<$2000 Business Computer

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M

Mr Bob

Golden Member
Sep 6, 2004
1,757
12
81
I am trying to piece together a computer that is less than $2000 w/ a 19"/20" LCD Flat Panel Monitor. This will be a business machine, and will not need a lot of graphics card power.

The computer will not be used for games, but will be using video editing software. The case needs to be durable, long lasting, and not cheaply made. It has to run fast, the P4 @ 3.0ghz is most likely fast enough.

This is a system that will not be upgraded for a long time. The parts need to last long.

Comments &amp; suggestions are welcome. I would like to change a few things around in order to bring the price down. Will this configuration work? Is there something better for the money? Keep in mind that I do not want to use raid, or a water cooling system.

I shopped around for a bit, read a few reviews here and there, and this is what I have put together:
Price: $121.00 Motherboard: ASUS P4P800-E Deluxe
Price: $185.00 CPU: Intel Pentium 4/ 3.0E GHz 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology
Price: $286.09 RAM: PC3200 1GB(2x512MB) Dual-Channel Optimized 400MHz - CAS 2.0 - Ultra Performance Chips
Price: $64.00 1st Drive CD RW: Sony CRX320AU DVD 16x + CD-RW 52x32x52 Combo Drive Retail
Price: $82.00 2nd Drive DVD RW: 171017Pioneer DVR108BK 16X Dual Layer DVD Bare Drive (Black)
Price: $155.99 Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech diNovo Media Desktop
Price: $175.06 1st Hard Drive: Westen Digital 74GB Raptor
Price: $112.00 2nd Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3160827AS 160GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer
Price: $184.82 Video Card: ATI 128MB AGP Video Card with RADEON 9800 PRO 3D Chip
Price: $159.00 Case w/ PS: ASPIRE X-Navigator Silver/Black Aluminum ATX Mid-Tower Case with side window and 500W PS
Price: $749.00 Monitor: UltraSharp 2001FP 20.1-inch Flat Panel LCD Monitor with Height Adjustable Stand
Price: $10.99 Floppy: SONY Black 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive

Total Price: $$2,184.64 w/ shipping

The model numbers for everything, going from top to bottom are:
P4P800-E DELUXE
BX80546PG3000E
HCC40010242HDC-KNCHSI
CRX320AU
DVR108BLACK
967312-0403
WD740GD
ST3160827AS
100435002
ATXA8NW-AL/500
2001FP
MPF920
 
M

Mik3y

Banned
Mar 2, 2004
7,089
0
0
you really dont need to go for the faster ram. just stick with valueram if you're not ocing. as for a case and psu, you're choice is pretty bad. i highly recommend the antec sonata.
 
M

Mr Bob

Golden Member
Sep 6, 2004
1,757
12
81
I took a quick look at the antec sonata, doesn't seem to be that great. At least from what I read, I don't see what makes it that great of a case.

Have a link to some better ram that is CL 2.0?

I have PC3200 1GB in my main PC, I think it works fine for me. Maybe I could just try that, but I forget where I got it now...
 
D

DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
Overclocking a business machine is a bad idea, since data corruption is much more serious than if it's just in a game you're playing. So buy a CPU that's as fast as you need at stock speed.

I second the recommendation for Antec Sonata, it's what I have for my P4 3.2C system. The stock power supply is fine for your parts (my system is the Asus P4C800E-Deluxe, P4 3.2C, fx5900 video, 1 GB, 2 HD, 2 optical, Audigy).

For stock speed, value / basic RAM is fine.

The Radeon 9800 Pro is more than you need for a business system. Consider a 9550, 9600, etc. You might even find a fanless model, for lower noise and one less thing to break in the system. The 3D engine has zero effect on video editing.

Do a search in Hot Deals to find the Dell deal / coupon sites (rasputinj?), you might be able to save some on the LCD.

If noise is something you care about (enough to spend $37), a Zalman CNPS7000B-Alcu heatsink/fan is much quieter and a little cooler than the stock intel HSF. Zalman cool quiet
I know it fits the P4C800E motherboard, not sure if it fits the P4P.
 
D

DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
For the RAM, you really just need some $60-70 a stick Mushkin, Corsair, Crucial, etc.
 
M

Mr Bob

Golden Member
Sep 6, 2004
1,757
12
81
Hey dave, thanks for the great advice again :)

At stock speed, this CPU is pretty fast. I have it in mine, and I think it is fast enough for what this computer will be used for. Overclocking is something that will not be done on this machine.

Dell is having a pretty large sale coming up very shortly, if there is a good deal on their LCDs, I will definately use it. I thought all of the dell deals were dead now that it has passed the 1st of the new year, but I will search around. I do not plan to purchase this system for at least a few more days.

The Antec Sonata looks very ugly. I don't see what would be good about it... I did some more searches, and it seems like people are happy with it, but I still don't think it looks that great. I would much rather spend another $20-$50 to get something that looks better. Do you have any other suggestions on cases that look better than the Antec Sonata?
 
A

apeboyeee

Member
Dec 22, 2004
93
0
0
The system seems kind of expensive

1. I suggest searching for some of the parts on pricewatch, but make sure the retailer has a decent review rating. For example you can save $12 on the CPU (shipped) if you check on pricewatch and purchase from pcboost.

2. Check techbargains and see if you can use some of the stackable discounts they have for your dell Monitor. I am currently using the monitor that you have listed, and I got it for $640 shipped. right now they are going for around $550 shipped if you look for the % discount coupons stacked with the stackable $45 off $500 coupons.

3. I agree with value ram, prob could get 1gig of corsair 2.5 latency for $150 (not shipped)

4. Why not use the for sale/trade forum? I found out about it 2 weeks ago, and have found incredible deals. You could save a lot of money,but if time is a factor for you, then I guess newegg and pricewatch are good bets.

Hope this helped.

Andy

 
W

w00t

Diamond Member
Nov 5, 2004
5,545
0
0
get Corsair value ram probably get 2 gigs for the same price as that one gig since that one gig is ment for some ocing. also why not get an a64 the 9800pro is kinda a ripoff i would recommend 6600gt. that case is ewwie. i like that keyboard too if i didnt game but man that is a ripoof.

so pretty much
1. get a64
2. get a64 mobo
3. dont get corair xms and get corsair value ram cas latency 2.5
4. make sure you get some coupons on that 2001fp before you buy it will save your lotz of money.
4 get 6600gt better card than 9800pro and good bang for buck
5 the case is personel pref. but that case is just ugly get something nice like a lian li.
5 nice heatsink but get all copper.
 
M

Mr Bob

Golden Member
Sep 6, 2004
1,757
12
81
Thanks Andy.

I won't buy the dell lcd at the $700 price. It was down to $564 back in November. The stupid hot deals threads keeps coming up with the 11/4 sale on the monitor.

I spent around 30 minutes trying to find good prices. The reason it is so expensive, is because I have a few things that I shouldn't. Like the expensive ram and video card.

I love the ram I have, and think I will use it for this system, I have been told by a few people that CS2.0 is better to get. If this is going to be something that will not be upgraded for many years, I think it is best to spend the extra $50 and get something better.

From what I originally posted, I think I should use this ram: http://www.hardcorecooling.us/...IEWPROD&amp;ProdID=462
And the Radeon 9600 Video Card.

But I am very much open to input. If this setup is something that totally needs to be revised, then by all means tell me where to start. When I finally decide to buy, I will look for a less expensive place to purchase various items. if the store looks good on resellerratings.com, then I will most likely save a couple bucks and go their.

-----
w00t
- Thanks for the advice, but why would I get a 6600gt?

-----
Just to add, I will be purchasing TWO of the exact same computers. So every part I buy, I will buy two of.
 
G

Gigante

Member
Jan 5, 2005
38
0
0
Dell items go on sale often, they usually always have deals they offer on something, just gotta wait for a monitor deal.
 
W

w00t

Diamond Member
Nov 5, 2004
5,545
0
0
6600gt will last u

ram 1gig vs 2gig? what do you think?

and but i have to say get a new case! lian li?
 
M

Mr Bob

Golden Member
Sep 6, 2004
1,757
12
81
I have been waiting for awhile on a good dell deal.

At first, I was thinking about just getting two good dell computers, but then I figured I could prolly save some $ and get something better. I just won't get the ability to call a toll free support number and speak to some dude named Nbtnuibni in some town in India.
 
Googer

Googer

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
12,576
7
81
Originally posted by: apeboyeee
The system seems kind of expensive

1. I suggest searching for some of the parts on pricewatch, but make sure the retailer has a decent review rating. For example you can save $12 on the CPU (shipped) if you check on pricewatch and purchase from pcboost.

2. Check techbargains and see if you can use some of the stackable discounts they have for your dell Monitor. I am currently using the monitor that you have listed, and I got it for $640 shipped. right now they are going for around $550 shipped if you look for the % discount coupons stacked with the stackable $45 off $500 coupons.

3. I agree with value ram, prob could get 1gig of corsair 2.5 latency for $150 (not shipped)

4. Why not use the for sale/trade forum? I found out about it 2 weeks ago, and have found incredible deals. You could save a lot of money,but if time is a factor for you, then I guess newegg and pricewatch are good bets.

Hope this helped.

Andy
Click to expand...




I can remember 10 years ago an el-cheapo buisness machince costing $2,200-2,500.


An athlon64 3000+ 939 would be a better choice for a buiseness machine, because the p4 you buy today wont be able to run Windows XP 64bit when it comes along. And then you will have to start over and get a new machine, so much for ROI (return on investment); Because Intel processors have some of the worst ROI in the buisness.
940 is a better choice over 939 for Buisness it will have a longer upgrade and part avalabity life because of its use in servers.


Get rid of any video card over $75 you don't need it unless you are running earthviewer 3d, which I doubt since it run on nVIDIA only, and anything with more than 32-64mb of Video Memory is overkill.
Also the Ram IS overkill for a buisness machine, the differance between 222 and 333 @ ddr400 is %2-6 and the cost is 125%-200% more over standard ram. For a buisness machine Go with registerd DDR it is a much wiser choice. Corsair makes great memory, but skip it in favor of Crucial
 
M

Mr Bob

Golden Member
Sep 6, 2004
1,757
12
81
It has always come off as Intel being a better choice for a business machine, and AMD better for gaming.

When this 64 bit version of windows comes out, there will only be a few people using it. Most people will not upgrade their entire machine to use this, just because of how expensive it would be to switch everything to a 64 bit processor.

I don't it would be a wise decision to use a 64 bit processor now, hoping that it would be better for the long term when window's 64 bit os comes out. Most people won't upgrade their computers, I know I won't...
 
Googer

Googer

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
12,576
7
81
What kind of Programs are you going to be running?
and save the money on extreme memory, get 2gb of standard JDEC ram instead of 1gb of the extreme stuff.
 
M

Mr Bob

Golden Member
Sep 6, 2004
1,757
12
81
There will always be around 10 different applications running at the same time.

I can't really reveal what they are, but most of them are simple, and will not require much computing power. Then there is Adobe Photoshop CS, plus another piece of software that will render virtual tours.

I have been happy with the ram I have in mine, why would that be overkill?
 
Googer

Googer

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
12,576
7
81
You will save $30 by buying AMD 64 3000+ instead of an Intel 3GHz
Click on the Links to compaire. And like I said, It gives you an upgrade path twords Windows 64: that only adds to the value and savings.

Intel

AMD

AMD 64 wins most game and non-game benchmarks, Intel is only able to win one or two maybe three and only by a margin of less than 2-5%. A tie if you ask me. But when AMD wins a benchmark it is by a nice margin of 10-30%. AMD was at one point a subcontractor to produce 8088 and 8086 chips for intel; and by no means are they knockoffs or cheap immitations


Disclaimer- This computer i am using right now is an Intel machine. I have no bias to any company, I only
favor the company with a better design.
 
Googer

Googer

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
12,576
7
81
Ok, I understand the need for non-disclosure of what software you are using, but at least i have an Idea.

Here is the problem I have with the ram you are using, CAS3 works just as well as CAS2 those rules are obsolete for the most when talking about DDR1. For less than the $286.09 for 1gb OR you can spend less than $240 from crucial.com and get 2gb of ram and THAT will have a greater impact on system performance when you use the /nolowmem switch in boot.ini. My point is that you get MORE RAM for less money and Improved Photoshop performance. The only thing I could recommend is SMP or using more than one processor for your photoshop and multitasking work (opteron).
 
ZL1

ZL1

Diamond Member
Oct 4, 2003
5,383
0
76
Originally posted by: Mr Bob
I am trying to piece together a computer that is less than $2000 w/ a 19"/20" LCD Flat Panel Monitor. This will be a business machine, and will not need a lot of graphics card power.

The computer will not be used for games, but will be using video editing software. The case needs to be durable, long lasting, and not cheaply made. It has to run fast, the P4 @ 3.0ghz is most likely fast enough.

This is a system that will not be upgraded for a long time. The parts need to last long.

Comments &amp; suggestions are welcome. I would like to change a few things around in order to bring the price down. Will this configuration work? Is there something better for the money? Keep in mind that I do not want to use raid, or a water cooling system.

I shopped around for a bit, read a few reviews here and there, and this is what I have put together:
Price: $121.00 Motherboard: ASUS P4P800-E Deluxe
Price: $185.00 CPU: Intel Pentium 4/ 3.0E GHz 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology
Price: $286.09 RAM: PC3200 1GB(2x512MB) Dual-Channel Optimized 400MHz - CAS 2.0 - Ultra Performance Chips
Price: $64.00 1st Drive CD RW: Sony CRX320AU DVD 16x + CD-RW 52x32x52 Combo Drive Retail
Price: $82.00 2nd Drive DVD RW: 171017Pioneer DVR108BK 16X Dual Layer DVD Bare Drive (Black)
Price: $155.99 Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech diNovo Media Desktop
Price: $175.06 1st Hard Drive: Westen Digital 74GB Raptor
Price: $112.00 2nd Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3160827AS 160GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer
Price: $184.82 Video Card: ATI 128MB AGP Video Card with RADEON 9800 PRO 3D Chip
Price: $159.00 Case w/ PS: ASPIRE X-Navigator Silver/Black Aluminum ATX Mid-Tower Case with side window and 500W PS
Price: $749.00 Monitor: UltraSharp 2001FP 20.1-inch Flat Panel LCD Monitor with Height Adjustable Stand
Price: $10.99 Floppy: SONY Black 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive

Total Price: $$2,184.64 w/ shipping

The model numbers for everything, going from top to bottom are:
P4P800-E DELUXE
BX80546PG3000E
HCC40010242HDC-KNCHSI
CRX320AU
DVR108BLACK
967312-0403
WD740GD
ST3160827AS
100435002
ATXA8NW-AL/500
2001FP
MPF920
Click to expand...

IMO for a business machine:

your mobo is fine
your cpu is fine
ram - get crucial
first drive - get dvd-rom only
second is fine
key/mouse - well thats a person to person choice
hdd1 - raptor not necessary, but if you want to spend extra
hdd2 is fine
video - ??? your own words were "This will be a business machine, and will not need a lot of graphics card power. " and you choose 9800pro ? just like the others said a 9600 or something in that class would do the job quite well, I myself would generally go for a dual head matrox
case - again person to person choice, but I recommend the antec (plus it comes with good psu)
[and by the way side window in a business machine ? you kidding me ?]
monitor is fine
fdd - whats a fdd ? ;)
Id suggest add power backup and external hdd



D

PS I appologize for spelling, havent slept in two days
 
Googer

Googer

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
12,576
7
81
Also Get a second Hard Drive so you can run RAID 5 on this machine, there is nothing worse than loosing critical buisness data. But if you insist on Intel for a buisness machine, I would HIGHLY recomend using an Intel brand motherboard, I have one and Overall It was a wise choice for buisness work.
 
M

Mr Bob

Golden Member
Sep 6, 2004
1,757
12
81
This is how I see it, but my lack of hardware knowledge should be pretty easily shown :)

Less ram, but faster ram = better.

The ram I use now, seems to be perfect. I think if I down graded the ram, but doubled the amount of it, that would actually slow things down... The only time I would see better results, would be when I need more than 1 GB of ram... which I don't see happening.

Am I wrong?


Thanks for your help with this :)
 
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