly configured Dell.

 

[John Weiss]

Question..... if I were to buy the Optiplex line of
computers from dell..... would I get a better case,
more standard parts, basically better build over all
than the other "consumer lines"?

The Optiplex line is more for business standardization purposes, and in general
is less versatile.

Also, Dell has been on a trend to use proprietary hardware, so be careful if you
plan on upgrading/tinkering...

 

[me]

The Optiplex line is more for business standardization purposes, and in general
is less versatile.

Also, Dell has been on a trend to use proprietary hardware, so be careful if you
plan on upgrading/tinkering...

OK maybe an outlet Precision workstation is bets
than...can be had for abt $500 without a monitor