Re: Please help with configuration
- From: "JR Weiss" <jrw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 02:26:34 +0000 (UTC)
DK wrote:
I need to order a desktop computer for around $2,000 (no monitor;http://www.cpusolutions.com/8004744cpu/customkititems.asp?kc=CPUSQC6600
nothing fancy in extras - basic sound, basic ethernet). This is in an
environment where whole computers can only be replaced very
occasionally (say, 5 years; but ~ $200 upgrades are easy annualy).
What this is for:
1) Calculation-intensive tasks, mostly fortran with python or Tcl-Tk++
around it.
2) MUST be competent/compatible enough with Linux and Windows.
In fact, I am planning to have a dual boot system and be able to run
any other OS in emulation if the moment calls for it.
3) Good graphics capabilities for 3D molecular graphics. No
games. Just things like 3D modeling and ray traycing. Real quad
stereo would be nice but not priority or required.
4) Solid local backup. I am thinking of a setup where I have two
disks, one being kept a copy of another. Right now 500 Mb each
is plenty enough but I am thinking about future.
The bureaucracy limits me to few sources: Dell, CDW or a
local vendor. Local is CPU Solutions http://www.cpusolutions.com
(NO this is not a spam; most likely, I will buy from them).
As an example, here I am, looking at the "Customize your Sonata
Core i7 Custom Quad Core PC":
Things I have hard time with:
- CPU - is i7 really a best choice?
- case/cooler/ - do they really matter? (at home I have a noise-free
system but at work this is not an issue.
- graphics card (haven't upgraded one for 7 years)
- memory (most of the available software is for 32-bit OSes; does
it make any sense to buy more than 4 Gb memory; which memory
brand is reliable?)
CPU: For performance, i7 is now the right choice. Ensure the
motherboard has a chipset that utilizes all 3 channels of DDR3 RAM
(e.g., an Intel X58 chipset) The Phenom II is not yet there.
Case/cooler: Yes, they matter. When the CPU and/or are under full
load for an extended period, keeping core temps under control is a
primary consideration. IMO, an aluminum case like the Lian-Li PC60+2
is preferable
(http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=179&cl_inde
x=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=62), but a good steel one is OK if you don't
worry about weight. There are many reviews available on aftermarket
coolers; I chose Noctua; look at the U12P and C12P, depending on case
and motherboard layout
(http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=produkte&lng=en).
Graphics: ATI and nVidia are the players. The high-end cards are for
gamers. The middle-of-the-road cards are probably what you're looking
for. I like the ATI 4670 GPU for reasonable power with low electrical
load. I also like the HIS coolers
(http://www.hisdigital.com/un/product2-65.shtml).
Memory: With both Win 7 and Linux, you should opt for the 64-bit OS if
possible. That will release you from the RAM limits of the 32-bit
variety, and allow you to properly utilize 6 GB of DDR3 RAM at
reasonable cost. The higher-end lines of Crucial, OCZ, Kingston,
Corsair, and Patriot are all good. Shop for price once you reach the
level of cooling (heat spreaders and/or pipes) you want. The OCZ
Reaper series works for me.
.
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