Multi-purpose or separate computers?

[joelembry]

I would like to try my hand at building a computer. I am a programmer but not so knowledgeable about hardware. My purposes for using a computer are:

• programming/database work (need fast database processing) gaming sometimes want to get into video/audio processing, creating DVD's, MP3, Video editing. Not professional but just personal use Possibly a DVR for recording/playback of TV like TIVO

I'm wondering if one computer can handle all these tasks well or should I have a different computer for different tasks? I was reading on AMD's site that they recommend the single core processor still for games but dual-core for video editing, etc. so that got me thinking if there is enough difference in performance to warrant separate computers. Someone told me that there was a new AMD motherboard coming out this Fall that was worth waiting for. I'm not sure which one or again, if it will really make much difference for what I want to do. Thanks, Joel

[quickpcrepair]

There is always a new motherboard coming out with new features, and that will cause older motherboards to drop in price. Then again, there is always new software coming out that requires faster motherboards. The real question is how long do you want to wait before you buy? Unless you want to spend $500 a month upgrading, every month, you will at some point not have the most cutting edge hardware, but when you finally do upgrade once more, you'll have bragging rights again. And the cycle will continue. As far as the separate or single issue goes, I say get a dual-core processor machine, and use it for gaming, programming, video editing, and whatever else you need. If you really want a computer-based DVR solution, use a separate computer for it. This is really based on the storage needs of a DVR system, and the fact that it will often be using some of the processing power for recording/updating tv listings/etc., at the same you are trying to get the most out of your gaming/video editing experience. The dual-core processors will definitely perform just as well (or at least without any noticeable difference) for games (although this is a broad generalization, and there are exceptions), and probably significantly better for video-editing. Hope this helps!

[joelembry]

There is always a new motherboard coming out with new features, and that will cause older motherboards to drop in price. Then again, there is always new software coming out that requires faster motherboards. The real question is how long do you want to wait before you buy? Unless you want to spend $500 a month upgrading, every month, you will at some point not have the most cutting edge hardware, but when you finally do upgrade once more, you'll have bragging rights again. And the cycle will continue.

This would be a one-time thing, meaning I don't want to keep upgrading but if I'm going to build a computer, I want to have the best available currently. On the other hand, the cost/benefit is so high for the latest and greatest. Maybe I just need to be asking simply, what motherboard/processor combo will provide me with great performance but at a reasonable cost. Joel