Need suggestions for a new workstation.

[Tophinator]

My current computer is starting to approach that "to slow" mark and Im looking for something faster in the not to distant future. I have been out of PCs for a while tho and am a little rusty. I mainly use my computer for ordinary stuff like internet and such but I also run very processor instensive programs like Solid Works, Catia, etc. Simulations take a very very long time to complete. I usually will start a simulation in the morning, go to work and school, come home (8-12 hours) and find it still crunching. My current PC is in my sig.

What I really want is a compact shuttle size PC but I also want a AMD based comp with a 939 based chipset and a 3800ish proc, maybe an X2. Graphics I want something around a Nividia 6600GT/ ATI 700XT. Single SATA HDD, 1 DVD drive, and gig or two of RAM. But do you think I could fit that all in side a small form case while still being able to run cool?

Also is DDR2 worth getting? I did a search but didnt for some reason couldnt find much.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Well if your gonna be doing those type of programs i would really suggest intel. Programs like that are intels area. And i do think it will be able to run pretty darn cool.

[Tophinator]

Yes those programs are more towards intels domain but im also on a budget and intel is just to expensive. I honestly dont think I will notice a big difference since a lot of it is 3D rendering as well.

[glc]

There are no AMD components yet that support DDR2.

I don't think you can build anything now without spending a small fortune that would substantially improve performance over what you have now.

[pc master]

It is this area where the Pentium D's come in handy. IF you want DDR 2 you better go with intel. IT should be alright in a shuttle case. Make sure that the graphics card doesnt have a large cooler as it wont fit in the shuttle(most pci-e slots and right at the edge).

For example you can get a Pentium D 920 on newegg for $262.00. JUst makesure the mobo with take it as only certain intel chipsets support them.

[pc master]

Sorry but any reason why an AMD perfernce.

[Tophinator]

Since I built this comp I have been a AMD guy. I used to use all intels but this is my first comp with a AMD chip and it just seems easier to overclock, runs cooler, and handles my CAD stuff so much better, not to mention the price tag. At work I use a comp with a 3.2Ghz P4 with HT and my comp can still outrun it in most processor based applications. And GLC iv been doing a lot of looking around and I think your right. I think I will just wait until later in the fall to get a new comp and hopefully the quad cores will be out by then and the X2 chips will decrease in price.