NEW COMPUTER DESIGN/BUILD

[SMM2469]

Hey Guys. I had a large previous post about upgrading my current setup... (http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/Fastest-CPU-Board-ftopict223565.html) it was long and drawn out with issues and compatibility problems. I decided to change my mind and just go with a new CPU, new motherboard, new graphics card, and new RAM. I am a fan of certain brands and would like to stick with them, but need some help in figuring out my best options... but I do want to keep it simple and reliable, no overclocking or anything special.

First of all, let me explain exactly what I do with the computer. The computer is used mainly for business work. That means multiple documents, email useage, web browsing, file transfering, multiple programs open all at once! I do not need anything setup for gaming at all, I just need the fastest working environment possible with MULTIPLE applications at the same time.

For a CPU, I just want to stick with AMD, I am not a big fan of Intel... kinda lost track of what the fastest and best sockets are within the last few years. New technology, whew...

For a motherboard, I would like to stick with Abit, due to previous good experience with them. Which board would give me the most cutting edge performance? http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/

For memory, I would like to run 4gb of the fastest memory possible. I understand memory is important. Which brand would be a good price, and very reliable?

For a graphics card, I would like to run an ATI product. I have had good experience with them in the past, and want to buy from them and stay loyal. I need a card compatible with my new MB but need nothing based for gaming. I do not want to pay additional for gaming options or support or speed. Just need the cheapest card from them which will work for me on my MB and will give the fastest daily 2D performance and best digital picture... I run a standard RGB 19" CRT, might upgrade to a large LCD soon though. http://ati.amd.com/

For a hard drive, I am using my currently owned single WD Raptor hard drive, should be about the fastest drive out there, sticking with SATA... correct? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136012

What does everyone suggest? If someone could give me a call and walk through it all on the phone with me, that would be great! I like to buy my stuff from NewEgg as well... Please advise.

 

[m25]

In your situation, every dual core CPU will do, as long as your applications are just office apps and do not get too intensive. And since you want to stick with AMD, the X2 3600+ or X2 3800+ are a perfect balance of price and performance for not so intensive applications, being around $100. Because on the other hand, with your applications, you will hardly notice any speedup even with most expensive QX6700.

 

[JuiceJones]

In your situation, every dual core CPU will do, as long as your applications are just office apps and do not get too intensive. And since you want to stick with AMD, the X2 3600+ or X2 3800+ are a perfect balance of price and performance for not so intensive applications, being around $100. Because on the other hand, with your applications, you will hardly notice any speedup even with most expensive QX6700.

4Gb of RAM is overkill aswell.

To be honest, from your other thread, it sounds like your current rig just needs a good ol' reformat.

But if you are dead-set on a new AM2 system, a 3600+ or 3800+ would be enough, but the best of the lineup is the FX-62 for $420. Identical performance without overclocking can be had from the 5600+ for $325.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103771

Also, 2Gb of RAM is plenty. 4Gb for business apps will never be used. Great deal and very fast:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231087

Here's all you'll need for a motherboard, even though going with one with integrated graphics would save on buying a card.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127008

For a graphics card, here's the cheapest of the newer generation:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814121551

Or save a few dollars with the older tech, that's still just as efficient for your needs:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814121538

 

[gOJDO]

What does everyone suggest?

I suggest you to stop being loyal to any brand. Brands care only about your money. You better get more for the money you are going to spend.

BTW, things have been changed since you purchased your last system:
0. AMD are not the best CPUs for desktops any more.
1. Abit is not as good as it used to be.
2. The fastest memory possible is not important.(especially for your purposes).

If you want to be loyal to your preferred brands at all cost, then:
Abit KN9 Ultra, nVidia MCP55-Ultra
4GB DDR2-800 CL4 4-4-12, two Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) Dual CH Kits
AMD Athlon64 X2 5200+
ATi Radeon X1650 Pro (more than good enough to run Vista smooth)

I also think that you will never utilize more than 2GB of RAM, with what you are going to do with your system.

 

[m25]

I also think that you will never utilize more than 2GB of RAM, with what you are going to do with your system.

Working with intensive applications, in 99% of cases I don't even notice the difference between 1GB at home and 2GB at office and he'll probably notice no improvements beyond 1GB, even with Vista.
In overall feel (system, office apps, web browsing) my current 4200+ is sincerely no better than the previous 3000+, so I even doubt he will need a 5200+; the 3800+ will do just fine.

 

[ajfink]

I also think that you will never utilize more than 2GB of RAM, with what you are going to do with your system.

Working with intensive applications, in 99% of cases I don't even notice the difference between 1GB at home and 2GB at office and he'll probably notice no improvements beyond 1GB, even with Vista.
In overall feel (system, office apps, web browsing) my current 4200+ is sincerely no better than the previous 3000+, so I even doubt he will need a 5200+; the 3800+ will do just fine.

In Vista I think he would definitely notice the difference in application load times with 1GB vs. 2GB with its pre-loading feature. Otherwise, it still hogs more memory than XP, and XP needs about 1GB to fully stretch its legs.

 

[Sirfiroth]

Love these guy's but damn they can talk the horns off a billy goat.

Your Selection on MB is http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/ no actual board selected
http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/products.php?categories=1&model=323
If you are planning to OC then E4300 is the best bet.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115013
if not:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003
memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227139
Video:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814103021

This rig will run just about any thing you will encounter including vista if you should so choose.

Hope this helps
_____________________

I really need to get out more! :lol:

 

[lunyone]

I'm sorry, but was there a budget for your upgrades? Did you have a good power supply that you were using?

 

[SMM2469]

Hi. Yes, I have a good power supply. As far the budget, obviously the cheaper the rig, the better, but I want cutting edge performance with not even a second of delays when doing my work... I like the first post I received, easy answers with suggestions. Some people get off topic quickly, like I said, I do not want to overclock and I want to stick with those brands I listed...
Should I go with that first Abit motherboard selected then? What are the advantages to others? Any with built in video?

 

[JuiceJones]

Should I go with that first Abit motherboard selected then? What are the advantages to others? Any with built in video?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127016

This board is much cheaper with built-in, albeit Nvidia, video. It's also micro-ATX meaning it is smaller, thus less expansion slots, ect. It's normally a good deal, but I'm unsure if it will hold well in Vista.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127007

This board has a good rebate, but sketchy reviews. Pair it up with an ATI card from the previous post, and you're hopefully good to go.