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CrazyMrB

Gawd
Joined
Jul 24, 2002
Messages
522
I'm going to grad school this August (Ph.D. in I-O/psychometrics), and need a desktop that can keep up. I want fast SPSS/SAS performance--I know that it's not like I'm waiting around a long time anyway, but speed is the name of the game. I need to handle huge Excel files too. I'm going to try to learn R, but so far I've only taken a few steps. I also need something that can convert videos (divx, xvid, hd, wmv, mov, etc), and serve as my in-home recording studio. I don't really game, so that really isn't a major concern.

I'm not sure if I should go dual- or quad-core because I don't know of SPSS, SAS, or R are designed for that type of activity. Keep in mind that I'm going to grad school, and my only job will be an assistantship--so...keep it cheap.

What comes to mind? Thanks for the help.

Right now I'm running:
Pentium D: 805 @ 3.0GHz
1.5 GB 667MHz DDR2
160 GB WD
320 GB Seagate
Radeon x800something-or-another
Audigy 2
16x DVDRW
 
I just found out that certain features of SPSS are designed for multiple cpu's. Since dual-core is the minimum (but the budget should be kept at the minimum too), what do you guys suggest?

I know the the intel's core2 chips are the fastest chips available, but they're also expensive. As far as dollar for dollar, would I be better off going Intel or AMD. I want more than two cores (should I?), but I don't really have core2quad money. However, I could probably drum up the cash for an x3 (8x50) or low end x4 if I really stretch the budget.

I have built computers before, so doing my own upgrades is really more an issue of time and energy than anything else.

Does anyone have a suggestion about a set up?
 
Hmm..
Well first, whats the set budget you want to stay under? having that will make it easier to help. Also, will you be reusing anything from your current machine in the new one?

If you want quad, intel's q6600 would probably be the best. Because of the budget though that may be a bit too much. Looking at core 2 duo, they can come pritty cheap, so once you find how much you can put into it, might be able to narrow it down.

AMD's prices on multicore processors seem to be compedative price wise, but since I dont know anything about them really, I'll save that for someone else.

Well, set a budget or something and I'll come back and try to help =D.
 
I'd like to reuse as much as possible from my old system (22" monitor, kb/mouse, speakers, hdd's, dvdrw, and ram, if necessary). That said, I guess I have about ~$400 for processor, hs/fan, mobo, case/psu, more ram.

If needed, I can recycle the video card, but, honestly, all I really need is enough graphics punch to use vista ultimate (x64) at 1680x1050 or, if christmas turns out nice, 1920x1200 and 1680x1050 (after the purchase of a new video card). The only other reason I may need a better video card is for playing high definition content on my computer, but even low end nvidia/amd cards have tricks for that.

Thanks.
 
$400 is a pretty tight budget for an upgrade like this. I think a quad is going to be out of your price range. I'd go with an E7200 ($130), an Antec case/psu combo ($100), a cheap P35 board ($75), and at least 2GB of DDR2 800 ($40). That leaves you with $55 to allocate between an HSF, more RAM, and a video card. If it were me, I'd go for the RAM and recycle your video card and see how high you can get the CPU on stock HSF, then maybe upgrade your video card and HSF come christmas time instead of jumping up to a bigger monitor.
 
If you're satisfied with 1.5GB of RAM, you can reuse your old RAM. If you're willing to do a little overclocking, I recommend getting this:
Intel Pentium Dual Core E2180 CPU - $70
Xigmatek HDT-S963 92mm Rifle HSF - $25
Gigabyte GA-P31-S3G Intel P35 Motherboard - $65
Antec NSK4480 ATX Case with Antec Earthwatts 380W PSU - $71
---
Total: $231 plus tax and shipping.

Just reuse your old drives, RAM and video card and you'll be set. It'll perform better than most AMD setups out there and your current Pentium D once you OC it.

However if you don't want to OC, then definitely go with an AMD build then. AMD has recently announced a price cut for their CPUs so their CPUs are even more of a bargain. The dual-core X2 6000+ and 5000+ will drop to $112 and $66 respectively. In fact the X2 6000+ can already be found for $113. The tri-core X3 8450 will drop to $125. However it will still get beat by the E7200.

EDIT: Hmmm, another alternative build:
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 CPU - $130
Gigabyte GA-P35-S3G Intel P35 Motherboard - $75
G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $84
Antec NSK4480 ATX Case with Antec Earthwatts 380W PSU - $71
---
Total: $360 plus tax and shipping
 
Itchy & Danny, thank you both. I'll start pooling my money, but I'll also keep my eyes on how the amd products' bang/buck ratio changes after the price drops take effect.

I'll definitely look into the $230 oc bundle once I make sure that I can secure an apartment with air conditioning.
 
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