Help me chose a PC.

[u4ia]

I'm definately not a newbie when it comes to computers, but I'm having one hell of a hard time coming up with a new build. My current box is an XP2200 and 512mb of ram that I've had for over 2 years (maybe 3), and it is still doing a good job, I just want something fresh. I'm a power internet user, and I do quit a bit of image manipulation, as well as video editing.

Total spent can't be above $400 for CPU/MOBO/RAM.

I'm just having a hard time debating in my head, whether I should go with an AMD XP chip, or a 64bit AMD and if I go 64bit, just what type. 7xx or 9xx.

I am partial to MSI motherboards, and I'd like to stay with them.

RAM boggles me, it used to be any memory would do, unless you were trying to get high overclocks. Is this still the case? I can't see how a $300 1gb combo could be THAT much better than $150 1gb kingston value combo, unless it's for overclocking. If someone could give me insight on RAM, I'd appreciate it.

I'm trying to make this all as quiet as possible, so I'm going to be using an Antec Sonata Case, and a Zalman HSF. I have a new 80gig Seagate hard drive, but its just a 7200rpm IDE, is a SATA drive THAT Much of an improvement?

I have all the other stuff I need, such as dvd burner, video card, sound card, etc.

I just don't need a monster $1,000 system, especially when I won't see the performance increases to myself. I don't game or do anything like that. Just a power internet user.

Oh ya, and links to NewEgg would rock, they're the only place I shop.

 

[CrAzYsPyDeR]

I've had no issues with my AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (754?) i think thats it an i use the MSI K8T Neo FSIR Board , paired with 1 gig of ram an a geforce 6800 gt no problems playing any games . i love the setup

 

[u4ia]

I'm not worried about the products, I just want more real world "claims" from other [H]ard users.

Looking for a recommendation on RAM, and a processor basically.

 

[atomicnacho]

Socket 939 for future upgrades, 754 is pretty much dead already.

 

[Dillusion]

I'm definately not a newbie when it comes to computers, but I'm having one hell of a hard time coming up with a new build. My current box is an XP2200 and 512mb of ram that I've had for over 2 years (maybe 3), and it is still doing a good job, I just want something fresh. I'm a power internet user, and I do quit a bit of image manipulation, as well as video editing.

with what you are 'using' it for, an AMD would be the worst. An LGA775 P4 system would be in order, and more than marginally faster. But almost 20% slower in games.

Ide go with this for "power internet user, and I do quit a bit of image manipulation, as well as video editing":

Patriot Signature Series Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC3200, Model PSD1G400KH - Retail
ASUS "P5P800" 865PE Chipset Motherboard For Intel LGA 775 CPU -RETAIL
Intel LGA 775 Pentium 4 530 3.0 GHz, 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology - Retail

Thats the new LGA775 intel processor @ 3ghz with an 865PE asus mobo and a gig of dual channel ram to boot (with fancy heatspreaders) it comes out to 430$ shipped.. you will notice a HUGE improvement over a 2200+/512Mb ram with the combo above. especially in the tasks you listed.

as far as ram goes, yes, you only pay more for the name brand, and the rated speed for overclockability.

 

[u4ia]

Thank you Dillusion, this is exactly the type of information I was wanting.

About the retail Intel heatsinks, how do they fare (noise wise)? I would really like this system to be fairly quiet, hence the Antec case. I suppose I can get a Zalman for the intel processor as well, but I haven't looked into it.

Thanks a ton!

 

[jterrell]

I wouldn't go p4 but that is a solid build suggested above.

I'd go 939 (90nm) 3000+ with the same brand Ram but the lower latency version and the Soltek 939 board.
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-006&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-180-064&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-501&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

Thats 475 shipped all form newegg but outpost.com had the same memory for 15 bucks cheaper and monarch computer had the processor for about 10 bucks cheaper.

That system would be upgradeable to at least a 4000+ and 4 gig of ram. The 90 nm chips run WAYYYYYY cooler than the intel crap or even the older amd chips.

You would have better performance across the board and huge overclockability if you so chose.

Intell is pushing btx form factor and pci-express right now so I dont know how much upgradeability their systems will have if any by even the end of 2005.

 

[KoolDrew]

I wouldn't go p4 but that is a solid build suggested above.

For his needs a P4 system would be better.

 

[Chelica]

For his needs a P4 system would be better.

Agreed

 

[Dillusion]

Agreed

i win though a 939 system will perform pretty well, it will be beat by a P4 for his needs, im not saying dont go with a 939 setup, im saying theres no need or reason too

 

[Dillusion]

Thank you Dillusion, this is exactly the type of information I was wanting.

About the retail Intel heatsinks, how do they fare (noise wise)? I would really like this system to be fairly quiet, hence the Antec case. I suppose I can get a Zalman for the intel processor as well, but I haven't looked into it.

Thanks a ton!

oh, and the intel heatsink uses the new 4-pin connector, its great for temp/quietness ratio. under load it speeds up and under normal use it is quiet as a mouse, i like it (though i upgraded since i OC), and yes, zalman makes an adapter for the 7000CU/ALCU that makes it fit on an LGA775 board:

http://store.yahoo.com/svcompucycle/zm-cs1-75.html

 

[north1]

The P4 recommendation brings up 2 issues that I've also been wondering about:

1.) What, if any, potential future benefits are you giving up by not getting a 64-bit processor?
2.) Is the Intel heat sink and fan adequate for the Prescott models? I've heard several people recommend Northwoods, even though they have a smaller cache, because of overheating issues on the Prescotts which have minimal performance gains.

 

[Dillusion]

1) Non, a 64-bit Windows wont be out until late 2005/2006, in which case youll have upgraded again anyway, and by then intel will have a 64bit counterpart with THIS socket

2) No overheating issues at all in a well ventialted case wwith at least 2 fans....unless you dont install the HSF right, or dont use it at all, youll be fine

 

[Laforge]

One thing I will say is

That "Patriot" brand "PDP" ram is so close in price to CORSAIR memory.. I'd rather have corsair or crucial when the price is so close than some 'off-brand' -- even for a "non-uber performance" system.

 

[Sc0rched]

The system I am on right now is a 3.2Ghz P4 Prescott LGA775, 1GB Corsair RAM PN: (CM2X512-5400C4), ASUS P5AD2 Deluxe (i925X). I put this PC together for Picture Editing, Internet surfing, video editing, and other basic functions. It runs fast, and from what I notice it opens and runs programs like Photoshop faster then the FX rig in my sig. Also, It is using stock cooling right now, with no problems. The case is Antec P-160 (Aluminum with 1 120MM Fan). It is a little loud, but not unbearable. If you plan to overclock or anything I would recommend a better heatsink like a XP-120 (for cooling/quietness). Processor is about 53C under load, Motherboard is 41C, and case is 26/30C.

 

[Dillusion]

One thing I will say is

That "Patriot" brand "PDP" ram is so close in price to CORSAIR memory.. I'd rather have corsair or crucial when the price is so close than some 'off-brand' -- even for a "non-uber performance" system.

the PDP ram is close in price to the VALUE corsair memory, which is basically not them at all, just their name. they are an up and coming company just like PQI ... they have great products and good service, everyone starts somewhere, and the best part is, theyre american.