UGM 2008

Ten years ago we launched ZDTV (which later became TechTV) and The Screen Savers, its most popular show. We wanted to begin with a bang, so Kate Botello and I decided to build the "Ultimate Gaming Machine" basing it on Lloyd Case's design from Computer Gaming World. In 1998, that meant a PII 400 Mhz, 128 MB of RAM, and a fabulously expensive widescreen Sony CRT (and a price tag of over $10,000). Here's what it looked like back then... There have been 9 UGMs built since then, the most recent for Attack of the Show in 2005 (which cost around $6000 and was a lot faster). Since I'm launching TWiT Live 10 years later I thought it would be fun to see what the UGM would look like these days. Only this time, we're going to let you build it. Starting Friday, June 6, we'll be inviting you to pick the parts for UGM 2008. From processors, to motherboard, to video and sound system, the choice will be yours. We'll spend a couple of hours debating the merits of each component, with expert commentary to help you decide, then when we reach consensus we'll buy it. At the end of the month we'll assemble our creation and then give it away to some lucky TWiT Live viewer. I'm not sure exactly how we'll give it away. I know I mentioned this on TWiT and proposed a crazy scheme to get me more followers on Twitter. All I can say is I must have been drunk. It won't be necessary to follow me, or Dvorak, and it definitely won't be necessary to unfollow Kevin. I'm going to check with the legal department and find a fair way to do this that doesn't require anyone to join Twitter! We'll kick things off Friday, June 6, at 3p Pacific, 6p Eastern, 2200 UTC with a processor showdown. AMD or Intel, which will it be? I'll have experts on both sides then I'll ask you to decide. June 13 it's Motherboards and Memory. June 20th, video cards and monitors. June 27th storage and peripherals. We'll finish the machine on the 4th of July, choose the best five games for it, and award it to a lucky winner. So join us Fridays starting in June as we recreate one of the most loved bits we ever did on The Screen Savers. It should be a lot of fun, and who knows, you could walk away with UGM 10!

Comments

[Gary]

Wow, I remember the first UGM like it was yesterday. 400mhz...whoda thunk it? What will the next 10 years bring...scary thought, actually...

[EricSusch]

Hey, I have a machine I built with the BX chipset that's still working in my studio! Well, I don't use it for anything anymore but it still turns on. I guess I should get off my butt and retire it.

[leolaporte]

It's already there!

[Mike]

I vote for this machine:
http://tinyurl.com/5yvgb8">http://tinyurl.com/5yvgb8

;-)

[mager]

The best line is, "64 meg of RAM. That's all you're ever gonna need".

Awesome video Leo. I have never seen The Screen Savers before. I wish there was a website that had an archive of every episode.

[hans]

you mean last year sunday may 19th ;)

[Chemicalspill]

thanks for making the effort, the fact your trying means alot more than getting it.. sorta haha

[Sutherland Boswell]

it doesn't have every episode, but it has alot

http://www.youtube.com/user/TTVRewind">http://www.youtube.com/user/TTVRewind

[Chemicalspill]

Ah leo it was your wind down mode, sure those who know you know this, besides i took it all with a pinch of salt anway

[Staryx]

Loved the idea when I heard it on TWiT last night. And don't worry too much about the whole Twitter debacle. Anyone who's a fan should know you weren't being meanspirited, just caught up in the competition. :)

Look foreward to helping pick the hardware. I love building PCs. :D

[Chemicalspill]

Hey leo, i supose it isn't possible to offer 2 feeds is it? one for low bandwith users and one for high bandwith? oh and to everybody nagging leo about his comments last night, http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2124/leaveleoaloneam5.jpg">http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2124/leavele...

[zmama]

Ah! Sweet memories :D Glad the UGM hasn't died!

[Couch Pundit]

Dude. We'll be laughing at our current machines 10 years from now like we're laughing now.

[Techzen]

Well since I am a Deal Hound I will be happy to sniff out the lowest prices on the hardware for you once the hardware is picked. You'd be amazed how much $ you can save on even the best stuff out there if you put a little time into it. And I have the time, if you got the money (as the saying goes). :-)

[Greg Fischer]

will this be a video podcast I can watch on my AppleTV?

[Carolyn]

I'm guilty of "foot in mouth" disease as well! :-D

[muzzymate]

I miss Kate. Any chance she could cameo on TWIT?

[packfanlv]

This brings back the days of Prime Cable in Las Vegas when I tuned into channel 63 (I think) and found an interesting show with two interesting personalities talking tech. That just happened to be the very first episode of The Screen Savers. I was so jealous of that kid from Vegas (Jeremy I think) who was always in chat and on the netcam with you and Kate. I was the same age as him at the time. Thanks for all of the memories from the past ten years Leo. I have grown up with you on radio, television and now the internet. Keep it up!

[DruulinZzz]

Leo, I am tickled pink that you reply to me. The fact that you are going to have the UGM on Twit Live I am sure myself and fan base will gain from it. Please tell me honestly. Was the UGM, in the works? or was it truly my idea? I have the to brag to the miss's that twitter is awesome. BTW love the background reminds me of a photo I did while in holland, http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg188/mar10x2/IMG_2564.jpg">http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg188/mar10x...

[Justin]

Will there be anyway I can download the video segment? my streaming isn't that great.

[Bobby]

I vote not. Those aren't gaming video cards. If you're going for ultimate gaming, either Nvidia 8800's or 9800's.

[catsarecool]

Leo, you mean comments like "I like the ladies--a lot". You'd better hope the wife doesn't know how to watch the live stream

[evixketh]

If anything, get the winner either on Skype, or Stickam video, and chat with him/her for a while, let them know they've won.

In fact, Leo, there's a thought. Have everyone who enters register a skype account, and have them tune in at a certain time, and you'll call the winner. That'd be a fun way to surprise everyone, the the anticipation that would build is awesome.

"We're going to now call our winner of the UGM 2008." *skype noises* "OMG OMG OMG! I WON!!!"

Good fun. Food for thought, though. It's obviously your contest. Love the TWiT shows, Leo. Keep 'em coming!

[chasemedown]

Hey Leo, since this is a TWiT Live Giveaway, why not make people join Stickam and friend you on there. It would make a lot more sense to have the contest for Stickam friends as it may actually benefit TWiT Live. Just a thought.

[ausimik]

Sounds fun. BTW. Are there plans for recording and releasing TWIT Live stuff for download later. As I'm in Australia, you're on during the wee small hours, and I can't afford to miss my beauty sleep.....I really can't!