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Need opinions about building a non-gaming SFF PC

T

TxDot

Junior Member
I am starting to build a SFF PC for use in my office. I'm going with the SFF not for portability but for size and quietness. Since I don't get a new PC very often I want to ensure that this rig will handle Windows Vista and be capable for quite a few years. The primary functions will be (not in this order) internet browsing, software development, web development, (both including database processing), Quicken, Picture/Video Editing, and all the other crap I find time to do. 🙂 I won't be doing any gaming though I will probably do some movie watching.

I have already purchased a SN25P. My local (Austin TX) Fry's has it for $399 with a $50 rebate. For the remaining components I'm considering the following (prices are from Newegg);
CPU:
Athlon 64 X2 3800+ ($323)
Athlon 64 4000+ ($334)
Athlon 62 X2 4200+ ($400)

RAM:
CORSAIR XMS 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual ($240)

Video:
BFG Tech BFGR68256OCX Geforce 6800 256MB DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card ($254)

Hard Drive:
2 - Seagate Barracuda ST3120813AS 120GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive ($89.25)

Optical Media:
SONY White IDE DVD Burner Model DRU810A (already own this). I've considered getting the PLEXTOR Beige SATA DVD Burner Model PX-716SA/SW but the spec's don't look like it is enough faster than what I have to warrant the cost ($119). I've also considered the Plextor Slot Load and modding the flip-down door to have a slot in it.

One last question; I did not buy the extended warranty on the SN25P which is $70. I rarely purchase extended warranties on electronics but seriously considered it this time based on all the issues I have read about on this forum and other forums. The primary advantage to buying the extended warranty is the ability to carry the unit back to Fry's and get another one withoput having to deal with RMAs, shipping, and all the waiting. What do you think? In this situation is the warranty worth it? I can always return the unit, but another one and get the warranty then.

Obviously I don't want to spend any more than I need to so hopefully your collective experience will help me. Please reply with your thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks...TxDot
 
Looks like ur pretty well set. My only thing is that you will want to go with the X2 as it will allow you more room in the future (dam spelling). Looks like the rest you have what you want. I would go with the SATA Burner just to have everything uniform. But that is just me.


Will G.
 
first off, keep your burner--it's not worth an upgrade.

also, i am guessing you picked the 6800 vidcard because of the video requirement for Vista but I don't think they are that dramatic. If you don't need to save $100 than by all means go for it...I just think the 6800 is a little overkill for a non-gaming office PC. =)

I would DEFINITELY go for either the 3800 or the 4200 x2. You are a multitasker--no question about it, get the x2.

Lastly, I take it you are getting two hard drives to setup a mirror raid setup? Because if you are planning to stripe those two together it will NOT be worth the slight performance increase. I would personally recommend just getting one of the Western Digital SE16 400GB that you can STEAL for around $200. So you get almost twice the storage but it's arguably the fatest 7200rpm drive out there (and it's fairly cool n' quiet).

Just my two cents... =)
 
Thanks for the responses.

I was thinking about setting up the RAID for redundancy purposes more than performance. What do you think about the Seagate versus the WD as far as quiteness goes? I've used mostly WD's lately but I've read several posts mentioning that the Seagate was really quiet.

Also, neither of you responded to my questions about the extended warranty. Care to respond?

...TxDot
 
if you're goin redundant than the seagates are fine...they are quiet and reliable.

i always stay away from extended warranties...they just aren't worth it for me PERSONALLY. It all depends on whether you will miss that $70 or glad you did it for peace of mind. since you are getting a "fairly" expensive computer that $70 ain't that big a chunk.
 
On high dollar electronics i don't see the problem with picking up the extended warranty. Things like laptops and such but i can see why you would want it on this too. If something goes wrong you just take it back. Nice idea.


Will G.
 
Well here it is six weeks later and I'm still deciding which components to buy. I think I'm going to take DragonReborn's advice and go with a lesser video card. One of the guys at Fry's recommended eVGA for their performance and warranty. I'm thinking about the e-GeForce 6600GT. What do y'all think about eVGA in general and that card specifically? ZipZoomFly has it for $169. Is that a pretty good price?

Thanks...TxDot
 
i'm a fan of evga personally. they have a lifetime warranty if I am not mistaken. I think the 6600 is a good fit and can play a game or two if need be. =)
 
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