Thoughts / Constructive criticism on this system

[starwarsdad]

I am building a new machine for the owner of my company. He has challenged me to build a box that will outpace his new Dell P4 2.0gHz system with a GeForce3 and 1 GB of PC 800 RAM.

Here is what I propose:

Enermax BLACK, 10-Bay, Enermax 330W P-4 PS, Server Tower Case ATX. 4 X 5.25" Bays, 2 X 3.5" Bays, 4 X 3.5" Hidden. Enermax EG351P VE(2 BB Fans) (AMD Recommended power supply.) 3 Fans installed. Dimensions: W205*D473*H522 (mm).

Abit VIA KT266A Chipset Motherboard Model KR7A-Raid Supports AMD Athlon XP 1500+ ~1900+/AMD Athlon 700MHz~1.4GHz or future Socket A Processors based on 200/266 MHz(100MHz/133MHz Double Data Rate), AMD Duron 600MHz ~ 950 MHz or future Socket A Processors based on 200 MHz (100MHz Double Data Rate). Four 184-pin DIMM sockets support up to 4 GB PC1600/PC2100 DDR SDRAM module. 1 AGP slot, 6 PCI slots

MSI G3Ti500 PRO-VTG (MS-8854) GeForce3 Titanium 64MB DDR SDRAM - RETAIL nVidia® GeForce 3 Titanium 500 Chipset. 4X AGP 256-bit Graphic Architecture GPU. 240MHz Core Clock 500MHz Memory Speed. TV-Out, VIVO, 3D Glasses Intervideo WinCoder. Intervideo WinProducer MSI 3D Theater. MSI Live Update Series. MSI DVD, 3D!Turbo, Live Update Series. Supports Windows® 9x, ME, NT, 2000.

AMD ATHLON XP 1900+/266 FSB PROCESSOR CPU - OEM 1900+/ 1.60GHz, AX1900DMT3C. The AMD Athlon XP processor with QuantiSpeed architecture powers the next generation in computing platforms, delivering extra performance for cutting-edge applications and an extra-ordinary computing experience.world's highest overall performing PC processor.

2 x DDRAM 512MB|64X64 PC-2100 MUSHKINAMD, VIA, ALI, SiS Approved, PC2100 = 266MHz FSB, Rated 2.5-3-3@133MHz, Uses 256-Megabit chips,64x64 Module, 32Mx8 Chip Density, Unbuffered & 6-Layer PC Board.

Teac 1.44MB Black Floppy Drive, Model #FD235HFA429, OEM -

3 x in RAID 0 setup MAXTOR EIDE HARD DRIVE MODEL # 6L040J2 40GB 7200RPM - OEM, BARE DRIVE DiamondMax PS D740X Plus ATA133/100, 2MB Cache Buffer, 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty.

AOPEN CRW2440 24x10x40 CDRW BLACK - RETAIL Internal EIDE/ATAPI CD-RW Drive - 24x record (CD-R), 10x rewrite (CD-RW), 40x read (CD-ROM), 2MB buffer, 120ms average access time, Just Link Technology - prevent under-runs, Just Speed Technology - prevents writing error, w/ audio cable, blank CD-RW media, manual, NERO burning software, mounting screws

CREATIVE LABS SOUND BLASTER AUDIGY WITH 1390 4 - OEM 24-bit, 96kHz, 100db SNR audio quality. MIDI Interface/ Joystick Port. SB1394 firewire connector. 32-bit Professional Quality Effects Engine.

Thermalright SK-6, ALL COPPER, Heatsink with Delta 60X60X25 38CFM fan. Dimension: L64 x W72 x H63.2 (mm).


Some of these components were chosen because of availability with Newegg. I want to order everything from one vendor and get it all in this week. These boxes will be used for web development and photo/image editing. We use Photoshop and Illustrator extensively.

What do you guys think? How will I fare in comparison to the Dell 8200 I mentioned above? Constructive criticism is welcome.


Edit: New fan

 

[Rahminator]

Very poor choice of HSF. Get water cooling, and OC that XP 1900 like a crazy mutha (money's not an issue rite?). Sony floppies are quieter than Teac from what I've heard from many people. Get an Antec case (one of the sx models with 400W PSU).

 

[starwarsdad]

I forgot to mention that I will NOT OC this system. The case is the same as the Antec SX1030B. I am goint to put a 500W Antec PS in it that I have at the office.

 

[John]

You should get the Alpha Pal8045 or the Thermalrite SK6 instead of the ThermalCrap unit. Everything else looks fine.

 

[foofoo]

amen on the cooler,
go thermalright sk6 and put a less noisy fan than the delta on it.
good luck

 

[Windogg]

To really whoop a 2Ghz P4 at everything, get a Seagate X15 drive if possible. That can be pricey but get a 3Ware Escalade hardware IDE RAID controller from
Hyper Microand use 3 Seagate Barracuda IVs. They are fast and quiet. I small person bias is my preference for Asus mobos. I've built many Abit based systems but I still prefer Asus.

Also ditch the Dragon Orb. They are loud and heavy. Any major jarring movements could cause damage to the mobo or CPU. Get something decently quiet like a Coolermaster which AMD uses in their retail boxes. They will be more silent than the standard Delta Finger Ginsu fans. Anyone that has owned a Dell can tell you the systems are very quiet. Moving to a noisy system will only give them an excuse to complain.

Since it is for the owner of the company you work for, do NOT overclock. Also make sure all software is legal. Remember, you will be his tech support so build a 100% stable system with no chance of anything coming in question.

Windogg

EDIT: Cancel the Coolermaster though. Other people have mentioned the Alpha 8045. I guess the booze is catching up to me. Get the Alpha and tack on a Panaflo Low Speed. 24CFM @ 21DB is nice.

Hyper Micro

 

[Rahminator]

Don't put barracuda 4s in RAID 0 cause at storage review I've heard that they perform very poorly in that setup. Alone they are excellent drives though.

 

[ShadowFox]

AKKKK... feel... so... inadequate.... NEED MORE MONEY!!!!!!!! Very nice system!

definetly go with the Alpha pal8045 or the Thermalright SK-6 (i love mine)

Why not get the Plextor 24x10x40 CD-RW?

 

[starwarsdad]

Newegg doesn't have the Plextor in Black. I want to order this Monday and get everything from one place, so I can build it and start benchmarking this and the Dell box.

I almost had him talked into a dual processor box, but he wants more of an apples to apples comparison. If this thing is faster than the Dell, I will get to build several of them for the company. I am cheating a little with the RAID setup, but all is fair in love and computing.

I appreciate the suggestions so far! Keep 'em coming!

 

[scoobydooby]

I'm kinda a newbie so correct me if I'm wrong. If you're not gonna overclock then what's the point of putting a massive/expensive cooler on it? Also do you really need a creative labs audigy for a work pc? Let us know how much it all costs when you buy it.
Scoob

 

[Duvie]

Your boss doesn't seem that bright....Doesn't he know that in a majority of all the reviews around the net it is widely shown the xp 1900+ will win in the vast majority of applications??? Sounds like the typical "i am INtel fanboy...My Sh*t don't stink"

I alread have limited respect for him in terms of even being computer savvy considering he bought a dell...just build your own frekkin system...

Plus I have seen to many dell systems that seem handicapped with thier choice of components or motherboards...

Why don't you just show him that you can build a system that will beat it period (no great arse kickin so avoid the expensive dual or scsi route and stick to apples and apples) at a much lower price...

And please don't tell me you just play games with these things...what a waste...grow up...

 

[arynn]

Newegg does have the Plextor in black:

PLEXTOR PX-W2410TA-BPS-BL 24x10x40 CD-RW BLACK COLOR- OEM Internal IDE DriveModel The PlexWriter 24/10/40A E-IDE (ATAPI) drive, with built-in BURN-Proof technology, delivers exceptionally fast performance in a professional 3-in-1 CD solution, while upholding the legendary Plextor reliability. PoweRec II, an exclusive Plextor technology, guarantees the highest quality write across a broad base of media Fedex Saver Shipping $7.00
- Product Link -See It! (N82E16827106209)
Save $8 when you buy this item with ATI RADEON LE 32MB DDR NO TV-OUT VIDEO CARD - OEM
$155.00
YES

Unless you're only considering retail boxed units, I would go with the Plextor. I have the 16 x 10 x 40 drive and have not had any problems with it.

 

[starwarsdad]

scoobydooby - I am using the large cooler to prevent any possibility of heat issues and stability problems that can result. Total cost is looking like $1675 shipped.

Duvie - I asked for constructive criticism on the system, not a tirade about this versus that or an attack on my boss. I have trouble respecting someone that attacks others for no reason and without provocation.

arynn - I didn't see the Plextor on there. I think I will stick with the Aopen and save the $30. We have several CD dupers at the office. This burner will be underutilized. The Plextor's reputation is top notch though.


Thanks so far. Does anyone see any compatibility issues that I may have overlooked?

 

[Thyme]

Constructive criticism... <laughs at the pun>