As it stands, dollar-per-fps in gaming, at least, is pretty even in the $200-300 range between nVidia and ATI (at least from what I gather on extremetech). ATI lost it for a long while, but it looks like, at least in the budget card category, it is making a somewhat legitimate comeback. The thing is, at this point, either works.
And speaking of building computers, since they're so young watch out for static damage! Pumping that much money into a computer only to have them ruined by hasty grabbing would be heartbreaking.
As noted in the flaw thread, she puts up with me. :-)
As far as static issues are concerned we've already had one discussion about touching parts without being grounded. The oldest is going to be wearing a static strap. I'm going to be very careful. If something happens, cie la vie. They will learn that computer parts can be delicate.
I'm also going to shoot video this weekend of the build. If all goes well, both machines should be up by Sunday.
Why do an 8 year old and a 5 year old need fancy computers?
Because that's when they are really good at learning new stuff. Giving them Toys-R-Us plastic crap replicas is cheaper, safer and stupider. Not only with computers.
Learning about rm -rf * (or FORMAT C: if that's how you roll) at an early age can save you a heap of trouble later, just like learning that knives aresharp.
That video is great. As soon as this semester is over I'm going to a junk, getting an engine, and taking it apart.
The project sounds awesome Thaed, I'm very interested in seeing the video(s) that will come from this. And I fully support your willing to teach your children about computers. Though I'm extremely envious of them and the machines you're letting them build. But, eh, c'est la vie.
That video is great. As soon as this semester is over I'm going to a junk, getting an engine, and taking it apart.
As a small engines teacher let me give you the following advice: 1) Learn how the engine works first. This will help you understand why things are the way they are. Know what parts you are looking for and what they do. 2) The engine should be a four stroke Briggs & Stratton (if you aren't sure what it is, find a different engine; different engines are designed differently. Briggs & Stratton engines are well built and made to be serviced. The parts are also fairly cheap. 3) Look at linkages before you take them apart. Draw diagrams!, Label everything!
If you want I have lab sheets that walk you through a full engine tear-down and rebuild. I can send them to you if you want.
As a small engines teacher let me give you the following advice: 1) Learn how the engine works first. This will help you understand why things are the way they are. Know what parts you are looking for and what they do. 2) The engine should be a four stroke Briggs & Stratton (if you aren't sure what it is, find a different engine; different engines are designed differently. Briggs & Stratton engines are well built and made to be serviced. The parts are also fairly cheap. 3) Look at linkages before you take them apart. Draw diagrams!, Label everything!
If you want I have lab sheets that walk you through a full engine tear-down and rebuild. I can send them to you if you want.
1) I'm well versed on the principles and parts of an otto cycle engine. I've been reading about car engines since I learned to drive. 2) Thanks for the tip, I'll look for a beat up lawn mower with a B&S; engine. I was gonna look for a 4 cylinder, but that would be a bit hard to deal with (100-200 lbs depending on the engine). My grandfather has a lawn mower that doesn't run, maybe I'll just rebuild that. 3) Will do.
Scott, don't discount the experience of building a modern PC component by component. It's a gift that keeps on giving.
I converted a Mac friend of mine once, he gave me a budget, I spec'd the machine out with him and built it with him. He was in his late teens at the time. Since then he has built himself two systems and they're good systems. The alternative? Pre-built boxed systems? I've saved him hundreds of pounds by the simple act of showing him how to insert tab a into slot b.
Do not take for granted that which comes easily to us.
Comments
And speaking of building computers, since they're so young watch out for static damage! Pumping that much money into a computer only to have them ruined by hasty grabbing would be heartbreaking.
As far as static issues are concerned we've already had one discussion about touching parts without being grounded. The oldest is going to be wearing a static strap. I'm going to be very careful. If something happens, cie la vie. They will learn that computer parts can be delicate.
I'm also going to shoot video this weekend of the build. If all goes well, both machines should be up by Sunday.
The project sounds awesome Thaed, I'm very interested in seeing the video(s) that will come from this. And I fully support your willing to teach your children about computers. Though I'm extremely envious of them and the machines you're letting them build. But, eh, c'est la vie.
1) Learn how the engine works first. This will help you understand why things are the way they are. Know what parts you are looking for and what they do.
2) The engine should be a four stroke Briggs & Stratton (if you aren't sure what it is, find a different engine; different engines are designed differently. Briggs & Stratton engines are well built and made to be serviced. The parts are also fairly cheap.
3) Look at linkages before you take them apart. Draw diagrams!, Label everything!
If you want I have lab sheets that walk you through a full engine tear-down and rebuild. I can send them to you if you want.
2) Thanks for the tip, I'll look for a beat up lawn mower with a B&S; engine. I was gonna look for a 4 cylinder, but that would be a bit hard to deal with (100-200 lbs depending on the engine). My grandfather has a lawn mower that doesn't run, maybe I'll just rebuild that.
3) Will do.
I converted a Mac friend of mine once, he gave me a budget, I spec'd the machine out with him and built it with him. He was in his late teens at the time. Since then he has built himself two systems and they're good systems. The alternative? Pre-built boxed systems? I've saved him hundreds of pounds by the simple act of showing him how to insert tab a into slot b.
Do not take for granted that which comes easily to us.