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Newb need help with configuration

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Hi,
I am a newb and I need to upgrade my Dell XPS-200 (I had it since 2005). I decided this time to build my own Desktop. My budget is a range of $1000 to $2000 (if possible it will include a 24" Monitor).Budget fixed I could over budget it with 100 or 200 if you suggest the top notch config and still cheaper than a DELL Alienware or HP Elite but would prefer not to.

Here is what i liked about my XPS-200.

- Lifespan of 5 Years it still running but Slower and do not fit my jobs need.
- Slim Tower didn't take a lot of space.
- Almost noise free on the first couple years.
- easy access to open the case and do some dust clean up.

Here is what i didn't like about it:

- Hard to make upgrades.
- limited options.
- couldn't fit a DVD burner (Lack of space and size) so I had to buy an external


Here is the goal of this computer:

I am programmer. I run tools and software such as VS 2008, 2010 with Team foundation server, Adobe CS4, SharePoint, SharePoint Designer, Apache, IIS, VMWare and virtual PC, On a typical working day I would love to have 3-4 instance of each application. I browse a lot to research I sometimes i could have 20 windows(tab) opened. I do a lot of Image/pictures editing and I stream Sport (Soccer) and TV Channels that I would like to connect to my HD-TV.

I am also a like to play game (Call of Duty and FIFA 10) but not as much as i would like it may be because of my old PC.

So My expectations from this new PC configuration are:

- The most recent component and accessory in the Market so I can keep it for while.
- life SPAN of 4-6 and be able to do some upgrade after that to extend it's life.
- Upgradeable (Memory, HDD, Optical)
- Processor:2.8 to 3.2 GHZ Open to both Intel vs AMD but would prefer to stick to Intel.
- I do not know what is overclocking could it be helpful in my field.
- MotherBoard: Asus
- Strict with Nvidia unless you can convince me about ATI
- Memory: 6-9GB
- HDD: WD 500GB or less 7200 rpm or 10000 rpm since I just bought a 1TB external 7200 rpm
- Would like as many USB Port as possible and Media card Reader.
- The case would like it to be an AlienWare like but not mandatory.
- Also If a Slim case can be suggested but can still offer me upgrade space and slot
- BD/DVD/CD Player and burner combo.
- Wireless keyboard and mouse.
- I do Some Music Mixing, so A Mid/high end Sounds card with inputs and outputs is welcome.
- A good Antivirus/Internet security other than MicroTrend (wasn't up to speed with updates) and Kaspersky (freezes my computer and slows it when scan or upgrades are running). Is McAfee Business edition good?

PS:

- Please do not include OS (Win 7 Pro 64 bit). I have it already.
- Time of purchase is Around November-December.
- Finally is it cheaper to buy an already built PC DELL/HP? I am worried about compatibilities issues.
- I will be running my old 19" and the new 24" monitor with this new Config please advise about power supply
- Preferred place of purchase MicroCenter and Newegg.
I would like to have a quite PC not noisy at all if possible. do not want to feel like its an aerport


OK now i am just going to format it the way you guys like it:

Approximate Purchase Date: November-December

Budget Range: 1000-2000

System Usage from Most to Least Important:Programming/Internet Research, gaming/Streaming, Mixing Music, surfing the internet, watching movies, )

Parts Not Required: OS I have Win 7 Pro 64 Bit

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: MicroCenter and Newegg

Country of Origin:USA

Parts Preferences: Proc Intel open to AMD, Graphic Nvidia open to ATI, MotherBoard Asus
Overclocking: Maybe not sure what is helpful for

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe not sure what is helpful for

Monitor Resolution:24"

Additional Comments: I would like a quiet PC, Upgradeable, lifespan 4-6 with possible extension, as much as top notch component as possible, will be running my old 19" monitor with the new 24" 1920x1200

Thank you in advance for your help and your time.










More about : newb configuration

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At least you're someone who knows what he wants :p . Let me explain a few things first before I put a build together.

Overclocking:
Making a component work harder than supposed to. With a proccesor this would be increasing the Ghz/Mhz(proccesors are ussually the first components to be overclocked). What's the benefit? Well obviously the components will be faster. The downsides? Well faster components produce far more heat meaning you need better cooling which ussually translates to more noise, but not always if you buy the right stuff. The other downside is that that component isn't made to go that fast. Overclocking to high may cause it to break or become unstable. The unstability isn't permanent so it's just a question of removing the overclock and it'll be fine. But the breaking is inevitably permanent without warrenty obviously. But the breaking isn't immidiate though. Overclocking an i7 930(stock is 2.6ghz) will shortens it's lifespan to: most say more than 4 years. Since proccesors are made to last much longer than they need to last exchaning this time for speed can be beneficial.

SLI/ CROSSFIRE:
This is bassically having 2 graphics cards work together to get almost double the speed of the single card. This is handy as an upgrade if you already have one or ig you already have he best and want better. With nvidia you also need 2 cards to game on 3 screens. Nvidia calls this SLI and ati calls CROSSFIRE.

You need a new screen but If that 19inch isn't crt I would keep it and use 2 screens.

You say you like alienware cases , but have you seen them in real life? I used to be very fond of them till I saw they were all plastic and not sturdy at all. And also alienware isn't really an option because you can't get a case seperately and a complete system from them is way more expensive than a comparable homebuilt one.

And now we are on the topic no it is not cheaper to get a pre-built system. This is only the case when you get huge discounts or you are looking at 200-300dollar computers.

Then what sound system do you have so I can help you with the sound card?

And lastly can you identify you're taste? :p 

which do you prefer? don't look at the price or size yet.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... I hate this one :p 

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... likewise

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

or

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=53537&vpn=DEFINE-R3-BLACK...

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Also window or no window(for your case btw not OS :p )? I don't like them but you might.

- Oh wow I guess Thanks for the advice about the AlienWare and Pre-built System. I was so into it and
and Ready to hit buy couple times.
- As for Windows I got not choice the Nature of my work and skills pushed me towards that. But for the buck and Config I would still stick with Windows Macs are so expensive

- I have got a clear idea about Overclocking and SLI/Crossfire thank you. I think I would avoid the OverClocking (Since it might affect the lifespan, and do not like the noise that it might generate even with a good cooling system i will just play it safe) and I will go for SLI.
- My Monitor is an 19" LCD.
- My taste is house Music.
- Sonic Acid 7 and ableton live are the Software I use but cant use them them anymore because my old computer is just too old :)  After i will get the new computer I will work on getting my DJ equipment, CDJ 400

You got it, I liked th same one you picked:





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About the window I meant do you want a window in your case lol. I wasn't even thinking about a mac.

So do you have a high end speaker/headphone setup?

It seems like you'll need some heavy duty CPU power for your uses.

about the case the one you picked is kind of like the alienware sadly. It's got solid build quality but in real life it'll get dust infested(on the outside) in a matter of weeks/days and it'll make it look horrid. And cleaning it is hardly an option due to all the ventilation and uneven surfaces. If you opt for a case like the lian li or fractal I mentioned it'll always be clean because all it takes is a swipe of a cloth.

Anyways it's still your choice so you choose ;) .

About the build I'm kind a busy right now but if nobody helped you out when I come back I'll post a config.

Somebody_007 said:
About the window I meant do you want a window in your case lol. I wasn't even thinking about a mac.

So do you have a high end speaker/headphone setup?

It seems like you'll need some heavy duty CPU power for your uses.

about the case the one you picked is kind of like the alienware sadly. It's got solid build quality but in real life it'll get dust infested(on the outside) in a matter of weeks/days and it'll make it look horrid. And cleaning it is hardly an option due to all the ventilation and uneven surfaces. If you opt for a case like the lian li or fractal I mentioned it'll always be clean because all it takes is a swipe of a cloth.

Anyways it's still your choice so you choose ;) .

About the build I'm kind a busy right now but if nobody helped you out when I come back I'll post a config.


I see your point about the case and it totally made sense to me. I picked that one not bc of AlienWare Like but more bc of easy opening, some red lightning and more essentially front USB and outputs. I yes I want totally want a case that takes just a swipe of a cloth. So Please help reducing my list of choice. Recommendation is always welcome as I like to listen to others point of view.
Just keep in mind that a like Side Window on the case (Not sure if noise wise it will make it worse),
as well as Front USB/Outputs.

I do not have heavy speakers/headphones just a regular home theater system. Mixing is more for fun and a hobbies than a serious thing, so I do not think a have duty CPU is mandatory, Intel 950 like will be good unless that's already too much.

A intel 950 is a good bargain and a good platform to build a system on. So I'd say that's a good way to go.

CPU: i7 950: 300

motherboard: since you won't be overclocking a ga-x58a-ud3r will definatley do: 210

ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Graphics solution: I'd say 2 460gtx's in SLI ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... ) or a single 480/470 if you plan on adding another 1 a year or 2.

case: Very expensive but it's the best around and it's small unlike most of it's competition http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... and it has enough usb ports.

power supply: If you want an ultra clean looking case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... and http://www.nzxt.com/new/product.php?series_name=Premium... if not a corsair 850hx will do.

Then a 24inch monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

sound card: I really don't know what you need so I can't really help you there.

All in all that's roughly 1900-2000. You can save quite a bit with combos and rebates though.

Somebody_007 said:
Now you can make a choice or go somewhere in between if you like neither of the pric points.


Sorry I haven't been in touch recently. Thank you for your replie.

My only concern about the config provided is that the motherboard and graphic card aren't what i wanted to stick with Asuz a NVidia and of course a Intel processor.

Also please advice on Keyboard, mouse and sounds card based on the followings needs:
- I will be running Abelton live and son acid.
- I will be running a streaming TV software and connected to my tv that's why i want a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

If you really want those three brands then what you should do is.

Swap out the ud3r im my build for an asus x58 sabertooth.

and in batuschka's build you should swap out the cpu for an i5 760 and the gpu for a 470gtx. And then you should get an asus mobo.

If you only get a new system every 6 years orso I reccomend going closer to my build because you really will need the horsepower.

as for the keyboard and mouse.

I'd get a good solid mouse with hardly any delay and use it for everything. Here are a few good but expensive options.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... I wouldn't get this one though if it was me.

and th as keyboard you could get a good wireless one like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

What I would do though is get this for your wireless( keyboard and mouse in 1 remote sized object) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

and then these two for your non-wireless work

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

and

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

I strongly suggest going with the second option because wireless is expensive and slow so best to go with a dedicated wireless kb/mouse combo designed for streaming and then a very good wired kb/mouse combo for the rest.

then the sound card.

Again I really can't help you here. All I can say is for uadio quality I reccomend the auzentech and asus. But I really don't know how much sound card you need for those proggrams.
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