Computer Build - DB/Linux/file storage

[rtsposer]

I haven't built a *new* desktop system since summer 2000 and last time I did this I was in school and didn't have a "real" job so bear with me here for not being up to date on everything.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
GIS (geographic information systems) like ArcGIS, database work/programing (Oracle Express Edition, PostgreSQL, PostGIS?), light/entry-level development (Python, PLSQL, shell scripting), RAID enabled network storage for my network (looking for at least half a TB of redundant storage for 3 computers), POSSIBLE expansion into a media center/hub and light gaming (I don't need to be on the bleeding edge here but it'd be nice to have enough power to play modern games, maybe portal 2 when it comes out, but the last game i really played on a PC was fallout 3, before that it was Spore I think)

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
500-1000 $ I don't want to waste money on features I don't need though (in other words I'll spend what I can save on more hard drives or maybe more ram)

3) Where do you live?
Washington DC metro area (I'm aware of 2 microcenters I can drive to)

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
ATX-Motherboard, CPU, CPU-cooler?, RAM, PSU, Hard drives (3+?), prefer integrated features on motherboard for cost/space savings (audio, network, video if possible but will need those if not interated). possibly a bare-bones DVD-drive

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
Case - Antec p182 (older but pretty decent I think), wireless mouse & keyboard, 1080P HDTV (need HDMI or DVI compatibility), have access to an IDE DVD-ROM but maybe thats too dated to reuse?

6) Will you be overclocking?
Probably not, at least not for a few years. Its not a specific need but if I can have the option I won't turn it down.

7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
42" HDTV, but may end up remoting into it most of the time eventually.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Mid-April? A little flexible here if something brand new or a major price drop is about to happen.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video? etc.
prefer integrated video, crossfire or SLI support is a bonus for future upgrades but not an imeadiate concern (which is winning these days anyway?), SATA + RAID (0, 1, 5... 6, 10, JBOD?)

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Legal copy of win XP (Hah, I know...) and probably going to load Linux (Ubuntu/Xubuntu/Redhat?) and looking for room for multi-boot


Additional considerations:
I have no idea what kind of CPU is good for me. Is Intel still winning that fight? I have a couple core 2 duos on mac products, I assume an upgrade is in order for this build. I need help here, more interested in value/scalability than bleeding edge speed. Mild concern about heat/noise (CPU cooler) and power consumption as well as the effectiveness of the chipset that must interface with the CPU.

I've had good experiences with ASUS and hear they are still quality so I'm leaning that way.

I'm looking for a quiet system, my case is 'supposed' to be meant for that. Would prefer energy efficiency when possible, willing to accept minor performance drops for that as long as it doesn't affect longevity. My case has room for 7 internal hard drive native, possible more with adapters, while I don't see having more than 4-5 hard drives right off the bat I sort of want to be able to fill this sucker up just for kicks and giggles, whatever that might mean for a PSU. Does wake-on-lan get used on main stream computers anymore?

In the past, when working with older computers and a mix of parts, I've had issues integrating parts together on linux (reaching ceiling limits on hard drives/formats/partitions, BIOS issues, hardware compatibility... are the Linux distributions pretty good with their auto detect features? I hate hunting down drivers...)

What I'm thinking right now:
motherboard:
M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 Socket AM3 890 ATX AMD Motherboard ~155$
CPU:
Phenom II X4 Quad-Core Processor 955 Black Edition Boxed ~130$
Hard Drives:
Caviar Green 500GB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive WD5000AADS - OEM
*4 ~ $180 (3 in a RAID 5, 1 as a system disk?)
RAM:
Optima Series 4GB DDR3-1333 (PC3-10666) CL9 Desktop Memory Module ~55$
PSU:
No clue here, is TruePower Quattro 1200 Watt Modular ATX Power Supply @ ~300$ super overkill? It seems like overkill the more i think about it. what about True Power New 750w ATX Power Supply @~170? will that hold up if i expand to more hard drives an upgrade to crossfire video cards?
CPU Cooler:
Is no idea.

 

[Dangman]

3) Where do you live?
Washington DC metro area (I'm aware of 2 microcenters I can drive to)

Which ones? On the MC site, it lists all of the MC stores that exists. Please tell us which ones as MC stores tend to have different stock of certain parts.

have access to an IDE DVD-ROM but maybe thats too dated to reuse?

Yeah just get a SATA DVD burner. They're cheap at around $24 shipped.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Mid-April? A little flexible here if something brand new or a major price drop is about to happen.

A little too soon to start asking for build help. Whatever build list you or we come up with this week, post the list again a week before you buy to make sure that it's still good.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Legal copy of win XP (Hah, I know...) and probably going to load Linux (Ubuntu/Xubuntu/Redhat?) and looking for room for multi-boot

So no chance of Windows 7?

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video? etc.
prefer integrated video, crossfire or SLI support is a bonus for future upgrades but not an imeadiate concern (which is winning these days anyway?), SATA + RAID (0, 1, 5... 6, 10, JBOD?)

Additional considerations:
I have no idea what kind of CPU is good for me. Is Intel still winning that fight? I have a couple core 2 duos on mac products, I assume an upgrade is in order for this build. I need help here, more interested in value/scalability than bleeding edge speed. Mild concern about heat/noise (CPU cooler) and power consumption as well as the effectiveness of the chipset that must interface with the CPU.

I've had good experiences with ASUS and hear they are still quality so I'm leaning that way.

I'm looking for a quiet system, my case is 'supposed' to be meant for that. Would prefer energy efficiency when possible, willing to accept minor performance drops for that as long as it doesn't affect longevity.

Yeah your requirements fits both AMD and Intel actually. Your requirement for onboard video, overclocking, Crossfire and price to performance ratio (assuming that you can still take advantage of Microcenter's AMD CPU + mobo combo deals) pretty much means AMD. Your requirement for overclocking, RAID 5 (assuming that you're using Windows), energy efficiency, Crossfire, and SLI means Intel.

Does wake-on-lan get used on main stream computers anymore?

Still a feature found even in very low-end motherboards. So it's definitely getting used somehow.

In the past, when working with older computers and a mix of parts, I've had issues integrating parts together on linux (reaching ceiling limits on hard drives/formats/partitions, BIOS issues, hardware compatibility... are the Linux distributions pretty good with their auto detect features? I hate hunting down drivers...)

Good and up-to-date Linux distros are pretty good with auto-detect features. However there are still occasions where you're gonna have to hunt down drivers.

Hard Drives:
Caviar Green 500GB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive WD5000AADS - OEM
*4 ~ $180 (3 in a RAID 5, 1 as a system disk?)

Yeah those drives are completely unsuitable for a RAID 5 array as they do not have a certain feature needed for most RAID controllers. You need to use Hitachi or Samsung drives like these:
$65 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

PSU:
No clue here, is TruePower Quattro 1200 Watt Modular ATX Power Supply @ ~300$ super overkill? It seems like overkill the more i think about it. what about True Power New 750w ATX Power Supply @~170? will that hold up if i expand to more hard drives an upgrade to crossfire video cards?

Yes the Antec 1200W PSU is overkill. You listed the wrong price for the Truepower New 750W since it costs $100 to $120 on Newegg. Whether or not it'll be enough for Crossfire depends on which AMD cards and which CPU you're planning on using.

 

[rtsposer]

Which ones? On the MC site, it lists all of the MC stores that exists. Please tell us which ones as MC stores tend to have different stock of certain parts.

Rockville MD or Fairfax VA

So no chance of Windows 7?

OK, so I've decided I probably need this, will a home version suffice instead of Pro? Does 64 bit really outshine 32 bit? I'm I correct in thinking there is a lower memory ceiling on the 32 bit version? Then again the first time I looked I had a hard time finding 64 bit versions but I checked again and there is a 64 bit professional version up now on microcenter, I assume I want that if its available? I don't have vista, I assume I need a full version and not an upgrade.

Yeah your requirements fits both AMD and Intel actually.

So I think I've settled on Intel i5 with SLI support (for CUDA)

Yeah those drives are completely unsuitable for a RAID 5 array as they do not have a certain feature needed for most RAID controllers.

Dually noted, though if I'm going to buy 1 TB drives I'll probably use RAID 1 and partition (I assume I can partition RAID 1?). Related question, would it make more sense to NOT use RAID and simple schedule a comprehensive weekly/on demand save? My requirements don't include 24-7 up time. The reason I ask is that for some reason I think if I do fewer read/writes then a hard drive should last longer. If I mirror 2 drives the odds of them failing at the same time are low, but I'd assume the odds of them having comparable lifespans with identical usage are higher? Is my logic flawed (all other things being equal that is, which I acknowledge they won't be...)

Yes the Antec 1200W PSU is overkill. You listed the wrong price for the Truepower New 750W since it costs $100 to $120 on Newegg. Whether or not it'll be enough for Crossfire depends on which AMD cards and which CPU you're planning on using.

Let us assume I'm using the following configuration, will 750 watts of Antec be enough? What about expansion into higher end cards as described below?


New Build List For Consideration

Note, new requirements:
I'm abandoning integrated video. Perfer dual screen support but not mandatory. The new requirement is CUDA capable Nvidia GPU. From what I have read this means a Fermi/GF108 GPU family I'm referencing wikipedia right now and having a hard time getting a straight answer... I THINK this means I need one of the following: GT 430, GT 440, GTS 450, or something even more expensive...

Here is the wrinkle, while I want the ability to expand to a multi-card SLI setup I don't need my initial card to be SLI compatible as long as I can practice coding/using CUDA support and save the dual/triple SLI cards for a later upgrade in a year or two. I haven't read up on SLI yet so I don't know if I can mix and match or if I need two identical cards but I don't think that matters for now since I'm resigned to having an extra non-SLI CUDA card when all is said and done anyway. The motherboard I'm after now says its SLI compatible and the power supply I've chosen says it is SLI certified to some degree at least.

So here is the new list:

Intel Core i5 2400 LGA 1155 Boxed Processor ~150$
ASUS P8P67 Pro-R3 LGA 1155 ATX Intel Motherboard ~190$
Crucial 4GB DDR3-1333 (PC3-10600) ECC Desktop Memo ~65$
Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7,200 RPM ~60$ (*2 = 120$)

VIDEO CARDS:
Initial: ASUS ENGT430DI1GD3LP NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 1024MB ~80$
In a year or two, something like 2-3 ASUS ENGTS450DI1GD5 NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450 1024MB, I realize I'm sort of gambling here but I have to hope I'll be able to buy 2 SLI-CUDA video cards in a year or two.

Antec Earthwatts 750W ATX Power Supply ~110$
Will this be expandable to multiple SLI cards and the additon of new hard drives over time? Should I just worry about power requirements later on in life not try and future proof this particular part? Assuming one video card and 2-4 hard drives with current setup, will the power my current build?

I haven't scraped the heatsinkfan sub-forums yet but according to the website there is only one item at micro center that is compatible with the LGA 155 CPU which is Swiftech Polaris 120 Universal Heatsink, or is this a joke because the CPU sockets are inter-compatible as far as heatsinks go? Or will the OEM cooler meet my needs?

Windows 7 Pro 64 bit-OEM ~160$ I think?

-------

So, what am I missing, and where am I being stupid? Thanks!

 

[Dangman]

OK, so I've decided I probably need this, will a home version suffice instead of Pro? Does 64 bit really outshine 32 bit? I'm I correct in thinking there is a lower memory ceiling on the 32 bit version? Then again the first time I looked I had a hard time finding 64 bit versions but I checked again and there is a 64 bit professional version up now on microcenter, I assume I want that if its available? I don't have vista, I assume I need a full version and not an upgrade.
.....
Windows 7 Pro 64 bit-OEM ~160$ I think?

Windows 7 Home Premium will be enough. 64bit does allow for more RAM. MC will have the 7 Home Premium in store. You want either the retail or OEM/system builder versions.

Dually noted, though if I'm going to buy 1 TB drives I'll probably use RAID 1 and partition (I assume I can partition RAID 1?). Related question, would it make more sense to NOT use RAID and simple schedule a comprehensive weekly/on demand save? My requirements don't include 24-7 up time. The reason I ask is that for some reason I think if I do fewer read/writes then a hard drive should last longer. If I mirror 2 drives the odds of them failing at the same time are low, but I'd assume the odds of them having comparable lifespans with identical usage are higher? Is my logic flawed (all other things being equal that is, which I acknowledge they won't be...)

Yes you can partition RAID 1. Your logic is flawed. having fewer read/writes doesn't affect the life of the hard drive that much. I do recommend just scheduling a comprehensive weekly/on demand save as that it will protect far better against accidental or malicious deletion, corruption, modification, or infection of your data than RAID 1.

Let us assume I'm using the following configuration, will 750 watts of Antec be enough? What about expansion into higher end cards as described below?

Yes for that setup. But there are a lot of issues with that setup.

Intel Core i5 2400 LGA 1155 Boxed Processor ~150$
......
Crucial 4GB DDR3-1333 (PC3-10600) ECC Desktop Memo ~65$

While that RAM will work, you won't be able to use the ECC features at all. So you're basically paying extra cash for nothing. Go find a 1.5V DDR3 1333 RAM set for around $40 to $50. Something like this:
$41 - G.Skill Ripjaw Series F3-10666CL9S-4GBRL 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM

VIDEO CARDS:
Initial: ASUS ENGT430DI1GD3LP NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 1024MB ~80$
In a year or two, something like 2-3 ASUS ENGTS450DI1GD5 NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450 1024MB, I realize I'm sort of gambling here but I have to hope I'll be able to buy 2 SLI-CUDA video cards in a year or two.

Yeah, GTS 450 1GB SLI is a very very poor plan. The performance isn't there and there are single GPUs out there that will outperform the GTS 450 1GB SLI for around the same price. I.e the GTX 560 Ti, GTX 570, etc. Not to mention that there's a really good chance that the GTS 450 cards will not be available at a reasonable price in 8 months let alone 1-2 years from now.

Antec Earthwatts 750W ATX Power Supply ~110$
Will this be expandable to multiple SLI cards and the additon of new hard drives over time? Should I just worry about power requirements later on in life not try and future proof this particular part? Assuming one video card and 2-4 hard drives with current setup, will the power my current build?

That PSU will be enough for your current build but it's a really really poor buy at $110. That particular PSU should not cost more than $80. Any more and you're getting ripped off there. go for the higher quality and larger Antec Truepower New 750 that you linked to earlier:
$90 - Antec Truepower New TP-750 750W PSU

The above Antec may be enough for SLI but it depends on the power consumption of the Nvidia cards that are coming out in the 1-2 years.

I haven't scraped the heatsinkfan sub-forums yet but according to the website there is only one item at micro center that is compatible with the LGA 155 CPU which is Swiftech Polaris 120 Universal Heatsink, or is this a joke because the CPU sockets are inter-compatible as far as heatsinks go? Or will the OEM cooler meet my needs?

Unless it gets really warm in your case or home, the OEM HSF will be fine. The HSF for socket LGA 1155 and LGA 1156 are interchangeable. So if it says LGA 1156 supported, then it'll work just fine with Sandy Bridge. If you want 3rd party, then I recommend this HSF:
$30 - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus HSF for LGA 1366 and LGA 1156

 

[rtsposer]

Thanks for all the advice/help. I also just realized the motherboard I was interested in is out of stock almost everywhere... then I learned why ( a SATA related recall or something?). I'll spend the time waiting for new/comparable ones to come out reading more about video cards in the mean time.

 

[Dangman]

Thanks for all the advice/help. I also just realized the motherboard I was interested in is out of stock almost everywhere... then I learned why ( a SATA related recall or something?). I'll spend the time waiting for new/comparable ones to come out reading more about video cards in the mean time.

That recall was 2 months ago. The updated motherboards are already coming out.