Need Spec'ing Instruction

[nweissma]

This will be my first attempt at building a PC.

• I expect to use it for several *Nix flavors, which implies ancillary and applications software, which might be extensive in storage and processing power requirements. I want it to be reasonably high-powered (dual core and 4GB RAM, eg). I will DEFINITELY NOT be using it for gaming, but GIMP, C, VM and EMACS are certainties.

• Price? don't know at this time. let's start with $500.

• Buying in USA [I live in NYC, btw]

• I have not had a single complaint, in 2 years, against my Wintel Vista32 platform so I am inclined to stay with Intel.

• Use salvaged parts? I don't think so because I do not know where to get them! But I did somehow come into possession of 2 Supermicro motherboards ... which "supports quad and dual core Intel Xeon 3000 sequence and core 2 processors" ... "1333/1066/800 MHz FSB" ... "Dual Channel DDRII 800/667" .. I cannot vouch for whether these motherboards are functional

• Similar threads? No. {Curious why you ask this question!!?}

• No expectation of overclocking. I simply want a dependable sandbox.

• I want to start building immediately.

BTW, might there be knowledgeable Warm Bodies in NYC who are willing to f2f with a reasonably affable newbie?

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: nweissma

• I expect to use it for several *Nix flavors, which implies ancillary and applications software, which might be extensive in storage and processing power requirements. I want it to be reasonably high-powered (dual core and 4GB RAM, eg). I will DEFINITELY NOT be using it for gaming, but GIMP, C, VM and EMACS are certainties.

• Price? don't know at this time. let's start with $500.

• No expectation of overclocking. I simply want a dependable sandbox.

• I want to start building immediately.

Dell Vostro 220 with $40 E5200 upgrade and 4GB kit from Newegg.

 

[Hacp]

Originally posted by: nweissma
This will be my first attempt at building a PC.

• I expect to use it for several *Nix flavors, which implies ancillary and applications software, which might be extensive in storage and processing power requirements. I want it to be reasonably high-powered (dual core and 4GB RAM, eg). I will DEFINITELY NOT be using it for gaming, but GIMP, C, VM and EMACS are certainties.

• Price? don't know at this time. let's start with $500.

• Buying in USA [I live in NYC, btw]

• I have not had a single complaint, in 2 years, against my Wintel Vista32 platform so I am inclined to stay with Intel.

• Use salvaged parts? I don't think so because I do not know where to get them! But I did somehow come into possession of 2 Supermicro motherboards ... which "supports quad and dual core Intel Xeon 3000 sequence and core 2 processors" ... "1333/1066/800 MHz FSB" ... "Dual Channel DDRII 800/667" .. I cannot vouch for whether these motherboards are functional

• Similar threads? No. {Curious why you ask this question!!?}

• No expectation of overclocking. I simply want a dependable sandbox.

• I want to start building immediately.

BTW, might there be knowledgeable Warm Bodies in NYC who are willing to f2f with a reasonably affable newbie?

I smell troll? Whos that OT poster with the blackguy avatar again? Must be channeling him.

RCX Eric.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...ey=y&keyword1=chemists

 

[piasabird]

Try an Intel Integrated Motherboard.
BOXDG35EC (800 DDR2 only). Or get a newer integrated model.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121336
Only works with SATA Drives and 800 DDR2 RAM. $84.99
Does have good audio and video (HD).

Might try an Itel E7400 or E5400 CPU or similar. I am using an E7200 and it runs Vista Fine with 2 Gigs of RAM. For around $160 go up to E8400. I am just cheap. The E5400 probably costs less.

 

[nweissma]

Thanks.

{"Cheap" is pejorative; nothing wrong with being frugal -- "a fool and his money are soon parted".}

What case and power supply do you recommend? What about cables?