***UPDATED***standard new college rig question...

[Alex]

Sup y'all!
we've all answered tons of these and now its my turn to ask!

I just got a scholarship for college so my dad is really happy with me so he'll probably be more lenient about a budget for my college comp (gonna leave the old Pimp Rig behind

Here is my basic outline:

cpu: Athlon XP 2100+ (1.73ghz)
mobo: GigaByte GA-7VRX
memory: 512mb Corsair XMS2700 CAS 2.0
hd: Seagate Cheetah 36GB 15k rpm Ultra 160 SCSI
vidcard: ATI Radeon 8500 64mb Retail
soundcard: Creative SoundBlaster Audigy OEM
speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 THX
monitor: Viewsonic PF790 19" Flatscreen
scsi card: Tekram USA DC-390U2W
cd-rw: Sanyo BP5 24/10/40x SCSI
dvd: Toshiba 16X IDE
fan: Panflo 80mm Hi Output
heatsink: Alpha PAL8045 (heatsink only)
powersupply: Enermax Whisper 350W
thermal paste: Arctic Silver 3
case: Lian-Li PC-61+USB Black Aluminium Case
nic: D-Link DFE-530TX
headset: plantronics hs1

I definitely won't need more memory than that... I'm not sure about the videocard cuz I love ATI but the 8500 is pretty old now... I'm sure it will be more than enough for all my games ..erm..work for now tho!
My major quandry is about the processor... I'd reallyp love to have a Thoroughbred processor for overclockability and cool temps as well. Thing is that would also mean a new mobo = a lot more expensive overall.


OK after all of the input i've made a lot of changes to my list... here's what my rig looks like now: (and also $300 cheaper)

processor: athlon XP 2100+ (1.73ghz)
mobo: GigaByte GA-7VRX
ram: 512mb Corsair XMS2700 CAS 2
hd: Western Digital Special Edition WD1200JB ATA100 8MB cache 120GB
vidcard: ATI Radeon 8500 64mb Retail
soundcard: SoundBlaster Audigy OEM
speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 THX
monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 900NF 19" Flatscreen
cd-rw: TEAC 40x/10x/48x IDE
dvd: Toshiba 16X IDE
fan/heatsink: Alpha Pal8045 with Panaflo 80mm Low Output Fan
power supply: Antec
paste: Arctic Silver 3
case: Lian-Li PC-61+USB Black Aluminium
nic: D-Llink DFE-530TX
headset: Plantronics hs1
tv tuner: ATI TV-Wonder PCI

 

[microAmp]

Do you really need SCSI? Why not go with a WD120JB? 8MB cache performs close/as good as SCSI in certain test.

You might not need a new mobo when the TBred's come out, just a BIOS update might be the fix for all to work.

 

[0dan0]

scsi card: Tekram USA DC-390U2W
That is a problem with your x15. The x15 is a u160 SCSI drive, and that controller only goes up to UW, you will want the tekram DC-390u3w or u3d.

A SCSI cd-rw drive is really not necessary, and you are probably better off getting a new IDE one, because they are quickly not being supported and quickly going away. The DVD drive on the other hand, I think would be better as a SCSI instead of a IDE, because new ones are available as SCSI and you already have the controller.

Also, put a big IDE drive in there for storage. I would personally get the 18gig x15 for your system, and a big 80-120gb IDE drive for storage. On my personal rig, I use an 18gig x15 for OS/games/apps, my other 36gig SCSI drive for important storage that isn't accessed that often, and my IDE drive for download/other storage crap.

 

[Alex]

<< Do you really need SCSI? Why not go with a WD120JB? 8MB cache performs close/as good as SCSI in certain test.

You might not need a new mobo when the TBred's come out, just a BIOS update might be the fix for all to work. >>



id like the scsi... the faster access time is a real plus...

and im pretty sure ill need a new mobos cuz tbreds are gonna be 0.13 core and thats prolly gonna be totally different than the 0.18s of today, arent they? maybe im just talking jibberish...

 

[Alex]

<< scsi card: Tekram USA DC-390U2W
That is a problem with your x15. The x15 is a u160 SCSI drive, and that controller only goes up to UW, you will want the tekram DC-390u3w or u3d.

A SCSI cd-rw drive is really not necessary, and you are probably better off getting a new IDE one, because they are quickly not being supported and quickly going away. The DVD drive on the other hand, I think would be better as a SCSI instead of a IDE, because new ones are available as SCSI and you already have the controller.

Also, put a big IDE drive in there for storage. I would personally get the 18gig x15 for your system, and a big 80-120gb IDE drive for storage. On my personal rig, I use an 18gig x15 for OS/games/apps, my other 36gig SCSI drive for important storage that isn't accessed that often, and my IDE drive for download/other storage crap. >>



hmm thx for the pointer on my scsi card... someone told me it would work... actually a guy from tekram himself (i emailed them a while ago... ill have to look into that)

i might just ditch the scsi cdrw... i only liked it cuz of the low price and v fast access times... plus id have a controller anyway...

scsi dvd? never though of it but ok... ill look out for that...

about the extra HDs... well i dont have thaaat much cash... its definitely my first addition once my rig is up and running and i have more cash...

 

[Siddhartha]

What is your timing for getting this computer? And hou much do you have to spend?

 

[Sukhoi]

One thing to consider - if you're putting that in a dorm room that's going to be one hot/noisy machine, and your roomate might not like it too much.

 

[gunf1ghter]

Wow... the screen alone costs more than any of the first 5 computers that I owned.

Make sure you do some research on that flat panel... most newer Viewsonic panels make use of MVA technology and are ass for games.

I also agree that a hot dorm room (which typically won't have AC) is not the best place for a system with all that crap in it. It's going to run very hot and be very noisy. My new P4 rig is so much cooler and quieter than my AMD ever was... the stock cooler barely makes any noise at all and is more than sufficient at cooling it to 2.13 gig speeds.

As far as your SCSI selection, IMHO it's a total waste on a system that doesn't have numerous devices. Access times or not you are going to have more than enough RAM to keep everything loaded... you aren't going to notice if MS Word pops up in 1 second or in .9 seconds.

Do your old man a favor and opt for a high capacity 7200RPM EIDE drive instead.

 

[ElFenix]

<< and im pretty sure ill need a new mobos cuz tbreds are gonna be 0.13 core and thats prolly gonna be totally different than the 0.18s of today, arent they? >>

nope, you're just talking jibberish the tbred is a palomino with a die shrink. doesn't even have more cache. and they may run at a higher temp due to a higher watt/m^2 than palomino (that depends on what the voltage is). but they shouldn't put out as much heat.

 

[TheWart]

i agree, scsi is a waste. my simple ide raid is plenty fast for me.

 

[Alex]

<< What is your timing for getting this computer? And hou much do you have to spend? >>

\

I'm gonna buy it during the first week of september... might order it a week before that to make sure it arrives on time (im going to order online from OxfordPC)



<< One thing to consider - if you're putting that in a dorm room that's going to be one hot/noisy machine, and your roomate might not like it too much. >>



True. I'm not sure if i want a roomate though... which reminds me of a thread i wanted to start in OT...

<< Wow... the screen alone costs more than any of the first 5 computers that I owned.

Make sure you do some research on that flat panel... most newer Viewsonic panels make use of MVA technology and are ass for games.

I also agree that a hot dorm room (which typically won't have AC) is not the best place for a system with all that crap in it. It's going to run very hot and be very noisy. My new P4 rig is so much cooler and quieter than my AMD ever was... the stock cooler barely makes any noise at all and is more than sufficient at cooling it to 2.13 gig speeds.

As far as your SCSI selection, IMHO it's a total waste on a system that doesn't have numerous devices. Access times or not you are going to have more than enough RAM to keep everything loaded... you aren't going to notice if MS Word pops up in 1 second or in .9 seconds.

Do your old man a favor and opt for a high capacity 7200RPM EIDE drive instead. >>



I'm going to invest in a lot of cooling...but it might still be noisy (most likely)... argh The screen is actually the very same model I'm using on my old rig and i was so impressed by it that i'd like to have on in my college rig (too much of a hassle to ship mine over to college, plus my dad wants it for himself )

SCSI... well.... I'm seriously considering switching to IDE after the feedback i've been getting... I think what i'll do to keep it cheap is go for an 8mb cache WD drive now (the 120GB one most likely) and then have the scsi disk as a future upgrade... yeah that sounds more reasonable... and fair with my dad!


ElFenix... lol well thx for correcting me! That's encouraging then! So i might just get a 2100+ now and wait for the tbreds to be cheaper...

 

[Alex]

btw im not sure of my budget... my last PC ended up being roughly $2000 (a couple years ago) so I'm assuming maybe around $2500 cuz of the scholarship bonus

 

[gunf1ghter]

<< I'm gonna buy it during the first week of september... might order it a week before that to make sure it arrives on time (im going to order online from OxfordPC) >>



With that much lead time it's pretty much a waste to even narrow down your hardware choices at this point.

1) The stuff you are looking at now will be cheaper and obselete in September.

2) Newer/faster/better stuff will almost certainly be available.

 

[dexvx]

NIC: either 3com 10/100 or Intel Pro/100+ or maybe the Intel Pro/100s if you want some fun with IP-SEC
Headphones : Sennheiser HD600 ... i seriously doubt that you will be able to use any 1/2 decent speakers to anywhere near full potential in a dorm setting. But with the HD600, you should consider getting an AMP to make it sound better.

Audio: Get the Audigy Retail (it has the gold jacks instead of the cruddy plastic ones)

 

[gunf1ghter]

Actually I would rate the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz as being comparable to the Audigy, has more mature drivers (they release an update about every two months, I went a year waiting for Creative to provide Win2K support for the Live!) and the sound quality is comparable to the Audigy.

The TBSC is also easily found for under $50.

 

[Viper GTS]

IMHO your priorities are all wrong for a college machine, but that's just me.

My priorities would be:

1) Absolute stability
2) Silence
3) Speed

You don't want a fire breathing monster with you in the dorm room.

That having been said, if you're intent on what you've listed so far I'd simply recommend you replace the Enermax with an Antec TruePower. I love my 550.

In your position I would probably build a silent P4/533 FSB system. I'd use fluid bearing IDE drives, the quietest fans I could find, & a truepower p/s to adjust case fan speeds.

Just my 2¢.

Viper GTS

 

[Alex]

<< With that much lead time it's pretty much a waste to even narrow down your hardware choices at this point.

1) The stuff you are looking at now will be cheaper and obselete in September.

2) Newer/faster/better stuff will almost certainly be available. >>



You'd be surprised... I've had this list for a couple months now...since december IIRC ... the list is of course subject to changes but i just don't want to have any last minute worries so this is the basic frame and i can change any part if i see fit...



<< IMHO your priorities are all wrong for a college machine, but that's just me.

My priorities would be:

1) Absolute stability
2) Silence
3) Speed

You don't want a fire breathing monster with you in the dorm room.

That having been said, if you're intent on what you've listed so far I'd simply recommend you replace the Enermax with an Antec TruePower. I love my 550.

In your position I would probably build a silent P4/533 FSB system. I'd use fluid bearing IDE drives, the quietest fans I could find, & a truepower p/s to adjust case fan speeds.

Just my 2¢.

Viper GTS >>



hmmm thx for the input! my priority is speed, fun potential, stability
stability is not really a major concern cuz every PC ive had has always been VERY stable and ive assembled them all myself with OEM parts from egghead.com (before it went bankrupt)... now im actually paying an online company to assemble it for me... (cuz of the warranty and also i cant be bothered anymore...)

i HATE intel and p4 so thats out of the question for me! cuz of the heat issues i was tempted to get a tbred but im not sure what price range they'll be in...

i do like the antec suggestion... ill look into it! im still gonna get a 350W cuz now that i wont have SCSI ill definitely not have any excess power "needage"

in a couple days ill post my new list!

 

[ed21x]

Space is always an issue considering how small most dormrooms are, and weight is another, so i suggest you switching that heavy 19 inch tube monitor for a lighter, clearer 17 inch LCD. Also, a klispche 5.1 will really fill the room with cluttering wires and nobody is really gonna let you turn that 400 watt subwoofer anywhere near 1/8 volume, so a good 2.1 setup should be more than adequate. Consider getting a tv tuner card (hauppage WinTV)- they're just nice to have =P And as for the rig itself, just a personnal preference i'd swap the system for some Intel-based i850 chipset, RDram, OCed Nothwood processor with a 533 mhz fsb for max stability/performance. Oh, and since you'll be downloading like crazy on a t3 connection, i don't think 36 gb is quite adequate...

Heh, if only i could've come to berkeley 1 year later, i could've known my mistakes...

 

[Sukhoi]

<< IMHO your priorities are all wrong for a college machine, but that's just me.

My priorities would be:

1) Absolute stability
2) Silence
3) Speed

You don't want a fire breathing monster with you in the dorm room.

That having been said, if you're intent on what you've listed so far I'd simply recommend you replace the Enermax with an Antec TruePower. I love my 550.

In your position I would probably build a silent P4/533 FSB system. I'd use fluid bearing IDE drives, the quietest fans I could find, & a truepower p/s to adjust case fan speeds.

Just my 2¢.

Viper GTS >>



That's exactly what I'm planning on doing, even down to the PSU.

 

[Alex]

ed21x

dude u gotta be kiddin!! trading my perfect flat 19" crt for a 17" lcd???? how can i watch movies and play games on an lcd?
i wouldnt trade my tube for nothin!!!

oh yeah i forgot about the tv tuner... im thinking old pci radeon aiw?

 

[Goosemaster]

Seriously, DO NOT PUT DOWN SCSI!
You call it whatever you want, and you wrong....unless you call it overkill...


Seriously, SCSI is well worth it IF you use it. I do many Disk-intensive tasks...webserver..ftp..games...browser....and other stuff...AT THE SAME TIME.....and when I had IDE it just did not cut it...It would lag and get caught up in the barrage of tasks making me...

the\ /wait


\ <-----picky Bastard....../





I now have a Quantum(Maxtor) Atlas 10kII that is 10000rpm and has a 4.9ms access time. YOu can get a 10kIII for about $2xx (faster access time sustained transfers in the mid 50MB/s's)

A Seagate Cheetah is DEFINITELY OVERKILL for you AND me. Plus the heat and noise characteristics associated with it make it unpleasant to run in a dorm room....

The Quantum 10kIII, compared to the seagate, only has a 1.1ms slower seektime and is only slower by an average of 3MB/s on sustained transfers but is at a GREAT PRICE(SOURCE: Storage Review)

IT is also very quiet, and runs very cool.


I would never DREAM of going back to IDE after having this baby for about a year...


I am getting a 10kIII soon....this one is too slow for me



By the way, the way most efficient way to make use of SCSI without cleaning out your bank account is as follows:

OS(Operating System) Drive

9GB,18GB, or 36GB SCSI drive for you OS and apps, or just your OS

why?

You OS does alot of tasks that are many times all over the disk...accessing programs or files for clients on a webser etc. and the access time allows for seemless multitasking.
Once programs have loaded into ram, disk access is usually sparse at best, so HD sustained speed is not really that necessary. That said, the 10kIII will mopp the floor with the WD 120GB Special Edition anytime with one hand tied behind its back.. THAT is if you NEED it to.

Application/Data Drive

Use an IDE drive here. This is drive will be accessed no where near as much as you OS drive, and therefore access time will not be as crucial. IDE will be great because it provides a cheap storage platform that excels in sustained transfers regardless of its value-oriented nature.


Basically, SCSI is AMAZING as an OS drive, but doesn't really matter as a STOARGE Drvive to the AVERAGE user.




Seriously, SCSI is NOT overrated. It is what it is supposed to be: Freakin' A* .





*.....(Damnnnnnnn AMAZING)

 

[Goosemaster]

As for you tv tunner, get a Happaugge WinTV Go-FM ...cheap...and a great card..\\\\


ATI's Driver supports sucks for the ATI TV, and the ALL-in-Wonder's TV tunner ONLY works if it is the master card...sucks for gaming (Obvious)

 

[Alex]

thx for all the help goose!

i think ill suspend scsi for now and use it as an OS drive when i have the cash...

i'd go for ati tv tuner but if the driver support sux then ill look into the wintv...