Tom's Hardware's Mailbox: Angelini Goes Postal
It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind: benchmarking, writing, editing, and answering what sometimes seems like hundreds of emails. But at the end of the day, all of the work is for you. It's about time we started answering a little more feedback.
In my recent post, Best Configs Return, Powered By Tom's Hardware Forums, I made the point that I want our editorial team to interact with the forums community more closely. After all, we literally have hundreds of thousands of registered members learning about the latest and greatest technologies. For the most part, questions get answered by a cabal of dedicated and very helpful enthusiasts—to those of you who participate, everyone here at Tom’s Hardware says “thanks!”
Sometimes we get questions directed at the staff, though. Or maybe you have a concern about a specific story. That’s great! Perhaps your fellow enthusiasts are wondering the same things. That’s why I’m going to start posting semi-regular threads (we might do this once or twice a month, depending how response there is) featuring the questions you’re asking us.
Don’t worry—we’re not going to tackle “Should I upgrade my GeForce 4 MX to a Radeon HD 5870?” We’ll let the folks in the forums have fun with humdingers like that. ;-)
If you want to submit a question, you can use the forum thread our illustrious community manager Joe Pishgar set up, you can use my Twitter account, or you can hit me up through email (cangelini at bestofmedia dot com).
Tom’s Cheap Hardware?
Scanlia asks “Can you guys do an article with some high end stuff, not just budget items?”
Thanks for the note, Scanlia. When you say high-end, what exactly are you referring to? Killer graphics cards? Dual-socket six-core workstations? Compressor-cooled Core i7-980X processors? If those aren’t enough, we have Nvidia’s Quadro 5000 and our quarterly System Builder Marathon coming in the next two weeks, which should make for interesting high-end reading!
Going Old School
Ehanger asks “There are a lot of people who own early DX10 cards like the 8800gt or 3870 and are looking for an upgrade. Could Tom’s do an article comparing those kinds of cards to newer GTX 400/HD5000 series cards to see what kind of a difference a newer card could make?”
The challenge we run into with comparisons between last-gen and current-gen hardware, Ehanger, is that the games with which we test hit newer cards harder than old cards, which run those games at reduced-quality settings. DiRT 2 is a perfect example—unless you force DirectX 9 mode, a Radeon HD 5000-series card takes an extra performance hit due to DirectX 11-class visuals. Comparisons are consequently not as meaningful as they’d be with variables like that taken into consideration.
Now, I can point you in the direction of our charts section, which was recently updated. Here you’ll find a ton of comparison data, including single-card-, CrossFire-, and SLI-based results from this generation dating back to cards like the Radeon HD 3870 and GeForce 9800 GT. Check those out in our 2010 Gaming Charts. You’ll notice that the GTX 465, 470, and 480 are missing—I’ve put in a request that the charts team adds that data as soon as possible, too. Hopefully we'll see them added in the next couple of weeks.
Internationally Known, Baby
Abhijitkalyane asks “The Cooler Master 310 is a particularly popular gaming case here in India, can we expect a review for that?”
I wish I could pronounce that handle—or even spell it without a difficult-to-detect typo. In my defense, Word 2010 seems confounded by it as well.
Nevertheless, Thomas recently published Part 1 of his Gaming Enclosures Under $50 story—the 310 would have made a great contender in that one. Cooler Master wanted to submit its Elite 430, though—that chassis costs about $10 more.
Part 2 of Thomas’ piece is on the way, but it doesn’t include the case you were hoping to see, unfortunately. I’ll make sure that, should we tackle another budget gaming chassis roundup, we’ll include the 310 you were asking about (and if it helps, the case seems to be garnering great feedback on Newegg).
Uh, Good Timing!
Sublifer asks “Can we see an update to the hardware charts?”
Dude, can you see my email somehow? How did you kno…ah, I guess it has been a while since we’ve put up a news post about our Charts updates.
Needless to say, I have a Word document open right now summarizing all of the changes that have gone into the charts lately. The bad news (and nobody is as disappointed about this as me) is that the development effort on improving the charts section's usability has been slow. With that said, Patrick’s team in Germany has culled a lot of the older, less-useful data while folding in the updates that recently went into place.
I’ll try not to spoil too much of the Charts update, but some of what to look out for:
2010 Gaming Graphics Charts (High Quality)
2010 Enterprise Hard Drive Charts
USB 3.0 Storage Charts
2010 Desktop CPU Charts
2010 CPU Cooler Charts
There are some others in there, but I’ll save them for the update coming soon!
Distinguished Gentlemen
Foscooter suggests “How about compiling a Tom’s Hardware Recommended Buy chart?”
Greetings Foscooter. There actually is a place like that already. On the front page of the site, in the right-hand column, there’s a box called Tom’s Hardware Awards. Any piece of hardware that we’ve awarded a Best Of Tom’s Hardware or Recommended Buy award to will land in that column. There’s a landing page for the full list of awards in the past year or so, available by clicking here.
Until next time, keep that feedback coming; we're listening!
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I like this segment... Keep it up.
FIRST!
*Post edited by moderator* Actually you were 2nd. Don't do it again.
I don't have a problem with the site, or the Ads. I drop by this site from time to time to check up on the recent news about hardware/software and other things.
I personally enjoy your long list of updates when it comes to Science and other neat things going on. Thats why I come here, and sometimes to use the Charts to show people whats what.
If it were one thing I could change, it would be the "Competitions" or "raffles" etc you have. Reason being that it is all made for the US, I mean, Canada is part of the same island and it doesn't cost much to send over here. So why not include us? We visit your site, give you numbers, etc. Include your happy northern neighbors in your fun.
For a second I thought it said "Tom's Hardware's Mailbox: Angelina Goes Postal" and I got really excited about Mrs. Jolie not only being a smokin' hotty, but also an avid techie and such a dedicated reader of Tom's that you guys were on a first name basis. *sigh* A man can dream though, can't he?
Always good to see the editorial staff keeping their finger on the pulse. It's just a shame:
TomsGames (and by extension: Second Take)
Tech Darling
Video reviews (by Ben and others)
Fringe Drinking
+ other old site services are no longer updated.
Shame Really...
P.S: The current Toms Games doesn't rate vs. old Toms Games
Ya Loved Second Take!
Always good to see the editorial staff keeping their finger on the pulse. It's just a shame:TomsGames (and by extension: Second Take)Tech DarlingVideo reviews (by Ben and others)Fringe Drinking + other old site services are no longer updated.Shame Really...P.S: The current Toms Games doesn't rate vs. old Toms Games
Holy crap I miss Second Take (and Tom's Games in general)! What good is a PC enthusiast hardware site without covering what it is we actually upgrade for -- the games!
I actually added Rob Wright as a buddy on Facebook, I miss them so much. Ben and Rob should be reinstated.
If it were one thing I could change, it would be the "Competitions" or "raffles" etc you have. Reason being that it is all made for the US, I mean, Canada is part of the same island and it doesn't cost much to send over here. So why not include us? We visit your site, give you numbers, etc. Include your happy northern neighbors in your fun.
he's totally right on this one, and i would expand it to anywhere UPS ships so long as the winner pays the shipping upfront i don't see any problems
on that is there anywhere where we can still view the second take videos? They appear to have been removed Toms entirely and were never uploaded to youtube.
People still miss the point. It's not about shipping f-14. It's about laws. Which is why some states in the US aslo get excluded.
I'd really like more accommodation for people not in the US/UK. The world outside the US is growing rapidly & you will now find enthusiasts all over the world, Angola, Pakistan etc.
So talk to us about international retailers, mention the crap sold only in the US/UK, shipping costs for bulkier hardware etc.
PS: that link to the 2010 CPU cooler charts is going to CPU desktop charts.
I don't have a problem with the site, or the Ads. I drop by this site from time to time to check up on the recent news about hardware/software and other things.
I personally enjoy your long list of updates when it comes to Science and other neat things going on. Thats why I come here, and sometimes to use the Charts to show people whats what.
If it were one thing I could change, it would be the "Competitions" or "raffles" etc you have. Reason being that it is all made for the US, I mean, Canada is part of the same island and it doesn't cost much to send over here. So why not include us? We visit your site, give you numbers, etc. Include your happy northern neighbors in your fun.
Yep its all about red tape and taxes. Thats why raffles / contests will even exclude some US states, Rhode Island and Florida for example which requires the company to file forms stating that they will do a contest which in itself costs money.
I would like to see specifically watercooling benchmarks, with sub-divisions based on rads, blocks, pumps, etc.
Complicated, but very compelling.
I'd really like more accommodation for people not in the US/UK. The world outside the US is growing rapidly & you will now find enthusiasts all over the world, Angola, Pakistan etc.So talk to us about international retailers, mention the crap sold only in the US/UK, shipping costs for bulkier hardware etc.PS: that link to the 2010 CPU cooler charts is going to CPU desktop charts.
Thanks L0tus, link fixed!
As far as expanding, I think we do as well as possible there. Specifically, where you like to see more focus placed? We have many countries covered. Others are simply more difficult...
I like your jacket.
I didn't know about the awards section, and most of the other sections mentioned in the article, guess I have some footing to do around this site.
Yep its all about red tape and taxes. Thats why raffles / contests will even exclude some US states, Rhode Island and Florida for example which requires the company to file forms stating that they will do a contest which in itself costs money.
Quoted because someone is going to miss it and post the same question. RH actually needs the competition starter to submit a statement to the Secretary of State if the prize is over $500 in value. Some places have stupid laws. Plus the more countries you run the competition in, the more forms you need to fill out before you can even get the contest going.
Another shameless plug for Aussie THG!
I'd really like more accommodation for people not in the US/UK. The world outside the US is growing rapidly & you will now find enthusiasts all over the world, Angola, Pakistan etc.So talk to us about international retailers, mention the crap sold only in the US/UK, shipping costs for bulkier hardware etc.PS: that link to the 2010 CPU cooler charts is going to CPU desktop charts.
ps ps south america here! we're a bunch of enthusiasts!
Angelini, totally awesome that you're using your glamour shots picture as representation of yourself... when was that picture taken?... be honest....
Very cool ideal Chris for a new article. Answering questions this way reminds me of a statement one of my old teachers made. She said,"If you have a question please speak up as others maybe wondering the same thing." Your answer to Foscooter was something I was wonder about.
We have had some huge improvements here in the forums lately, which say a lot about Joe's ability and solid efforts from the moderator team Chris.
1. Reporting of spam ... notice the BIG improvements here lately??
2. Our growing numbers of "specialists" in each area who are dishing out heaps of good advice and growing the forums??
3. Our mad scientists in the Overclocking section who are always pushing the envelope ... but sometimes having a few wisps of expensive smoke appearing at odd times??
4. And lastly, our forum comics who keep the place sane and always have something positive to say, and who diffuse the flamewars.
These are the people I hope your going to encourage Chris.
Some small prizes we could give away like sticks of quality RAM would be a good idea too ... hint hint.
Please give Jane a payrise (sorry randomizer edited this post).
Dear Tom,
I am an active reader of your website. I would appreciate it if you would start doing your amazing analysis techniques on the hardware aspect of the smart phone segment.
Example: What is a snapdragon processor? How does it compare to my i7 CPU? At what frame rates does this snap dragon processor run Crysis? Can I overclock my snap dragon processor?
I was thinking you could expand this to touch screen reviews. Graphics capabilities, sound measuring, etc...
Maybe there is a reason why this segment is more of an afterthought. In my humble opinion, it seems that the smart phone segment should have it's own tab on your header. I'd like to know your thoughts!
Thanks for the updates! But like some said earlier, I'd like some more video game coverage.
Ehanger asks “There are a lot of people who own early DX10 cards like the 8800gt or 3870 and are looking for an upgrade. Could Tom’s do an article comparing those kinds of cards to newer GTX 400/HD5000 series cards to see what kind of a difference a newer card could make?”
The 8800GT, 9800GT, and GTS 240 are all essentially the same card.
Hear, hear! Hooray for globalization!
i miss my pentium 166 running a pair of voodoo 2's in SLI!!! now that was hi-tec back in the day.
Well, I find the answer about older cards like the 8800gt dissapointing.
One of the most common scenarios I see are people with 8000gt on an i7 system, who want to choose between going SLI with 8800GT, or switching to a newer card.
Also, is what effect have an 8800GT -on a GTX 460 SLI- system as physX accelerator? makes sense?
@Angelini
I asked many times for XY price vs performance charts.
I never got an answer, not even an explanation of why those charts are excluded.
" Could Tom’s do an article comparing those kinds of cards to newer GTX 400/HD5000 series cards to see what kind of a difference a newer card could make?" yes and i think they should.
I have so many people ask me this question and on just about every forum i see posts on this type of question.
Good read, good article
Awesome. I look forward to the new charts
Good news for the users
I only wish that someday I can work with the Tom's team 