[citation][nom]Crashman[/nom]1.) No, the CASE would have been cut back to get the higher-priced RAM if anyone thought the "wrong parts" might show up.2.) No, because the benchmarks used in the SBM don't benefit from it.3.) No, because two optical drives could have just been two DVD-R's and, with the expensive case, still would have left room for the RAM upgrade that nobody knew would be needed.4.) No, because too many readers complain about drives larger than 2TB being useless for anything but warez and it's not worth arguing with them about.5.) No, because THERE WAS NO SUCH THING.#5 of course is the most important because it proves you didn't inform yourself before commenting.[/citation]
1. Yes, you could have cut back on the case cost. However, the most important thing about a first time purchase system of this cost is getting a quality case. Since the purpose of the SBM is to build an entire new system, then you shouldn't cut the cost of getting a quality case. Did you spend too much ($250) on the case? In my opinion, yes. However, some people would disagree. As a result, I didn't touch the case cost.
2. So, just because the benchmarks don't benefit from it... means that a gaming computer shouldn't have it? From the Tom's article:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ram-memory-upgrade,2778-9.html
"Based on our measurements and impressions (and taking falling prices into account), we thoroughly recommend a minimum RAM size of 8 GB. Using 12 or 16 GB only makes sense if you're planning on using 4 GB of more of this higher amount as a RAM disk, helping accelerate the reading and writing of temporary files. This applies equally to file compression, video encoding, and heavy image editing.
Other than this, you might want more RAM so the graphics card can allocate more system memory for its own use. We saw this pay dividends in GTA IV, for example. You won't see an overwhelming performance increase unless you're using very memory-hungry programs, but you will get a system with enough RAM for the foreseeable future."
There is also the issue of /trying/ to future proof, which is another arguable point. But, with prices as they are now... there is no reason, in my opinion, to not guarantee you will get the same TYPE and MODEL of ram for all slots by filling them at creation. The system will benefit in 2-3 years from this. (Example: Your ram fiasco.)
3. My post directly states "couple/some" in regard to my upgrade options. Upgrade your OEM drive (assuming the link is accurate in the $2k SBM article) to a retail one for the proper software to even read BR disks. Then, pay ~$18 for an OEM DVD+/-R drive. (Or, if your picture in the article is accurate, keep the Retail BR drive you chose and buy the OEM DVD+/-R.)
4. If the SBM was changed to include SSD drives, then it can be changed in this regard as well. Further, no where did I say to go past 2 TB... as I agree with your Warez comment. (I said 1.5 or 2 TB.)
5. I just confirmed that A. The chosen MB supports CF. And, since when could you have not bought 2 AMD 5870's? (Or, should I have incorrectly stated ATI 5870's, since the company label has changed... but the current boards are still listed as ATI?). Yes, I know the ATI 6xxx series and the Nvidia 5xx series didn't exist. There was reason I didn't mention them.
Yes, I'll agree number 5 was the most important. It means you either didn't read the 5870 portion (assuming I meant the 6xxx series), or the ATI to AMD label change isn't being considered. (Yes, Newegg is still listing the cards as ATI. This doesn't mean they are accurate, the product packaging that was pre-printed 6 months ago is accurate, or anything of the such.) Informed users, as many here at Toms are, know that ATI = AMD and that the 5870 "existed." (Those same people, however, probably never remember past "today" to realize that the 6xxx AMD or 5xx Nvidia cards didn't exist, nor that it takes you 2-4 weeks from part ordering to print for these articles.)
One of the first rules of buying from Newegg is to not look at the pictures as stated fact and to not treat Newegg comments as 100% accurate.
In the end, none of the above changes one very important fact. With the change to the value comparison, no computer in the SBM series will be able to win the value category and be a "gaming" computer without a SSD drive. Change the SSD value, or make that portion of the series useless to most users (and readers).