paradigital wrote on 2023-11-03, 07:05:I don’t really see the point in that....
Ha ha, if you don't like my first idea's restrictions, then you'll really dislike my second idea: Pick a specific computer parts magazine issue. Allow any CPU, video card, motherboard (or equivalent with the same processor socket, chipset and video card slot) and RAM (or equivalent with the same interface, speed and capacity) that is listed for sale in that issue. The total price for CPU + video card + motherboard + RAM must be ≤$1000 according to that magazine issue. Highest 3DMarkxxxx score wins.
Maybe, to preserve the "aiming for the stars" idea and enable more people to participate, all CPUs available on a certain date should be allowed without any other restrictions. (I have an ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro AGP that would be hilarious to pair with an early Pentium 4 CPU, or even a Socket-370 Pentium III.)