New Computer Build.....Please Critique

drwho

I've been asked by a friend a work to work on building a new computer for his home. He wants to use it as a center for all his audio/visual needs. Right now all I'm trying to do is put the computer together for him. I've listed below the parts I've selected for you to take a look at. Please tell me what you think of them, if you have alternative suggestions please let me know.


Case

PSU

CPU

Motherboard

GPU (2x)

Memory

Hard Drives (3x)

Sound Card



All these parts are tentative at the moment, he already has a keyboard, mouse, and SB speaker system that he really likes. So what do ya think, would this system work for him?





drwho

Dyre Straits

When you say he wants it for all "his audio/visual needs" exactly what type of audio/visual are you describing? Does he create audio and visuals?

However, beside the point, I can't think of many (any) things that system could NOT do well.

Just be sure [as you likely already plan to do] to update the BIOS, Chipset/Motherboard drivers, and fully update the OS for him regardless of the components used.

As for the RAM, if he's going to be using VISTA, AND creating visuals etc, 4 GB might be worth considering. XP pretty much tops out at 3 GB, but, with VISTA, the more the better.

BlueMak

I thought that Vista is better with 4GB than XP only if you use the 64bit version.

Dyre Straits

If this table is accurate, 32 BIT Vista can use 4 GB.

Memory Limits for Windows Releases (Windows)

Zelig

Any 32-bit OS gets hairy past 3GB or so, depending on what peripherals are attached. It's a limitation of the architechture, not the OS.

And although 3GB will run in a 32-bit system for most purposes, everything is only really smooth with less than that, programs tend to run out of addressing space around 2GB, and addressed memory can actually be even more than the total physical memory in the system.

drwho

AS I understand it from what my friend told me he want to use this computer as a center for home entertainment. Instead of playing a DVD movie from a disk he want to store the movies in the computer and be able to access them so he could put them out a monitor screen or a projection screen the same with the audio. Hence the 3x 750 Gb hard drives.


And as you say, I would be using the latest drivers and Bios for his computer.




drwho

kris23

those components are pretty pointless and in some parts, conflicting. there are the Hitachi 750GB 32mb cache drives on zipzoomfly for about 219 bucks each for a HUGE leap in performance with minor cost.

there is the Intel Q6600 for 289 bucks vs 319 for an inferior E6850?

the IP35Pro board is a decent one and the choice is good so ill leave that alone,

but the memory is a pointless added cost, you can add the OCZ 1066MHz Platinums Newegg.com - OCZ Platinum 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Micron D7 Chip Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

the case and PSU choices are also pointless.... the case itself is good, but why waste 60 bucks for a crap PSU? at least, to the one you are about to see, Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Stacker 830 Evolution RC-830-KKR3-GP Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case Real Power Pro 1000W Power Supply - Retail

lastly, why get two 8800GTS 320's? the board isnt SLi its Crossfire and crappy crossfire at that....

unless he is running four monitors or something like that, get a single 8800GTX or 8800Ultra, not only will it be more powerful, it will be more stable because you wouldnt have to worry about SLI issues with the drivers....

i just saved you a ton of money man.....

drwho

thanks for your comments, kris. I will take them into consideration.







drwho

kris23

no prob dude. just trying to maximize everyone's dollar

PangingJr

DFI LANPARTY UT P35-T2R [Img] http://us.dfi.com.tw/Upload/Product_...%20P35-T2R.jpg P35 based motherboard costs a bit more than the abit,
but the board and its component layouts looked real good. even i don't plan to build anything near the ultimate gaming computer, but i’d like to have one myself anyway, as if i can afford it, it's for keep. anyways, i just though you may want to check it out to compare with the abit. i hope he does not think this is pointless comment.

kris23

also, unless the guy is not planning to use this system for gaming, i suggest the 8600GTS cards for use in the system, but if gaming will be done, stick with the 8800GTX card

and if the guy is serious about noise, get the Cosmos case, but there isnt as good a value as the 830 case with the 1000w PSU probably gonna cost 100 or so dollars more...