This Forum Needs To Understand Some Things

[Guest]

I've noticed lately how so many of these topics on recommending a product or model of something go a little like this:

 

-OP-

"Hi! I was wondering what the best CPU cooler for $50 is?"

 

-Response-

"Well, if you went $20 more, you could get model X and it would be WAY better!"

 

And this really bugs me for three reasons:

1) You did not help the person who asked for a $50 CPU cooler, you helped a person looking for a $60 or $70 cooler.

2) Most likely the OP has a budget of $50. They probably didn't have $100 to spend, but instead chose to say they had $50 for fun.

3) Typically people will respond to this by saying the OP should save up, but never consider that maybe OP has saved up, and is looking for parts priced below what the responder thinks they should get. Not everyone wants or needs enthusiast-grade equipment!

 

My proposal:

Instead of taking five seconds to write "This cooler costs more but is better," try taking ten seconds and saying "This one is great for $50, but if you can stretch, this one at $70 would be even better." That way, OP doesn't need to waste time clarifying that they did not, indeed, have more than $50 to spend. And because of this, we can keep threads more concise and help people asking for advice quicker.

[Arty]

Its Called A Suggestion

[Prastupok]

-snip-

 

Why spend $50 and be shitty about it later vs. spending $20 more and having a far superior product?

[evinta]

Seconded.

 

Sometimes its better to buy the best for what money you have rather than save up. We don't know how long it took for OP for save up.

[gilm0re3]

Why spend $50 and be shitty about it later vs. spending $20 more and having a far superior product?

This. I like this.

[Kyuubixchidori]

The issue is yeah, thats true,

 

but theres 2K people on the fourm this very second. that means that even if 1% of people are dumb and dont understand budgets, thats 200 people to throw recommendations

[PhantomChevron]

I agree with this, people have to start doing this by listing the item at OPs price range and one that is better but may be a little more, giving him the option and the clarification that the one in his budget range is still good

[wyattzx]

I get what you're saying.. 

 

...But for $20 more you could get a much better point across.

[Guest]

Its Called A Suggestion

 

Why spend $50 and be shitty about it later vs. spending $20 more and having a far superior product?

I believe you two missed the point. You CAN recommend a higher-end product, but don't sacrifice a recommendation in the requested price range by doing so.

 

Many people have a budget in their OP because that's the ENTIRE BUDGET - not a suggestion!

[soaringchicken]

I agree, give the OP some options

[Prastupok]

If we are talking hundreds of dollars more... I get it.

Using OP's example? $20 isn't that much.

[Just The Tips]

Why don't we all have a massive orgy, just to know each other a bit more 

[Guest]

If we are talking hundreds of dollars more... I get it.

Using OP's example? $20 isn't that much.

But sometimes even $20 more is too much more. We need to understand that budgets are budgets, and that we can't gloss over the request and give them what we think they need and can afford.

[flibberdipper]

THANK YOU. Some of the people here do that to me, and it's like... "Really? Do you have any idea how long it took for me to save up just for a fucking G3258?!? GO. AWAY."

 

And it's not just the newer people with less posts. Some of the 1K+ people do it, and it makes me want to knock their block off.

[TheKDub]

I've noticed lately how so many of these topics on recommending a product or model of something go a little like this:

 

-OP-

"Hi! I was wondering what the best CPU cooler for $50 is?"

 

-Response-

"Well, if you went $20 more, you could get model X and it would be WAY better!"

 

And this really bugs me for three reasons:

1) You did not help the person who asked for a $50 CPU cooler, you helped a person looking for a $60 or $70 cooler.

2) Most likely the OP has a budget of $50. They probably didn't have $100 to spend, but instead chose to say they had $50 for fun.

3) Typically people will respond to this by saying the OP should save up, but never consider that maybe OP has saved up, and is looking for parts priced below what the responder thinks they should get. Not everyone wants or needs enthusiast-grade equipment!

 

My proposal:

Instead of taking five seconds to write "This cooler costs more but is better," try taking ten seconds and saying "This one is great for $50, but if you can stretch, this one at $70 would be even better." That way, OP doesn't need to waste time clarifying that they did not, indeed, have more than $50 to spend. And because of this, we can keep threads more concise and help people asking for advice quicker.

 

IMO its better to wait a little longer for a higher quality product than to get a lower quality cheaper one, just to have to upgrade it/replace it down the road because it isn't doing as well as a higher quality product would have done.

[Prastupok]

But sometimes even $20 more is too much more. We need to understand that budgets are budgets, and that we can't gloss over the request and give them what we think they need and can afford.

 

Perhaps. But that's the entire point of saving.

 

Literally every time I see someone wanting to blow money (and some people who are in this thread have been in the same threads with me), I do my best to stop them. But buyer's remorse is a lot bigger problem. And if waiting an extra paycheck to put the final piece to make a rig (or whatever else, really) as close to perfect as possible is what it takes? That gets my vote.

 

Edit: Like I said, we are talking small amounts, and usually on things that matter, like a better cooler, PSU, etc.

Edited February 19, 2015 by Prastupok

[connorpiper]

I personally think the fanboys are worse than going overbudget on something. 

[NumLock21]

OP: What is the best CPU cooler for $50 dollars?

Me: PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $28.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-18 22:23 EST-0500

 

This one, it's good great performance and you save $20 bucks!

[Swndlr]

[Guest]

Perhaps. But that's the entire point of saving.

 

Literally every time I see someone wanting to blow money (and some people who are in this thread have been in the same threads with me), I do my best to stop them. But buyer's remorse is a lot bigger problem. And if waiting an extra paycheck to put the final piece to make a rig (or whatever else, really) as close to perfect as possible is what it takes? That gets my vote.

And that's fine! I just want people to stop giving their ONLY recommendation above price range.

 

And maybe it's a 13-year-old kid who isn't getting any more money any time soon, and wants to get a CPU cooler now to complete his build; it would suck if you got 10 responses telling you to save up, and no one actually listening to what you're asking.

[Trik'Stari]

Congratulations OP, you're the ten quadrillionth person to say that to a group of people on the internet.

 

If people tell you to save up, chances are that's the best thing to do because the price point you listed will yield less than desirable results and or quality.

 

I didn't listen, and I spent $600 on shit hardware that completely sucked and I regretted it. If I had listened, I would have had more money to build a system I would enjoy more and maybe build the water cooling loop I want to.

[Guest]

snip

+100 respect

[Guest]

Congratulations OP, you're the ten quadrillionth person to say that to a group of people on the internet.

If it needs to be said, I'll say it. Maybe we should try it instead of going 'oh well.'

[Prastupok]

And that's fine! I just want people to stop giving their ONLY recommendation above price range.

 

And maybe it's a 13-year-old kid who isn't getting any more money any time soon, and wants to get a CPU cooler now to complete his build; it would suck if you got 10 responses telling you to save up, and no one actually listening to what you're asking.

 

I'm going to get shit for this, I already know...

 

But teaching that 13 year old the merits of working for what you want (mowing yards, plowing snow, whatever) is much better and teaches them valuable life lessons in the process.

[Mooshi]

It really depends on the product. if it's for a CPU cooler as the given example, you can find decent coolers for that price point, better a decent air cooler than a cheap AIO one (assuming there are no case limitations on cooler height). For other products, the "save up" response is more than justified, especially for low end graphics cards. it's a case by case issue, not a simple "Users should stop" one.