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I'd be grateful for help with a new system build.
Background: I have a system that is about 2.5 years old that I built with help from people here. I'm seeing frequent (a few times a week) crashing (memory errors or similar) and then also times when upon startup I get video errors. I plan to take this system apart and use it for a backup, but I'd like to put together a new primary system. I'd really appreciate everyone's help with this. I'm a computing professional, but not really a hardware guy. Whenever it comes time to build a new system I immerse myself on things here at this site to try to figure out the best components.
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
My primary use is running business software, although I will also use it for some gaming. (Gaming expectations are not high performance. Civilization V is my favorite game.) Being able to run widescreen dual monitors is a key concern.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
A target is $3,000, but that is flexible. I usually put together a new system every 2-3 years and try to use the best equipment available at that time to get a system with good longevity. I can spend more if it is worth it.
3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
U.S. I live in eastern TN. Johnson City.
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.
I have a set of parts I'll be reusing (see next question). Other than that I need everything. I think that would mean (1) case, (2) motherboard, (3) processor, (4) memory, (5) power supply, (6) video card(s). My biggest concern is figuring out the best option for (2) and (6). I also will need some desktop speakers. Right now I'm doing HDMI audio from one of my monitors, and it stinks. I'd like my budget to cover (1)-(6).
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
I have two Dell UltraSharp U3415W 34-inch Curved LED monitors that I'll be re-using. I also have a couple of SSDs I will probably use as 2nd or 3rd drives. Although I don't have it yet, I plan to purchase a Samsung 850 Pro SSD drive as the primary system drive. (Unless someone talks me out of this.) I have a blu-ray writer I'll put in as an optical drive (although I rarely need it).
6) Will you be overclocking?
No. At least that's not what I have planned
7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
3440 x 1440 times 2 monitors. Each monitor is 34 inches.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
I'm ready to start ordering components now, but I'm assuming it will take a few days for some replies here and for me to do my own research. I'd hope to have this built before Christmas.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.
USB 3.0 definitely. Don't think I'll do RAID. As far as Crossfire or SLI, I need advice. Right now I'm running a single GeForce GTX 660 video card to drive both monitors. It doesn't seem up to the task. Probably SATA 6Gbps to get the most out of the SSD. I don't currently own anything that would require eSATA. Onboard video--not important. UEFI sounds good.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
I plan to install a properly licensed Windows 10 64 bit.
I feel like the component that is the biggest mystery to me is video cards. I don't need anything for high-end gaming, but I need something that will drive these two beasts of a monitor well in an environment where I do serious multitasking.
Background: I have a system that is about 2.5 years old that I built with help from people here. I'm seeing frequent (a few times a week) crashing (memory errors or similar) and then also times when upon startup I get video errors. I plan to take this system apart and use it for a backup, but I'd like to put together a new primary system. I'd really appreciate everyone's help with this. I'm a computing professional, but not really a hardware guy. Whenever it comes time to build a new system I immerse myself on things here at this site to try to figure out the best components.
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
My primary use is running business software, although I will also use it for some gaming. (Gaming expectations are not high performance. Civilization V is my favorite game.) Being able to run widescreen dual monitors is a key concern.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
A target is $3,000, but that is flexible. I usually put together a new system every 2-3 years and try to use the best equipment available at that time to get a system with good longevity. I can spend more if it is worth it.
3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
U.S. I live in eastern TN. Johnson City.
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.
I have a set of parts I'll be reusing (see next question). Other than that I need everything. I think that would mean (1) case, (2) motherboard, (3) processor, (4) memory, (5) power supply, (6) video card(s). My biggest concern is figuring out the best option for (2) and (6). I also will need some desktop speakers. Right now I'm doing HDMI audio from one of my monitors, and it stinks. I'd like my budget to cover (1)-(6).
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
I have two Dell UltraSharp U3415W 34-inch Curved LED monitors that I'll be re-using. I also have a couple of SSDs I will probably use as 2nd or 3rd drives. Although I don't have it yet, I plan to purchase a Samsung 850 Pro SSD drive as the primary system drive. (Unless someone talks me out of this.) I have a blu-ray writer I'll put in as an optical drive (although I rarely need it).
6) Will you be overclocking?
No. At least that's not what I have planned
7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
3440 x 1440 times 2 monitors. Each monitor is 34 inches.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
I'm ready to start ordering components now, but I'm assuming it will take a few days for some replies here and for me to do my own research. I'd hope to have this built before Christmas.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.
USB 3.0 definitely. Don't think I'll do RAID. As far as Crossfire or SLI, I need advice. Right now I'm running a single GeForce GTX 660 video card to drive both monitors. It doesn't seem up to the task. Probably SATA 6Gbps to get the most out of the SSD. I don't currently own anything that would require eSATA. Onboard video--not important. UEFI sounds good.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
I plan to install a properly licensed Windows 10 64 bit.
I feel like the component that is the biggest mystery to me is video cards. I don't need anything for high-end gaming, but I need something that will drive these two beasts of a monitor well in an environment where I do serious multitasking.
