New Computer, many tasks...

[biocmp3]

Ok, I typed out a big long post and I just lost it, great start to a new forum

I am wanting to build my first computer to use for a few tasks: work from home (I work in the EMR field), photo-editing, video-editing, basic programming/web-page building, I would like to run my TV through it and use it as a DVR), and some gaming.

I would like it stay within $1100 (minus monitors, mouse and keyboard) although suggestions for the mouse and keyboard are always welcome.

I would like this computer to be upgradeable over time (as much as can be expected).

I plan on running a few OS's with it and testing out a few separate Linux distros (currently using Mint and I love it)

With that said, I would love to see what you guys can come up with.

I will post a build-a-long thread after I finalize the parts that are needed. Eventually I think I would enjoy custom case work (I enjoy modifying things) but that will be in later builds.

Thanks for any and all help

[pam123]

You say that you want to run several operating systems, that's fine and here's a recent thread from the Linuxquestions.org forums on AMD vs. Intel AMD or INTEL which for Linux? but ( And you knew there was one.) if one of operating systems you want to use will only play nicely with an Intel processor then your choice is already made.
For instance, if you want to build a Hackintosh then Intel is your choice.

So make a list of your intended operating systems and check it against their preferred processors.

Once you know that we can pick the parts accordingly.

[biocmp3]

I looked at the option and the Core i5 - 750 looks like a good starting point.

Were you asking me to pick anything else?

I am not trying to be rude, tone is difficult to convey, i just don't know very much about choosing parts.

The i5-750 seems to be a good choice (it works for linux distros and Mac)

I look forward to the configurations. I really want to use the apple bluetooth keyboard and I know it can work with a bluetooth dongle but I may just want to have it built into the computer?

Thanks everyone

[quartet-man]

I believe she was just saying see whether Intel or AMD processors are better suited to run all or most of the Operating systems you want to run. So, it sounds like you have gone with Intel, so now they know how to start coming up with a system recommendation for you.

[pam123]

I was asking you to look at the operating systems you planned to run.
As I said some only work with Intel but some work with AMD as well as Intel.

Since you've picked Intel that's where we'll begin.

I would bump the processor up a bit.
How about this one for your system : Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80605I5760

[biocmp3]

That looks good to me, not too much of a price jump.

Where do I go from here?

[jdeb]

This is what I came up with for $1070.. with shipping. This has integrated bluetooth. The memory for the board is matched to the QVL. The price includes Windows 7, if you don't need, you have 99.00 to play around with, maybe a blueray drive, additional 1TB hard Drive?

Intel® Desktop Board DP55KG - Overview

Intel BOXDP55KG LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel motherboard
Newegg.com - Intel BOXDP55KG LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz
Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80605I5760

Kingston ValueRAM 4GB KVR1333D3N9K2/4G (2x2gb)
Newegg.com - Kingston ValueRAM 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3N9K2/4G

MSI N250GTS Twin Frozr 1G GeForce GTS 250
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127478

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Dual TV
Newegg.com - Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Dual TV Tuner 1213 PCI-Express x1 Interface

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

LG Black 22X DVD Burner
Newegg.com - LG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 12X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM SATA 22X DVD Burner - Bulk - CD / DVD Burners

Antec BP550 Plus 550W Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Newegg.com - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Antec VSK-2000 Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.com - Antec VSK-2000 Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - Operating Systems

[jdeb]

In terms of a tuner card, this one has been long overdue but the price is awful. 399.00. I doubt that it would work with Linux either. It will not work with satelite either.

Multi-Stream Tuner Cards by Ceton | Products

[biocmp3]

wow, that set-up looks pretty good.

would anyone else care to chime in?

I would like to order all of the parts over the next week or so.

Thanks JDeb for the help

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by biocmp3 wow, that set-up looks pretty good. would anyone else care to chime in? I would like to order all of the parts over the next week or so. Thanks JDeb for the help

Your welcome. I normally do not push the Intel brand boards but the quality of this one appears very nice. I recommended it because of the bluetooth you were looking for. Wait for glc or Khalil to give it their blessing if they are so inclined. If you came to me, this is what I would build for you based on your needs. If you omitted the Win7, it would leave you with 130.00 clams.

[biocmp3]

Would you add $130 more to the graphics card or get another hard drive?

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by biocmp3 Would you add $130 more to the graphics card or get another hard drive?

Depends on the games you play or how much hard drive space you may require.

You could always bump that up to a GTX 460
Newegg.com - ASUS ENGTX460 DirectCU TOP/2DI/768MD5 GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 768MB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

but you may want to bump up the power supply as well because your not leaving much headroom ...
Newegg.com - Antec NeoPower 650 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply

[biocmp3]

I don't know what games I will play yet, I've always been a console gamer.

I will likely put the extra money towards the graphics card and add to the memory as I need to.

Any other graphics card suggestions?

[pam123]

I would be inclined to go for a Radeon 5830 or, with your extra money, the 5850 but as long as you have no definite idea of the games you'll be playing the nVidia card is a good basic choice.

If you're really going to spend extra though take Jdeb's advice and get a decent power supply.
When you've done that, then put the remaining cash toward the graphics card.

[biocmp3]

Thanks Pam. I assume that your post count is indicative of your knowledge, so I feel better having heard that. Do you give this build your stamp of approval?

If this build looks good to everyone, i'll start ordering parts shortly.

GLC/Khalil,

Would you care to sign off on this?

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by pam123 I would be inclined to go for a Radeon 5830 or, with your extra money, the 5850 but as long as you have no definite idea of the games you'll be playing the nVidia card is a good basic choice. If you're really going to spend extra though take Jdeb's advice and get a decent power supply. When you've done that, then put the remaining cash toward the graphics card.

If he is using Linux, would he not be better served going with a NVidia card? It has been my experience the driver support for these are better supported with Linux. LinuxQuestions.org HCL - Video Devices

From a Windows standpoint, I prefer ATI Cards
From a Workstation standpoint, I prefer NVidia (better drivers).

[biocmp3]

anyone else care to share insight?

[David M]

I think the problem is many people here have no experience with Linux and therefore cannot answer your questions. I would imagine there are plenty of Linux forums out there with people who have lots of experience doing what you are planning to do.

[pam123]

The AMD/ATI drivers have been steadily improving but, apparently, it's going to be awhile before they live down their previous reputation.
That reputation was deserved back then but it's no longer justified.

[pam123]

Originally Posted by biocmp3 Thanks Pam. I assume that your post count is indicative of your knowledge, so I feel better having heard that. Do you give this build your stamp of approval? If this build looks good to everyone, i'll start ordering parts shortly. GLC/Khalil, Would you care to sign off on this?

Looks good but if you wait a day or two you should get a few others to look it over as well.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by pam123 The AMD/ATI drivers have been steadily improving but, apparently, it's going to be awhile before they live down their previous reputation. That reputation was deserved back then but it's no longer justified.

I stand corrected then Pam, thanks for the input. I supplied the link in the previous post so he could check out the options.

[biocmp3]

I will be patient and wait until next week to order the parts. I will check the compatibility of the parts involved after I get everyone to check off on it.

One of the many reasons I am not going for a more expensive system is that I want to use parts that have been available for at least 6-12 months so that Linux has had time to release it's drivers etc for compatibility.

If anyone else would care to voice their opinion, I would be all ears. I will likely try to run some of the Adobe creative suite on here as well, (just started learning on that software)

I look forward to more replies

[jdeb]

I still think you are better off with nvidia card. I looked up a few different cards and nvidia has certified drivers for linux.

NVIDIA DRIVERS 256.53 Certified

look at the supported tab on that page.

[biocmp3]

Ok, I'll stick with NVIDIA.

If I leave the Linux part out, would anyone else care to comment?

It seems like no one else wants to join this thread so assume I just want a wonderful machine that will handle windows appropriately and will give me enough juice/graphics capability to do the things I mentioned.

[glc]

I've been staying out of this because I don't build with Intel desktop boards. I would hate to mislead you. If it weren't for your expressed desire to have integrated Bluetooth, I'd be pushing Asus boards.

[biocmp3]

I don't require integrated, it was just a thought. Since this is my first time building a computer, I'm not sure anything is required. I am open to all suggestions and it gives me more to research.

If you are willing to give me suggestions, I would be very grateful.

[glc]

I would use an Asus P7P55D-E Pro. I'd use a GTX460 1gb from Asus or EVGA. The BP550 Plus is enough for that card but a Corsair would be higher quality - but their modulars are considerably more expensive.

[angeluisa]

Great set up! it helps. thanks for sharing.

[David M]

Look at the high end Asus boards for Bluetooth. http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_I...rmm&templete=2
It's an expensive board though.

Neweggs price and out of stock...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0III%20Extreme

Amazons price and in stock...$100 less
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Maximus-I...3698200&sr=1-1

[glc]

Not the same board, David. One's a Formula and the other is an Extreme.