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TheTinMan · 10-15-2009, 10:32 AM

Hello,

I posted a while back about my first build that never ended up happening. Now that I’ve been getting more frequent BSoD’s from my (formerly) trusty Dimension 8400 I got for college over 5 years ago I’m thinking about building a replacement or at least costing it out and comparing to what I can buy pre-made. I’ve toyed with the idea of having both Linux and Windows 7, would that affect the hardware choices? I need guidance to know what kind of equipment to buy, but for each component I’ve laid out what I think (or hope) is relevant. Sorry in advance for such a long post, I figure the more info about my usage the better.

Mobo: Upgradable, relatively future-proof, plenty of USB ports (currently have 8, it would be nice to keep that), on-board audio. I also may want 2 optical drives (adding bluray) in future

CPU: This I know the least about. I want something that will keep me happy for at least another 5 years. Would this mean quad core?

HDD: I’m not picky, it seems like most HDD’s are 320GB+ lately anyway, which is more than I’ll ever need.

RAM: 4GB, but upgradable (4 slots?)

PSU: Another area I’m fuzzy about other than I have to make sure it can power everything

Graphics Card: I game occasionally, but I think the most “modern” game I have is Red Orchestra or Age of Empires III so I don’t need a high-end video card. I use this for browsing, video streaming (especially Netflix) and would consider going dual monitor once I have the desk space. I may go BluRay with an additional optical drive in the future, so HDMI out would be good.

Audio Card: on-board

Wireless: PCI Wireless card, compatible with Linksys WRT54G2 router

Case: Quiet-running, sleek case, fitting the same envelope as my current 7.1” wide x 17.6” deep x 16.7” high case would be nice to make sure it fits in its spot, though it can be a couple inches wider if necessary

Optical: CD reading & writing, DVD reading but writing not necessary

Keyboard/Mouse: Not needed

Monitor: not yet, unless there’s some great deal on <=21"

OS: Windows 7 (I know it’s not out yet, but will be by the time I build)

Price: Am I dreaming thinking it could be $500-$600? If so, just say what it may cost because that's just the number that will require the least debate with the girlfriend

Am I forgetting anything?

Would I have any shot at salvaging any parts such as optical drives or my PCI wireless card (Linksys WMP54G) from my current setup or would I be best off getting all-new parts? Am I making this overpowered for my needs, even though I want it to last a long time?

Thanks for reading, you guys are great.

The Tin Man

David M · 10-15-2009, 10:45 AM

You can install both Windows 7 and Linux on a PC. Its a matter of partitioning the drives at the beginning of the OS installation and then installing the operating systems which will then make it a dual boot computer. Partitioning can also be done later of course. $600 is a reasonable price for what you want to do with your computer.

***glc*** · 10-15-2009, 02:24 PM

The drives are not worth salvaging, but you can certainly reuse the wireless card. All new motherboards still have at least one legacy PCI slot.

TheTinMan · 10-16-2009, 04:06 PM

Here's the list I compiled for my build. Let me know what you think, if everything's compatible (do I need DDR2 1066 RAM?), if something should be avoided, if there's a better deal out there you know of. Thanks!

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3 AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128376

CPU: AMD Phenom 9650 2.3GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Quad-Core
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103288

RAM: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136075

Graphics Card: GIGABYTE GV-R435OC-512I Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile Ready Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125251

Wireless Card: LINKSYS WMP54G IEEE 802.11b/g, PCI 2.2 and 2.3 32bit PCI2.2 Wireless-G Adapter Up to 54Mbps Wireless Data Rates WEP, WPA, CCX 2.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nksys%20WMP54G

Optical: SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151187

Case: COOLER MASTER Elite 310 RC-310-BKR2-GP Black with blue front panel Steel Body / ABS plastic front bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 420W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119210

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116754

flanzig1 · 10-16-2009, 06:15 PM

Would look for a case only and get a quailty PSU from Antec/FSP/Sparkle, The one that comes with that case looks like an older ATX PSU, the 12v rail is pretty low for your build.

Masaki 7-11 · 10-16-2009, 08:43 PM

Other than the power supply, you might also want to take a look at a different processor, the original phenoms had very poor performance; the athlon ii x4 can be had for about the same price but with much better performance: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103706

rwest · 10-17-2009, 12:41 AM

You may want to take a look at this board:
GA-MA790X-ud4p
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128387
bout 30 bucks more and it supports the phenom II processor

Masaki 7-11 · 10-17-2009, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwest

You may want to take a look at this board:
GA-MA790X-ud4p
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128387
bout 30 bucks more and it supports the phenom II processor

The 770 based motherboard has full support for all am2+ and am3 processors; though if possible to fit within the budget, the 790x motherboard will offer some improvement in performance and features.

rwest · 10-17-2009, 01:46 AM

Maskai is that with a bios update? Cause the AM3 is not listed on Newegg's spec page for that board.

Masaki 7-11 · 10-17-2009, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwest

Maskai is that with a bios update? Cause the AM3 is not listed on Newegg's spec page for that board.

Yes, I checked on Gigabyte's website, all AM2, AM2+ and AM3 processors supported in both revision 1.0 and revision 2.0: http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/M...ProductID=2982

Khalil · 10-17-2009, 08:29 PM

Go with an Asus motherboard, Gigabyte tech support has gotten even worse in the last few months.

10-15-2009, 10:32 AM	#1
TheTinMan Member (4 bit) Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 15	First Build Hello, I posted a while back about my first build that never ended up happening. Now that I’ve been getting more frequent BSoD’s from my (formerly) trusty Dimension 8400 I got for college over 5 years ago I’m thinking about building a replacement or at least costing it out and comparing to what I can buy pre-made. I’ve toyed with the idea of having both Linux and Windows 7, would that affect the hardware choices? I need guidance to know what kind of equipment to buy, but for each component I’ve laid out what I think (or hope) is relevant. Sorry in advance for such a long post, I figure the more info about my usage the better. Mobo: Upgradable, relatively future-proof, plenty of USB ports (currently have 8, it would be nice to keep that), on-board audio. I also may want 2 optical drives (adding bluray) in future CPU: This I know the least about. I want something that will keep me happy for at least another 5 years. Would this mean quad core? HDD: I’m not picky, it seems like most HDD’s are 320GB+ lately anyway, which is more than I’ll ever need. RAM: 4GB, but upgradable (4 slots?) PSU: Another area I’m fuzzy about other than I have to make sure it can power everything Graphics Card: I game occasionally, but I think the most “modern” game I have is Red Orchestra or Age of Empires III so I don’t need a high-end video card. I use this for browsing, video streaming (especially Netflix) and would consider going dual monitor once I have the desk space. I may go BluRay with an additional optical drive in the future, so HDMI out would be good. Audio Card: on-board Wireless: PCI Wireless card, compatible with Linksys WRT54G2 router Case: Quiet-running, sleek case, fitting the same envelope as my current 7.1” wide x 17.6” deep x 16.7” high case would be nice to make sure it fits in its spot, though it can be a couple inches wider if necessary Optical: CD reading & writing, DVD reading but writing not necessary Keyboard/Mouse: Not needed Monitor: not yet, unless there’s some great deal on <=21" OS: Windows 7 (I know it’s not out yet, but will be by the time I build) Price: Am I dreaming thinking it could be $500-$600? If so, just say what it may cost because that's just the number that will require the least debate with the girlfriend Am I forgetting anything? Would I have any shot at salvaging any parts such as optical drives or my PCI wireless card (Linksys WMP54G) from my current setup or would I be best off getting all-new parts? Am I making this overpowered for my needs, even though I want it to last a long time? Thanks for reading, you guys are great. The Tin Man Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

10-15-2009, 10:45 AM	#2
David M Techphile. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: San Francisco Bay Posts: 5,959	You can install both Windows 7 and Linux on a PC. Its a matter of partitioning the drives at the beginning of the OS installation and then installing the operating systems which will then make it a dual boot computer. Partitioning can also be done later of course. $600 is a reasonable price for what you want to do with your computer. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Asus P8P67 WS Revolution \| Intel 2600K @ 4.7 GHz \| Win 7 Pro 64 \|8 gigs Corsair 1600 \| Two Diamond 6990's in Crossfire\| Corsair AX1200 \| Thermalright Silver Arrow \| Western Digital Black 2TB 64 meg cache \| Lian-Li PC-A71B \| Logitec Z-5500 \| Three Asus 26" VW266H monitors running under Eyefinity \| Last edited by David M; 10-15-2009 at 10:47 AM.

10-15-2009, 02:24 PM	#3
*glc* Forum Administrator Staff Premium Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Joplin MO Posts: 37,766	The drives are not worth salvaging, but you can certainly reuse the wireless card. All new motherboards still have at least one legacy PCI slot. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

10-16-2009, 04:06 PM	#4
TheTinMan Member (4 bit) Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 15	Build List Here's the list I compiled for my build. Let me know what you think, if everything's compatible (do I need DDR2 1066 RAM?), if something should be avoided, if there's a better deal out there you know of. Thanks! Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3 AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128376 CPU: AMD Phenom 9650 2.3GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Quad-Core http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103288 RAM: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184 HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136075 Graphics Card: GIGABYTE GV-R435OC-512I Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile Ready Video Card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125251 Wireless Card: LINKSYS WMP54G IEEE 802.11b/g, PCI 2.2 and 2.3 32bit PCI2.2 Wireless-G Adapter Up to 54Mbps Wireless Data Rates WEP, WPA, CCX 2.0 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nksys%20WMP54G Optical: SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151187 Case: COOLER MASTER Elite 310 RC-310-BKR2-GP Black with blue front panel Steel Body / ABS plastic front bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 420W Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119210 OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116754 Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

10-16-2009, 06:15 PM	#5
flanzig1 Wrench Bender Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Plymouth,MN Posts: 5,961	Would look for a case only and get a quailty PSU from Antec/FSP/Sparkle, The one that comes with that case looks like an older ATX PSU, the 12v rail is pretty low for your build. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ "When sliding down the banister of life; look out for splinters pointing up."

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10-16-2009, 08:43 PM	#6
Masaki 7-11 Member (12 bit) Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,358	Other than the power supply, you might also want to take a look at a different processor, the original phenoms had very poor performance; the athlon ii x4 can be had for about the same price but with much better performance: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103706 Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Core i7 2600K @ 4.2GHz \| Corsair H100 w/ Scythe S-FLEX 120mm Med. Flow & AC MX4 \| 4 x 4GB Corsair Vengeance PC3-12800 \| HIS 1GB HD6870/ HIS IceQ X Turbo 1GB CF \| Asus P67 Sabertooth \| OCZ Vertex 3, WD Velociraptor 150GB & Seagate 1.5TB in Tt iCage \| LG 22X DVD+/-RW \| D-Link DWA-556 \| Corsair TX 750W \| Coolermaster Cosmos 1000 \| Windows 7 HP 64-Bit \| LG Flatron L246WH-BN 3D Mark11: P8491\| 3D Mark Vantage: P30840\| 3D Mark06: 29912

10-17-2009, 12:41 AM	#7
rwest Member (11 bit) Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,388	You may want to take a look at this board: GA-MA790X-ud4p http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128387 bout 30 bucks more and it supports the phenom II processor Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Gigabyte 880GA-ud3h / 3.1 Phenom II x2 550 BE Callisto(4 cores and OC to 3.4) / Corsair Vengence 2x4gb DDR3 1600 / 640gb WD Black 2ea./HIS 6870/ 650 EarthWatts / Win 7 64bit

10-17-2009, 01:46 AM	#9
rwest Member (11 bit) Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,388	Maskai is that with a bios update? Cause the AM3 is not listed on Newegg's spec page for that board. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

10-17-2009, 08:29 PM	#11
Khalil Avanzato Tecnico Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 3,380	Go with an Asus motherboard, Gigabyte tech support has gotten even worse in the last few months. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Want to help cure Cancer and other Diseases? You easily can, all you need is your Computer, Find out how! My Current Rigs 22 Million F@H points for PCmech Is Gluten Killing you or your loved ones?

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