Ground-up build, $1500 budget...set go! :)

[DDDavey]

It's always fun to play with someone else's money right?

I'm getting a $1500 allowance from my company to buy/build a computer; so I don't need to cut back anywhere to "save" money.

I am pretty set on basing it around the i7-920 2.66GHz Bloomfield processor (1366), unless you can convince me to go with the i-7 Lynnfield (1156)

Still researching what else I need here on these forums. I need a motherboard obviously. The ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 and the EVGA E758-A1 seem to be the hot sellers in that category on Newegg, as well as get good ratings in the reviews.

I do not need a lot of storage area. Just enough to install Windows & Linux, and some programs. Storage for music/videos/pictures will be elsewhere, consolidated into one server with a back-up link to Mozy. I'm thinking this 60GB OCZ SSD would be a good choice?

I don't need any type of wild-and-crazy dual-SLI blah blah video setup, but I would like something decent if I want to play Battlefield 2 / 2142 still. Basically, I want the option to game now and then. DVI-out is a must. I know that video cards are like religion, I'm sure to get a million thoughts on it.

Do the "For System Builders" versions of work like the "Upgrade" version in that I need a legit copy of XP to install the Win7 over? I want something I can install fresh. I don't care about Microsoft support, haven't used them since my first computer in '93.

RAM, eh, going to do some looking around. It's cheap enough and these particular motherboards will run triple-channel, so maybe 3x2GB. Seems the OCZ Gold 6GB and the Corsair Dominator 6GB are at the top...although I hear many good things about G.Skill too.

CD/DVD-R will be needed. Lite-On and Plextor have been king in the past, but it looks like this Sony Optiarc 24X is tops right now. I would like fast DVD ripping. I don't think I need Blu-Ray, I will have an HTPC for that...I'm going to see if the Asus/Acer media center PCs have them built in first. If not I guess I will get Blu-Ray.

There are more cases out there than I know what to do with, I'll hit up reviews on them.

I know that I will need a decent power supply.

I already have keyboard/mouse, and a monitor. It's a 19" 4:3. I don't know if I want to upgrade to a larger 16:9 or not (or two). I'm probably fine with what I have though.

I think I pretty much covered it. In addition to typical surfing/email, I will be doing HD video editing (Sony Vegas etc.), Photoshop, and things like that.

$1500. Set, go...

Thanks for any help.

 

[Fayd]

"In addition to typical surfing/email, I will be doing HD video editing (Sony Vegas etc.), Photoshop, and things like that."

since the most you could reasonably spend on that kind of system would be in the neighborhood of $900, i'd say definitely get a new monitor... or two.

 

[DDDavey]

Oh yeah...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for.
Typical computer usage, plus HD video editing, some gaming, nothing fancy. Media storage on another computer.

2. What YOUR budget is.
$1500. Company allowance, I don't need to cut back anywhere. I can go over, out-of-pocket if absolutely necessary.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
U.S.A.

4. IF YOU have a brand preference.
Whatever performs. Not Apple.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
Ground-up build. Re-using mouse/keyboard, maybe monitor.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
Yes sir! And continuing to do so. I will further research and read up on ideas thrown out in here.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Overclocking, nothing off-the-wall crazy. Stable, not looking to set records or invest in some sort of super-cooling system.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.
Whatever.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Next week.

 

[DDDavey]

"In addition to typical surfing/email, I will be doing HD video editing (Sony Vegas etc.), Photoshop, and things like that."

since the most you could reasonably spend on that kind of system would be in the neighborhood of $900, i'd say definitely get a new monitor... or two.

Now that I have my desk again (I've been using a laptop for the last 3 years!!!), it'll be nice to be back into a full-powered system.

This is where I currently sit...these are just first thoughts to get a baseline down to keep pricing in check.

Intel i7-920 2.66 GHz............................$289
ASUS P6T Deluxe V2.............................$290
OCZ Gold 6GB DDR3..............................$160
OCZ Vertex 60GB SSD...........................$234
Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD...................$28
Windows 7 Home Prem 64-bit Sys Bld...... $105
Rosewill RCR-IC001 40-in-1 USB..............$10

TOTAL................................................$1,106

Not accounting for video card, power supply, or a case.

 

[Fayd]

what are you doing that would require a discrete video card?

everything you specified does just as well on integrated. without 3D rendering (Games, openGL based CAD software), there's no reason for a discrete video card.

 

[DDDavey]

What do you mean by discrete? On-board? Neither of those boards has an on-board video card...

Unless you are saying to nix those boards and get one with on-board video?

 

[Fayd]

What do you mean by discrete? On-board? Neither of those boards has an on-board video card...

Unless you are saying to nix those boards and get one with on-board video?

discrete means non-integrated.

and yes, that would be my point.

 

[mfenn]

Now that I have my desk again (I've been using a laptop for the last 3 years!!!), it'll be nice to be back into a full-powered system.

This is where I currently sit...these are just first thoughts to get a baseline down to keep pricing in check.

Intel i7-920 2.66 GHz............................$289
ASUS P6T Deluxe V2.............................$290
OCZ Gold 6GB DDR3..............................$160
OCZ Vertex 60GB SSD...........................$234
Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD...................$28
Windows 7 Home Prem 64-bit Sys Bld...... $105
Rosewill RCR-IC001 40-in-1 USB..............$10

TOTAL................................................$1,106

Not accounting for video card, power supply, or a case.

Can you clarify how this system will used? Not in the sense of what programs you're planning to run, but is this system going to be used for production? Or is your company just generous enough to give you a bunch of money for a home system?

If this is going to be used for production, PROCEED IMMEDIATELY TO DELL/HP, DO NOT PASS GO, DO NOT COLLECT $200! WHEN (not if) the shit hits the fan, you need to be able to get on the phone with the vendor and have a tech (with part in hand) come out to your site next day at the latest. If this is simply a personal system, then could you tell me who you work for so that I can apply there?

Regarding your actual parts, that Motherboard is waaaay overkill for your intended use. Something like the ASRock X58 Extreme or the Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R is sufficient. Although, again I would caution against overclocking a work system.

You will need a discrete video card if you go the X58 route, since none of those have onboard video. I suggest getting something cheap and quite like a Radeon 5570 or 5670.

EDIT: Since you mention video editing and Photoshop, you may want to consider trimming the system down as much as necessary for you to be able to fit a 24" or greater IPS panel into the budget. That will make much more of a difference for your productivity than the performance difference between an i5 750 and i7 920.

 

[DDDavey]

Sorry for the confusion. This is a personal home-use system paid for by my company so that we can update our time cards.

I do have some router-emulation software I will be running too. It's not full-blown production studio video editing, it's just personal video camera HD footage I would be editing. I'm not going crazy with Photoshop, just simple photo editing.

I do not build/upgrade very often. I went from a Pentium 200MMX that I finally replaced in 2002! I then built an AMD XP2100+ system on an A7N8X Deluxe mobo in '02, that I am still currently using 8 years later.

So, I would like to build something that will last me a while. I appreciate the suggestions of what I could purchase for less money that would fit my needs, but the truth of it is, I have a $1500 allowance, I plan to spend it all (They make plenty of money off me to cover the whole allowance ) and be future-safe for another few years. I may find a game down the road that I do want to play, I'd like the option to play it then. Overkill is fine, I will have this for a while.

I'm currently using a Sony SDM-HS95P 19" monitor (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-X-Brite-S.../dp/B0007SKSPW) 24" would be nice! Asus VH242H is $200.

I do video conversion/crunching from my DVDs to xVid to put onto my media server and H.264 for iPod/Zune. (I realize any system will do this).

I'm not a professional video person by any means. I just want to build the best I can for my limit...so basically I have $1500 to build the ultimate system, regardless if it's overkill...LOL

 

[mfenn]

Sorry for the confusion. This is a personal home-use system paid for by my company so that we can update our time cards.

I do have some router-emulation software I will be running too. It's not full-blown production studio video editing, it's just personal video camera HD footage I would be editing. I'm not going crazy with Photoshop, just simple photo editing.

I do not build/upgrade very often. I went from a Pentium 200MMX that I finally replaced in 2002! I then built an AMD XP2100+ system on an A7N8X Deluxe mobo in '02, that I am still currently using 8 years later.

So, I would like to build something that will last me a while. I appreciate the suggestions of what I could purchase for less money that would fit my needs, but the truth of it is, I have a $1500 allowance, I plan to spend it all (They make plenty of money off me to cover the whole allowance ) and be future-safe for another few years. I may find a game down the road that I do want to play, I'd like the option to play it then. Overkill is fine, I will have this for a while.

I'm currently using a Sony SDM-HS95P 19" monitor (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-X-Brite-S.../dp/B0007SKSPW) 24" would be nice! Asus VH242H is $200.

I do video conversion/crunching from my DVDs to xVid to put onto my media server and H.264 for iPod/Zune. (I realize any system will do this).

I'm not a professional video person by any means. I just want to build the best I can for my limit...so basically I have $1500 to build the ultimate system, regardless if it's overkill...LOL

Ah ok, I was thinking that you were planning to build a production-use video editing workstation.

The IPS panel is probably overkill for just personal-use system, but you can (and should) devote $200-$300 of the budget to a nice monitor. Check out the ASUS VW266H mentioned in today's buyer's guide.

 

[Fayd]

Sorry for the confusion. This is a personal home-use system paid for by my company so that we can update our time cards.

I do have some router-emulation software I will be running too. It's not full-blown production studio video editing, it's just personal video camera HD footage I would be editing. I'm not going crazy with Photoshop, just simple photo editing.

I do not build/upgrade very often. I went from a Pentium 200MMX that I finally replaced in 2002! I then built an AMD XP2100+ system on an A7N8X Deluxe mobo in '02, that I am still currently using 8 years later.

So, I would like to build something that will last me a while. I appreciate the suggestions of what I could purchase for less money that would fit my needs, but the truth of it is, I have a $1500 allowance, I plan to spend it all (They make plenty of money off me to cover the whole allowance ) and be future-safe for another few years. I may find a game down the road that I do want to play, I'd like the option to play it then. Overkill is fine, I will have this for a while.

I'm currently using a Sony SDM-HS95P 19" monitor (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-X-Brite-S.../dp/B0007SKSPW) 24" would be nice! Asus VH242H is $200.

I do video conversion/crunching from my DVDs to xVid to put onto my media server and H.264 for iPod/Zune. (I realize any system will do this).

I'm not a professional video person by any means. I just want to build the best I can for my limit...so basically I have $1500 to build the ultimate system, regardless if it's overkill...LOL

i always find the "i want it to last me a while" line of argument rather silly.

the percentile differences in performance between mid-range and top range components within a generation is negligible compared to the orders of magnitude differences between generations.

when dealing with hardware, "building to last awhile" is just stupid because of this. a smarter move would be change your habits of information storage to allow you to more easily move from computer to computer. then plan an upgrade cycle every 3 years or so. upgrade to then current mid-range, and then you're never orders of magnitude behind the current tech. you also spend less money this way.

just my personal rant on others buying habits.

 

[DDDavey]

i always find the "i want it to last me a while" line of argument rather silly.

the percentile differences in performance between mid-range and top range components within a generation is negligible compared to the orders of magnitude differences between generations.

when dealing with hardware, "building to last awhile" is just stupid because of this. a smarter move would be change your habits of information storage to allow you to more easily move from computer to computer. then plan an upgrade cycle every 3 years or so. upgrade to then current mid-range, and then you're never orders of magnitude behind the current tech. you also spend less money this way.

just my personal rant on others buying habits.

Well, I can see where you are coming from, and normally I would agree with you...however, I don't find it silly nor stupid in my particular situation.

First computer I went 10 years, 2nd one I went 8 years (And that was a midrange setup when I built it). Not saying I want to go another 8-10 years before I build again... But, I have the allowance to spend on it, why should I leave money 'on the table' when I can build an incredible system?

My 'habit of information storage' is fine. Remember, I said storage is off-computer on a separate computer that is backed up to Mozy.com. I plan to just run a SSD drive in this system.

I appreciate the opinion and desire to cut costs where possible to fit my needs, but, it's just computer power lost if I don't spend it. Running Cisco router emulators as well.

 

[MagickMan]

Ah ok, I was thinking that you were planning to build a production-use video editing workstation.

The IPS panel is probably overkill for just personal-use system, but you can (and should) devote $200-$300 of the budget to a nice monitor. Check out the ASUS VW266H mentioned in today's buyer's guide.

I have the VW266H on my main system and, for a TN panel, it's a beauty. I picked it up during the holidays for $250 and it's worth every penny.

 

[dmw16]

what are you doing that would require a discrete video card?

everything you specified does just as well on integrated. without 3D rendering (Games, openGL based CAD software), there's no reason for a discrete video card.

I think for as cheap as some of the DX11 ATI cards (w/ eyefinity) there is no reason (given the budget) to go for a ~$60 video card. It would be nice to have if you did want dual monitors.

 

[Fayd]

Well, I can see where you are coming from, and normally I would agree with you...however, I don't find it silly nor stupid in my particular situation.

First computer I went 10 years, 2nd one I went 8 years (And that was a midrange setup when I built it). Not saying I want to go another 8-10 years before I build again... But, I have the allowance to spend on it, why should I leave money 'on the table' when I can build an incredible system?

My 'habit of information storage' is fine. Remember, I said storage is off-computer on a separate computer that is backed up to Mozy.com. I plan to just run a SSD drive in this system.

I appreciate the opinion and desire to cut costs where possible to fit my needs, but, it's just computer power lost if I don't spend it. Running Cisco router emulators as well.

that mini-rant wasnt really directed at you, just at the "overbuilding now so i dont have to upgrade later" croud in general.

i realize you have a "spend it all or lose it" budget.. but if I were you, i'd blow a large chunk of it on peripherals, rather than components which get outdated fast. nix the i7-920, go with the 860, get some eyefinity card mentioned, and go dual (or even tri!) big monitors.

 

[DDDavey]

that mini-rant wasnt really directed at you, just at the "overbuilding now so i dont have to upgrade later" croud in general.

i realize you have a "spend it all or lose it" budget.. but if I were you, i'd blow a large chunk of it on peripherals, rather than components which get outdated fast. nix the i7-920, go with the 860, get some eyefinity card mentioned, and go dual (or even tri!) big monitors.

Oh OK good...I was getting kind of confused about it...glad you see where I'm coming from now. I don't have the room or need for triple monitors, and I really don't know if I have the room for duals, I need to measure. I've never had dual set up. What would I really do with them that I can't do on one? Also, I think my company will look at me kind of funny when I submit my paperwork and it has 2-3 monitors on it. LOL.

I already have a scanner/printer/keyboard/mouse/webcam.

 

[dmw16]

Oh OK good...I was getting kind of confused about it...glad you see where I'm coming from now. I don't have the room or need for triple monitors, and I really don't know if I have the room for duals, I need to measure. I've never had dual set up. What would I really do with them that I can't do on one? Also, I think my company will look at me kind of funny when I submit my paperwork and it has 2-3 monitors on it. LOL.

I already have a scanner/printer/keyboard/mouse/webcam.

Two monitors can really make a huge productivity improvement. I have them at work and when doing work in software that has a lot of tool bars it can really make a difference. It's one of those things that you don't realize you need it till you have it, but once you do it's hard to live without.

If you have a use it or lose it budget then spending on "accessories" with a longer lifespan; like a few monitors is a great idea.

 

[DDDavey]

I see. I've seen a couple people around with them, looks like it beats going back and forth between windows if you have a couple you use a lot. Only flaw I see is that it will look funny submitting my claim for dual monitors...

As XXXXXX employees, we all rely on our home computers for company correspondence and communication. As such, this is just a reminder that XXXXXX will reimburse you for needed computer expenses. The limit for a computer purchase for 2010 is $1500 for those of you that have not purchased a computer yet. This includes the actual purchase of the computer equipped with Microsoft Office Small Business (or an equivalent package). This should allow you to get a system with some nice features. Computers are your property once purchased, and are your responsibility for maintenance/anti-virus etc. For those of you that have already been reimbursed for a computer purchase, additional purchases need to be approved by your manager.

I already have a copy of MS Office, and I can use Open Office if necessary. I'm not factoring that into the price. So as you can see by their intended use, I don't want to push the limits on fancy accessories, even though money is money.

 

[Fayd]

I see. I've seen a couple people around with them, looks like it beats going back and forth between windows if you have a couple you use a lot. Only flaw I see is that it will look funny submitting my claim for dual monitors...



I already have a copy of MS Office, and I can use Open Office if necessary. I'm not factoring that into the price. So as you can see by their intended use, I don't want to push the limits on fancy accessories, even though money is money.

many large businesses regularly provide dual monitors to their employees. I dont think it will look out of place.

 

[DDDavey]

Oh really...even for home use? I'm not sure what is considered a large business, mine is ~50 employees. Not that any of that is relevant LOL.

 

[Fayd]

Oh really...even for home use? I'm not sure what is considered a large business, mine is ~50 employees. Not that any of that is relevant LOL.

this thread reminds me of this little scandal.

any animation studio i've seen office pics of, lots of engineering firms, etc... many places use dual monitors. I've never seen a company offer an allowance for an employee to buy a home computer. however, seeing as yours does, i doubt they'll even look at it other than "hmm...1500 bucks... really drove it to the line, did ya? approved."

 

[mfenn]

this thread reminds me of this little scandal.

any animation studio i've seen office pics of, lots of engineering firms, etc... many places use dual monitors. I've never seen a company offer an allowance for an employee to buy a home computer. however, seeing as yours does, i doubt they'll even look at it other than "hmm...1500 bucks... really drove it to the line, did ya? approved."

+1

This guy knows how accountants think.