System Building for Boss. Need suggestions.

Abrasive

Golden Member
Aug 12, 2002
1,535
0
0
I am building a home system for boss. any suggestions would be helpful. This is a system i configured on newegg.com. Any suggestions on the config, see any potential probelms, etc. etc.
He is not a gamer but will be doing video editing, business apps, etc.

Cases PC - ATX - Full Tower
CHIEFTEC Server Chasis (Workstation Tower) Model DX-01WD-420W ***w/ Front USB Port*** Turbo Link Power Supply Front Accessible: 4 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5", Internal: 4 x 3.5". Power SupplyP4) 420 watts Turbo Link 420 ATX 12V- w/2 Case Fan Compare to Antec SX1040 and Save more info>
N82E16811125142 $68.00
$68.00

CD ROM
Lite On 52x Cd Rom - Model LTN-526 -RETAIL Innovated SMART-X® to get the fastest CD-DAE/VCD data extraction speed by request
Specifications:
Speed : CD-ROM 52X (22X~52X, Average 38X)
Interface : ATAPI-E/IDE
Sustained Transfer Rate : 3300~7800KB/sec (Average:5700KB/sec)
PIO mode 4 16.6MB/sec, SW DMA 2, 8.3MB/sec, MW DMA 2, 16.6MB/sec,
Ultra-DMA/33, 33.3MB/sec
Access Time : 80ms (typical)
MTBF : 120'000 Power On Hours with 10% Duty
Retail Package; with manu, driver, cable and screws. more info>
N82E16827101201 $28.00
$28.00

DVD+RW DVD-RAM DVD-R Drive
Memorex DVD200XI DVD+RW & CD-RW COMBO DRIVE RETAIL 4.7GB 2.4X/2.4X/8X DVD, 12X/10X/32X CD ReWritable Drive Kit provides the best way to create original DVDs and view them on most DVD players
Specifications:

Encoding method EFM, EFM Plus
Write compatible: CD-R,CD-RW,DVD+RW,DVD+R
Read Compatible: CD-R/CD-ROM,CD-RW,CD-Digital
Audio (Red Book) and
CD Extra ,CD-ROM (Mode 1 - Yellow Book)
CD-ROM XA and CD-I (Mode 2/Form 1 - Green Book)
CD-ROM XA and CD-I (Mode 2/Form 2 - Green Book)
CD-Bridge and Photo-CD (single and multi-session)
CD-Video, DVD-ROM,DVD+RW,DVD+R
Retail(Bundled w/Software.Manual and cables See Pic) more info>
N82E16827141101 $279.00
$279.00

Floppy Drives
MITSUMI D359M3 FDD 1.44MB 3.5INCH - OEM more info>
N82E16821103104 $9.00
$9.00

Hard Drives - IDE
Hot Deal!WD WESTERN DIGITAL "SPECIAL EDITION" 120GB 7200RPM EIDE HARD DRIVE MODEL # WD1200JB - OEM, DRIVE ONLY
Specifications:
Size: 120 Gigabytes
Interface: IDE ULTRA ATA100
Seek time: 8.9ms
RPM:7200
Cache 8MB
OEM(Drive alone) 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty --* Works With PC & Mac *-- more info>
N82E16822144118 $161.00
$161.00

Keyboards - English
MICROSOFT NATURAL KEYBOARD ELITE The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite is the second in a series of ergonomically designed keyboards from Microsoft. Its split, gently sloped design allows you to place your hands, wrists and forearms in a natural position for greater comfort while typing. With its improved space-saving design, the new keyboard takes up less room on your desktop and fits easily into keyboard trays. Designed for your comfort! *Must be Purchased with hardware!* more info>
N82E16823109105 $17.00
$17.00

Memory - PC (DDR)
MUSHKIN DDR 512MB PC-3000 - OEM
AMD, VIA, ALI Approved, PC3000 = 366MHz FSB, Rated 2.5-3-3, 6ns DDR366, 6-Layer PCB, Unbuffered. LifeTime Warranty. more info>
N82E16820146274 $162.00
$324.00

Motherboards - Intel
ASUS P4B533-E w/Raid Motherboard for Intel P4 478 RETAIL
Specifications:
Processor Socket 478 for FC-PGA2 Pentium® 4 1.4GHz to 2.2GHz+
Chipset: Intel 845E Chipset North, ICH4 South
FSB 533/400 MHz
Memory 3 x DDR DIMM Sockets Max. 2GB unbuffered PC2100 /PC1600 DDR DRAM (PC 2700 Max. to 4 banks only)
Expansion Slots 1 x AGP PRO 6 x PCI
IDE Ports 2 x UltraDMA 133/100/66/33
Audio C-Media CMI8738 6-chan S/PDIF-in
LAN: Intregrated: Intel PHY
6 x USB 2.0
2 x Firewire PC1394
more info>
N82E16813131313 $165.00
$165.00

Processors - Intel Pentium 4
Intel Pentium 4 / 2.53GHz Northwood 512K Socket 478 Processor 533MHz Processor Bus OEM
Specifications:
CPU: 2.53GHz
Type: Pentium4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 533MHz
Socket: 478 OEM (Processor Only)-(CPU ONLY NO RAMBUS RAM)
more info>
N82E16819116143 $242.00
$242.00

Software - OS
Microsoft Windows XP Professional - OEM Full Version Disk ONLY, no Manual Designed for reliability, security and privacy, high performance, and ease of use, the Windows XP operating system provides a host of benefits for business and home users. A clean and simple desktop, rock-solid reliability, and easy-to-use features that take advantage of the digital age all contribute to the value of Windows XP. Enhancements in real-time voice, video, and data communications will allow the PC to become a center of communications and creativity beyond just e-mail and instant messaging. Windows XP will also allow the user to connect back to the desktop from any location, and support for new wireless networks will be built in. *Must be Purchased w/Hardware!!* more info>
N82E16837102009 $139.00
$139.00

Video Cards
FIC AT010 RADEON 9700 PRO 128MB DDR 8X AGP RETAIL
Specifications:
VPU: RADEON 9700Pro
MEM:128MB DDR
Core clock:325MHz
Memory clock: 310MHz
Advanced 3D Features: SMARTHEADER 2.0, SMOOTHVISION 2.0, HYPER Z III, TRUFORM 2.0, VIDEOSHADER,
RAMDAC 400MHz
OS Support: Windows® ME Windows® 2000 and® XP
Maximum 3D Resolution: 2048 x 1536 x 75Hz
Ports: VGA DB-15 + S-Video Out + DVI
Retail box (comes with sofware and cables See pic) more info>
N82E16814137001 $325.00
$325.00


Subtotal » $1,757.00
Shipping and Handling Charge »
>How Newegg.com calculates shipping< $ 33.00

$ 1,790.00
 

The Sauce

Diamond Member
Oct 31, 1999
4,741
34
91
Here's a suggestion: don't do it. Unless you want to be his/her 24 hour tech support and deal with all the crap when things go wrong...and they will, eventually.
 

Abrasive

Golden Member
Aug 12, 2002
1,535
0
0
As long as I get paid to do it, that's extra cash in my wallet. Don't think I won't be adding extras to that order for me too.
 

dullard

Elite Member
May 21, 2001
26,074
4,725
126
I don't know your bosses intentions, so sorry if some of these recommendations don't apply. I'm going to assume the use is similar to the general population.

Unless your boss will be doing very intensive video editing you overbuilt the computer. For most people, it is better to buy a $900 computer now and a $900 computer in one year rather than a $1800 now. That way you get two computers and the second computer will be more powerful than the $1800 you had planned.

#1) DVDRW may be unnecessary depending on his video intentions.
#2) HD is probably bigger than he will need, especially if he stores the videos on DVDs.
#3) I don't see the benefit in using 1 GB of PC3000 DDR. You could easily save a bundle using a bit less or a bit slower memory and performance probably won't be affected.
#4) If you overspent on all those others why only a 2.53 GHz chip? I'd personally rather save $200 on the memory and video card and put in a 2.8 GHz instead.
#5) I didn't look at Neweggs software prices, but XP pro offers very little over XP home for a home computer.
#6) Radeon 9700 Pro for a machine that won't play games is laughable. He'll never use its power.
 

Abrasive

Golden Member
Aug 12, 2002
1,535
0
0
Suggestions noted.

#1) DVDRW may be unnecessary depending on his video intentions. ##He wants DVDRW.##

#2) HD is probably bigger than he will need, especially if he stores the videos on DVDs. ##He wants a 120 GB Drive#

#3) I don't see the benefit in using 1 GB of PC3000 DDR. You could easily save a bundle using a bit less or a bit slower memory and performance probably won't be affected. #He wants 1GB of bery fast RAM## Suggest something then!!

#4) If you overspent on all those others why only a 2.53 GHz chip? I'd personally rather save $200 on the memory and video card and put in a 2.8 GHz instead. #He stipulated over 2G for the CPU. I did not see less than 300MHZ being worth $200.00

#5) I didn't look at Neweggs software prices, but XP pro offers very little over XP home for a home computer. ##There are advantages of XP Pro and it is not that much more.##

#6) Radeon 9700 Pro for a machine that won't play games is laughable. He'll never use its power. ##Who said he was getting that card in hos rig, mwahahaha!!! He may end up with my Gainward Geforce4 Ti4600. Would he know the difference? No.##
 

Monsoons

Junior Member
Sep 11, 2002
8
0
0
That 420w TurboLink power supply is going to give you problems... It is a piece of crap and i'm 90% sure the radeon 9700 won't like it, try enermax or antec instead.
 

mcveigh

Diamond Member
Dec 20, 2000
6,457
6
81
Originally posted by: Snatchface
Here's a suggestion: don't do it. Unless you want to be his/her 24 hour tech support and deal with all the crap when things go wrong...and they will, eventually.

I agree.

but if you are going to do it...
rolleye.gif

get a better power supply, it will save you headaches in the long run. I like antec true power, and enermax.

the ati 9700 while a lot of overkill as better 2D quality than nvidia, I'd get it.
think of the boss as your customer, if he wants it get it. (but explain it to him)


 

Ilmater

Diamond Member
Jun 13, 2002
7,516
1
0
#4) If you overspent on all those others why only a 2.53 GHz chip? I'd personally rather save $200 on the memory and video card and put in a 2.8 GHz instead.

With all due respect, that is the absolue stupidest thing I've heard as long as I've been posting to or reading forums. Damnit people, you're not going to hardly notice 200MHz on a new CPU.

As far as the RAM goes, I'm sure you already know about Pricewatch.com, so go there adn buy 1GB of Corsair XMS PC2700 CL2 DDR SDRAM. The timings on that Mushkin are crap. The CL2 is the most important part. Corsair makes the best RAM (benchmarks keep proving me right) and timings will make more of a difference than frequency. Get 333MHz DDR. Also, tell him or her that 1GB is simply a waste. 512MB is all that is neccessary. Otherwise, looks ok.

Also, I agree with the PSU statement. Get a real Antec case and it should come with an Antec PS. I like Enermax more though.
 

Abrasive

Golden Member
Aug 12, 2002
1,535
0
0
Originally posted by: Ilmater
#4) If you overspent on all those others why only a 2.53 GHz chip? I'd personally rather save $200 on the memory and video card and put in a 2.8 GHz instead.

With all due respect, that is the absolue stupidest thing I've heard as long as I've been posting to or reading forums. Damnit people, you're not going to hardly notice 200MHz on a new CPU. Thank you for the validation in my choice. $200.00 for 200 MHZ please!

As far as the RAM goes, I'm sure you already know about Pricewatch.com, I was going for a one vendor solution. I have went the piece here and there route. Decided against iot this time, and it's not my money. so go there adn buy 1GB of Corsair XMS PC2700 CL2 DDR SDRAM. Will get it from newegg and thanks. The timings on that Mushkin are crap. Didn't know that's why I asked. The CL2 is the most important part. Corsair makes the best RAM (benchmarks keep proving me right) and timings will make more of a difference than frequency. Get 333MHz DDR. Also, tell him or her that 1GB is simply a waste. 512MB is all that is neccessary. Otherwise, looks ok. OK

Also, I agree with the PSU statement. Get a real Antec case and it should come with an Antec PS. I like Enermax more though.

I was thinking of this case then. ANTEC SOHO File ServerTower ATX Case Model SX1040BII with 400 Watt Smart Power, (ATX12V, P4 Compliant ) Power Supply

BTW THANKS A LOT FOR ACTUAL CONSTRUCTIVE ADVICE NOT SOME SMART ASSED COMMENTS!!!!:)

Here is the new specs. Anyone see any further problems?

Cases PC - ATX - Full Tower
ANTEC SOHO File ServerTower ATX Case Model SX1040BII with 400 Watt Smart Power, (ATX12V, P4 Compliant ) Power Supply **Black**With Front Mounted 2x USB and 1x Firewire Ports; For Pentium 4. Drive Bays Front Accessible: 4 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5", Internal: 4 x 3.5".with 2 Standard Rear fans more info>
* (Includes FedEx Saver Shipping) N82E16811129120 $100.00

CD ROM
Lite On 52x Cd Rom - Model LTN-526 -RETAIL Innovated SMART-X® to get the fastest CD-DAE/VCD data extraction speed by request
Specifications:
Speed : CD-ROM 52X (22X~52X, Average 38X)
Interface : ATAPI-E/IDE
Sustained Transfer Rate : 3300~7800KB/sec (Average:5700KB/sec)
PIO mode 4 16.6MB/sec, SW DMA 2, 8.3MB/sec, MW DMA 2, 16.6MB/sec,
Ultra-DMA/33, 33.3MB/sec
Access Time : 80ms (typical)
MTBF : 120'000 Power On Hours with 10% Duty
Retail Package; with manu, driver, cable and screws. more info>
N82E16827101201 $28.00
$28.00

DVD+RW DVD-RAM DVD-R Drive
Memorex DVD200XI DVD+RW & CD-RW COMBO DRIVE RETAIL 4.7GB 2.4X/2.4X/8X DVD, 12X/10X/32X CD ReWritable Drive Kit provides the best way to create original DVDs and view them on most DVD players
Specifications:

Encoding method EFM, EFM Plus
Write compatible: CD-R,CD-RW,DVD+RW,DVD+R
Read Compatible: CD-R/CD-ROM,CD-RW,CD-Digital
Audio (Red Book) and
CD Extra ,CD-ROM (Mode 1 - Yellow Book)
CD-ROM XA and CD-I (Mode 2/Form 1 - Green Book)
CD-ROM XA and CD-I (Mode 2/Form 2 - Green Book)
CD-Bridge and Photo-CD (single and multi-session)
CD-Video, DVD-ROM,DVD+RW,DVD+R
Retail(Bundled w/Software.Manual and cables See Pic) more info>
N82E16827141101 $279.00
$279.00

Floppy Drives
MITSUMI D359M3 FDD 1.44MB 3.5INCH - OEM more info>
N82E16821103104 $9.00
$9.00

Hard Drives - IDE
Hot Deal!WD WESTERN DIGITAL "SPECIAL EDITION" 120GB 7200RPM EIDE HARD DRIVE MODEL # WD1200JB - OEM, DRIVE ONLY
Specifications:
Size: 120 Gigabytes
Interface: IDE ULTRA ATA100
Seek time: 8.9ms
RPM:7200
Cache 8MB
OEM(Drive alone) 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty --* Works With PC & Mac *-- more info>
N82E16822144118 $165.00
$165.00

Keyboards - English
MICROSOFT NATURAL KEYBOARD ELITE The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite is the second in a series of ergonomically designed keyboards from Microsoft. Its split, gently sloped design allows you to place your hands, wrists and forearms in a natural position for greater comfort while typing. With its improved space-saving design, the new keyboard takes up less room on your desktop and fits easily into keyboard trays. Designed for your comfort! *Must be Purchased with hardware!* more info>
N82E16823109105 $17.00
$17.00

Memory - PC (DDR)
CORSAIR 512MB PC2400H DDR RAM - OEM
184-Pin. CL=2 -Unbuffered 2.5V. 64x64 Requires DDR supported Motherboard - Lifetime Warranty. more info>
N82E16820145013 $165.00
$165.00

Motherboards - Intel
ASUS P4B533-E w/Raid Motherboard for Intel P4 478 RETAIL
Specifications:
Processor Socket 478 for FC-PGA2 Pentium® 4 1.4GHz to 2.2GHz+
Chipset: Intel 845E Chipset North, ICH4 South
FSB 533/400 MHz
Memory 3 x DDR DIMM Sockets Max. 2GB unbuffered PC2100 /PC1600 DDR DRAM (PC 2700 Max. to 4 banks only)
Expansion Slots 1 x AGP PRO 6 x PCI
IDE Ports 2 x UltraDMA 133/100/66/33
Audio C-Media CMI8738 6-chan S/PDIF-in
LAN: Intregrated: Intel PHY
6 x USB 2.0
2 x Firewire PC1394
more info>
N82E16813131313 $165.00
$165.00

Processors - Intel Pentium 4
Intel Pentium 4 / 2.53GHz Northwood 512K Socket 478 Processor 533MHz Processor Bus
Specifications:
CPU: 2.53 GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 533 Mhz
Socket: 478 Retail (Box with Heatsink and fan), 3-year MFG. Warranty-(CPU ONLY NO RAMBUS RAM) more info>
N82E16819116144 $237.00
$237.00

Software - OS
Microsoft Windows XP Professional - OEM Full Version Disk ONLY, no Manual Designed for reliability, security and privacy, high performance, and ease of use, the Windows XP operating system provides a host of benefits for business and home users. A clean and simple desktop, rock-solid reliability, and easy-to-use features that take advantage of the digital age all contribute to the value of Windows XP. Enhancements in real-time voice, video, and data communications will allow the PC to become a center of communications and creativity beyond just e-mail and instant messaging. Windows XP will also allow the user to connect back to the desktop from any location, and support for new wireless networks will be built in. *Must be Purchased w/Hardware!!* more info>
N82E16837102009 $139.00
$139.00

Video Cards
ATI ALL IN WONDER RADEON 8500 128MB AGP BULK Powered by the RADEON 8500 GPU
Specifications:
GPU:RADEON? 8500
MEM 128MB DDR
Stereo TV-tuner
Resolutions up to 2048x1536
Easily capture and edit MPEG-2 video
Wireless RF remote control
OS support: Windows® XP, Windows® Me,Windows® 2000
Ports:DVI-I (15 pin VGA adaptor included) One display (VGA or DVI) can be connected and active simultaneously with either a TV or VCR
Max Res: 2048x1536 85 Hz
DVD video playback
OEM BULK PACK, with Cables and Breakout box (see pic) more info>
N82E16814102238 $241.00
$241.00


Subtotal » $1,545.00
Shipping and Handling Charge »
>How Newegg.com calculates shipping< $ 30.00
APO/FPO - Military ONLY FedEx Standard Overnight FedEx 2Day FedEx Express Saver Choose which State to ship AA AP AE ALASKA ALABAMA ARKANSAS ARIZONA CALIFORNIA COLORADO CONNECTICUT DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DELAWARE FLORIDA GEORGIA HAWAII IOWA IDAHO ILLINOIS INDIANA KANSAS KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MASSACHUSETTS MARYLAND MAINE MICHIGAN MINNESOTA MISSOURI MISSISSIPPI MONTANA NORTH CAROLINA NORTH DAKOTA NEBRASKA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW MEXICO NEVADA NEW YORK OHIO OKLAHOMA OREGON PENNSYLVANIA PUERTO RICO RHODE ISLAND SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH DAKOTA TENNESSEE TEXAS UTAH VIRGINIA VERMONT WASHINGTON WISCONSIN WEST VIRGINIA WYOMING
Grand Total » $ 1,575.00

 

mcveigh

Diamond Member
Dec 20, 2000
6,457
6
81
Originally posted by: Abrasive
Originally posted by: Monsoons
Does your boss plan on using the all in wonders extra features?

Extra features? What are they? Enlighten me.

read the fine print....ihas vivo stuff, like watch cablt tv on your cdomputer, record tv shows to your hard drive. andmore
 

Ilmater

Diamond Member
Jun 13, 2002
7,516
1
0
You're getting closer, but here are the things I'd change:

1) Go here for the RAM. The sixth one down on that page is rated to run at 333MHz at timings of 2-3-3-5-1T. That's damned good, and it only costs $148 including free FedEx saver 3day shipping. You may get lucky enough to run it faster (2-2-2-5-1T maybe?), but it's not guaranteed.

2) If he's doing video editing, then the ATI AIW 8500DV is a great choice. I will mention that the 9700 AIW is now out, but it will most definitely cost a lot more. You might want to check out some of the reviews, but unless the actual video editing part of that card are improved, I wouldn't get it.

Other than that, I think you're good to go.

P.S. I want to publicly appologize to Dullard. Yesterday, when I posted to this thread, I had just read another guy that went out and replaced his "old 1.33GHz" proc with a 1600+ chip. I was absolutely stupified by that and brought the anger in here. Dullard did not get to the status of golden member without knowing what he's talking about, but I still would never recommend a 267MHz faster proc. It's sad that I actually get worked up over something someone posted in a thread, but I was at work without anything to do, so boredom was the mother of anger in that situation.

You all have to agree though, buying a 1600+ Palomino to reaplace your 1.33GHz T-bird is just like throwing money out the window.
 

GoodRevrnd

Diamond Member
Dec 27, 2001
6,801
581
126
Um, you would probably be fine with an AIW 7500. Otherwise, I agree w/ what everyone else has said.
 

sparks

Senior member
Sep 18, 2000
535
0
0
Not neccesarily, if you are an overclocker a 1600+ can overclock to 2000+ or more.
 

Abrasive

Golden Member
Aug 12, 2002
1,535
0
0
Originally posted by: Ilmater
You're getting closer, but here are the things I'd change:

2) If he's doing video editing, then the ATI AIW 8500DV is a great choice. I will mention that the 9700 AIW is now out, but it will most definitely cost a lot more. You might want to check out some of the reviews, but unless the actual video editing part of that card are improved, I wouldn't get it.

Well to update everyone I ordered all but the Memorex DVD Burner. I ordered the Sony DRU500A

"The DRU-500A burns DVD-R/-RW, DVD+RW/+R, and even CD-R/CD-RW disks."

for $300.00 from Dell as the had a special and took advantage of the "GO PRO" deal from Microsoft and got XP Pro for $49.00 for him. I also opted for the Lite on CDRW.


KB LOGITECH|ELITE BLACK KEYBOARD RT (Qty=1,Price=43.00)
CPU P4/2.53GHz 533M 478PIN/512K RET (Qty=1,Price=241.00)
DDRAM 512MB|64X64 PC-2400H CORSAIR% (Qty=1,Price=165.00)
HD 120GB|WD 72R WD1200JB 8MB-CACHE (Qty=1,Price=165.00)
MB ASUS P4B533-E 845/ICH4 INTEL RET (Qty=1,Price=157.00)
FD 1.44MB|MITSUMI #D359M3D BLACK (Qty=1,Price=11.00)
CDRW40X12X48|LITE ON LTR40125BLACK (Qty=1,Price=55.99)
ACCES FAN|80X25 3/4P TF8025 VTTF RT (Qty=2,Price=24.00)
CASE ANTEC|SVR SOHO TOWER SX1040BII (Qty=1,Price=100.00)

Where would I order the 9700 Pro AIW? I have looked where do I find it? He wants that.

BTW I did order CORSAIR MEMORY XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series 512MB 32MX8 PC-2700C2PT With Platinum - Silver Heat Spreader OEM

Specifications:
Speed 333 MHz
Organization 64M x 64
CAS Latency 2-3-3-5-T1
Memory type DDR
Part number: CMX512A-2700C2PT


Thanks for the help I am trying to go about this like an educated person, rather than a computer modder and gamer. Yeah....that's it...
 

Abrasive

Golden Member
Aug 12, 2002
1,535
0
0
Thanks guys for the help. Anyone email me when they see the Radeon 9700 Pro AIW for sale.