Computer Parts Advice
02-04-2008, 03:55 PM
#11
Originally Posted by ThankyouHonda,Feb 4 2008, 03:23 PM
02-04-2008, 05:12 PM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by arrrmand,Feb 4 2008, 12:36 PM
Motherboard/CPU died on me 2 wks ago and I've done all I can to salvage it, but it looks like it's gone for good (6 years old, asus k8v deluxe mobo with athlon 64 3400+ cpu).
I'm looking to replace it, or just buy a completely new system, depending on cost and since I have been out of the computer loop in a while, I'm looking for advice on what I should look for and any links you can provide if possible.
Computer will be primarily used for photo editing, but would like the capability to run new games, but it doesn't have to be at maxed out resolutions.
Since I need a new mobo, I might as well get a new video card, as AGP is out of the game now, and would probably want some RAM.
The only things I'm probably keeping are my hard drives, PSU (currently have 500w), case, case fans, and peripherals. I can buy parts separately and build, but would prefer to get them from the same vendor (got most of my parts from newegg a while back).
Any suggestions? My thoughts so far are below:
1. Some sort of dual core (quad core probably overkill) CPU.
2. At least 2GB of RAM
3. NVidia 8800gt vid card or comparable
Oh, and if this stuff can all be had for under $700, I'd be very happy. Thanks in advance!
I'm looking to replace it, or just buy a completely new system, depending on cost and since I have been out of the computer loop in a while, I'm looking for advice on what I should look for and any links you can provide if possible.
Computer will be primarily used for photo editing, but would like the capability to run new games, but it doesn't have to be at maxed out resolutions.
Since I need a new mobo, I might as well get a new video card, as AGP is out of the game now, and would probably want some RAM.
The only things I'm probably keeping are my hard drives, PSU (currently have 500w), case, case fans, and peripherals. I can buy parts separately and build, but would prefer to get them from the same vendor (got most of my parts from newegg a while back).
Any suggestions? My thoughts so far are below:
1. Some sort of dual core (quad core probably overkill) CPU.
2. At least 2GB of RAM
3. NVidia 8800gt vid card or comparable
Oh, and if this stuff can all be had for under $700, I'd be very happy. Thanks in advance!
02-04-2008, 05:15 PM
#13
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by thejohnremus,Feb 4 2008, 02:06 PM
:gag: what a ripoff
(no offense to you, I just hate Apple's 300% premium for OSX)
But Jeff, this is exactly what I ran into when my computer finally died on me last November (five year old ECS board!!!!
)
Anyway,
Don't go Quad Core. All the reviews I read said that for photo editing you don't get significant enough gains in speed in the Adobe Suite (primarily photoshop since that's where you're going to work most) to justify the higher cost of the the processor. So, a dual core is just fine.
Crucial Ballistix is recommended everywhere - I ended up going with 4gigs since there were plenty of rebates going on when I purchased my whole system earlier this month.
Plan to buy a new powersupply... I went with 600w just to be safe. My previous was only 360, and going up to 500 was cutting it too close with new boards, graphics, and processors.
If you're going to run the 8800 you'll want plenty of power to support everything.
I was really only able to salvage my case and my fans from my old system.
But, after only spending about $750 I have...
Gigabyte mobo, 8 sata, 8 or 10 usb, firewire, optical, lan, 8.1, blah blah blah
4 gigs RAM
Intel Core 2 Duo
512 pcie graphics
320 Barracuda
umm... shit, catch me on AIM... I can break down more of the research I did... You know me, I needed a new, powerful, desktop that could handle the amount of photos I do, also video and web editing, and still have tons of expandability, options for RAID, and carry me AT LEAST three more years before the technology is too old
(no offense to you, I just hate Apple's 300% premium for OSX)
But Jeff, this is exactly what I ran into when my computer finally died on me last November (five year old ECS board!!!!
) Anyway,
Don't go Quad Core. All the reviews I read said that for photo editing you don't get significant enough gains in speed in the Adobe Suite (primarily photoshop since that's where you're going to work most) to justify the higher cost of the the processor. So, a dual core is just fine.
Crucial Ballistix is recommended everywhere - I ended up going with 4gigs since there were plenty of rebates going on when I purchased my whole system earlier this month.
Plan to buy a new powersupply... I went with 600w just to be safe. My previous was only 360, and going up to 500 was cutting it too close with new boards, graphics, and processors.
If you're going to run the 8800 you'll want plenty of power to support everything.
I was really only able to salvage my case and my fans from my old system.
But, after only spending about $750 I have...
Gigabyte mobo, 8 sata, 8 or 10 usb, firewire, optical, lan, 8.1, blah blah blah
4 gigs RAM
Intel Core 2 Duo
512 pcie graphics
320 Barracuda
umm... shit, catch me on AIM... I can break down more of the research I did... You know me, I needed a new, powerful, desktop that could handle the amount of photos I do, also video and web editing, and still have tons of expandability, options for RAID, and carry me AT LEAST three more years before the technology is too old
02-04-2008, 05:57 PM
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: socal
Posts: 9,077
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by ashamouel,Feb 4 2008, 06:15 PM
I've got 500 =) Running two harddrives also. No problemo. But if you can get a 600 for 500 price, go for it! I also got a cheap (because it's hevay) roswell case with large front fan, no bright ass leds, and a 500 watt supply for 70$. OH, and it had usb/firewire/mic/headphone input all along a top row. Very nice since my computer sits near the ground. Easy to reach. That small thing makes a big difference.
gigs?
I went with the smaller harddrive for the speed and cache I wanted. sacrificing the extra space wasn't too much of a concern since I have the drives from my old systems to now run as backups
02-04-2008, 09:28 PM
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Alameda, CA
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, don't skimp on the PSU, you want one reliable. I see people building highend systems and they just use some generic PSU that comes with the case. Invest in a good PSU, don't want one taking everything along with it.
02-05-2008, 08:19 AM
#19
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Bay Area, California
Posts: 17,792
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Originally Posted by ItsBen,Feb 4 2008, 10:28 PM
Oh, don't skimp on the PSU, you want one reliable. I see people building highend systems and they just use some generic PSU that comes with the case. Invest in a good PSU, don't want one taking everything along with it.
. I spent more then $70 just on my main power supply. I think I spent $50 just on my secondary power supply.
02-05-2008, 08:33 AM
#20
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 3,491
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by modMonkey,Feb 4 2008, 01:36 PM
Intel C2D E6750: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115029
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813128059
EVGA 8800GT SC: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130319
Crucial Ballistix 2GB RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820146565
or
GSkill if you dont want to deal with rebates: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231098
For you CPU cooler, this is one of the best air coolers. It'll allow you to overclock you cpu if you so wish. If not, it'll keep it really happy temp wise
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...UNIQ-_-35154001
_____________________________
Total is a bit under $600. You can save a bit by waiting for deals on slickdeals, but it wont be that much.
This a very strong gaming system in itself, it'll be more than adequate for photo editing.
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813128059
EVGA 8800GT SC: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130319
Crucial Ballistix 2GB RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820146565
or
GSkill if you dont want to deal with rebates: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231098
For you CPU cooler, this is one of the best air coolers. It'll allow you to overclock you cpu if you so wish. If not, it'll keep it really happy temp wise
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...UNIQ-_-35154001
_____________________________
Total is a bit under $600. You can save a bit by waiting for deals on slickdeals, but it wont be that much.
This a very strong gaming system in itself, it'll be more than adequate for photo editing.
a q i do have is about cooling. i think the demise of my current system (and past video card) was that i think it overheated pretty quickly. my current case only has a top and rear fan, but no front or side. does anyone think this is something i should upgrade too? from my knowledge, amd cpus run hotter than intels, so is that still the case, and should I have a problem without a new case or more fans?