Hardware Advice

I want to upgrade my system. What do you recommend?

• Intel-based system
  • Asus P8H67-M PRO motherboard ($109^) (see user reviews)
  • Intel Core i5-2500 Quad-Core 3.3GHz ($209^) (see user reviews)
    
  • G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series DDR3 1866MHz PC3-14900 8GB Dual Channel Memory (69^)
    
  • WD Caviar Green 2.5 TB SATA3 hard drive ($189^)
    
    This configuration is relatively "future-proof" as you can upgrade to faster Intel i7 CPUs when prices are more reasonable. This system integrates high-definition (HD) audio and video capabilities; while the onboard graphics chipset is barely able to run current games, it will get your system up and running as a respectable HTPC while you shop (or wait) for a better video card.

• AMD-based system
  • ASUS M5A88-V EVO motherboard ($119^) (see user reviews)
  • AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Quad Core 3.2GHz ($124^) (see user reviews)
  • G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series DDR3 1866MHz PC3-14900 8GB Dual Channel Memory (69^)
    
  • WD Caviar Green 2.5 TB SATA3 hard drive ($189^)
    
    This configuration is virtually identical to the Intel-based system (above). It is also a respectable overclocking platform with an upgrade path that supports AMD's Bulldozer (which will be waaay over-priced in the short-term).

• Video card
  • Finding a 'bang for buck' video card has become a very daunting task lately. The optimal number of ROPs/$ and TFLOPs/$ is evident in yesterday's screamers. Current video cards have very poor cost/ benefit ratios. The Radeon 5670 ($69^) is one example of yesterday's screamers that are now on clearance.

Some considerations:

• Firstly, the "Death of the PC" has been greatly exaggerated.

  Tablets have all but replaced the netbook and will continue to grow their market share if privacy/ security issues are dealt with and processing capabilities are ramped-up. However, the costs of having your applications (and data) hostage to variable monthly plans in the "cloud" are significant barriers to replacing the 'Home PC'.

  Last year's quad-core laptop/ notebook can barely keep a decent frame rate when running current online games. Without the ability to upgrade the video card, your laptop/ notebook is instantly obsolete in months. Desktops are typically more powerful and can be upgraded at a nominal cost, if future proofing is taken into consideration (e.g., USB 3, Giga Ethernet support).

• Assess your needs. If you simply need to run 'office' software, a low-end computer may more than suffice; unless you need to run resource-intensive software (e.g., 3D modeling), a memory upgrade may be all that is necessary.
  Gamers will never be satisfied. The illusive pursuit of 30 FPS at 1920x1080 (and beyond) is further compounded by multi-display gaming (e.g., Eyefinity). It is never-ending -- pick your spot and watch your budget.
  One compelling reason to upgrade is being able to playback rich HD content (e.g., MKV and MP4 files). Smooth 1080P playback will typically require a 2.4GHz dual-core system. The video card can make all the difference. Before upgrading, try accelerating playback using your GPU's hardware decoding capabilities. Try the Media Player Classic Home Cinema; if properly configured, you may be pleasantly surprised and delay spending for a new computer.

• Secure the motherboard manual. You will need it to upgrade components.

• Beware of rebates. When was the last time you received a rebate check? Our experience with rebates has been inconsistent at best; aside from class action lawsuits, your other option is to ignore manufacturer rebates when calculating actual hardware costs.

• Last but not the least, never buy refurbished parts. Despite compelling prices, you will get what you pay for -- junk. Refurbished parts were defective to begin with; despite recertification, refurbished hard disks will likely fail when you most need it. Refurbished monitors are likely to have reduced refresh rates and are usually at the end of their lifespan -- very close to their MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures). Refurbished video cards usually have unexplained soldered wires to correct manufacturing defects. Slightly used parts (6 to 9 months old) are not necessarily refurbished and may have good value - particularly from early adopters that always insist on getting the latest hardware.

I want a laptop. What do you recommend?

How can I optimize my existing hardware?

The slowest system component is usually the hard disk since it is used for virtual memory (swap file); finely tuned hard disks will have a noticeable impact on overall system performance -- up to 20% faster.

• Get latest Windows updates (particularly those related to chipsets, video and storage devices); visit your motherboard manufacturer's web site for FAQs and driver updates.

• Defragment your hard disk daily!

• Remove unnecessary background applications. Crash protection, system agents and Explorer enhancers can slow overall performance by half. Every item in your system tray uses computing resources in the background. Except for critical apps (e.g., firewall, anti-virus, ...), you should review icons in your system tray and remove as many as possible (e.g., "auto-launchers", "control centers", ...)

• Review BIOS settings -- default settings are safe; optimal settings can double performance but sacrifice stability. Backup everything and document current CMOS settings before making changes. Warning: Incorrect BIOS settings can damage system permanently - e.g., BIOS Death.

• Free-up some IRQs. Many integrated peripherals on older motherboards are enabled by default. You can speed-up Windows significantly by avoiding multiple steering interrupts.
  • Disable printer ECP/EPP port.
  • Disable the onboard modem.
  • Disable COM ports.

• Create a static paging file for Windows virtual memory.

• Configure Windows for performance. You can disable 'aero' and other user interface elements that are resource-intensive. Your user interface will be less 'attractive' and convenient, but the trade-off will be less waiting for the hard disk to swap virtual memory - particularly on systems with limited memory (e.g., 1GB or 2GB). For more tips, see ... The Ultimate Guide to Speed up Windows 7.
  Use a blank, single color, as background (wallpaper); less memory will be used to update your desktop.

• Disable unnecessary Windows services. Some service, such as Remote Desktop and Remote Registry are extreme security risks that use CPU and memory resources. If you do not know how to disable Windows services, try XP Anti-Spy; it is compatible with Windows 7 and includes all services that are considered risky for home users.

• Last but not the least, run benchmarks before and after updating windows system files or adding system-related utilities -- in some cases you may want to uninstall changes.