I’m looking to build a new PC and these are the specs I’ve come up with. I’d love to get one for around $1400 shipped, but I’m not sure what areas I could skimp on and get the same performance/reliability. I already have a mouse and a license for XP Pro.
Does anyone have any thoughts on refurbished parts?
I’ll be using it for some graphic design and web development, but nothing too intense. (I currently use a 1.2 ghz laptop and it works fine for my purposes). I’d also like to be able to play some games, thus the decent graphics card.
Most of it looks good. The only thing you might want to consider changing is the motherboard. The AN8-Ultra seems to have a few issues with it in terms of stability, but this may have been fixed in more recent times. If you’re looking to do some overclocking and/or like to tweak, you might want to look at the DFI LanParty NF4 Ultra-D (a LanPartyUT board is the SAME, but with less accessories and an lower price). If you want something to drop in and go, you might look at the Asus A8N-E instead. The Abit AN8-SLI seems to have no issues, but the Ultra does. However, Abit’s seems to be sliding a little and basing some of their price on their brand name.
Looks good to me and the ABIT got a flawless rating so I guess the issues have been resolved. But yeah as an alternative B’s suggestions are spot on as usual.
Power supply is also very good, so that won’t be an issue.
Uhhh, am I incorrect in saying that Intel is generally better than AMD for graphic design? If I am wrong flame me. Well, if I’m right I’ll still most likely get a flaming but I thought I had heard that somewhere.
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Uhhh, am I incorrect in saying that Intel is generally better than AMD for graphic design? If I am wrong flame me. Well, if I’m right I’ll still most likely get a flaming but I thought I had heard that somewhere.
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I’m not doing any intense graphics design . As I said, my 1.2 ghz laptop is almost sufficient for the web-based work I do.
Noo… I dont. But! I dont think you can mess them up too badly. Plus its only $20 so even if you cant return it … its $20.
Anywho. Looks like your underspending I am currently the master of overspending… may I suggest you upgrade your processor and ram a bit more? I have bought (and dearly love) my AMD x2 4400 (cooled correctly can reach the rating of the +$300 4800) along side OCZ Gamer xtreme.
The CPU is self explanatory. Faster and while rendering you can bugger off and play a game / virus scans whatever. its a dream.
The RAM however (OCZ Gamer xtreme 3500 2x matched 512 ~ $250); standard rating is 3500. But it can reportedly do 433mhz with 2-2-2-5 timings and a CMDrate 1 (3v). If you dont know what this means, then take my word for it. Its GOOD! If you prefer the higher FSB for graphics work then loosen the timings and put it up to 500mhz! not only this, its life-time warrantied up to 3.2V. An investment. I love em.
[QUOTE=max12590]
Uhhh, am I incorrect in saying that Intel is generally better than AMD for graphic design? If I am wrong flame me. Well, if I’m right I’ll still most likely get a flaming but I thought I had heard that somewhere.
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Video editing favors Intel processors, but if that’s not the primary task of the PC, then you’re better off with AMD.
Yeah video editing prefers Intel, but AMD is just better in almost every other situation.
For RAM if you really want performance stuff get a DFI LanParty Motherboard (the one with insane overclocking options) and some GeiL 1-series RAM, it runs@ 400MHz with timings of 1.5-2-2-5 and 500MHz with thimings of 2-2-2-5, now that’s impressive!
Ok, yea I thought Intel was better for graphic design. But yea, if you want to play games then AMD would be fine. And if you really want OC’ing RAM get G. Skill. It is thought by many to be the absolute best OC’ing RAM you can get.
I am currently the master of overspending… may I suggest you upgrade your processor and ram a bit more? I have bought (and dearly love) my AMD x2 4400 (cooled correctly can reach the rating of the +$300 4800) along side OCZ Gamer xtreme.