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01-20-2011, 01:05 PM
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#1 |
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Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 122
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6 general purpose machines
My partner and I run a small business and our very old computers need upgrading (I’m on a Dell Dimension 8100 running Windows 2000!). We looked at Dell, but thought building them ourselves might be a better way to go. We are not gamers – pretty general stuff. We don’t even need graphics capability. What we want is speed when we launch a program or the internet. Right now, with our old machines, *everything* is very slow which is frustrating beyond words. We were looking at Dells in the $700 range that included the Intel i5 chip – to give you an idea of budget – but less would be Great! We want to build 2 of these.
We thought while we were at it, we would build PCs for our aging home computers as well. These need to be able to do Photoshop – still no gaming in our families – at least not yet. My husband would love to go with a SFF if possible to maximize desk real estate in the small area we call a home office. We both have kids in school (middle, high, and college) that will use these computers if that makes a difference with the build. We are looking at building 4 of these (2 for each family). We would like to keep the price as low as possible to cover our needs but still be able to upgrade as necessary. Should we wait for the Sandy Bridge chips to have more time on the market? Should we even be looking at SB? Thank-you for your time an advice. :-) Jeri |
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01-20-2011, 01:10 PM
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#2 | |
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Saved by grace
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,394
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Quote:
How are you going to see what you are doing? 
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My custom work system: ASUS P7P55D-E LGA 1156 / Intel Core i5-750 / CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) / Windows XP SP3 / SAPPHIRE 100292L Radeon HD 5450 / 2 LITE-ON 24X DVD Writers SATA Model iHAS424-98 / 2 W.D. Caviars Black WD1001FALS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s / Antec Sonata III 500 Black with 500W Power Supply / Rosewill RCR-IC002 74-in-1 USB 2.0 3.5" Internal Card Reader w/ USB port |
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01-20-2011, 01:20 PM
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#3 |
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Mondsreitersmann
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Skingrad
Posts: 8,781
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I'd wait till Sandy Bridge becomes more ubiquitous, yes. Especially because its onboard graphics are better than anything else on the market right now. This solves your problem for those machines that don't require a video card.
Note that for Photoshop you still need a video card, you just don't need the fastest gaming videocard, but onboard won't suffice. Photoshop requires OpenCL and graphics acceleration. Also note that faster data transfer to and from the Internet is still mostly determined by your connexion's speed. The fastest machine on the market will still be a dog if your connexion is slow.
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Darum still, füg' ich mich, wie Gott es will. Nun, so will ich wacker streiten, und sollt' ich den Tod erleiden, stirbt ein braver Reitersmann. |
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01-20-2011, 01:28 PM
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#4 |
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Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,525
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When building from scratch, for lower to mid-range configurations, it's pretty hard to beat the big manufacturers. Now if you had reusable standard cases(which you don't with Dells or other manufactured computers), reusable decent power supplies(which you probably don't have in your present rigs) and reusable copies of the operating system you want to install on your potential new builds(which you don't have with Dells or other manufactured computers), you could probably put something decent together that would beat what you could get from Dell. As it is, case+psu+windows7 will cost you about $250 to $300 for decent components right off the bat and you haven't even started buying the guts of your system yet.
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01-21-2011, 05:26 PM
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#6 |
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Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 122
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Ooooo – Thanks glc! I’m off to check each of these out now...
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05-10-2011, 02:42 PM
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#7 |
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Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 122
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Hi everyone!
We waited on these builds because of the SB issues. We are going to build the 2 office computers first. Newegg has the i5-2500K on sale for $214 (+ free shipping). We will not overclock, but the 2500K has the HD Graphics 3000 instead of the 2000 found on the rest of the i5 lineup. I was wondering if this would be a wise move since we do not plan on getting video cards? We will be running dual monitors if that makes any difference. Also, we are not concerned about case size. I do have a question about Windows 7. Some of my clients will stay with XP and I will need to test in this environment. Can I set up a dual boot with XP and Win 7 64? Is XP mode only available on the Pro version? Would this be sufficient? Also, we would like these systems to be a quiet as possible - without going over board - so if there are any changes you would recommend based on this, please let me know. :-) Thanks! Case: Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case PSU – I like the idea of modular. Glc recommended the SeaSonic, but this Antec can be had for $48.70 right now (+ free shipping) – how does it compare? SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply Newegg.com - SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply Newegg.com - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply MB - ASUS P8H67-M LE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard Newegg.com - ASUS P8H67-M LE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard CPU - Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K RAM - A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model AD3U1333B2G9-DRH Newegg.com - A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model AD3U1333B2G9-DRH HDD – The 650 glc recommended is Deactivated. The 750 has lots of negative reviews. The 1T has lots of good reviews and there is a rectified one for less. Which one should I get? Western Digital Caviar Black WD7502AAEX 750GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive: $69.99 Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD7502AAEX 750GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive: $89.99 Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB-Rectified 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive: $74.99 Newegg.com - Recertified: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive DVD - Only because it has free shipping, but if the LG is better then I will get that. ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM Newegg.com - ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - CD / DVD Burners |
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05-10-2011, 04:49 PM
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#8 |
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Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,765
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The graphics upgrade on the -K is worth it.
The Seasonic is higher quality, but the Antec modular is a solid unit. Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive Brand doesn't really matter on DVD drives - just get the one that has free shipping this week. |
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05-12-2011, 01:04 PM
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#9 |
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Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 122
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New requirement – Video Editing.
Can these builds handle video editing with Adobe Premiere Elements? If not – what should I change? I appreciate all the advice and patience. Thank-you! Jeri |
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05-12-2011, 01:16 PM
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#10 |
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Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,765
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They should, because Elements does not use the GPU, it is 100% CPU-based. I don't know how much good a video card would do you. You could always add a video card at any time. If you were using Premiere Pro, I'd put a GTX470 card into it.
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05-13-2011, 03:54 PM
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#11 |
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Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 122
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OK - I’m about ready to pull the trigger on 2 of these units. If there is anything you would change, I’m all ears!
Case: Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case The Illusion is $10.00 more than the Antec 300, but comes with 4 fans instead of 2. I’ve read that 4 fans running at the lowest setting is plenty of air movement and more quiet than 2 fans running at higher speeds. Plus... I like blue lights. Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case MB: ASUS P8H67-M PRO/CSM (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard I selected this over the P8H67-M LE because it is just $12 more (due to shipping) and I like the idea of 4 memory slots incase the 4GB I’m buying is not enough for future needs. I have no idea what the CSM stands for... Please let me know if this is a mistake! Newegg.com - ASUS P8H67-M PRO/CSM (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K PSU: Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply Newegg.com - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply RAM: A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model AD3U1333B2G9-DRH Newegg.com - A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model AD3U1333B2G9-DRH HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive This says limit 1 per customer? What’s up with that??? Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive DVD: LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Writer LightScribe Support Free shipper of the day- man this shipping stuff changes fast! Newegg.com - LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Writer LightScribe Support OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit 1-Pack - OEM Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit 1-Pack - Operating Systems |
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05-13-2011, 11:49 PM
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#12 |
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Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,765
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Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD7502AAEX 750GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Free shipping brings this down to only a couple bucks more than the 500, and you can buy 5. The CSM board is an excellent choice. CSM stands for Corporate Stable Model. ASUS Corporate Stable - Advance Swap Program |
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05-14-2011, 11:33 AM
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#13 |
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Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 122
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I truly appreciate all the help.
The order has been placed for 2 of these builds and we are looking forward to putting them together. We are going to get our kids involved and make a class out of it. Off to read: "PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!" Jeri |
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