Computer for my parents, your opinions

[MageXX9]

Do I need DDR2 1066 with that CPU?

Oh, and I priced a machine almost identical to this at Dell and it was ~$700 more. Weird.

 

[mindless1]

Not to be picky or anything but there is absolutely zero justification for any parts at all thus far because "parents" doesn't describe the expected use of the system. It's almost insane the way the thread is playing out, like a popularity contest of parts instead of the true virtue of a PC in that it's customizable. Dude, get a Dell if you're not going to customize towards their real needs per budget.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: MageXX9

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: MageXX9
Will I be able to install Office 2003 on 64 bit OS?

Yes.

I'm wondering if I should just install the 32 bit version to save myself some headaches, or do you think I'll be fine?

64-bit has security enhancements that 32-bit Vista is lacking. Considering the security game nowdays, and considering they could be using this rig for the next 5+ years in a worsening security environment, I would do 64-bit unless there were specific reasons NOT to.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: MageXX9

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
I think I'd buy them something pre-built and let the OEM handle tech support. I just don't like having multiple calls asking the same question I just answered yesterday.

I have no problem answering calls from my Mom. Plus I *HATE* all that sh!t they install on your machine by default. If I want the Google Toolbar, and Google Desktop, I'll install it my d@mn self.

If you don't like the original factory install you can run the de-crapifier or do a clean OS install. They will also be able to still get the necessary support from the OEM.

Originally posted by: mindless1
Not to be picky or anything but there is absolutely zero justification for any parts at all thus far because "parents" doesn't describe the expected use of the system. It's almost insane the way the thread is playing out, like a popularity contest of parts instead of the true virtue of a PC in that it's customizable. Dude, get a Dell if you're not going to customize towards their real needs per budget.

QFT

 

[MageXX9]

Originally posted by: mindless1
Not to be picky or anything but there is absolutely zero justification for any parts at all thus far because "parents" doesn't describe the expected use of the system. It's almost insane the way the thread is playing out, like a popularity contest of parts instead of the true virtue of a PC in that it's customizable. Dude, get a Dell if you're not going to customize towards their real needs per budget.

Thanks for your opinion, but my parents upgrade their computer once every 4-5 years and I/we try to get the best system for the money. C2D is hands down the best chip for the money these days, and the other parts are chosen to hopefully extend the life as much as possible.

 

[MageXX9]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: MageXX9

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: MageXX9
Will I be able to install Office 2003 on 64 bit OS?

Yes.

I'm wondering if I should just install the 32 bit version to save myself some headaches, or do you think I'll be fine?

64-bit has security enhancements that 32-bit Vista is lacking. Considering the security game nowdays, and considering they could be using this rig for the next 5+ years in a worsening security environment, I would do 64-bit unless there were specific reasons NOT to.

Thanks, I ended up getting the 64 bit home premium after making sure drivers were available for their printer.

 

[MageXX9]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: MageXX9

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
I think I'd buy them something pre-built and let the OEM handle tech support. I just don't like having multiple calls asking the same question I just answered yesterday.

I have no problem answering calls from my Mom. Plus I *HATE* all that sh!t they install on your machine by default. If I want the Google Toolbar, and Google Desktop, I'll install it my d@mn self.

If you don't like the original factory install you can run the de-crapifier or do a clean OS install. They will also be able to still get the necessary support from the OEM.

Originally posted by: mindless1
Not to be picky or anything but there is absolutely zero justification for any parts at all thus far because "parents" doesn't describe the expected use of the system. It's almost insane the way the thread is playing out, like a popularity contest of parts instead of the true virtue of a PC in that it's customizable. Dude, get a Dell if you're not going to customize towards their real needs per budget.

QFT

That seems like the most pointless thing. Do you buy a brand spanking new home that is built to your specs, and then rip out all the carpet. Do you buy a brand spanking new car and then re-paint it? It seems so odd that you buy a new computer with stuff that you neither want nor need. And, I priced a system with the same specs at Dell that cost twice what I've got.

 

[MageXX9]

Does anyone know if I need DDR2 1066 for this chip. That's what the specs say, but I see other people using DDR2 800. What's up?

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: MageXX9
Does anyone know if I need DDR2 1066 for this chip. That's what the specs say, but I see other people using DDR2 800. What's up?

You really only need ddr2 667. If you want some headroom for overclocking get the ddr2 800. I'm still not up to the full speed of my ram with the system and overclock in my sig. I'm at 370mhz fsb, so I still have 30mhz to go to get to the rams rated speed. The 1066 figure takes into account the fact that Intel fsb is quad pumped.

 

[MageXX9]

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: MageXX9
Does anyone know if I need DDR2 1066 for this chip. That's what the specs say, but I see other people using DDR2 800. What's up?

You really only need ddr2 667. If you want some headroom for overclocking get the ddr2 800. I'm still not up to the full speed of my ram with the system and overclock in my sig. I'm at 370mhz fsb, so I still have 30mhz to go to get to the rams rated speed. The 1066 figure takes into account the fact that Intel fsb is quad pumped.

Man, I'm confused. So the E6320 runs at 1.8GHz, 266 x 7, right? And DDR2 runs double data rate, so with DDR2-533 you get a memory clock of 133 MHz which equals an I/O Bus Clock of 266 MHz.

So DDR2-533 is the minimum I'd need, but I can gain lots of speed with the lower latencies of the faster memory?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: MageXX9

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: MageXX9
Does anyone know if I need DDR2 1066 for this chip. That's what the specs say, but I see other people using DDR2 800. What's up?

You really only need ddr2 667. If you want some headroom for overclocking get the ddr2 800. I'm still not up to the full speed of my ram with the system and overclock in my sig. I'm at 370mhz fsb, so I still have 30mhz to go to get to the rams rated speed. The 1066 figure takes into account the fact that Intel fsb is quad pumped.

Man, I'm confused. So the E6320 runs at 1.8GHz, 266 x 7, right? And DDR2 runs double data rate, so with DDR2-533 you get a memory clock of 133 MHz which equals an I/O Bus Clock of 266 MHz.

So DDR2-533 is the minimum I'd need, but I can gain lots of speed with the lower latencies of the faster memory?

pretty much right...faster memory is better in many ways. Some apps use the memory subsystem pretty heavily.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: MageXX9

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: MageXX9

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
I think I'd buy them something pre-built and let the OEM handle tech support. I just don't like having multiple calls asking the same question I just answered yesterday.

I have no problem answering calls from my Mom. Plus I *HATE* all that sh!t they install on your machine by default. If I want the Google Toolbar, and Google Desktop, I'll install it my d@mn self.

If you don't like the original factory install you can run the de-crapifier or do a clean OS install. They will also be able to still get the necessary support from the OEM.

Originally posted by: mindless1
Not to be picky or anything but there is absolutely zero justification for any parts at all thus far because "parents" doesn't describe the expected use of the system. It's almost insane the way the thread is playing out, like a popularity contest of parts instead of the true virtue of a PC in that it's customizable. Dude, get a Dell if you're not going to customize towards their real needs per budget.

QFT

That seems like the most pointless thing. Do you buy a brand spanking new home that is built to your specs, and then rip out all the carpet. Do you buy a brand spanking new car and then re-paint it? It seems so odd that you buy a new computer with stuff that you neither want nor need. And, I priced a system with the same specs at Dell that cost twice what I've got.

For what they want to do you could get a fully configured PC from one of Dell's deals for under $500. I'm sure you're over that price already...

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: MageXX9

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: MageXX9
Does anyone know if I need DDR2 1066 for this chip. That's what the specs say, but I see other people using DDR2 800. What's up?

You really only need ddr2 667. If you want some headroom for overclocking get the ddr2 800. I'm still not up to the full speed of my ram with the system and overclock in my sig. I'm at 370mhz fsb, so I still have 30mhz to go to get to the rams rated speed. The 1066 figure takes into account the fact that Intel fsb is quad pumped.

Man, I'm confused. So the E6320 runs at 1.8GHz, 266 x 7, right? And DDR2 runs double data rate, so with DDR2-533 you get a memory clock of 133 MHz which equals an I/O Bus Clock of 266 MHz.

So DDR2-533 is the minimum I'd need, but I can gain lots of speed with the lower latencies of the faster memory?

I haven't checked, but generally the faster the ram the higher the latency. You could get faster ram than drop the latency below spec. Since the ram will be underclocked you should be able to get away with it. Tbh the latency really doesn't make much of a difference. Just get what you think you'll need. There's no point in paying for something that'll never be used.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

pretty much right...faster memory is better in many ways. Some apps use the memory subsystem pretty heavily.

Fast memory is only faster when it running at a high fsb. You can put in the fastest memory you can find in that computer, but if it isn't overclocked it'll only run at the default system speed.


Edited for missing word

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

pretty much right...faster memory is better in many ways. Some apps use the memory subsystem pretty heavily.

Fast memory is only faster when it running at a high fsb. You can put in the fastest memory you can find in that computer, but if it isn't overclocked it'll only run at the default system speed.


Edited for missing word

If the SPD is read correctly it won't...They have memory dividers for a reason. Becides if you buy DDR2-800 and don't overclock your mobo you can run DDR2-800 speed still even if the default 266Mhz FSB would give DDR2-533

 

[John]

Originally posted by: MageXX9
That seems like the most pointless thing. Do you buy a brand spanking new home that is built to your specs, and then rip out all the carpet. Do you buy a brand spanking new car and then re-paint it? It seems so odd that you buy a new computer with stuff that you neither want nor need. And, I priced a system with the same specs at Dell that cost twice what I've got.

That's a horrible analogy. In case you weren't aware Dell offers pc's without an OS since people are capable of loading their own OS and installing their own apps. Regardless, if you enjoy being the support guy and dealing with warranty issues by all means build a rig for your parents. Hopefully you won't have any hardware failures that require the pc to be down during the rma process, which could take 1-4 weeks depending on the part and company that you're dealing with.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

pretty much right...faster memory is better in many ways. Some apps use the memory subsystem pretty heavily.

Fast memory is only faster when it running at a high fsb. You can put in the fastest memory you can find in that computer, but if it isn't overclocked it'll only run at the default system speed.


Edited for missing word

If the SPD is read correctly it won't...They have memory dividers for a reason. Becides if you buy DDR2-800 and don't overclock your mobo you can run DDR2-800 speed still even if the default 266Mhz FSB would give DDR2-533

In my limited experience the C2Ds don't like being run out of sync with the fsb. My performance dropped when I tried raising my ram speed over stock.


Whoops, Edit again: The SPD settings only take timings, and voltage into account. If you put DDR2 1000 into that machine it would only run at 533mhz. That's assuming you didn't change anything in bios.

 

[MageXX9]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: MageXX9
That seems like the most pointless thing. Do you buy a brand spanking new home that is built to your specs, and then rip out all the carpet. Do you buy a brand spanking new car and then re-paint it? It seems so odd that you buy a new computer with stuff that you neither want nor need. And, I priced a system with the same specs at Dell that cost twice what I've got.

That's a horrible analogy. In case you weren't aware Dell offers pc's without an OS since people are capable of loading their own OS and installing their own apps. Regardless, if you enjoy being the support guy and dealing with warranty issues by all means build a rig for your parents. Hopefully you won't have any hardware failures that require the pc to be down during the rma process, which could take 1-4 weeks depending on the part and company that you're dealing with.

Thank you for your concern, I appreciate it.

 

[MageXX9]

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

pretty much right...faster memory is better in many ways. Some apps use the memory subsystem pretty heavily.

Fast memory is only faster when it running at a high fsb. You can put in the fastest memory you can find in that computer, but if it isn't overclocked it'll only run at the default system speed.


Edited for missing word

If the SPD is read correctly it won't...They have memory dividers for a reason. Becides if you buy DDR2-800 and don't overclock your mobo you can run DDR2-800 speed still even if the default 266Mhz FSB would give DDR2-533

In my limited experience the C2Ds don't like being run out of sync with the fsb. My performance dropped when I tried raising my ram speed over stock.


Whoops, Edit again: The SPD settings only take timings, and voltage into account. If you put DDR2 1000 into that machine it would only run at 533mhz. That's assuming you didn't change anything in bios.

So, for a stock 6320, I only need DDR2 533?

 

[lxskllr]

That's correct for stock speed. If it were me though I'd get faster memory and give it a mild overclock. It doesn't have to be anything ridiculous. you should be able to add a fair amount to it while keeping rock solid stability, and low temps. I'd expect to get 2.4ghz easily without touching voltages, or using an after market hs

 

[NXIL]

Dear College,

hmm, thinking outside the proverbial box: use your educational discount to get an iMac:

http://store.apple.com/AppleStore/WebOb...wo/YA3kGFW5ntJQ3MyRjTaBiu5Yf1g/10.?p=0

Sell the other LCD, or, use it for a dual display.

They can use the keyboard and mouse they have, sell the Mac keyboard and mouse (which admitted is not so mighty) on eBay.

Benefits:

Very stable operating system.

Quiet, energy efficient.

High reliability/satisfaction according to Consumer Reports surveys.

Microsoft Office available for Mac.

Can boot into Windows if necessary for certain programs, but, sounds like they just need basic office/email/web browser.

A Mac Mini is also a possibility, but pricing it out, it doesn't seem as good as a value as the iMac.

If there is an Apple Store near where they live, they might consider going in and trying it; but, if your Mom can run XP, she will do fine with OS X.

HTH

NXIL

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: MageXX9

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: MageXX9
Does anyone know if I need DDR2 1066 for this chip. That's what the specs say, but I see other people using DDR2 800. What's up?

You really only need ddr2 667. If you want some headroom for overclocking get the ddr2 800. I'm still not up to the full speed of my ram with the system and overclock in my sig. I'm at 370mhz fsb, so I still have 30mhz to go to get to the rams rated speed. The 1066 figure takes into account the fact that Intel fsb is quad pumped.

Man, I'm confused. So the E6320 runs at 1.8GHz, 266 x 7, right? And DDR2 runs double data rate, so with DDR2-533 you get a memory clock of 133 MHz which equals an I/O Bus Clock of 266 MHz.

So DDR2-533 is the minimum I'd need, but I can gain lots of speed with the lower latencies of the faster memory?

Correct ... If you only intend to run at default speeds then DDR2-533 is all you really need, however DDR2-800 is only a few dollars more in most cases & will often run lower latency then 533 at slower speeds so its still worth it.