Hello,
This is my first post on this site, so forgive me if I'm not aware of some of the local etiquette. The last system I built for myself was YEARS ago, and none of the relatively limited knowledge I had back then applies to today. I've searched Google for information on what some of the latest trends are but there's a TON of information available out there so I was hoping the users here could provide me with some information to start with and then I can use that to do a more refined search.
Sorry if some of these are basic questions to everyone here, I'm just getting back into the hardware scene and have NO idea what's current.
Basically what I want to do is build a high end system for use in computer programming, light video processing and moderate gaming. I tend to have LOTS of programs running during programming tasks (Visual Studio, SQL Server, various virtual machines, etc). I don't want BLEEDING edge technology but I would like to get current, high end products. My budget is around $2k for the system not including peripherals. The only components I know I want are the Coolermaster HAF-X case, an i7 processor and some sort of SSD drive for my C: drive.
So my questions are (these are open-ended, feel free to comment on other thoughts you might have):
1. What's the best i7 processor to get? The 2600? I'm still not sure which ones are older than which, what is going to be replaced soon with newer technology, etc?
2. Based on #1, what are the popular motherboards these days?
3. I have a triple monitor setup for office productivity. My current system only allows me to have 1 video card (powers 2 monitors). The third monitor is currently powered by a USB video adapter. Ugh. In the new system, I'd like to have 2 video cards so I get native support for the third monitor and don't have to rely on a USB adapter. What are some good mid range cards? I'd like something that does the job well for gaming, but this is primarily an office workstation.
4. I've started to read a lot about DDR2 vs DDR3 memory. Would DDR3 be the way to go or is it marketing hype (don't mean to start a big conversation on this, I'd just like to know if DDR3 is worth the money).
5. I've never built a liquid cooled system before but I'm thinking I might with this one. What kits would you recommend? I'm probably going to go with an external radiator for better internal cooling.
Sorry for all the questions. Don't feel like you need to answer them all. Again, I'm just trying to get a feel for what I'd start looking for in a higher-end current build. A lot of the info I'm finding online is dated by at least a year.
Thanks!
This is my first post on this site, so forgive me if I'm not aware of some of the local etiquette. The last system I built for myself was YEARS ago, and none of the relatively limited knowledge I had back then applies to today. I've searched Google for information on what some of the latest trends are but there's a TON of information available out there so I was hoping the users here could provide me with some information to start with and then I can use that to do a more refined search.
Sorry if some of these are basic questions to everyone here, I'm just getting back into the hardware scene and have NO idea what's current.
Basically what I want to do is build a high end system for use in computer programming, light video processing and moderate gaming. I tend to have LOTS of programs running during programming tasks (Visual Studio, SQL Server, various virtual machines, etc). I don't want BLEEDING edge technology but I would like to get current, high end products. My budget is around $2k for the system not including peripherals. The only components I know I want are the Coolermaster HAF-X case, an i7 processor and some sort of SSD drive for my C: drive.
So my questions are (these are open-ended, feel free to comment on other thoughts you might have):
1. What's the best i7 processor to get? The 2600? I'm still not sure which ones are older than which, what is going to be replaced soon with newer technology, etc?
2. Based on #1, what are the popular motherboards these days?
3. I have a triple monitor setup for office productivity. My current system only allows me to have 1 video card (powers 2 monitors). The third monitor is currently powered by a USB video adapter. Ugh. In the new system, I'd like to have 2 video cards so I get native support for the third monitor and don't have to rely on a USB adapter. What are some good mid range cards? I'd like something that does the job well for gaming, but this is primarily an office workstation.
4. I've started to read a lot about DDR2 vs DDR3 memory. Would DDR3 be the way to go or is it marketing hype (don't mean to start a big conversation on this, I'd just like to know if DDR3 is worth the money).
5. I've never built a liquid cooled system before but I'm thinking I might with this one. What kits would you recommend? I'm probably going to go with an external radiator for better internal cooling.
Sorry for all the questions. Don't feel like you need to answer them all. Again, I'm just trying to get a feel for what I'd start looking for in a higher-end current build. A lot of the info I'm finding online is dated by at least a year.
Thanks!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram