For you PC Enthusiasts out there...

[CrackerJack]

What are your favorites and why?

1. AMD or Intel

2. MAC OS, Windows, *nix

3. nVidia, ATI

4. Major MoBo manufacturer
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1. AMD, 2 reasons
a. Naming system is simple, larger the number the faster, # of cores easily known
b. Architecture, the way the AMD arch is set up, instead of the RAM having to navigate to the north bridge and then to the CPU, AMD systems are linked directly to the CPU, allowing faster transfers and reading / writing of information.

2. Linux
I use windows all the time simply because all the applications I use for school require it... I run Ubuntu on my laptop More secure, customizable and its amazingly faster and easier on hardware!

3. nVidia
I love my nVidia cards. Stock drivers do not allow my card to run at 85c on idle like the newer ATI 3k and 4k series do. Generally stronger cooling systems allow more overclocking and nVidia chips hold GFX overclocking records.

4. BioStar or ASUS
BioStar designs their hardware for high performance and overclocking. My vid card is a BioStar 7900GS, currently hold the record for overclocking on a stock cooler for 7 series cards. I recommend BioStar to anyone who is an overclocker. For everyday users, I recommend ASUS boards, easy to navigate on initial install and great layout and design of their boards so they do not conflict with other hardware. Gigabyte boards are notorious for allowing the south bridge and / or the bios to sit under video cards and other interface cards you have...

Anyway, just thought I'd try to get some intelligent non ranting/argumentative tech talk go on in here.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

1. Intel. They out-perform AMD substantially. I do have an AMD x5050 in my HTPC/Server, as it is the best option for me to balance performance and power consumption.

2. Vista. Everyone loves to hate it. It works, and works great, for me. Especially the 64-bit version on a couple of my machines. There is nothing I have come across that I cannot do. I am a big linux fan, but do not find myself with the time to play with it anymore.

3. ATI. Again, they are much better in the vast majority of the market. As for the higher temperatures, a simple firmware flash has me running at a peak of 60°C under load, overclocked.

4. ASUS. I have always been a fan of ASUS. There are tons of BIOS options on my motherboards, and they have yet to let me down.

 

[JMiles_T]

1. AMD or Intel

Whichever is a better value when I'm shopping for new gear. Right now I'd buy Intel. Their stuff is just better than AMD's across the board.

2. MAC OS, Windows, *nix

Windows. Though I like and use Linux, I still need to get my hands dirty from time to time and sometimes I'm really not in the mood, and want my @#$% to just work. With Windows, when it's time to install a new driver, or other piece of software, I double-click an icon and it installs.

On Linux's behalf, I'll say this: I don't have to restart my Linux machine nearly as often as my Windows box. The visual effects in X also look way better than the ones in Windows, once you figure out how to turn them on.

Macs cost too damn much compared to what they can do; no thanks.

3. nVidia, ATI
NVidia; it has better Linux support.

4. Major MoBo manufacturer
Whatever gets good reviews. I think Asus boards are overrated, but still a decent product.

 

[n8bachelor]

1. I've been with intel since my first 386. Honestly never owned an AMD CPU. Stick with what you know right?

2. I'm a PC. I've used Mac and 'nix to some extent but like the ease of use with Windows. If the iPhone ran windows mobil I'd be on it in a heartbeat.

3. While I stick with intel for my CPU and chipset I prefer ATI cards. They are far less power hungry from what I have seen so far. I am very happy with my Radeon 4830!

4. I've mostly been an ASUS guy in the past but picked up a killer Gigabyte board at the recommendation of a coworker. Works great; overclocks good but the "green" software that comes with most boards is just junk.

 

[The Rev]

1. Intel - Ever since they dropped the dual-core bomb on amd they haven't let up.
2. Windows - Don't have time for 'nix or money for mac. Vista works fine for me.
3. Nvidia, my 8800 gts was awesome, and now my 9800gt is just as awesome.
4. Asus - their overclocking utility is awesome, I have an ASrock in my pc now which I heard is a lower end Asus, and performs awesome.