AMD Build

[gafirefighter]

Lately I have been very interested in building a PC based around an AMD processor. Pretty much everything that I have done has centered around Intel and I want to give the other guy a try. Being that I was lazy and did not want to wait I recently ordered a new PC for the home. I love the i7 processor and it runs quite well. Now I just need to figure out what I want to do to keep it running fast.

Obviously this system is set up so it will be easy for my wife to use. That is why I want to build something just for myself. I am planning to run Ubuntu on it and I am not sure that she would take to that.

There are only a few requirements. I want an AMD Processor. I want it as small as I can get it to keep it out of the way, and as it will not be the front line PC it does not have to be the most expensive thing I can put together.

Just wondering iff you all have any suggestions. I have a few ideas, but you are the experts.

Adam

[Khalil]

I really like the Phenom II X3 720, I am very impressed with it's performance for the money.
Can you give us an idea of how much you want to spend and what kind of space you want it to fit?

[gafirefighter]

I would really like to keep it in the $600 range if at all possible. Like I said it is not going to be any kind of super system. Just something to mess with and run a different OS on. As far as size, I would really like to get it as small as I can. At this point I am not really sure what that means other than Micro ATX.

Thanks and I hope that helps a little.

Adam

[gafirefighter]

I would also like something that I can overclock just so I have a better understanding of it.

Adam

[Masaki 7-11]

Maybe something like this: New Build help
If you need something better than dual core, you can replace the cpu and fan for a Athlon II X4: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103706

[gafirefighter]

That seems like a pretty nice set up. For my purpose, which will not be much other than data storage, should I get a MB with embeded graphics? Or should I stick with the videio card? Also, that is a nice small case, but would it be possible to go any smaller?

I am going to look at a few case options. If I see something I like I will run it past you all. I do like what I see though.

Thanks,

Adam

[Alaron]

I'd stick with onboard video for now. Any motherboard you get will have a PCI-E slot on it if you want to add a video card later. Keep in mind that a small case is going to be more difficult to work in and could have more heat build up, so try to strike a happy medium between size and function.

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by gafirefighter That seems like a pretty nice set up. For my purpose, which will not be much other than data storage, should I get a MB with embeded graphics? Or should I stick with the videio card? Also, that is a nice small case, but would it be possible to go any smaller? I am going to look at a few case options. If I see something I like I will run it past you all. I do like what I see though. Thanks, Adam

The motherboard in the thread I linked to does have embedded graphics, and you can just use that if you won't be doing anything very video intensive. The motherboard has ATI HD4200 embedded graphics card which is one of the best integrated graphics at the moment. The next step in smaller cases would be SFF from companies like Shuttle, but the formfactor and motherboard are proprietary. Mini-ITX maybe another option since it is very small (quite a bit smaller than SFF) but parts are quite rare and expensive; especially for AMD. You can get a mini-Itx motherboard/dual-core CPU for under $100 if you are ok with a dual core intel atom processor.

[gafirefighter]

I went to Newegg and looked at the Mini Intel MB. You are right it is only 79.99. Not too bad if I want something small. Just wanted to know if you think the Atom 330 would be good for my purposes? Or should I buy a different MB with a faster processor. For just using the internet and e-mail and playing with Linux it might be a good fit. I do like the size.

Thanks,

Adam

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by gafirefighter I went to Newegg and looked at the Mini Intel MB. You are right it is only 79.99. Not too bad if I want something small. Just wanted to know if you think the Atom 330 would be good for my purposes? Or should I buy a different MB with a faster processor. For just using the internet and e-mail and playing with Linux it might be a good fit. I do like the size. Thanks, Adam

The atom 330 should be fine for linux, I have a netbook with the single core version of the atom (n270) and ubuntu netbook remix, and it's pretty fast for internet, email and generally using the OS.

Here is a list for a mini-itx build (you can take out the DVD burner if you don't need it; you can easily install linux from a USB stick):

LITE-ON Black 24X DVD Writer SATA Model iHAS-324-98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106334
$31.99

Foxconn RS233 Black+Light Silver Steel Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case 150W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811153099
$49.99

Western Digital Caviar Green WD6400AACS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136298
$54.99

Kingston 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Desktop Memory Model KVR533D2N4/2G
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134187
$35.49

ASUS AT3GC-I Intel Atom 330 479 Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131396
$89.99

Subtotal: $262.45

[David M]

If you want to keep it small then have you considered purchasing a small form factor computer...like an of the shelf Shuttle?

[gafirefighter]

Well it seems as if I now have quite a bit to think about. The truth is that I plan on building a couple of systems. The small form factor for myself and a few others for family members. This Dell that I recently purchased will more than likely be the last that I buy already assembled. I really do appreciate all the help. This place is a wealth of information.

Adam

[gafirefighter]

The more I think about this the more I like the idea. Not sure if the wife will like a computer in the living room, but since it will be so small I should be able to just put it under the tv on the shelf and it will not be noticed. It would be awesome to set it up and be able to watch something such as Hulu on the main television.

Is it possible to put a wireless card in one of these mini systems? Also, how difficult would it be to set it up on a in home network so that I could view the media on my main system? I do not need a TV tuner as I already am able to DVR just about anything I want. Also, for the network, would it still be possible to run Linux? Or, would I need to run Windows since that is what is on the main system?

Thanks for all the help.

Adam

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by gafirefighter The more I think about this the more I like the idea. Not sure if the wife will like a computer in the living room, but since it will be so small I should be able to just put it under the tv on the shelf and it will not be noticed. It would be awesome to set it up and be able to watch something such as Hulu on the main television. Is it possible to put a wireless card in one of these mini systems? Also, how difficult would it be to set it up on a in home network so that I could view the media on my main system? I do not need a TV tuner as I already am able to DVR just about anything I want. Also, for the network, would it still be possible to run Linux? Or, would I need to run Windows since that is what is on the main system? Thanks for all the help. Adam

You can get either low-profile wireless cards or usb wireless for the mini system (mini-itx; SFF should accept normal cards). Not sure how to setup the network (probably someone else here can help with that), but you should be fine with either Linux or Windows, since most linux distributions have a pretty high amount of compatibility with Windows networks and programs (although it may require some work).

If you want to hook up the mini system to the TV, you'll either need to have VGA support on the TV, use a VGA to component adapter (although these seem to be somewhat expensive) or use a motherboard with built-in HDMI (and wireless) such as this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813500030

[glc]

Only problem with that is I don't trust Zotac as a mobo manufacturer.

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by glc Only problem with that is I don't trust Zotac as a mobo manufacturer.

I haven't used Zotac before, but I would assume their using a nvidia reference design (since that's what first happened with the evga and xfx motherboards), so it should be ok. Newegg does have a Asus version of the Ion, but it's sold out. Newegg used to have a slightly more expensive Intel board that had built-in S-Video, but that's been discontinued.

[Khalil]

I tried a batch of Zotac motherboards and they are on my black list!!!