First build, NOT for gaming, will this setup work? Any suggestions helpful

[traveling98]

this is the build I have come up with. I would like any suggestions. This computer will be used for searching the internet and using programs like excel and word and such. I am hoping this computer won't get out dated for at least 5 years or have any problems. Should I go up one processor to 800mhz? Different mother board? Are the fans with the case going to be ok to use? Fan with processor? Do I need to get temp. grease?


http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/...Number=3533864

[blue60007]

Since it looks like your board is out of stock, you might look at one of ASUS's boards, like the P5LD2. I think they also have some ones with onboard video in the same range (and you wouldn't need a video card). I'd still get a board with a PCI-E x16 slot so you could upgrade.

If you did that, I would recommend getting a CPU with a 800FSB - like the Intel 930. I think that faster FSB will be a boost, even in an office environment. It'll run cooler than the one you picked too.

You might be able to get a cheaper PSU, and you won't need a 500W one either. Something in the 400W range I think would be good. I would take a look at the Antec Sonata II - it's a quality case that comes with a quality 450W power supply. It's about $100. If you like the case, I think Antec and FSP have some cheap (but quality) units.

I'm not sure what the Nero is for, but if you get a Retail version of that Burner (probably a couple bucks more) I believe you'll get a copy of Nero (look in the product images).

Also, you don't want an Upgrade XP version. You'll want a full XP Home OEM - it's a a few bucks cheaper, but you won't get phone support or a fancy box or manual. A full Retail version costs twice as much as the OEM version.

[spartan015]

well you could get upgrade, if u already have like windows 98 and stuff. i have windows xp upgrade. i dont get by what u mean phone support. i call their tech line and they answer for my version...

well you kno if you're getting an antec power supply for 100 you might as well get a higher watts one for the same price. if you later upgrade you can just keep it. the true power series are good, i have one those and i like it, very stable.

one thing about the 805D, if u plan to oc, get a new heatsink and fan, like a zalman 9500

[blue60007]

True, you could if you have a version of something else. I don't think restore CDs count. It seems like you get free phone support for a year with the Retail version. I think they charge if aren't under that free support - not sure though.

The Antec Sonata II is a case AND a power supply for $100 - not a bad deal since the PSU alone is worth $60 or so. True, $100 for a 450W PSU would be a tad expensive.

[traveling98]

So you think that the on board video on the mobo will work just fine for business usage? I didn't mean to get the XP home upgrade, thanks for mentioning that. Now I think may go with a 800hmz dual core processor since you don't think I need a video card. And what mobo should I get if I do that? And how hard is it to oc a processor? What do you have to do to do that as in settings and such, I understand I would have to upgrade the heat sink and fan.

[traveling98]

I also would like to know which processor to go with for 800mhz I see there are two Intel Xeon processors at 667mhz and they have hyper threading support, is that a big plus? and what is the difference between the two xeon processors, I don't understand what they mean by the active fan being removable and stuff. And how come the mobos don't have 667mhz on any of them?

[blue60007]

The only difference betwenn having onboard and a card in a business setting would really be that you'll have a bit less RAM as some will be alloted to the video. Still, with a gig, I think that should be enough. Yet, do be sure to get a motherboard with a PCI-E x16 slot so if you feel the onboard isn't enough you can always add on. Here's a couple ASUS's with lots of upgrade options.

Xeons are for servers...not really what you want here. The Intel 930 would be a good choice, or for a few less, an Intel 631 - a single core, but has Hyperthreading which will simulate a dual core to an extent. That might be better...although a dual core is nice, it might be more than is needed. But, the dual cores aren't a whole lot more and they're dirt cheap these days so...

I'd recommend against overclocking on a office machine - office machines need to be stable.

[spartan015]

most definitely, overclocking you constantly tweak to find the right balance, i dont think you want a comp to all the sudden reset and lose, say an excel or a powerpoint.

xeon are awesome cpus (my friend has one for his comp, lol a server to play games...)

pretty stable and what not, but that's like driving in new york during rush hour in an Hummer, not really a place to have it. unless you do graphics and stuff... then u need a graphic card lol

[traveling98]

This computer I'm building is for my dad's home business so I will NOT over clock it. I'm not taking any chances on it. I would have thought about doing it on the next computer I build for myself(gaming computer) But I'm scared to after hearing about the problems that can come with doing it. Anyway, I decided to go with the Intel 930 dual core processor chip and took the video card off the list, just have to decide on a mobo. Will my case and the stock fans be adequate for keeping this system cool enough? Will the stock fans last? IF not, what are good quality fans. Is the stock fan for the processor ok? I really qppreciate the input, this forum rocks. I've done hours and hours of research through forums and review sites, but I find that the new egg reviews seem fairly good and you guys here are awesome!!! Thanks so much for the help.

[spartan015]

well stock fans and stuff on the new cpus are actually pretty decent and quiet(AMD). and if you dont want to void your warranty (common but not always) i say just keep it stock. plus since its intel it has down clocking if it gets too hot.

i forgot to mention, you can't overclock with stock fans and stuff on the intel. they just can't spin fast enough to keep it cool. on AMD those are pretty good the stock ones, but i don't know. if it doesnt void the warranty go for a zalman, easy to install. and do this before you install the cpu stock stuff, that way you dont have to worry about thermal paste (unless it doesnt have it on... then u have to buy it lol)

[glc]

If you are building a computer for a business and need to keep the cost down - here's my suggestion, with excellent upgrade potential:

Case: Antec Sonata II
Motherboard: Asus P5LD2-VM
Processor: Pentium-D 805
Ram, hard drive, and OS as in your wish list
Optical: One of the Lite-On DVD burners, they come with Nero Express and PowerDVD (and you need a black one to match the case)

Leave everything STOCK - the LAST thing you want to do with a business box is overclock it.

Even the 805 is plenty - I generally build business boxes with Celeron-D's.

[traveling98]

What is the difference in these two Lite on DVD burners on my wish list? Are these a good choice? Which one should I use? I think I am content with what I've chosen so far now, any last suggestions from anyone? Will I need to get thermal paste? And are the stock fans in the case going to last or should I buy some to replace them right away? And I'm hoping the on board video on the mobo will work good. When setting up system, do I have to change any jumpers with the mobo? Change any settings in bios? Or can I just put it all together and install windows? I hope I'm not getting in over my head.

[glc]

One is DVD-RAM capable, the other isn't.

The Enermax power supply is heavy overkill for that system. If you really want that case, get one of the Fortron/Sparkle/FSP ATX 2.0 power supplies and save some bucks. The retail processor comes with thermal compound. Stock fans should be fine. If the onboard video disappoints you, just buy a video card later. Today's motherboards don't have jumpers except for clear cmos and onboard sound jack configuration.

[traveling98]

what is dvd ram capable? Is it something I would want? The reason I chose the case I did is that it has three fans and a side air duct. I also checked that sonoma case out and some people were saying the power supply doesn't last very long. I researched power supplies a lot and found enermax to be one of the best, but you think I could go down to a 400 wattage I'm assuming, but what if I put a video card in later? Will 400 watts hadle that? I'm assuming it shouldn't be too hard to set up the mobo in the utiliities or whatever you call it.

[jayb1234]

DVD RAM, I have mostly seen it available in newer camcorders and PVRs.

[makisushi]

Why get a micro ATX board? in a mid size case? You might as well get a full ATX board...more slots
maybe i am missing something

[glc]

Because the full size board doesn't have onboard video.