Re: PC building tips?

On Nov 6, 2:37 am, "David Morgan \(MAMS\)" <fin...@xxxxxxxxxxxx/Odm>
wrote:
"straightnut" <ck74...@xxxxxxx> wrote in messagenews:1194212863.366238.278590@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On Nov 4, 8:15 am, Mike Rivers <mriv...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Nov 4, 12:26 am, straightnut <ck74...@xxxxxxx> wrote:

How about this: Can I buy a Dell and change the case to a quieter one
(and perhaps the power supply) like the Solo you suggested?

I wouldn't count on it. Dell buys parts in such a large quantity that
some of those parts are cusomized and won't fit standard cases or
connectors. The computer that I'm working on this minute is a Dell
that's about 8 years old and has a very unusual looking power supply
that won't fit a standard case, so if you were to switch cases, you'd
need to switch power supplies as well, and then you'd need to worry
about whether the cables will reach.

There's also something funny about the positioning of the motherboard
relative to the slots in the back of the case. I've bought a couple of
expansion cards that didn't fit because of the way that some sheet
metal was bent to be in the way and had to exchange them. It's not
impossible to modify a Dell, but they don't make it easy.

All right then. Rather than a Dell, HP, etc. I'm feeling good about a
few of the custom PC builders I've found on the web, since the part
selection is so good and there are no proprietary part issues to deal
with in the future if I want to upgrade. The one I've decided to go
with is PCusa.com, since their prices seem very reasonable per part
upgrade in their system configurator.

Arny, although I realize I'm probably spending more than I need to for
a recording PC, I take comfort in its potential to stay a usable extra
computer for me or for someone in my family in the future. So, in
essence, my budget may have just gone up.

And David, if it still stands I'd like to take you up on your offer to
help. I won't be building it myself, but if you could just help with
component selection on PCusa's configuratorerer I'd greatly appreciate
it.

Just a quick note for now... I'm behind on work for tonight.
Remember... I'm just a hobbyist builder, but a looooong-time user.

These are the components I configured for an Intel Core 2 Duo
system that I'm comfortable with price-wise, but I'm totally lost on
motherboard/CPU/memory compatibility. And I do want to get a quieter
case and power supply even if it doesn't completely silence the PC,
just because. I may even eventually swap the CPU cooler on my own
later. The extension cables to another room will always be an option.
So here's what I've got so far and the reasons I chose them:
Antec ATX Lifestyle Sonata Designer Case w/500 watt PSU
(The reason I chose this case is the included "Ultra-quiet, high-
efficiency 500 Watt EarthWatts")

Antec "Solo Quiet" is a tougher, quieter case.... I've assembled using
both. (People usually choose one or the other for cosmetic reasons).
Either is fine, and the 'solo' is a bit higher than the Sonata.. power supply
is exactly the same (last time I checked - about 60 days ago).

Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 1333 (gets solid and fast reviews from new egg)

I'm still building with Intel... a P-IV 641+, 3.2Ghz, 800Mhz FSB, LGA 775
This supports hyper-threading technology

I've only built one Core 2, for a gamer... untested by me. (sorry)

I don't see any reason not to go with the Core-2 (I've been asking here
for other people's experience with splitting up threads) but I have no
personal experience with it to call on.

Default motherboard since I don't know anything about these, but
willing to get what would be good. The default is AS-Rock Intel 945GC
E-1333

If you're building with Dual Core processor (Core-2), I *think* you should
be looking at Intel boards starting with the prefix letter "D". D945xxxxxx

945 is actually the 'chipset' number, which you can find on lots of $50
to $80 run-of-the-mill motherboards. Just be sure you've got a few
USB ports and a couple of firewire (1394a) ports. PS2 mouse & keys.

(More below)

Slot 1 and Slot 2 memory: 1024MB DDR2 800MHz/PC6400 (I think the brand
is Supertalent)

Most memory is built well these days, and most all of it has a lifetime
warranty. I like Corsair. Your specs for the memory are just *fine*.

PCI-E Gforce 7200GS Graphics 256MB (extra 35 bucks)

Yo might want to spend a few more dollars on the video card... at least
be sure that you have the same multiple choices on outputs while
seeing if you can't find one that has no cooling fan. Then again, it's
probably close to a non-issue, noisewise.

Hard Drive 1: 320GB 7200 RPM 16M cache 3G/s WD Caviar SE16

I'd get a 160GB (and make it an IDE drive) for the operating system and
the software, and some storage space.... Probably could partition this
three ways and have all sorts of free space left over.

Hard Drive 2: same as above

Good (make it a SATA)... and by cutting down on drive size for disc one
should leave you enough to make the audio drive a half-a-terrabyte in size.

(don't know if cache means much but this was the cheapest offered
with 16M)

It's 'hiccup' space... not as important to me as 'seek' time.

I could get a third drive or even a fourth for $40 or more each if
worthwhile to do so.

Later....

DVDRW 18x Dual-format/dual-layer

As long as it's compatible with basic old CDs and DVDs.. ;-)

Windows XP Pro 32bit w/CD($133, the Home is $85 and the Pro64bit is
only $103, what's the difference in bits?

Don't go with 64 bit yet..... there are software "issues".

I went with Pro because I
could afford to avoid whatever compatibility issue, whether real or
not, there may be)

Either one is just fine. I run full time audio machines that use both.
I ee that Peter likes "Pro"... and he's no slouch.

Microsoft Keyboard and Mouse value pack($16)

Keep 'em basic... a two-button wheel mouse needs no outside drivers.

The total comes to $948 plus shipping.

I don't have time to price shop at the moment... sorry, no comment.

I'll be getting a 22" flat panel somewhere else for around $200 I
suppose.

Don't be surprised if that isn't a little closer to $300.

I used the configurator for desktops with Core 2 Duo with integrated
graphics starting at $258.25. So if you could take a look at the
options available and suggest any revisions I'd be your best friend.

I've already got a lover... but I'll look tomorrow. ;-)

Thanks David. The only reason I didn't choose the Solo case is the
lack of options for quiet power supplies. The specs say that it's just
a case with no supply. So I went for the Designer with the quiet
supply. I did end up using the next more expensive configurator than
the one I originally mentioned, and the motherboards were plentiful to
choose from. I liked what people at new egg had to say about the
Gigabyte board. Your suggestion for a bigger data drive makes sense,
and I'll probably go with that. Thanks to all the posts here I feel
good about the purchase and no longer have need to drag you away from
your lover.
At least by way of this thread.
Peace.
Jeff

.

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