Re: Re: OT: Building a small home server

[tretin]

"What good is the 20$ you saved on the board when it dies on you?"

True enough. However in my case the problem that exists is most often that I don't HAVE the extra $20 needed to get that next name brand, or the next upgrade (whatever) so I go for that which is somewhat off the brand label, and/or a little slower than the top of the line.

I have had some problems with pre-made "cookie cutter" pcs(you buy what they put together without having much quality control in between) in the past, but in most instances I pick one of those up because they are cheap, and I need a box to test on, what have you.

As far as RAM prices are concerned, I've found a dealer that I like, always ships quickly, and RAM is always the cheapest possible in the market at that current time (let me tell you the RAM market fluctuates greatly, but I have been able to get my mits on a 256 stick of pc 2100, I think, DDR for around $30 USD in the past) and I can always trust the quality, so I have no problems with that whole mess.

Usually I take a week or so to watch the market, and pick and chose what I think is the best deal, then visit my local PC supplier and see if I can't match prices there (usually I find better pricing online, but occasional mouse/keyboard sales at the superstore come in handy) so as to make the most of my money. In most cases, I have a "consultant" friend of mine who helps me assemble my next box from components and prices, and between the two of us, we can usually come up with a pretty slick deal.

In any case, I usually plan my PC purchases for when I will

• have money
  
• not have an immediate need for an upgrade
  

so as to protect myself from any unwanted personal price gouging, enacted because of fear/time constraints/frugality.