New Build Parts Research

[Sharif]

Hey All,

Since my laptop is crap for what I do, because the colors suck compared to my desktop, I'm returning it and making a new computer.

I am a multimedia developer (graphics, websites, video, audio, 3d, and more) and need a very high powered desktop. I actually built my first desktop (in my sig) which my brother uses now from the help of everyone here.

I've been out of the loop for so long I don't even know what to get. But what I do know is this:
- Needs to be cool and QUIET!
- Won't do much gaming, but needs a firewire port and USB ports.
- AMD preferred (it's cheaper)
- Good graphics quality and power
- Expandable - I got a ton of internal hardware to install.

Budget without screen: $1000.00

Thanks for any help.

[jer888]

I know you said AMD, but Intel is really where it is right now.

Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail = $211.99

Motherboard - ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail = $154.99

Memory - CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail = $75.99

Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM = $79.99

Power Supply - CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail = $124.99

Optical - LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe - Retail = $41.99

Case - Antec Solo Black/Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail = $89.99

You said quiet, look no farther then Antec.

Sound Card - I don't know much about audio work and what that requires, but your probably going to want a dedicated card.

Video Card- Again, don't know exactly what you need but heres a shot. It will give you budget room for a dedicated sound card.
EVGA 512-P2-N773-AR GeForce 8600GTS 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail = $209.99

[Sharif]

Hey thanks so much for taking the time to help. Just have a few questions:

- Why Intel over AMD for the tasks I do? Do they run cooler under load? I used to always get Intel but my new laptop has AMD and it runs really well and is a lot cheaper...

- What sort of things do I look for in a motherboard these days?

- As far as memory, I'm guessing PC5300, 240 pin DDR2 is standard now? 2GB should be enough for me.

- Isn't 520W PSU overkill? Won't that make my system hotter? Whats the advantage?

- I didn't even know there were SATA cd drives now...

- Sound card isn't important as I have a dedicated interface for audio production

- ATI or nVidia for my tasks? Why?

It all really boils down to having a fast system that is quiet and cool under pressure. Won't 120MM fan make a lot of noise?

That's all for now...

[jer888]

Why Intel over AMD for the tasks I do? Do they run cooler under load? I used to always get Intel but my new laptop has AMD and it runs really well and is a lot cheaper...

Intel's Core 2 Duo's are a better value then AMD's offerings at this level. In the low end, AMD probably has a edge because of all their price cuts but Intel is the performance king and with 1K you should expect performance. They run fine with the stock heatsink/fan, but if you want almost silent (me) then you could get a aftermarket cooler. They don't run hot if thats what your asking.

What sort of things do I look for in a motherboard these days?

For Intel, the P35 chipset is the standard now, and ASUS makes quality boards consistantly. I look for manufacturer quality and reputation, chipsets (in this case P35), Multi GPU support (or lack of, its not really worth it in the long run), and any features I personally need, like you said you want Firewire.

As far as memory, I'm guessing PC5300, 240 pin DDR2 is standard now? 2GB should be enough for me.

Everything will run smooth with 2GB.

Isn't 520W PSU overkill? Won't that make my system hotter? Whats the advantage?

You COULD get away with a cheaper PSU for sure but by starting out with some headroom you have the option to upgrade always open without having to worry about getting a new PSU. That unit is manufactured by Seasonic who is one of the best PSU manufactures (Corsair slaps a sticker on it, thats what most PSU brands do). You can run ANY single video card (which is generally the biggest power consumer these days) with that power supply and it is widely recommended for high end builds.

I didn't even know there were SATA cd drives now...

Yup, SATA is replacing IDE in optical drives too.

Sound card isn't important as I have a dedicated interface for audio production

Good, that can go towards the video card then, or maybe a quad core

ATI or nVidia for my tasks? Why?

Its not really Nvidia or ATi, I take it on a card by card basis. A 8800GTX is probably overkill and way to expensive for this build. The Ati 2900XT is a option as well as the 8800GTS from Nvidia. Do a google search or two and compare the two. You'll feel much better about your decision if you decide yourself.

Won't 120MM fan make a lot of noise?

No, more noise is a result of higher RPMs. The larger the fan the more air it can move at a lower RPM. You WANT 120mm fans instead of smaller ones. Antec cases are very quiet.

If your really interested in silent/quiet check out Silent PC Review

[Sharif]

Hey I just looked at this processor, is there a better/cheaper Intel version:

AMD Athlon 64X2 6000 3.0GHz Socket AM2 - $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103773

I definitely have to settle on a graphics card, case, psu and mobo soon. Graphics card won't be used much for gaming, Im just concerned about quality of images over framerates in games

[jer888]

Check the CPU charts at Tom's Hardware.

The E6750 is only 40 dollars more and you get alot more preformance. Also, AMD is going to be changing sockets twice in the near future. Intel has a more clear upgrade path right now. Also, that AMD is already at 3GHZ, you didn't say anything about overclocking, but the E6750 clocked to 3GHZ would SMOKE the 6000+ more then it already does.

The 8800GTS and 2900XT will handle games and images great.

[xraycatj]

here's a comparison of a few CPUs: they're all pretty close but see for yourself
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/intel_e67xx

I'll throw in the THG chart too:
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html

[LeftyAce]

For graphics rendering tasks you don't want a gaming card such as the 8800, take a look at nVidia's Quaddro series or ATI's FireGL (I think that's what they're called).

I agree on everyone's pushing Intel. They're better for the price, but more importantly, the upgrade path to a quad core is guaranteed. AMD is switching sockets right and left in the near future.

You don't want to overclock on a production machine. Only consider the overclocking route if you don't care about instability and data corruption. Buy the processor you need, not the one you can overclock to do what you need.

[Sharif]

Not really rendering anything, the extent of graphics work is in Photoshop and the only rendering is done in After Effects and Premier (video editing).

[LeftyAce]

If you're not doing much gaming or much hardware rendering, you could get the 8600 video card. It'll do light gaming, and gives you DX10 support, should you need it.

[Sharif]

Cool I am going to compile a final list of parts and a monitor and will post. Thanks for all the help.

[Sharif]

Hey all, I believe I have made some of the crucial decisions. I am open to any suggestions for better parts if available:

CASE:
Rosewill Case - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811147038

PSU:
Cooler Master 500W - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817171018

MEMORY:
A-Data 2GB DD2 800mhz PC 6400 - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817171018

HDD:
WD 500GB SATA3 - $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822136073

CD/DVD Drive:
Lite-On Burner - $36.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106073

MCR:
Logisys 52-in-1 Reader - $9.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820342001
-----
Parts I'm not sure about:

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Socket AM2 5600+ (2.8ghz) OR 6000+ (3.0ghz)

Motherboard:
Definitely ASUS, but not sure which one...

GFX Card:
Nvidia, but not sure which one...

I don't think I'm missing anything else.

[Sharif]

Sorry, the corrent link to memory is:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820211066

[Alaron]

Switch to the Retail version of that LiteOn burner to get software.

For the motherboard, look at the Asus M2N-E.

The Geforce 8600GT fits your budget best.

That Cooler Master power supply is too light on the rails for my taste. Take a look at the Fortron unit here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...54&Tpk=fortron

[Sharif]

Why is that PSU better?

[freakitchen]

Because you get what you pay for with power supplies. CoolerMaster aren't up there with the top brands when it comes to reliability, and as Alaron has mentioned, for a '500w' power supply, it only offers 16A on each +12v rail. Compare that to the FSP, supposedly less powerful, and yet it has more amps available (18A). Also, FSP are one of these aforementioned top brands.

[Sharif]

Ok I really dont know what to look for in a power supply except that it needs at least 450-500W so I will take the recommendation for that FSP psu. Thank you.

Any ideas on a specific gfx card or mobo?

[freakitchen]

Originally Posted by alaron For the motherboard, look at the Asus M2N-E. The Geforce 8600GT fits your budget best.

I'd second these suggestions.

Regarding the processor, because of Intel's success in the market recently, AMD's flagship procesor - the 6000+, doesn't carry an unreasonable price premium over the second most expensive model. If it fits your budget, go for it.

[Sharif]

Yes the difference between the 5600+ and 6000+ on Newegg is about $20, but the reason I am questioning it, according to Tom's Hardware.com's CPU charts, the 5600 is faster somehow...

[LeftyAce]

I don't see which benchmarks you mean. Everything I looked at showed the 6000+ outperforming the 5600+. Which test are you referring to?

[Sharif]

Well everyone I think I've finally got my parts list together, just looking for final input before I order it.
-----
CASE:
NZXT Full Tower (7 120MM Fans!) - $149.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146029

PSU:
XCLIO Goodpower 500W - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189005

MOTHERBOARD:
Gigabyte GA-M57SLI-S4 nVidia 570 SLI chipset - $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128014

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ - $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103773

RAM:
A-Data 2GB DDR2 800 PC2 6400 - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820211066

VIDEO CARD:
EVGA GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB - $159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130084

HARD DRIVES (both SATA 3.0gb):
1 - WD 80GB - $42.99
2 - WD 500GB - $109.99

CD DRIVE:
Lite-On SATA 20X DVD+/-R Burner - $34.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106057

MISC:
19-in-1 Card Reader - $10.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820300901

Arctic Silver 5 - $5.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100007

TOTAL after shipping: $951.00

[Sharif]

Would really like some input on the case, psu and mobo.

[Alaron]

That list looks fine.

I'd use the Asus motherboard myself, over the Gigabyte.

The Xclio PSU is fine for that setup.

The case is entirely up to you. The fans are complete overkill, you'll need 1 or 2 at most. But if you like it, go for it.

My only suggestion is to swap for this burner, it has software included: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072

[vernon]

hello to everyone, just a quick note the 5600+ has an even divider 14 x 200 can run ddr2 800 memory + the 5600 is 89w tdp and the 6000 is 125w. more watts more heat

[Gen.Ben]

I'd change the brand of RAM to Corsair, OCZ or Crucial, because there are a handful of reviews on that memory brand that all failed memtest horribly. Like 100 error horrible.

I reccomend http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145034 its worth the extra $25 for sure.