I like Maximum PC. They discuss just about everything you are looking for. Click "PDF" on the banner at the home page. You can check out some of their issues.
The magazines you listed are junk (as you probably noticed), and definitely not what you're looking for.
I also just saw Computer Power User.
That looks like a good mag too.
I've subscribed to Maximum PC for a couple years. Their hardware reviews are usually spot on, and they use excellent benchmarking methods to test the components. It's a pretty well rounded PC mag. As I said, you can review all their past issues in PDF format at their website.
I love reading about this stuff, despite the fact that I've yet to actually touch a motherboard or CPU chip.
Exactly. I was the same way. That's why I subscribed. Before I knew how to install a hard drive, I started reading the mag. It really helped me develop an understanding of how everything works. I'd encourage you to read some of the past issues. They have a lot of How-to's in previous issues.
Being a member of this forum will help you as well.
I subscribe to maximumpc and computer power user (CPU) and I really like both of them. They tell how it is for the most part, and they pull no punches for crap parts.
www.computerpoweruser.com
Ok, I stocked up on a copy of both magazines. The good thing is that since they are the December issues, they both have "best of 2007" articles, as well as "what's coming in 2008" articles, so that will be helpful.
Yeah, there's a lot of good info in this months issue of Max PC. Where did you find that other one? I've never seen it on a newsstand.
Happy reading.
I got them both at J&R
Sorry, what's J&R?
Sorry!
No problem. We have Fry's Electronics here in Sacramento. Hopefully they have it next time I shop there.
Do you like the magazine? Is it what you were looking for?