Clueless :P

Computer Forum New Build / Upgrade Advice
1

Hey guys! Cheers for checking this out, I’m just in need of some guidance regarding a new PC…

Right, so I’m looking to build a custom PC to use mainly for my work at uni along with a few other jobs. I’m on a design course which means I’m running plenty of professional 2D and 3D design software, often using multiple programmes at the same time, and manipulating huge image and CAD files.

I’d also love to be able to play music through the PC and get a decent sound out of it (although I’m pretty sure this depends on the speaker system more than anything).

My question is - what should I be looking for in different components to create a fast and smooth running machine, and also what is not particularly important/necessary? I’m working on a fairly tight budget so any ways I could cut back on cost would be great.

On a similar note do you have any OS recommendations (I’m thinking probably XP but not sure home/pro) and also are there any major drawbacks or requirements for running dual monitors?

I’d be really grateful if you could point me in the right direction.

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2

you wanna be lookin at a £1000 /$1800 pc

core2 duo 2.4ghz +
4gb ram
8800gt /gts /gtx depending on the price u wanna pay but any 8800 should be fine
win xp is fine
500 - 600w power supply

hard drive is up2 u, suggest somet like 320gb depending on your file sizes

dual-monitors easy with new graphics card coz windows just detects em both just plug ur monitors into the card

simple as

3

I’d get Windows XP Pro, as Home and Media Centre don’t like dual core processors.

Sound card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty 7.1 Champion Series Sound Card - Retail
This thing is amazing! Maybe too expensive for you but definitely worth it.

Otherwise, pretty much all of the above is cool. Have fun!

4

I’ve not heard of that before… I though XP MCE was just XP Pro + Media Centre software and an improved theme?

5

Aye that was what I thought too?

6

Cheers!

Thanks Dwarfer for the suggestions, unfortunately I can’t push to some of those components but here’s what I’m looking at for the moment:

Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 (2 x 2.55GHz) (1066FSB/3MB)
2Gb RAM (apparently you can’t run more than this on XP-32 bit)
Asus SKT-775 S/V/L 1066FSB (integrated 5.1 sound)
500GB HDD (16MB/7200rpm)
1GB 8500GT
600W PSU
XP Pro

Any more ideas let me know!

Also I checked out that sound card suggested by mattireland, it looks sweet but think i’m gonna have to sacrifice sound quality to afford the other hardware :frowning: Thanks for the heads up about dual core + XP home though!

7

Cheers!

3.5gb is the limit with XP & Vista 32bit I believe, or somewhere around there.

How much is the 8500GT? I think you would be better going with a 256mb or 512mb 8600GT for a similar price, as the memory of the card doesn’t determine how good it is.

8

Fair comment, I could save £10 or so and go for a 256MB 8600GT or even spend an extra £15 and get a 384MB 8800GS (£60total). Sounds like that might be the better option?

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I’m not sure whether the 8800GS is better than the 8600GT. Either way, don’t go for the 1gb 8500GT!