Need Help in Building a Stable System

[Fredzilla]

Hello Everyone,
I'm looking to build a new system and the following is what I think is important

My primary consideration is that it be the most STABLE combination of CPU/MB/Chipset that can be put together. I am not an overclocker on any of the devices on a computer. Also I do not want to use 64 bit operating systems or applications. So staying in the 32 bit compatible realm would make me happy. (I realize that there are 64bit processors that run 32bit apps; I just wanted everyone to know that I intend on running 32bit OS and Applications only for probably at least another year.) Regarding memory, I would like to have as fast as possible without compromising stability. Video Card wise I?m hoping to get an nVIDIA with at least 256 meg of Video Memory. If you feel ATI is a better choice, please convince me of why. I?m only stating this because I?ve been exclusively using nVIDIA cards for years without any trouble. Then again, having only used nVIDIA, I very well don?t know ATI?s attributes. I really just want the most stable card for this system. I also have no need for a TV tuner. Sound wise, I have an SoundBlaster X-FI card I plan on migrating to the new system.

That?s pretty much my needs, excluding a Flash Memory (for Ready Boost technology in the upcoming Windows Vista) and USB 2.0. I probably wont upgrade to Vista until at least SP1.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Hopefully those who read this will be willing to tell me what they think, and convince me why they came to that conclusion. If others have different opinions, please articulate what what they are and explain why.

My eventual hope is that perhaps a consensus of sorts will come about.

-Fred

 

[NuAlphaMan]

Fred, how much do you want to spend? Will gaming be involved?

 

[owensdj]

For stability I'd get an Asus-made motherboard with an Intel chipset and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The Asus P5B or P5B Deluxe would be good choices.

 

[Fredzilla]

Well, I will definately be gaming; But I usually don't play 1st person shooters that are very demanding on the computer; I'm more of a Civilization 4 player, World of Warcraft, etc. type player.

Regarding price, I usually don't live on the bleeding edge/most expensive system type of PC. Compontent wise I look for a compromise between reletively new technology vs cost being at the sweet-spot. Sweet-spot for me is usually at the point where you aren't paying high price for the latest bleeding edge stuff. I like to pay for something that is relatively new, and is usually a bit less expensive (sometimes alot less expensive.)

But if it's needed for stability, I will pay for a component if it has the best tried & true reputation.

Thanks NuAlphaMan for replying. I look forward to hearing your suggestion!

-Fred

 

[Bobthelost]

Originally posted by: owensdj
For stability I'd get an Asus-made motherboard with an Intel chipset and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The Asus P5B or P5B Deluxe would be good choices.

If you're going C2D and no overclocking then go for an intel board. Wasting money on the deluxe would be rather stupid.

E2A:
WE NEED A SODDING BUDGET! :|

We also need to know what monitor you're using, how long you plan to use it before upgrading, if you like a particular case style, if you're particulary sensitive to noise and a whole host of other questions. However without the budget it's a complete waste of time.

 

[owensdj]

Bobthelost, it's not stupid to get the Deluxe if he wants the extra features it has that the base P5B motherboard lacks, such as Firewire. Asus boards are better quality than Intel ones, so that's why I recommended them for building a stable system.

 

[Fredzilla]

Owensdj,

I too usually use Asus MB's But I have always gotten nVIDIA chipsets (during the past 6 years) I am guessing the Intel chipset you reccomend has been the most reliable for the Intel Core 2 Duo processor. My question to you is, what is the name of the Intel chipset, and which Intel Core 2 Duo processor?

Thanks, and thank you for specificily telling me the name of the MBoard.

-Fred

 

[Bobthelost]

Firewire for an additional $60, bargain.

Stable? How likely is either an asus board or an intel board to cause instability? You're paying for no good reason.

 

[Fredzilla]

Originally posted by: Bobthelost

Originally posted by: owensdj
For stability I'd get an Asus-made motherboard with an Intel chipset and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The Asus P5B or P5B Deluxe would be good choices.

If you're going C2D and no overclocking then go for an intel board. Wasting money on the deluxe would be rather stupid.

E2A:
WE NEED A SODDING BUDGET! :|

We also need to know what monitor you're using, how long you plan to use it before upgrading, if you like a particular case style, if you're particulary sensitive to noise and a whole host of other questions. However without the budget it's a complete waste of time.

Ok Bobthelost, I will try to beef up what I need, how much I am willing to spend, and whatnot.

My monitor currently is a Viewsonic Ultrabrite A70f+. It's getting a little long in the tooth, So I am seriously thinking about replacing it.
I plan to upgrade between now and December. I am partial to cases that are easy to get into and out of, not to mention have room for manipulating my hands/hardware when I'm putting it together. I like larger Power Supplies; and yes, I hate noise.

Now to the nitty gritty, price range; I am thinking of going as high as $2000. But I would Prefer to be lower like $1300. Again, if skimping means the stability will suffer, I will buy the more expensive hardware.

Hope this helps!

-Fred

 

[Bobthelost]

Yes, it does.

Stability and performance are not related. If you want stable then you do not need to hit that upper bracket at all, so i'll sketch out what i'd get for $1300 or so.

CPU: Core 2 Duo 6400 or 6600 (Price increase does not match up with the performance increase, odds of you needing the 6600's computing power is slim, but it is nice to have)

Motherboard: Any compatible intel or Asus etc. Pick a cheap one then look in the motherboard forum for information about stability.

RAM: 2GB value RAM (Ironically Value RAM is more likely to work with more boards as some object to using higher voltages than 1.8V)

Graphics card: 7900GT (My recomendation for 1240x1080 resolutions, you can always upgrade this in the future if you want more ooomph)

Hard drive: 250/320GB Seagate 7200.10 (5 year warranty)

Case: Lian li 1000B/1200B? (Expensive but they are well built and easy to keep quiet, the P180 is another option, but it's a royal pain in the arse to work in. The P150 is more conventional but a bit too small for most)

PSU: 430W Seasonic S12 (Yes i know you think you need more power, you don't. Seasonic are the brand for quiet PSUs, the S12 line is tried and tested)

 

[Fredzilla]

Just so you all know, If I say something that seems like a bad decision or conclusion, please tell about it, and explain why I'm pointed in the wrong direction. I'm hoping to learn all I can, and I won't take any comment personally. I have a good sarcastic sense of humor.

 

[Fredzilla]

Thanks Bobthelost,

Your response made me think, and I wanted to add that although I currently have an Asus board; I would prefer a stable board that doesn't have alot of built in stuff, i.e. sound and such; however, Ido want plenty of USB Ports, and I don't mind Firewire either; I just want the most stable bang for my buck.

Again, thank you for your complete recomendation.

Does anyone disagree with Bobthelost? if so, please explain why.

Thanks,
Fred

 

[Howard]

You make it sound like there's only one magic combination of parts that results in a stable computer.

 

[Fredzilla]

Howard,

No, I really don't mean to come off that way; I really want to hear a diversity of opinion befor I make my choice.

What do you feel I should be looking at?

Thanks, Fred

 

[Baked]

See my sig. Enjoy.

 

[Fredzilla]

Hi Baked,

I looked over you system stats, and I don't even know what the right questions are to be asked. (please excuse my ignorance).

For instance, I've never heard of an Intel E6400 Allendale 2130MHz @ 3400MHz

And as for the video card, what is your opinion as to why the HIS X1600Pro ATI Radeon is a better choice for what I'm looking for as opposed to other ATI or nVIDIA cards?

Thank you for your input!

Fred

 

[owensdj]

Fredzilla, I agree with Bobthelost's configuration other than I'd stick with either the Asus P5B or P5B Deluxe. An Intel board would probably be just as stable just the odds are a bit better with Asus. Asus also does a better job with support and documentation, IMO.

In another post you asked what the name of the Intel chipset and which Core 2 Duo processor to get. It's the P965. For the processor I wouldn't get one of the high-end ones. The 2.13GHz E6400 give you a lot of bang for the buck at only $237(with heatsink-fan).

 

[Baked]

E6400 has 2MB cache, so it's a Allendale model. Core 2 Duo CPUs with 4MB cache are called Conroe. E6400's default clock speed is 2130MHz, but I overclocked it to 3400MHz.

You don't have to buy the X1600Pro. In fact, you can buy the more expensive X1900XT or the newly released X1950XT. I don't game much, I don't even play world of warcraft anymore, so I just bought a entry level video card. It renders high definition videos nicely and doesn't cause any instability in my system.

 

[Fredzilla]

Thanks owensdj,

That is a VERY inexpensive CPU!

And Baked,

Thanks for telling me it has the 2MB Cache; that's really all I would need now.


By the way, my local Computer store called me back and said for my goals, he reccomends an AMD 3500 AM2 X2 Dual core with an Asus M2N32SLI Deluxe MB. Also it comes with the nFORCE 4 chipset from nVIDIA. Last, he mentioned this board only accepts DDR 2 Memory.

I bring this up because evyones reccomendations has pretty much been in the Intel camp. (I have no prejudice towards either. I am interested in what people have to say about the pros/cons when comparing Intel's chip and the Asus MB you reccomend with the aforementioned AMD CPU/MB.

I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts!

-Fred

 

[Bobthelost]

Intel's current line (Core 2 Duo, aka Conroe and Allendale) are much faster than most of the AMD lineup. After the 6400 price bracket AMD has nothing that can compete. At the 6400 level or lower there's not much in it if you're not overclocking. His suggestion would be alright, probably cheaper but slower (and that motherboard is a very bad call, SLI is a marketing gimic for most people). All the current systems use DDR2, you can still buy 939 and 754 motherboards and CPUs, but they are on the way out.

 

[Fredzilla]

OK, Bobthelost, That's good to know!

-Fred

 

[dexvx]

SLI is nothing more than a marketting gimmick for 99% of the market. If you SLI 2 lower end cards, you might as well just buy the higher end for more performance and less cost. Its only worth it to SLI the top end cards.

BTW, theres no such thing as a 3500 AM2 X2 DC.

 

[Fredzilla]

Thanks dexvx,

I probably won't get the SLI then, as I don't want to pour out a fortune for the best bleeding edge type Vid Card.

Regarding the processor. That's what the guy at the store said; Looking at it now, perhaps he meant the AMD Athlon 64 3500.