Building a new computer
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I need a new machine at my home. I want to run Vista (CTP as well as the final one whenever it comes) and Visual Studio 2005. The requirements: 1. I should be able to run VS 2005/Vista CTP/SQL Server 2005 at a decent speed. 2. The hardware should not get outdated when Vista ships.:) I have decided to use AMD Atlhon64x2. I have zero experience in building a complete system from scratch. What components should I buy motherboards, cooling, NIC, Video Cards etc.? Where should I buy them from (recommendations)? What problems should I anticipate? The budget is around $1200. (Within $1000 that will be great). Thanks
My Blog -- modified at 12:41 Tuesday 28th March, 2006
I'll third the recommendation on NewEgg. And as for video cards, I'd stick with nVidia cards.
They dress you up in white satin, And give you your very own pair of wings In August and Everything After
I'm after everything
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I need a new machine at my home. I want to run Vista (CTP as well as the final one whenever it comes) and Visual Studio 2005. The requirements: 1. I should be able to run VS 2005/Vista CTP/SQL Server 2005 at a decent speed. 2. The hardware should not get outdated when Vista ships.:) I have decided to use AMD Atlhon64x2. I have zero experience in building a complete system from scratch. What components should I buy motherboards, cooling, NIC, Video Cards etc.? Where should I buy them from (recommendations)? What problems should I anticipate? The budget is around $1200. (Within $1000 that will be great). Thanks
My Blog -- modified at 12:41 Tuesday 28th March, 2006
One word - PriceWatch[^]. Search for motherboard combos, or motherboard/CPU/Memory combos for an easy jump-start, or even look for complete barebones systems. You can build a, X2 with 2GB of RAM for well under $1200 (and even under $1000, too). Peace! -=- James
If you think it costs a lot to do it right, just wait until you find out how much it costs to do it wrong!
Avoid driving a vehicle taller than you and remember that Professional Driver on Closed Course does not mean your Dumb Ass on a Public Road!
DeleteFXPFiles & CheckFavorites (Please rate this post!) -
Fry's sucks. Stick with newegg. ------- sig starts "I've heard some drivers saying, 'We're going too fast here...'. If you're not here to race, go the hell home - don't come here and grumble about going too fast. Why don't you tie a kerosene rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001
Ditto that, avoid Fry's like the plague. NewEgg is the best for service.
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I need a new machine at my home. I want to run Vista (CTP as well as the final one whenever it comes) and Visual Studio 2005. The requirements: 1. I should be able to run VS 2005/Vista CTP/SQL Server 2005 at a decent speed. 2. The hardware should not get outdated when Vista ships.:) I have decided to use AMD Atlhon64x2. I have zero experience in building a complete system from scratch. What components should I buy motherboards, cooling, NIC, Video Cards etc.? Where should I buy them from (recommendations)? What problems should I anticipate? The budget is around $1200. (Within $1000 that will be great). Thanks
My Blog -- modified at 12:41 Tuesday 28th March, 2006
I Recently bought this[^] cooler. Nice feature - it defelcts some air down to the voltage regulator area which is often ignored i ncooolign requirements. Aslo this case[^] is very quite. Bulky but worth it. Elaine :rose: The tigress is here :-D
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I need a new machine at my home. I want to run Vista (CTP as well as the final one whenever it comes) and Visual Studio 2005. The requirements: 1. I should be able to run VS 2005/Vista CTP/SQL Server 2005 at a decent speed. 2. The hardware should not get outdated when Vista ships.:) I have decided to use AMD Atlhon64x2. I have zero experience in building a complete system from scratch. What components should I buy motherboards, cooling, NIC, Video Cards etc.? Where should I buy them from (recommendations)? What problems should I anticipate? The budget is around $1200. (Within $1000 that will be great). Thanks
My Blog -- modified at 12:41 Tuesday 28th March, 2006
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
What components should I buy
Don't skimp out on the power supply. Your new computer will thank you for it. If you case comes with a PSU and the case wasn't expensive then chances are you have a crappy PSU. Jeremy Falcon
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I need a new machine at my home. I want to run Vista (CTP as well as the final one whenever it comes) and Visual Studio 2005. The requirements: 1. I should be able to run VS 2005/Vista CTP/SQL Server 2005 at a decent speed. 2. The hardware should not get outdated when Vista ships.:) I have decided to use AMD Atlhon64x2. I have zero experience in building a complete system from scratch. What components should I buy motherboards, cooling, NIC, Video Cards etc.? Where should I buy them from (recommendations)? What problems should I anticipate? The budget is around $1200. (Within $1000 that will be great). Thanks
My Blog -- modified at 12:41 Tuesday 28th March, 2006
I highly recommend http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp[^]. Their shipping is usually cheaper than NewEgg, though I've bought from both. I built a system a year ago based around an MSI K8N nForce4 MB and Athlon 64 3500+ (the x2 wasn't out.) I used an Antec case, which are excellent. For my next system, I'm going to use the Sonata II to get it even quieter. I recommend 1GB of RAM. NewEgg and ZipZoomFly are always running specials so watch out for them (but verify it's the RAM you need.) I prefer Seagate hard drives; my Barracuda SATA drive is extremely quiet, runs relatively cool and has been great. The new Momentus line looks promising, though is a little more expensive. An NEC 3550A DVD-RW goes for about $45. Even you don't burn video stuff, being able to back tons of stuff up to DVD can be a real time saver. The last big component is your video card. Get a PCI-Express card. Even if you don't play computer games, you'll want a powerful card so you'll get all the eye-candy with Vista (even if you don't use it, if you are a developer, you'll need to test with it.) I'm partial to ATI cards, though NVidia cards are nice and their drivers slightly easier to install. (Just to be safe, opt for a card that supports DirectX 9.0 shader model 3, like the X1600 PRO--Sapphire makes a cost effective version of this card.) For speakers, I have Creative I-Trigue 2200. They are small and sound great. (I didn't get a bass unit since they annoy me.) The big thing to watch out far are to READ all the manuals before installing everything. Also, put the CPU and fan on very carefully BEFORE you put the motherboard in the case. I also like to identify all the pins and stuff first, though I then promptly forget. Install using an XP Pro CD with SP2 already on it. (With the above MB, it will install like a dream--it will recognize the nForce4 SATA without an extra drivers disk.) Without monitor, my system cost $1150 to build, but it's also a gaming rig used by the whole family so I spend extra on the video card. I also already had a nineteen inch monitor. EDIT: Buy the AMD Retail CPU with Fan and use it and the mounting gear it comes with. It will be sufficient to cool your CPU and will not void the warranty. Anyone who thinks he has a better idea of what's good for people than people do is a swine. - P.J. O'Rourke
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I need a new machine at my home. I want to run Vista (CTP as well as the final one whenever it comes) and Visual Studio 2005. The requirements: 1. I should be able to run VS 2005/Vista CTP/SQL Server 2005 at a decent speed. 2. The hardware should not get outdated when Vista ships.:) I have decided to use AMD Atlhon64x2. I have zero experience in building a complete system from scratch. What components should I buy motherboards, cooling, NIC, Video Cards etc.? Where should I buy them from (recommendations)? What problems should I anticipate? The budget is around $1200. (Within $1000 that will be great). Thanks
My Blog -- modified at 12:41 Tuesday 28th March, 2006
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
I want to run Vista
One thing that sucks is that there are no DirectX10 video cards out yet. You can still run Vista, but you won't be able to run DX10 unless you get a new DX10 card when they become available.
Tech, life, family, faith: Give me a visit. I'm currently blogging about: How 'bout a little guitar now? The apostle Paul, modernly speaking: Epistles of Paul Judah Himango
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I Recently bought this[^] cooler. Nice feature - it defelcts some air down to the voltage regulator area which is often ignored i ncooolign requirements. Aslo this case[^] is very quite. Bulky but worth it. Elaine :rose: The tigress is here :-D
I have that cooler too. Can be kinda tough to get on, but it's very quiet. However, I have a much larger case (18-inch aluminum cube). ------- sig starts "I've heard some drivers saying, 'We're going too fast here...'. If you're not here to race, go the hell home - don't come here and grumble about going too fast. Why don't you tie a kerosene rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001
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I need a new machine at my home. I want to run Vista (CTP as well as the final one whenever it comes) and Visual Studio 2005. The requirements: 1. I should be able to run VS 2005/Vista CTP/SQL Server 2005 at a decent speed. 2. The hardware should not get outdated when Vista ships.:) I have decided to use AMD Atlhon64x2. I have zero experience in building a complete system from scratch. What components should I buy motherboards, cooling, NIC, Video Cards etc.? Where should I buy them from (recommendations)? What problems should I anticipate? The budget is around $1200. (Within $1000 that will be great). Thanks
My Blog -- modified at 12:41 Tuesday 28th March, 2006
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
What problems should I anticipate?
Support. If you know how to handle the issues to related to hardware then buy the parts and build the PC. I tried to build a custom PC, but the amount you save in building one is not worth the headaches which come down the road. It's not like fixing a memory leak. ;) May the Force with you. :) Got Signature?
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I highly recommend http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp[^]. Their shipping is usually cheaper than NewEgg, though I've bought from both. I built a system a year ago based around an MSI K8N nForce4 MB and Athlon 64 3500+ (the x2 wasn't out.) I used an Antec case, which are excellent. For my next system, I'm going to use the Sonata II to get it even quieter. I recommend 1GB of RAM. NewEgg and ZipZoomFly are always running specials so watch out for them (but verify it's the RAM you need.) I prefer Seagate hard drives; my Barracuda SATA drive is extremely quiet, runs relatively cool and has been great. The new Momentus line looks promising, though is a little more expensive. An NEC 3550A DVD-RW goes for about $45. Even you don't burn video stuff, being able to back tons of stuff up to DVD can be a real time saver. The last big component is your video card. Get a PCI-Express card. Even if you don't play computer games, you'll want a powerful card so you'll get all the eye-candy with Vista (even if you don't use it, if you are a developer, you'll need to test with it.) I'm partial to ATI cards, though NVidia cards are nice and their drivers slightly easier to install. (Just to be safe, opt for a card that supports DirectX 9.0 shader model 3, like the X1600 PRO--Sapphire makes a cost effective version of this card.) For speakers, I have Creative I-Trigue 2200. They are small and sound great. (I didn't get a bass unit since they annoy me.) The big thing to watch out far are to READ all the manuals before installing everything. Also, put the CPU and fan on very carefully BEFORE you put the motherboard in the case. I also like to identify all the pins and stuff first, though I then promptly forget. Install using an XP Pro CD with SP2 already on it. (With the above MB, it will install like a dream--it will recognize the nForce4 SATA without an extra drivers disk.) Without monitor, my system cost $1150 to build, but it's also a gaming rig used by the whole family so I spend extra on the video card. I also already had a nineteen inch monitor. EDIT: Buy the AMD Retail CPU with Fan and use it and the mounting gear it comes with. It will be sufficient to cool your CPU and will not void the warranty. Anyone who thinks he has a better idea of what's good for people than people do is a swine. - P.J. O'Rourke
Joe Woodbury wrote:
EDIT: Buy the AMD Retail CPU with Fan and use it and the mounting gear it comes with. It will be sufficient to cool your CPU and will not void the warranty
Is there a combo that come in the box? I have not seen it anywhere so far. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103547#Combo[^]
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I need a new machine at my home. I want to run Vista (CTP as well as the final one whenever it comes) and Visual Studio 2005. The requirements: 1. I should be able to run VS 2005/Vista CTP/SQL Server 2005 at a decent speed. 2. The hardware should not get outdated when Vista ships.:) I have decided to use AMD Atlhon64x2. I have zero experience in building a complete system from scratch. What components should I buy motherboards, cooling, NIC, Video Cards etc.? Where should I buy them from (recommendations)? What problems should I anticipate? The budget is around $1200. (Within $1000 that will be great). Thanks
My Blog -- modified at 12:41 Tuesday 28th March, 2006
I have been built a couple of the amd 64's so far this year so here is what I have found. Get good memory the extra few bucks makes a difference not all DDR is the same. I choose the MB first and then researched the memory that matches its requirements which has made a difference (I think you will find the DDR2 is becoming less expensive). Don't get cheap on the powersupply or cooling. I have found that the "Gamer" cases tend to have higher quality powersupplies(450W min) in them as well as quality fans. The bargin basement fans do not have good quality bearings in them and tend to fail. Here is a link to MS about the quailty of card [http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/support/faqs/presentation/default.aspx](<a href=)a> make sure the video card has it's own fan it helps. I enjoy building new toys so I am not as concerned about building my own but if you need help don't hesitate to ask it is kind of a hobby (my wife calls it a bad habit). The other replys have identified all of the main vendors that you will need so have a good time with it.
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Joe Woodbury wrote:
EDIT: Buy the AMD Retail CPU with Fan and use it and the mounting gear it comes with. It will be sufficient to cool your CPU and will not void the warranty
Is there a combo that come in the box? I have not seen it anywhere so far. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103547#Combo[^]
That's the retail version and should come with heatsink + fan. It's the OEM version that doesnt have the combo. I highly recommend you to visit some PC enthusiast forums because they always have threads made by people seeking advices on new builds to learn from. forums.anandtech.com, tom's hardware etc, or silentpcreviews if a quiet machine is your thing. I just built a machine myself and I can barely hear it when it's on despite it being powerful enough for even the latest games :)
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One word - PriceWatch[^]. Search for motherboard combos, or motherboard/CPU/Memory combos for an easy jump-start, or even look for complete barebones systems. You can build a, X2 with 2GB of RAM for well under $1200 (and even under $1000, too). Peace! -=- James
If you think it costs a lot to do it right, just wait until you find out how much it costs to do it wrong!
Avoid driving a vehicle taller than you and remember that Professional Driver on Closed Course does not mean your Dumb Ass on a Public Road!
DeleteFXPFiles & CheckFavorites (Please rate this post!) -
I'll third the recommendation on NewEgg. And as for video cards, I'd stick with nVidia cards.
They dress you up in white satin, And give you your very own pair of wings In August and Everything After
I'm after everything
Amen to that. I've had nothing but problems with the crappy ATI card we use at work :( And I've had good experiences with Newegg too. ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! Real Mentats use only 100% pure, unfooled around with Sapho Juice(tm)! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF!
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I need a new machine at my home. I want to run Vista (CTP as well as the final one whenever it comes) and Visual Studio 2005. The requirements: 1. I should be able to run VS 2005/Vista CTP/SQL Server 2005 at a decent speed. 2. The hardware should not get outdated when Vista ships.:) I have decided to use AMD Atlhon64x2. I have zero experience in building a complete system from scratch. What components should I buy motherboards, cooling, NIC, Video Cards etc.? Where should I buy them from (recommendations)? What problems should I anticipate? The budget is around $1200. (Within $1000 that will be great). Thanks
My Blog -- modified at 12:41 Tuesday 28th March, 2006
I recommend you using www.zipzoomfly.com or www.neweggs.com too. This is an example of one peaty stable configuration from www.zipzoomfly.com (there are thousand possibilities): $458 AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Processor Socket 939 Retail $164.99 Asus A8N-SLI Premium nForce4 SLI Athlon 64(FX)/Sempron/Athlon 64 X2 Skt939 DDR Motherboard w/Audio, Dual Gigabit LAN, RAID/Serial ATA Retail $97.40 ($25.00 Mail-In-Rebate) Kingston HyperX KHX3200AK2/1G 1GB Kit DDR400 PC3200 Memory w/Heat Spreader Retail ***Free Shipping*** $101.99 Hitachi Deskstar T7K250 250GB Serial ATA II 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer ***Free Shipping*** 26.99 Liteon SOHD-16P9S 16X IDE DVD-ROM Drive (Black) $37.5 Logisys PS500MSGN 500W Meshed Green LED ATX/BTX Power Supply Retail $52.75 Asus Extreme AX300SE-X Radeon X300 SE PCI Express 128MB DDR Video Card w/TV-Out & DVI TOTAL 939.62 You need also case, keyboard and mouse. You can save some money form the MB, CPU or you can buy cheep case + Power supply Good luck! Ivan Vasilev
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I Recently bought this[^] cooler. Nice feature - it defelcts some air down to the voltage regulator area which is often ignored i ncooolign requirements. Aslo this case[^] is very quite. Bulky but worth it. Elaine :rose: The tigress is here :-D
a standard cooler that blows down will send exaust air that way. the MOFSETs are typically rated for ~125C so they don't need much. MY stock cooler's exaust did ~30C cooling for them, discovered when I installed an h2o cooling system this weekend. I ended up cabletieing a small fan onto the hoses to get a bit of air on them.
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I have been built a couple of the amd 64's so far this year so here is what I have found. Get good memory the extra few bucks makes a difference not all DDR is the same. I choose the MB first and then researched the memory that matches its requirements which has made a difference (I think you will find the DDR2 is becoming less expensive). Don't get cheap on the powersupply or cooling. I have found that the "Gamer" cases tend to have higher quality powersupplies(450W min) in them as well as quality fans. The bargin basement fans do not have good quality bearings in them and tend to fail. Here is a link to MS about the quailty of card [http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/support/faqs/presentation/default.aspx](<a href=)a> make sure the video card has it's own fan it helps. I enjoy building new toys so I am not as concerned about building my own but if you need help don't hesitate to ask it is kind of a hobby (my wife calls it a bad habit). The other replys have identified all of the main vendors that you will need so have a good time with it.
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afaik, DDR2 is still only used with intel mobos. A64's have the ram controler on chip instead of the northbridge, so there's no room for a 3rd party to roll thier own interface.
You are absolutly correct Dan I have yet to see a ddr2 AMD board. I heard rumors though that the next chip out mid 2006 that will use ddr2 but from everything I have read I am not sure there will be any performance difference. I did read a few weeks ago that due to some manufacturing processes improving that the DDR2 market will start to see some major increases in supply and hopefully(for me) drive the prices down. I am kind of partial AMD so I cannot make a fair assesment but I have been very satisfied with the performance. Have you had experience with Intel 64bit boxes?
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a standard cooler that blows down will send exaust air that way. the MOFSETs are typically rated for ~125C so they don't need much. MY stock cooler's exaust did ~30C cooling for them, discovered when I installed an h2o cooling system this weekend. I ended up cabletieing a small fan onto the hoses to get a bit of air on them.
It's the electrolytics you need to watch. The tigress is here :-D
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be careful about brands though. The one time I looked they were almost all bundled with garbage grade mobos and cheap generic ram to get as high on the price listings as possible.
Of course - but you can get decent ASUS MBs with Ultra-brand memory (which is not too bad). Peace! -=- James
If you think it costs a lot to do it right, just wait until you find out how much it costs to do it wrong!
Avoid driving a vehicle taller than you and remember that Professional Driver on Closed Course does not mean your Dumb Ass on a Public Road!
DeleteFXPFiles & CheckFavorites (Please rate this post!)
