need advice configuring a system

[reddragon3668]

Well, its that time again; I need a new computer. The last system I put together was a 1.13 Mhz Thunderbird (Later upgraded to an XP 2100+) on a MSI K7T266 Pro motherboad, with 512MB of PC2100 DDR, 40GB Maxtor 7200 RPM HDD, a generic low end video (recently upgraded to a 128MB DDR GeFORCE FX 5500 AGP 8X) onboard sound (recently upgraded to a Soundblaster Live card), a CDRW and a DVD drive.

That was back in 2001-2. I recently started looking into what I would want for a new system and realized that I had missed ALOT since putting the system above together! I mean, I have no clue where to start right now.

I am not a gamer, and I am not interested in having all the bells and whistles. I do, however, engage in allot of multi-tasking. Such as, building a web page, while listening to a podcast, and uploading files via FTP, instant messaging, having several other programs running at the same time. I have been working on a lap-top lately with a celeron 1.3 Mhz and it bogs down really easily. I hate that.

Anyway, I need some suggestions as to what to put together for a new system. I am not sure if the sound care and video card in my old system would be ok for a new one. I do what a TV card. I have an 80 GB Maxtor Hardrive 7200 rpm. I am not sure how fast that would be compared to sata. And the sound card would probablly do. While I am acustomed to using AMD, I have heard that Intel cpu's have the edge now on multi-tasking.

Suggestion regarding cpu's and mainboards, memory and whether or not my video (for instance, should I go with a PCI e board? Dual monitor support is a must), sound, and HDD would be ok to use in this new system or are they too antiquated. What chipset should I use etc. I am not a gamer, but am concerned in stability, and muti-tasking. I want an economical system that's reasonably fast by today's standards.

Thanks!

[Triple_B]

Hey RedDragon,

I'm not sure about your spending budget, but here's what I have to say for you:

Yes, a lot has changed since your last computer. I had a similar machine about that same time, those processors were really nice!

Now, as far as suggestions go on a new computer setup, you're going to get all sorts of different opinions, because certain people are partial to certain products than others, obviously. However, I just built the following machine:

AMD X2 4400+ (Dual Core, 64-bit Processor)
2 Gigs OCZ DDR400 (Low Latency Timing 2-2-2-5)
WD 76Gig Raptor (10k rpm)
SLI GeForce 7800GTX (Two Vid Cards "Linked" for ultra gaming performance)

The rest is just the average joe stuff, sound card, DVD burner, etc...

You said you're not a gamer, so you wouldn't have to spend the money on the video cards, however, it is my opinion that AMD holds the crown in every performance aspect, gaming and multi-tasking office environments.

Lets talk components:

There are two possible routes to go with processors, each of which will give you the same performance, however, one will provide a longer life with the features it currently has.

AMD 64 - Boasting 64-bit, this processor will give you the performance your looking for with reasonable pricing. Once Windows Vista is released, you'll find yourself loving the 64-bit technology.

AMD X2 - This is a 64-bit dual core processor. It's a bit more expensive, but it's two processors in one. I have the 4400+, and it's wonderful. It allows me to listen to music, burn DVD's, encode music, play games and whatever else I can throw at it without breathing hard. Bigger price tag, but will last you a very very long time once they start supporting 64-bit and dual cores.

I would suggest going with a 10,000 rpm hard drive (WD Raptor). It's absolutely unbelievable how much faster a computer runs with a fast-running hard drive. You can get them in SATA, so you won't have to worry about SCSI.

I bought OCZ memory. It's a great brand with low latency, and that's really what's going to give you good throughput. I would suggest Mushkin or Crucial if you're not comfortable going with a not-so-known brand.

I hope this helps. If you're looking to buy seperate parts, go on to www.newegg.com

I've done a lot of business with them, and they have the greatest pricing and best service online bar-none.

If you need anything else, just ask

[reddragon3668]

Triple_B,

Thanks for the reply! What your saying makes sense. I do want a system that will be able to take advantage of the newer technology on the horizon. My budget is around 1200.00-1500.00. I wonder if I can get one of the Raptor drives for my OS and applications and use my 80G 7200 rpm 2mb cache drive (Maxtor) for simple storage? Will these drives play well together?

You didn't mention what MOBO you paired with that X2 cpu. Is there one you'd recommend?

Thanks again!

Chris

[Triple_B]

Leaving work now, I'll reply when I get home

[Triple_B]

Well Red,

I just spent all of this time writing up a thread for you to have the system forum screw it up. It logged me out and then when I logged in, it said that the forum specified was invalid.

SO, I'll post it up again when I have time.

However, your idea on the hard drives was pretty much spot on. I use my raptor for Windows and Games only, as they are the most important for me. I also use it for insalled programs. However, my music, web files and all that are on my 160 gig 7.2k drive. So you've got it right there.

For a motherboard, I would recommend going Asus, however, I'll post the links to them when I get a chance to rewrite the post... wow that was irritating...

[reddragon3668]

I hate it when that happens! You have already been a big help. I had planned on going with an Intel cpu this time around. It would have the first intel based system for me since the goold ole days of the 300A Celery @450. Have been pretty much an AMD fan since. But, for some reasn, I was under the impression that Hyper Threading technology from Intel was a bit better on Multi-tasking. When you suggested the X2, however, I did some research and found out that it is a really good cpu, and runs allot cooler that its Intel counterparts.

Thanks again and I do look forward to reading your replies!

Chris

[Triple_B]

Well, you did read correctly, hyperthreading is a decent technology, when it first was announced, as no one else could match it. It basically creates a dual processor virtual environment, and works well with multitasking.

I was under the same mindset when I built my p4 box november of '04. However, even after 3 months of owning that machine (P4 3.0 gig, 1 gig of DDR 400, etc..), there was more to be desired. I immediately knew the limitations of that box, and it was definitely not worth the $1500 I put in to it.

This new computer is phenomonal. I can't even begin to tell you how great it is. I know I haven't even tapped the potential of this processor or the memory. I do a lot of web design in photoshop and illustrator, and having both of them open while multitasking other things is done with complete ease.

Here’s the setup that I would recommend…

Motherboard

Asus A8N-E Socket 939 Motherboard
Price: $104.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131530

This is the non-SLI version of the motherboard I have. You said you’re not into games, so bypass the $50 and don’t even bother with the SLI technology.

The only word of caution I have for you is that you ever think you’re going to do any 3D gaming at any time, I would go with the SLI setup. The world of single GPU systems are obsolete. Even Dual GPU systems are mid-range now. Top of the line systems are starting to have quad GPU setups (4 Graphics processing units). So, if you think you’d ever need it, spend the little extra.

Here’s the SLI version for $158.00

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131517

Processor

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Dual Core Manchester Core(Socket 939)
Price: $296.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103562

I have the Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Toledo core. It’s a great processor, but kind of puts you right at the max of your budget. This processor has a different core (runs a little hotter ~5 degrees under full load), but will still get the job done very easily.

Memory

OCZ 2 Gig (2 x 1gb) DDR400 Memory @ 2-3-2-5
Price: $224.49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227210

I was a little off on the timing on my first post, but this is what you’d want for memory. These have a Lifetime warranty, low latency and a great set of modules. I have these same modules and love them to death. Plus, these will pretty much blow past the competition. My friend has the same modules but by Mushkin running 2-2-2-5 and my memory is faster by just a little bit. Now THAT’S quality memory.

Hard Drives

Western Digital 74 Gig Raptor @ 10,000rpm
Price: $155
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144160

Like I said before, you can put just your programs and windows on this drive and this alone will completely blow you away in performance. I installed WinXP in 15 minutes with this hard drive loaded. SATA is the new technology for hard drives, so I would suggest going this route. You don’t have IDE cables bombarding your case either, which is a big plus for air circulation.

Western Digital 160 Gig Caviar @ 7200rpm
Price: $93
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144178

I know you said you have a hard drive, but this is a SATA hard drive. For only $93, why not?

Just a side note, remember, that these hard drives are OEM. Meaning, they have no warranty outside of the return policy of the site you buy them from (in this case, newegg). This is why they are so cheap. You would easily pay double this for the 3-year warranty.

Video Card

eVGA GeForce 6600GT PCI-E
Price: $134.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130214

You can pretty much throw in any video card. I chose this one because it’s cheap and it’s not going to buckle anytime you through DVD’s at it (yup, DVD’s will use your GPU). Plus, your new motherboard has PCI-E, which is the new interface for video cards. No more AGP.

Power Supply

Antec TruePower 2.0 550W
Price: $99.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103932

Excellent rails @ 19A a piece (for PCI-E/SLI). I love antec, and you should be very happy with this choice regardless of the path you choose for a design of a computer.

Total Cost with both hard drives:

$1105.49

That leaves some breathing room for a case and S&H. I would suggest looking at Antec cases. I went with another type of case after building and using an antec for years. I was extremely unhappy with the quality of that other case. I bought this new antec, and I love it. No flexing, great airflow and super quiet.

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions.

So, hopefully I can get this to work now, but this is what I would suggest.

[reddragon3668]

Thank a million!

[Triple_B]

Yes you can, it has a DVI and VGA connector on it, and I'm sure if you don't have DVI monitors, it'll come with a DVI to VGA converter for you.

[reddragon3668]

You have been most helpful! I am ordering it all today. I'll follow up once I get it together. I am really excited about it. I mean, three months on a celeron lap top has been frustration at its best! lol