New Build - Which Option

[broomcorn]

My boss has asked me to spec out a new machine for use at work (will be employer owned). and I could really use some input from you Pros here to make sure I've done my homework

The machine will not be OC'd -Stability is a must (sorry, kind of boaring isn't it )

Primary machine use: Graphics (AutoCad, MicroStation, etc) and proprietary Simulation applications involving graphics/terrain
Operating System: XP Pro (32/64bit), Linux Redhat 32/64bit, Vista 32/64bit


I've spec'd out 2 configurations AMD and Intel

I can wait for the AMD Phenoms to come out if Quads are worth it for this kind of work. It's not clear to me whether our work will benefit from Quads or if 2 cpus is more than adequate.

Thanks for any comments/suggestions

Intel Spec Configuration
1. Motherboard - ASUS P5E 775 Intel X38
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131219

2. Processor - Intel Core 2 Q6600
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115017

3. Memory – Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800 (PC26400C5DHX) (4GB -2x2GB)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145176

4. Graphics Card – GeForce 8800GT (EVGA 512-P3-N802-A1)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814130303

5. Hard Drives – Western Digital Raptors (150GB) (3-each)

6. Monitors – 30” Samsung SyncMaster 305T (2 each)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16824001098

7. PS – PCPower & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817703009

8. Case – Silverstone TJ09
9. UPS – Belkin 1500VA 830W

AMD Spec Configuration
1. Motherboard – ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition AM2 (590 SLI MCP)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131163

2. Processor – AMD 64X2 6400+
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819103191

All other components are the same as for the Intel Configuration above

 

[neoxblu1]

I'd go with Intels Configuration

 

[g-paw]

I agree, Intel. If the applications your running are CPU intensive, I'm guessing the programs you're running use a lot of processing, the quad core would be better

 

[Andrius]

Go with Intel, or buy a professional graphics card for CAD.

 

[geofelt]

I like the intel option also. Why not the new Q9650 if you can get it? In the business world, the $ difference is a nit if it will do the job better.

 

[broomcorn]

Thanks for the helful comments and suggestions. I'll do some more research on the quads.

 

[g-paw]

Thanks for the helful comments and suggestions. I'll do some more research on the quads.

Also, if you haven't done so, look at the computing demands of the programs you're running, e.g., memory, CPU, and graphic card.