A Question regarding hardware.

[JayCub]

I have read quite recently quite a few threads looking for new parts, some solid reviews and some very questionable results, does anyone think that the reviews on some sites are biased other than the fanboys of course as they are easy to spot ?

My feeling about some of them are that they are like sheep and agree with one-another instead of looking at the bigger picture..
The plus side in some cases are really good moderators.. that say it how it is..like our own.

[Bearcat]

Hi Jay. I have also found that reading reviews on websites like TigerDirect, NewEgg, etc. from people that have already purchased the same computer component that I am looking at, to be very helpful. In lots of cases, they tell it like it is. If the reviews for the product are mostly poor, then I stay clear of it.

[JayCub]

Thanks Bear i have read a few on TigerDirect and it is a good source of information, i was wondering more about the benchmark results and the authors write up at the end, i wonder are some really trying to influence the market, i compared three benchmark reviews and asked Boyfriend before i bought my CPU cooler three positive and one a disaster as the results where really poor.

[Bearcat]

I gotcha Jay. While I find benchmark test results informative, I don't use them as the sole reason for buying the hardware. Because unless you can exactly duplicate the other hardware and conditions used during the test, the result you achieve yourself is very likely to be different. Also, you never know if the author has a vested interest in making the results look better than they actually are.

[A Guy]

You have to research multiple sites. I tend to trust test reviews from Tom's Hardware, Anandtech, Overclockers Club, FrostyTech, etc. They show you unboxing, installation, testing, results, and comparisons. Then their conclusions. They use the same test methodology for every test, so the "playing field" is equal for every item of hardware. While their test setups might not match yours, the general performance will be comparable. You never know the level of experience of users of Newegg, Tiger Direct, etc. But their reviews might be useful if you see a consensus. As an aside, if you are considering a new build, you must consider the new Sandy Bridge CPU's and the assorted support hardware. The price for performance is unbeatable. A Guy

[Bearcat]

Thanks A Guy. What you say makes good sense and I probably should have just kept my mouth shut!

[A Guy]

No Bearcat , it's my opinion, no more valid than yours. Just sharing my personal experience. A Guy

[JayCub]

Your right of course A Guy and i frequent all of those forums along with OC3d.uk as the testing is as you mentioned an even playing field, what annoyed me was a test regarding a CPU cooler on one site and the particular gentleman blew a gasket, so research plays a big part and i like the look of Sandy Bridge CPU's along with the really good prices including the i7 2600k and compatible mother boards, although reviews are a bit slim on the ground as of this month and we need a few more stable bios releases, but the overclocking potential and the reduction of volatage looks outstanding..

---------- Post added at 02:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:56 AM ----------

Thanks A Guy. What you say makes good sense and I probably should have just kept my mouth shut!

Not to worry Bear it may be the case of how i put the question across rather than your answer... an honest answer is always welcomed in my book John pointed out TigerDirect to me also, so great minds think alike

[Bearcat]

Thanks guys for letting me off the hook so easily!