Ubuntu and Win 7 for ~$1400

[Fitzwilliam]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Before August 1 BUDGET RANGE: $1000-1500

SYSTEM USAGE: Programming, HTPC, gaming, VPN file server, schoolwork, work

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor, keyboard, trackball, speakers, USB gadgetry, OS

PREFERRED WEBSITES: I prefer Newegg, but would go to other sites for a significant price drop.

COUNTRY: USA

PREFERENCES: Intel CPU, large case, USB 3.0/SATA 6Gbps mobo, MUST BE UBUNTU COMPATIBLE

OVERCLOCKING: Yes, though it's my first time. SLI/CROSSFIRE: Maybe, but not right now.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080; may get a second monitor

Parts List

ASUS P7P55D-E LGA 1156 Mobo

Intel i5 750 CPU

G. Skill Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 RAM

ASUS EAH4870/2DI/1GD5 Radeon HD 4870 Video Card

Intel X-25M 80GB SSD

WD Caviar Black 1TB SATA 6Gb/s Drive (2)

Sony Optiarc DVD/CD Drive

Cooler Master Hyper TX3 i5 Cooler

Cooler Master Silent Pro 600 PSU

Lian Li PC-60FN Case

Some questions:

1. First and foremost, will all of this hardware work with Ubuntu 10.04? I have a Mac now, and I've been desperate to switch for months. This is the first time I've built a computer from scratch (I've repaired before, but never built new), and I don't want to waste my money.

2. Should I get a Xeon X3440 or i7 860 instead of the i5? I don't want to jump all the way to i7 920 and change socket types; the jump in price for both the mobo and the RAM is too much for me; $1500 is my absolute limit. I'm not a heavy video encoder, but I do convert files and videos pretty frequently, and I rarely have fewer than four programs open at once. Would I benefit from HT or not? I've also heard that the X3440 is super-easy to overclock; since this is my first time, that really got my attention.

3. Are there any ways I can save money here? For instance, are there any other cases that are simply designed like the Lian-Li? It's expensive--at least to me--but I can't stand these l33t cases with crazy designs and fifty LEDs.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jbakerlent]

Looks like a good start.

You could substitute in this RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

Then I would get the 5770 over the 4870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150462&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

A note about the motherboard is that it's not crossfire capable.

Then get this PSU if you plan on keeping that mobo and not crossfiring
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

To answer your questions...

1. I honestly don't know, I'll leave that to someone else

2. I would recommend the 860 out of three, since it fits within your budget.

3. That case looks a good deal like the Antec 300.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

See what you think.

 

[Fitzwilliam]

@jbakerlent:

I'm definitely for getting the 5770 instead of the 4870; I didn't realize the prices were so similar. Does the 256-bit vs 128-bit thing make any difference? The 4870 is 256, but the 5770 is 128.

I like the Antec case as well. It has the same simple, uncluttered design and it's a lot cheaper! What is the mesh thing in the front, though? I have terrible eyes and I can't see it too well.

I found a different version of the mobo for $30 more that seems to be Crossfire compatible: Asus P7P55D-E Pro. Thanks for pointing that out; I didn't notice it at all. Saved me a lot of headaches!

The RAM, though, seems to be slower for $5 more. Am I missing something? And I haven't heard of that PSU company; I would prefer to stick with Cooler Master, Corsair, Silverstone, etc, if possible.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[jbakerlent]

Yes, the memory bus bandwidth does have an effect on performance, however the 5770 makes up for it in other areas and is pretty competitive with the 4870.

The mesh on the front of the 300 is just a metal grate for air to allow air to flow in, if we are talking about the same thing... You can zoom in on the pic on newegg as well.

That's a nice crossfire motherboard. Here's another that's a bit cheaper for you to look at too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128409&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

The RAM operates at slightly lower frequency, but it makes up for this by having lower latencies.

Seasonic actually makes the PSUs that are sold by many companies like Antec and Corsair and they are very, very good. Here's a review
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=185

 

[erick81]

Your build would have no problem with Ubuntu 10.04 Ati support has really improved.I would go with the I7 860.And if you are going with the Tx3 I would suggest a second 92mm fan.The Antec 300 is a fine case here's the same one without any led's. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042