> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:54:02 -0800 > From: Scott Garman <sgar...@zenlinux.com> > Subject: Re: [PLUG] Do I want a quad-core Core-2 system? > To: "General Linux/UNIX discussion and help; civil and on-topic" > <plug@lists.pdxlinux.org> > Message-ID: <4b05b06a.4010...@zenlinux.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > m0gely wrote: > > If I build a machine for someone in your position, I always recommend > > getting the current generation of processor, which here would mean an > > i7/socket 1366 platform. This means you will spend more though. Having > > said that, if you're computing needs are not specific, or demanding in a > > particular area, any modern Core2 Duo or Quad system will last 5 years. > > Just make sure that the system you buy supports the fastest FSB speeds > > for the processor you buy. This way, you can buy an inexpensive dual > > core today to save money, and a more powerful quad core in a couple > > years for a quick and easy upgrade. In a couple years, all the quad > > core's of today will be on eBay cheap. > > +1 to this advice. I will also say that we're finally reaching the point > where solid state disk drives are dropping in price quickly and offering > a substantial performance boost. I'd say make sure your system supports > the fastest SATA standard available today, as soon you'll be able to > make good use of that bandwidth for disk I/O (the real bottleneck of > nearly every desktop/workstation).
Ok, so let's say I wanted to build my own system (for the first time in my life). Where to go in Portland? My impression is that what I want isn't at all mainstream: a small, quiet system with hardware, including graphics, that's fully supported by open-source software. I think that means Intel graphics, and have the impression that's hard to find on the motherboards sold to enthusiasts at typical computer stores. Thanks! --Eric -- ****************************************************************************** * From the desktop of: Eric House, xwo...@eehouse.org * * Crosswords 4.2 for MS Smartphone and PocketPC is out: xwords.sf.net * ****************************************************************************** _______________________________________________ PLUG mailing list PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug