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College computer build time...

B

bobsaget

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Jan 24, 2004
Messages
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I've never built an SFF before, so I'm pretty excited about this. In fact, I haven't built a computer for quite a while and so much new hardware is out since I was into it last.

Here's what I have lined up so far.


Shuttle SN21G5
A64 3000+
2GB pqi el-cheapo RAM
EVGA 7900GT

That all equates to just over 800 bucks after shipping.

I have an 80gig HDD, and a DVD/RW to compliment this build.



I just thought I'd run this by you guys so that you could give me any suggestions or feedback. What do you think?
 
Looks good. If you care about sound at all, you can add an el cheapo Chaintech AV-710. It'll take some stress off the CPU during games and gives a better overall sound quality for music/games.

I don't think Qpack would save him TOO much money. Qpack + decent PSU + decent mobo would be a little more than 200$.
 
I bought a Shuttle for college and the size really is convenient. I sold it and upgraded to what I have now, and I do miss the Shuttle's size at times (it was much smaller compared to my QPack now). Your build is very solid and should handle most games :]
 
aznpxdd said:
Looks good. If you care about sound at all, you can add an el cheapo Chaintech AV-710. It'll take some stress off the CPU during games and gives a better overall sound quality for music/games.

I don't think Qpack would save him TOO much money. Qpack + decent PSU + decent mobo would be a little more than 200$.
Click to expand...
true, but with a qpack you're not stuck with proprietary components (although they are great components). something you might wanna factor in if you plan to upgrade in the future.
 
spend the extra money and get better RAM...you will regret getting high latency RAM down the line :)
 
thanks guys... I'll look into better RAM.

Do you think the processor matches the video card pretty well?
 
I agree with Steeeve, get a more powerful CPU. The 3500+ seems like a good option.
 
you won't save money with a qpack; you forgot to include the heatsink in your pricing. at least it'll only be like $20 off, but the shuttles smaller. but then, it *is* all proprietary, if u care about that.
 
Yeah Shuttle parts are proprietary, but they are top quality stuff, especially the PSU. I'd recommend getting the Shuttle if you care about size, if not, Qpack is a good alternative.
 
What would you really be saving going with a QPack if you are going to upgrade? You'd still have to pay for mobo and heatsink for the new processor (unless standard retail fan is good enough for you). After that all you're saving is the cost of a new PS and case. I built an SN41G2 a long time ago, and it's still chugging along next to my full tower P4 2.4ghz. By the time I upgrade, I'll just sell one of the old machines instead of ripping everything out of the old case and starting over. The only downside I can see to shuttle is their somewhat flaky AMD (this is debatable, mine runs great, but new SN25P's seem to be a pain), and if a part goes out you can't just get on newegg and order a new MB or PS.
 
aznbumbaclot said:
I bought a Shuttle for college and the size really is convenient. I sold it and upgraded to what I have now, and I do miss the Shuttle's size at times (it was much smaller compared to my QPack now). Your build is very solid and should handle most games :]
Click to expand...
nice sig... ;)
 
Nice setup, i agree with the other guys with a faster CPU and better RAM

Im guessing that you are gonna live a small dorm room hence the SFF?
 
college don't start for some months, what's the hurry?

you should wait a bit for some price slashing before school starts.
 
amdfan25 said:
Nice setup, i agree with the other guys with a faster CPU and better RAM

Im guessing that you are gonna live a small dorm room hence the SFF?
Click to expand...
well yeah it's small, but I have always wanted a shuttle for some odd reason.

I'm thinking of getting the 3700+ or the 3800X2...



Lolento said:
college don't start for some months, what's the hurry?

you should wait a bit for some price slashing before school starts.
Click to expand...
Yeah, well, I'm tired of running my 1800+ system that barely runs current games.
 
If you got some money to play with, wait until the SN27P2 comes out and get an AM2 processor. If not, I suggest the SN26 (which is SLi) or SN25(not SLi) and get the 4000+ single core of the 4400+ dual core. I am not a big fan of the 3800x2 because I don't think it is all that worth it in the short run or long run.

SN25P = $360
4400+ = $460 ($340 for the 3800)
7900gt = $290
2gb RAM = $140 good deal right now http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227210

Get another HD for $100 (you can get 200gb for 100)

That comes to $1250 w/o the HD or $1350 with. Take out $120 if you get the 3800X2
 
I don't have an extra 500 bucks to throw at this PC... But thanks for the advice. I would love to build a PC that nice. haha

I think I'll just get the 3700+ or something
 
well the shuttle is nice and small...if you don't wanna do that, you can save a lot by getting an Ultra Micro Fly or Qpack and then an mATX mobo...that will put you back round $175 for the two...plus a PSU put you around 275 or 250. You save $100 right there ;)
 
I've owned 3 or 4 Shuttles...and they're great but, I say get the qpack...a little more "Future Proof"...looks good...Small...and with the right stuff...a great gamer...

TopOff.jpg


DriversSideNew.jpg


PSU = Ultra X2 550w Titanium - $90.00 http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=373064

Mobo = Biostar TForce - $70.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138264

Case = X-Qpack - $75.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144109
 
I can see exactly where the OP view comes from. I was also into building an SFF a month back.(I'm sure you guys were bothered enough by my noobish questions)

However, I took things into consideration and decided a Shuttle (while being my "dream" compact power machine), just won't cut my performance need. I know that's debatable, but I feel like I MUST have a stand alone pci sound card AND a space between the sound card and the video card to ensure good air flow. Not to mention the already well beaten point, upgradability. With a shuttle, I can't achieve that... It pains me to not have that sleek SN25P on my desk.(Had my credit card and ready to plunk down 375 bones for it from Newegg one night)

In the end, I decided to go with the qpack and couldn't be happier... save for the sleek look and small size of the case... :(

OFF TOPIC: This may concern the OP current situation too actually. Going 64 bit set up. I decided to go Windows XP Pro x64. I got every driver in x64 bit version.... including my motherboard's chipset... but ALL my USB ports aren't 2.0!!! I'm in a state of dismay right now... I really despise having to wait for USB 1.1 speed. Madder even still that the bloody mobo HAS x64 drivers AND that it's suppose to sport USB 2.0! I have done all that I can to solve the issue, but to no avail. I'm fully up to date with windows updates if that's the first thing that pops in your mind.

I do realize that my mobo and cpu (or many other 64bit cpu) is very common amongst SFF systems. So, does ANYONE out there have this mobo and a 64bit processor managed to get USB 2.0 to work under windows xp pro x64?

PS sorry if I seem to thread jack, but that maybe a question you may consider too, right OP? *wink wink* :p
 
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