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Thread ID: 97839 2009-03-01 08:41:00 So many choices... minster (9180) Press F1
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752499 2009-03-01 08:41:00 I have decided to put together a new computer for myself in the next few weeks/months.
Finished pc will need to be reliable, running XP Pro and Vista Hp dual booted.
I intend it to have max of 4 gb ram as I do a lot of graphics intensive 3D art.
Not into moderm games but hopefully will still have the capabilities if required.
Case, PSU are not hard to find but making final decisions on what Motherboard, CPU and Graphics card that are a bit more than I need (allowing for future upgrades) is quite confusing?
AMD or Intel?
Budget for Mobo,CPU and Ram hopefully less than $500.
Graphics card around $150

Any suggestions on good but realistic combinations of the above would be appreciated.

Question;
I am hoping to use a good brand 650w PSU.
Can PSU's be TOO BIG?
minster (9180)
752500 2009-03-01 08:53:00 CPU: $159.00 Intel Pentium E5200 2.5GHz 2M
Mobo: $210.00 Asustek P5QL Pro
RAM: $120.00 Corsair 2x2gb DDR2 800

pconlineshop.co.nz
www.extremepc.co.nz
www.computerlounge.co.nz

I recommend the XFX 9600GSO for a graphics card, currently the fastest sub $100 card.

PSU=550w will be sufficient, 620w recommended, 650w will leave plenty of room for upgrades. You can't really have too big a psu, its just wasting unneeded power though.
I recommend you get a good PSU brand such as Corsair, Antec or Silverstone.

Go for a modular one if you want a neat case and have the money.
BTW the CPu I recommended is very overclockable, in the future, should you need more pseed, throw in a air cooler for 50 bucks and you could OC that CPU to 3.2-3.5ghzat leats. Even with the stoc cooler you could prob get 2.8ghz easy, maybe 3.0ghz

Blam
Blam (54)
752501 2009-03-01 08:58:00 Motherboard - Asustek P5QL-PRO - $200ish
RAM - GSkill/SuperTalent/Adata 4GB - $110ish
CPU - Intel E5300 2.6GHz - $175ish

Total - $485ish exc shipping.

$150 for a video card is not much. Get a 9600GSO which is not great, but not too bad either.

For this system a 450W Corsair would suffice but 650W will give you a lot of room to upgrade. Look for reputable brands like Antec, Enermax, Corsair, SilverStone, Thermaltake.

EDIT: damn it blam, don't beat me to things! :p
qazwsxokmijn (102)
752502 2009-03-01 09:11:00 Just looking at those spec's provided - remember that Vista and XP unless its 64bit wont see much above 3 GB of RAM.

As for the rest - not to bad - the board I've got is the ASUS P5QL-E ( next one above the Pro) has a few extra "Features".

Graphic Card - the same as mentioned.

CPU - OK got a Q6600, only because I had it laying about

RAM - only got 2GB - runs Vista fine, never stalled it yet - may drop in another Gig sometime.

Overall Performance / Vista Rating (www.imagef1.net.nz) is sitting at 5.5 - you can see what tops it out - 5.9 is as high as Vista goes from memory.
wainuitech (129)
752503 2009-03-01 09:14:00 got a Q6600, only because I had it laying about
Wish I had one of those just laying about.....:crying
qazwsxokmijn (102)
752504 2009-03-01 09:17:00 Thanks Guys looks good so far:)
Wainui,
I am aware of the limitations of 32bit but does 64 bit have any issues?
Mainly thinking about software compatibilities??
minster (9180)
752505 2009-03-01 09:21:00 What software are you planning on running? Any specialist stuff? beeswax34 (63)
752506 2009-03-01 09:24:00 Wish I had one of those just laying about.....:crying I was ordering parts for several PC's and ticked the box with the Q6600 by mistake and didn't notice till it turned up - Oh well was going to use it some time any way :lol:


but does 64 bit have any issues Some programs spit the dummy, some drivers still can cause problems - some people have no problems while others do.
wainuitech (129)
752507 2009-03-01 09:30:00 Bit open ended question ...How long is a length of string?:)
I run all the normal software for AV and maitenance. Eset, TrojanRemover, MalwareBytes etc.
Graphics include Illustrator Xara Extreme Photoshop Some 3D apps Flash apps and I also want to be able to do dvd/movie editting.
Too much software to name here but as I already own it I don't want to build a pc that can't utilise what I have already got.
I also play a lot of online snooker which is quite intensive.
minster (9180)
752508 2009-03-01 09:45:00 Just a thought!

Is AMD an option and if so ... recommendations within the same or lower price bracket?
minster (9180)
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