Building a non-gamers PC

[artem]

Hi all,

I am going to build a new system. The last one I built five years ago. Having hard time to catch up. Please advice me on building a PC which will be used for a software development. The application under development is very CPU and memory consuming. Moreover, the development tools, like compilers, are also CPU intensive. The second use of the PC will be watching mpegs/avis (media center).

So here is what I have in mind:

CPU: Q9650. I have been thinking about the QX9650 or QX9770, but it seems too much. Overclocking is not the primary goal here, but I will definitely try it.

Motherboard: Here I have a problem because I do not know how useful SLI or crossfire will be for my goals. I have been looking at ASUS striker II ultra and rampage, but have an idea that they are more for gaming.

Memory: 8 gig (the app needs it), Thinking about a fast DDR3 PC3-16000

Video: No idea what I should pick. I am planning to use two 28" screens though. I watch movies (avi, mpeg) but almost never play.

Hard disk: A stripe of two WD1000FYPS should probably do it. I might later add a 1000rpm stripe.

Cooling system: should I go for a water cooled one? no experience with water cooling.

Power supply: node idea what the wattage should be.

Budget: up to 2500 euro


Please advice me because I am lost in the variety of choice.

Thanks,
Artem

 

[Nytmare]

Hello,

-CPU: no need for Extreme version. Go quad core and 9450, 9550, or 9650

-GPU: no idea. I just know about all the good gaming GPU's
Dual GPU, I would think really only useful for gaming.

-Memory: I have been told DD3 is a bit a waste of $$$ but is gonna be more future proof. High clock rates necessary only if big overclocking.

-PSU: PC Power and Cooling, Corsair, or nice Antec. Good PSU calculator....
http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Without SLI or Crossfire, I am thinking 750w.

Good air cooling will be fine. Replace case fans with good 3rd party brand like Sythe.
See below for good CPU coolers...
http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm

GL

 

[artem]

Nytmare,

Thanks for the information. Power calculator came very useful.

Q9650 (core 2 quad) is what I meant, not QX9650 (core 2 extreme).

Still puzzled about the motherboards. I basically looked only at Asus and Gygabyte. Do I underrstand it correctly that, if no SLI or Crossfire needed, then the iP45 chipset is the best choice?

There are some motherboards with that chipset, like Gygabyte extreme or Asus P5Q. I would appreciate any advice on those.

Artem

 

[dirtmountain]

I've got to admit that for your application i'm out of my depth. I can direct you to a couple of links with more information on DDR3 even though they're somewhat outdated (7 months to over a year) and hope the bump catches the eye of someone with more knowledge.
an old DDR3 vs. DDR2 article over a year old, but may be useful
http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.aspx?i=2989
DDR3 speed and latency shootout
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr3-1333-speed-latency-shootout,1754.html
For a DDR3 motherboard without crossfire then a couple of the P45s and 1 P43 would make sense. Several manufacturers (ASRock, Gigabyte, Asus)offer boards with both DDR2 and DDR3 sockets, but i don't really know if they'd be appropriate for your application. Otherwise a X38/X48 might be better. At a price/performance ratio the Q9550 is a better buy then the Q9650. Air cooling with a quality cooler. Frostytech is the place to check for coolers ^. A stable power supply from Corsair or PC Power and cooling. 450 watts would be plenty.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003
a mid range Graphic card like the HD3850 should fit the bill for what you use it for $75 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131096
Good luck and i hope someone that knows what the heck they're doing can give you more help on motherboard and RAM

 

[dirtmountain]

BTW there's a new article at Toms about DDR3. Just posted