Hello
It has been a while since I built a system (probably 5 years or so) and although I have been reading up, I am still somewhat confused, so though I would make a post for advice....
Following the request to format posting....
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP BUDGET RANGE: What makes sense (<£750)
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: General Windows/Office usage; Machine Virtualization (Microsoft Hyper-V or VMware)
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, OS (I have the software already)
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Uknown, need to UK, any recommendations for best prices all round appreciated
PARTS PREFERENCES: I am tending towards an AMD Phenom II X4 AM3 socket CPU with compatibale motherboard, DDR3 1600 RAM (8GB @ 4 x2GB)
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe, if it makes sense and system is stable SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe if it makes sense
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 2 x 1600x1200
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Here is what I think I have decided so far....
My main aim for the system is two fold: 1. Windows/Office usage - many apps at the same time; 2. Machine Virtualization (several VMs). My main OS will be 64-bit Windows 7 and/or Windows 2008 R2 (which can be thought of as the same thing), so early support for Windows 7 is essential. Linux OS is often used too, most likley in VMs.
CPU: Although Intel CPUs seem to offer better performace the AMD Phenom II X4 (with DDR3-1600) seems to be getting good reviews for price performance, so I am looking at this CPU (probably the 910 as it is entry level 6MB L3-Cache and 2Ghz HT, will go for better if price comparison warrants it).
Motherboard: M/B is where I am really struggling.... I need to be able to support 2 displays (digitally, DVI-D) which probably means a M/B with built in graphics is pointless? Also, need to be AM3 and DDR3 (4 slots). I am not sure whether Crossfire is important (see later for Graphics considerations). 5.1 (or better) sound, GbE, USB 2.0 and enough SATA ports seems to be standard on all M/Bs I have seen. Maybe an AMD 790X or 790FX? 64-bit early Windows 7 support is essential. Any advice on vendor appreciated too?
Memory: 8GB (4 x 2GB) DDR3-1600. This amount of memory is required for VMs. I was just planning on finding the cheapest from the list the chosen M/B is compatible with. What else should I be looking for? Any specific vendors recommended.
Graphics: I am not looking to games but do need the capability to support two DVI-D monitors at 1600 x1200. Again 64-bit Windows 7 support is essential. I am guessing something ATI (for alignment is AMD) is recommended? Single card with dual DVI ports? Does this preclude or include Crossfire and what will is give me if not gaming? I am guessing 512MB graphics memory will be fine? Any recommendations appreciated.
Storage: At least 2 SATA II 7200rpm+ drives, maybe more depending on case. Size is not important (I have a 4TB NAS) but spindles are for VMs. I will be looking at RAID striping. No real need for CD/DVD device. Any recommendations appreciated.
Case: Something compact, 2-4 3.5" SATA drives only. Any recommendations appreciated.
PSU: Silent would be good, what sort of size should I be looking at? Any particular vendors.
I am happy to consider overclocking if it is fairly trivial and makes the system stable (I probably am not looking at water cooling).
A quiet system would be great and any nod towards "green" would be good too.
I will post back based on responses what I think will be my final build for any final comments.
Thanks in advance
David
It has been a while since I built a system (probably 5 years or so) and although I have been reading up, I am still somewhat confused, so though I would make a post for advice....
Following the request to format posting....
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP BUDGET RANGE: What makes sense (<£750)
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: General Windows/Office usage; Machine Virtualization (Microsoft Hyper-V or VMware)
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, OS (I have the software already)
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Uknown, need to UK, any recommendations for best prices all round appreciated
PARTS PREFERENCES: I am tending towards an AMD Phenom II X4 AM3 socket CPU with compatibale motherboard, DDR3 1600 RAM (8GB @ 4 x2GB)
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe, if it makes sense and system is stable SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe if it makes sense
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 2 x 1600x1200
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Here is what I think I have decided so far....
My main aim for the system is two fold: 1. Windows/Office usage - many apps at the same time; 2. Machine Virtualization (several VMs). My main OS will be 64-bit Windows 7 and/or Windows 2008 R2 (which can be thought of as the same thing), so early support for Windows 7 is essential. Linux OS is often used too, most likley in VMs.
CPU: Although Intel CPUs seem to offer better performace the AMD Phenom II X4 (with DDR3-1600) seems to be getting good reviews for price performance, so I am looking at this CPU (probably the 910 as it is entry level 6MB L3-Cache and 2Ghz HT, will go for better if price comparison warrants it).
Motherboard: M/B is where I am really struggling.... I need to be able to support 2 displays (digitally, DVI-D) which probably means a M/B with built in graphics is pointless? Also, need to be AM3 and DDR3 (4 slots). I am not sure whether Crossfire is important (see later for Graphics considerations). 5.1 (or better) sound, GbE, USB 2.0 and enough SATA ports seems to be standard on all M/Bs I have seen. Maybe an AMD 790X or 790FX? 64-bit early Windows 7 support is essential. Any advice on vendor appreciated too?
Memory: 8GB (4 x 2GB) DDR3-1600. This amount of memory is required for VMs. I was just planning on finding the cheapest from the list the chosen M/B is compatible with. What else should I be looking for? Any specific vendors recommended.
Graphics: I am not looking to games but do need the capability to support two DVI-D monitors at 1600 x1200. Again 64-bit Windows 7 support is essential. I am guessing something ATI (for alignment is AMD) is recommended? Single card with dual DVI ports? Does this preclude or include Crossfire and what will is give me if not gaming? I am guessing 512MB graphics memory will be fine? Any recommendations appreciated.
Storage: At least 2 SATA II 7200rpm+ drives, maybe more depending on case. Size is not important (I have a 4TB NAS) but spindles are for VMs. I will be looking at RAID striping. No real need for CD/DVD device. Any recommendations appreciated.
Case: Something compact, 2-4 3.5" SATA drives only. Any recommendations appreciated.
PSU: Silent would be good, what sort of size should I be looking at? Any particular vendors.
I am happy to consider overclocking if it is fairly trivial and makes the system stable (I probably am not looking at water cooling).
A quiet system would be great and any nod towards "green" would be good too.
I will post back based on responses what I think will be my final build for any final comments.
Thanks in advance
David