Computer purchasing help.

[Hammerskjold]

Just try to favor cheaper with an eye on the future. It is also conceivable that she could order stuff to get a working machine now and then upgrade further later on so where possible do try to future proof.

Future proof should really be called what it really is, future 'resistant' at best.

I'm not a master guru at it, just sharing what I experienced so far.

Some components can be upgraded later on with little problem. Some, like RAM, may not be.

I'm currently running a 4 gig RAM, 3 year old, entry level workstation. It runs ok-acceptable for most of the programs I'm running.

A few weeks ago I saw some great prices on RAM, so I looked to see if my machine can handle an upgrade.

Unfortunately, I found out that no, I could not. My rig uses DDR2 ram, the current great prices are for DDR3, and AFAIK they're not backwards compatible.

I apparently missed the window when DDR2 were still the current thing and prices were still good, because the best price I saw was $170-$200+ for an 8 gig DDR2 ram. For not much more and some types less ($150-+), 16 gig DDR3 type is being offered.

I saw some big box store flyers on their desktop computer sales last week, and they're starting to offer 8 gigs in their mid range lines, 16 in their 'premium' lines.

Add to that, DDR4 is on their way here. Soon,-ish. http://www.tomshardware.com/news/DDR4-IS...14813.html And at least according to the link, it won't be backwards compatible.

But honestly that big box flyer told me something much more concrete.
If the big box is offering 8-16 gigs of ram on their line ups. That means this is the window of opportunity, where DDR3 is still being manufactured and still 'current', there are lots of stock floating around. Something newer is about to come along, but not just...yet. (DDR4).

Some manufacturers are pushing for DDR4 to get here earlier.
http://www.tweaktown.com/news/23598/sams...index.html

Though this part I think this part is closer to the truth than any 'concern' for tech progress and incredible benefits for users IMO.

Inside sources are saying that Samsung are concerned that making DDR3 chips are now unprofitable due to low prices.

Anyways moving along, that usually means this is the part of the tech cycle where this is probably the best as it's going to get for going 'all you can eat, then go for seconds' on the current RAM type.

TL, DR:

DDR3 is still being made, there are lots of stock around, but the next-version is coming soon. When big box stores starts offering 8-16 gigs RAM on their menu, IMO that usually means sellers\manufacturers are starting to offload in prep for the next version.

RAM prices are going to be real good for the next few months I'm predicting, probably even after DDR4 arrives. But not for that long.

My 2 cents, if your friend has any leftover cash, or can squeeze out even a few bit more, RAM is not a bad place to invest that moolah in.

For myself at least, I wished I squeezed more blood from stone to buy 8 gigs of RAM 3 years ago. What can I say, I was young and I needed the rig.