Need help with building a PC

[Rogue]

So, I'm looking to upgrade my desktop PC and retire that one to the garage for a shop computer.

I've been on Newegg putting one together. This is what I have so far:

Antec New Solution NSK2480 Black/Silver 0.8mm cold-rolled steel MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 380W Power Supply

ASUS P5K-VM LGA 775 Intel G33 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

EVGA 512-P2-N757-TR GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400C4

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA-300 Hard Drive

Media Tank


I just need to figure out what kind of CPU to put in it. I have a P4 3.0ghz right now. I don't know anything about the new Pentium CPUs. Are they faster even if it's a 2.x ghz?

 

[genericuser]

you want this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

(hump)

 

[Rogue]

I don't game like I use to, but I do dabble in AutoCAD and Photoshop. I don't need the Enzo of processors, but I also don't want a Taurus. A V6 Mazda6 Wagon will do...zippy and fully capable of all my needs.

 

[genericuser]

If you are intending to keep that computer for a little bit, that processor is probably the safest bet. It's a few bucks more than a conroe, but worth it. Trust me.

 

[Rogue]

I've had my P4 3.0Ghz since '03 or '04. It and the ASUS board have been running like champs!

Can you do a quick review of the Duo Core processors? What's so great about them. I'm up on AIM....

 

[igdrasil]

If you really want to see a HUGE difference and have some spare $$ around, use a Solid State Drive to install the system and programs.

It will make a 3Ghz system feel like its a 6Ghz...the difference is really noticeable.

 

[Rogue]

don't need all that.

 

[808MP5]

Im selling a

ASUS P5WDII MB New
74GB Raptor HD Used and functional
3GB OCZ Platinum DDR2 PC6400 used and functional
And some water cooling stuff for the MB (NB waterblock, SB waterblock, and FluidXP water pump)
Old a$$ P4 560ES 3.6Ghz Used and Functional
but i would stick with what you have planned processor wise.
All for $150 or less if not im going to put it up on EBAY later this week.
If interested i'll post up the proper for sale thread.

 

[major error]

The only adjustment I'd make is adding a small (say 80Gb) drive. Use it strictly as a system drive, and keep everything else on the other drive...

You won't get full use of 4Gb of memory. 32-bit operating systems can address a total of 4GB; this maximum includes video memory....the system maps a portion of the addressable space to video memory. Just keep this in mind when you notice that Windows says it has less than 4Gb memory installed.
You could use 64-bit Windows, but driver support is spotty at best.

 

[genericuser]

You could use 64-bit Windows, but driver support is spotty at best.

not to mention 64 bit apps are hard to come by.

 

[major error]

True, but if your hardware isn't working, who cares if there's any applications to run?

 

[genericuser]

vicious cycle isn't it (lol2)

 

[Rogue]

For now, i'll keep running my XP Pro, but I may upgrade to Vista later on. I do like the idea of one drive for the OS, and all other Program Files on a seperate drive. I'll use the Media Tank to hold all my MP3s

 

[autoxes]

From what I understand, Vista isn't really worth it for the resources it consumes and the problems that it causes. I'd stick with XP, personally.

 

[genericuser]

From what I understand, Vista isn't really worth it for the resources it consumes and the problems that it causes. I'd stick with XP, personally.

I use it on my machine at work.. It took some getting used to at first, but it isn't all that bad. As long as you download all the drivers from your particular hardware manufacturers, you'll be alright.

I've had it running stable since December, and it isn't all that bad. It is a resource hog, that is for sure, but overall it isn't as bad as people say it is.

 

[igdrasil]

Im selling a

ASUS P5WDII MB New
74GB Raptor HD Used and functional
3GB OCZ Platinum DDR2 PC6400 used and functional
And some water cooling stuff for the MB (NB waterblock, SB waterblock, and FluidXP water pump)
Old a$$ P4 560ES 3.6Ghz Used and Functional
but i would stick with what you have planned processor wise.
All for $150 or less if not im going to put it up on EBAY later this week.
If interested i'll post up the proper for sale thread.

Im interested, let me know....

 

[genericuser]

Actually Luke, I just noticed you had 4x1GB for RAM.. Instead, go with 2x2GB instead. It gives you room to expand later.

 

[808MP5]

Actually Luke, I just noticed you had 4x1GB for RAM.. Instead, go with 2x2GB instead. It gives you room to expand later.

thats only if his board can control more then 4gigs of memory. More speciffically the chipset on the board. Idk never looked ar the spec for his choice of MB.

Ill get up the proper pics for the computer parts im selling and start a new thread. Sorry for the slight thread intrusion.

EDIT: nvm checked out the specs. Would ne better to get the 2x2gig chips but the price jump is extreme

 

[jred321]

don't forget to check out dealnews.com if you want to do things cheap. newegg prices are normally decent and from my experience their customer service is great and ordering from one place makes things simple to track, but if you watch out for the stuff on dealnews you can probably save a good chunk of change

 

[jred321]

that media tank thing looks weird. i have a hard time imagining all of that stuff running well over USB. i assume it has its own power source correct?