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November 3rd, 2009

Hardware 2.0 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 3:48 am

Categories: Components, Cutting Edge, DIY PC, Gadgets, Gaming, Graphics, Hardware

Tags: Card, Board, Western Digital Corp., Overclocking, Motherboard, Price, CPU, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Corp., Radeon

Welcome to the updated and revamped Hardware 2.0 “Very Best Kit List” for Nov/Dec 09, the last such list for 2009. Here I’ve put together a list of the best high-end and mid-range and budget components currently available. So if you’re thinking of buying, building or even upgrading a PC, this list is a must-read for you!

See also my Holiday Gift Guide 2009 for even more cool kit! 

This time around sees the addition of several new categories, such as netbooks, notebooks, all-in-one PCs, and wireless routers. I’ve also added new products to some of the existing categories too.

These components are on this list because I firmly believe them to be the best either in terms of performance or price - although I’m ready to admit, as always, that there’s room for debate and some choices “go with the gut” more than others.

NOTE: Each time I come out with a list of kit I always end up fielding a few emails and comments from people wondering if companies have “bought” space on the list. Let me tell you now that the only way for a product to get on this list is to be the best - period. Manufacturers, vendors and PR companies have zero influence over this or any other recommendation that I make.

Final note: All prices are approximate … shop around for the best deals!

Next –>

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Adrian Kingsley-HughesAdrian is a technology journalist and author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology. He also runs a popular blog called The PC Doctor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations

Want to get in touch? Got a tip? Feel free to drop me a note! I ALWAYS respect anonymity. I'm also on Twitter (@the_pc_doc)

Right to Reply: Should any industry representatives wish to comment on any posts on Hardware 2.0, I will be happy to publish their reply verbatim on this blog.

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  • Talkback
  • Most Recent of 41 Talkback(s)
RE: Hardware 2.0 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09
The AMD Phenom II X4 945 is actually a very good
processor retailing at a very good price.. I hope you can recommend a motherboard also for the same in your Very
Best Kit List..... (Read the rest)
Posted by: harikrismg Posted on: 01/16/10 You are currently: a Guest | | Terms of Use
These are consistently your most useful columns  Chad_z | 11/03/09
Are you sure you have done your homework?  Economister | 11/03/09
RE: Hardware 2.0 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09  Thunderfan | 11/03/09
RE: Hardware 2.0 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09  ddrakewi | 11/03/09
4GB of DDR3??? Don't you need 6GB to get the benefits?  billkeylargo | 11/03/09
Yes...  Stuka | 11/03/09
It depends  Earthling2 | 11/03/09
It does indeed depend ...  Adrian Kingsley-HughesZDNet Moderator | 11/03/09
I see  Earthling2 | 11/03/09
3x Kit @ NewEgg  WarhavenSC | 11/03/09
Then the article's high performance recommendation is incorrect.  billkeylargo | 11/03/09
RE: Hardware 2.0 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09  Mantei Woodcraft Ltd. | 11/03/09
How about one for a HTPC?  ctbrewski | 11/03/09
No AMD?!?  Stuka | 11/03/09
I pointed this out above (linked to Anand) but no response so far (nt)  Economister | 11/03/09
Next incarnation of the list ...  Adrian Kingsley-HughesZDNet Moderator | 11/03/09
Thank you Adrian  Economister | 11/03/09
Sounds good happy  Stuka | 11/03/09
this was mentioned last time  Aussie_linux_user | 11/03/09
I rebuilt my main computer this summer.  mjolnar@... | 11/03/09
He doesn't like AMD he used to but no more  Randalllind | 11/09/09
RE: Hardware 2.0 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09  brandon@... | 11/03/09
A micro-ITX board may be all you need  Earthling2 | 11/03/09
Well yes, but.......  Economister | 11/03/09
RE: 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09 -- Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro  roarkh | 11/03/09
RE: Hardware 2.0 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09  0089 | 11/03/09
Best Cooler  edwards.wb | 11/03/09
Overclocking? Why?  Narg | 11/03/09
really  savage3006 | 11/04/09
What are your choice criterias, Mister Kingsley ? THX  Joseph_Proudhon | 11/04/09
Hate the format  Hate Malware | 11/04/09
Where are you finding Budget - Corsair 2X2048-6400 2??2GB for $50??  Watzman@... | 11/04/09
exactly  savage3006 | 11/04/09
RE: Hardware 2.0 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09  johncrea | 11/04/09
How about CRM systems that integrate social media?  nealnoting | 11/04/09
Linux Hardware Drivers?  paron | 11/05/09
Adrian: What hard drive dock would you buy and why?  Randalllind | 11/08/09
Silent Video Cards?  bmgoodman | 11/09/09
Thernalright, Cosmos structural incompatability  rtorkelson@... | 11/22/09
top case  gesi28@... | 12/17/09
RE: Hardware 2.0 'Very Best Kit List' for Nov/Dec 09  harikrismg | 01/16/10

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