I have been a member there for 13 years after a former boss recommended the site. I have since recommended the site to anyone I know who has computer problems and those with at least some tech savvy (if I don't help them or sometimes even if I do). I have received a lot of help from there over the years, not just for my own system, but friends' and computers at work (I am the unofficial tech guy and in fact, am in my own social circle as well). Even with that, there are many there more knowledgeable than I. Although I at times will do a Google search for basic issues, one has to be careful with that as there is a lot of bad (unintentional or not) info out there. Information is only as good as the knowledge and trustworthiness of the one giving it. Even then, some people will need further help in carrying it out (or if other things come up during it).

Many other computer sites are run by people who either lack knowledge, maturity, patience, or a combination of these. PCMech, on the other hand is not. The people care, want to give the proper advice (learned from years of real-world experience). Some are professional builders, others for hobby, or as a sideline, but there is a lot of knowledge and a great collection of folks. It is also run in a way that is respectful to the various degrees of knowledge of users. People will not be talked down to or ridiculed. If there is someone there with ulterior motives (spamming or giving advice to serve their own interests), they are quickly shut down. The staff and users there is a collection of great people. I not only get advice there for computers, but other things and see others do the same. There is a great combination of experiences, and you can find occasional advice about autos, houses, finances etc. I also go simply to hang out and shoot the breeze. The staff keeps this place fun and safe to hang out at. Not all site owners do.

I have to respond to the negative review. First of all, it is telling that the reviewer said essentially the same thing about another advice site. It sounds to me like this person is one who cannot be told anything, and simply wants people to agree with them. People like that are hard to deal with. Sometimes there may be more than one answer that will work, but other times not. Some things might work in the moment, but cause problems down the line. One instance of this is buying parts that are poor quality. You might get by for a while, but not always for long. Even if for some reason, you manage to be one of the few who seem to do okay by it, is it really worth the risk? I know I don't want to play Russian roulette, nor do I want to cheap out only to risk damage or paying more in the future do redo what should have been done right to begin with. As far as being opinionated, well duh, you are asking for advice. Of course they have formed opinions based on years of experience among several users. That is why I go there. I want to learn from those who have already walked down those paths. I don't want a doctor who tells me what I want to hear instead of the truth, and I don't want computer advisers agreeing with something I have done wrong instead of telling me the right way.