Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: DREDIOCK on March 01, 2011, 08:31:13 PM
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Budget will be around $5-600 give or take
She isnt going to be using it to play AH, Although if it can play AH well. It will be more then adequate.
What she will be doing with it
Maybe some very light (read "rare") video editing. occasional photo editing are about the most heavy duty things she may be doing. Mostly she's going to surf the web and play around on facebook.
What Im looking for
Its gotta be quiet (I was leaning towards an AMD system because they are usually noticeably quieter stock then Intel systems) And this isnt a gaming rig.
Adequate memory,video,and hard drive space. Doesnt need a raptor obviously. But she will be storing a few pictures.
And its gotta have a media card reader
Doesnt need a high end video card. but I'd like her to have something with dual outputs. her desk will be close enough to her TV that running a cord there to watch DVDs while in bed wont be a problem
CD DVD player/burner
Oh and shes hell bent on windows 7 LOL
PSU to power it all
Mother board. Standard fine. overclockable better
I'll let her either choose her own new case if she doesnt want to reuse the one from the last one I built her
And anything else I may have forgotten
Lets see what we can come up with.
I had a system all specked out for her on Newegg based on a tri core AMD a while back. But Newegg doesnt have it stored any longer. And I forgot all the parts I used.
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You should be able to find a decent setup that will take care of those needs for that budget. Like you said it wont be much for gaming......
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With some of the specials I have seen on Newegg, you should be able to build for 500.
Recently, kingston ddr3 memory after rebate was 20.00, also was a ASUS EVO board for 68.00 after rebate. ( yah rebates suck) Between both those two items was 40.00 rebates.
I was thinking of building new for my wife, computer she has is a dual core 3.5 to 4 years old, but for checking email, looking at facebook and my daughter plays barbie.....do I really need to? (Eventually)
I am going to start watching the specials and buying slow.
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Well this is something that should work, Priced in your range, $550 could probably get it cheaper if you wanted less things (Memory, Lesser Vid Card, Power Supply, CPU) But all in all it technically would run AH with Hi-Res Textures, But when you start getting into the eye candy dept like advanced features it might lose FPS.
Other than that would be more than adequite for what you described ( only thing not included is Win 7).
Also the motherboard does have Overclock options.
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5448/pcprice.png (http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5448/pcprice.png)
That link is for an image of the items i priced on new egg.
Subtotal: $550.91
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no offense outbreak but...that video card, hard drive and all in one floppy drive (?) are crap...no idea about that power supply :uhoh
good choice on that mobo, dvd drive, processor and memory...since this isn't going to be a gaming system i'd go with could save some money by using a different cpu
AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX450WFGMBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103886 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103886)
quality over quantity on the hard drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395)
quality and quantity on the graphics card
XFX HD-485X-ZNFC Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card (Lifetime Warranty)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150482 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150482)
and an external card reader that will read almost any flash media
IOGear 56-in-1 USB 2.0 Pocket Flash Memory Card Reader/Writer GFR281 (Silver)
http://www.amazon.com/IOGear-Pocket-Memory-Reader-GFR281/dp/B001AWAT3K/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1299154297&sr=1-3 (http://www.amazon.com/IOGear-Pocket-Memory-Reader-GFR281/dp/B001AWAT3K/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1299154297&sr=1-3)
should put that system closer to $500, reliable and still be able to play ah...
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Any thoughts on this?
ASUS M4A88T-V EVO/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131668
AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX640WFGMBOX $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871
CORSAIR XMS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145299
Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136795
EVGA 01G-P3-1430-LR GeForce GT 430 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130579
Rosewill Green Series RG700-S12 700W Continuous @40°C,80 PLUS Certified,Single 12V Rail,Active PFC"Compatible with Core i7 $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182191
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM $99.99
Total after taxes and shipping $605.34
Anything that can/should be swapped out and trimmed down?
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You shouldn't need a 700W PSU, probably only need a 400-450W at most.
EDIT:
Power supply calculator only showed a 250W need, so if you can find a 300-350W, that should be plenty.
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Any thoughts on this?
ASUS M4A88T-V EVO/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131668
AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX640WFGMBOX $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871
CORSAIR XMS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145299
Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136795
EVGA 01G-P3-1430-LR GeForce GT 430 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130579
Rosewill Green Series RG700-S12 700W Continuous @40°C,80 PLUS Certified,Single 12V Rail,Active PFC"Compatible with Core i7 $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182191
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM $99.99
Total after taxes and shipping $605.34
Anything that can/should be swapped out and trimmed down?
Dred just using some of the stuff already posted above can save you some money and not really lose any performance.
Try this adjusted list!
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395
CPU: AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX450WFGMBOX -$79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103886
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-870A-UD3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard - $104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128443&Tpk=GA-870
Memory: CORSAIR XMS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145299
PowerSupply: LOGISYS Computer PS575XBK 575W ATX12V SLI Ready Power Supply - $24.99!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817170017
Media Drive: IOGear 56-in-1 USB 2.0 Pocket Flash Memory Card Reader/Writer GFR281
http://www.amazon.com/IOGear-Pocket-Memory-Reader-GFR281/dp/B001AWAT3K/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1299154297&sr=1-3
CD Drive: LITE-ON Black CD/DVD Burner - $17.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289
Vid Card: EVGA 01G-P3-1430-LR GeForce GT 430 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130579
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM $99.99
Total = $515.91!
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Be weary of cheap power supplies. Might be worth it to you to spend another $20 or $30 to ensure reliability and safety for your other components.
I've always been a fan of Antec PSU's. I have a 450W Antec that is 12 years old and still very strong.
If I may:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033
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Be weary of cheap power supplies.
Ususally what i think but if you read it's reviews it is almost nothing but good and 4 out of 5 (575 Reviews) eggs is not a bad score!
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Ususally what i think but if you read it's reviews it is almost nothing but good and 4 out of 5 (575 Reviews) eggs is not a bad score!
Those are reviews right after they get the device, usually. Hardly ever does anyone come back after the unit fails and give a bad report (I do see one that says it only lasted 3 to 4 months).
You very well could be right, but if it were me, I would rather spend a little more and protect the rest of my investment. Just my $0.02.
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Note: Not trying to see who can pee the farthest just trying to stress a point about Power Supply's and improper usage of them resulting in bad reviews!
Those are reviews right after they get the device, usually. Hardly ever does anyone come back after the unit fails and give a bad report (I do see one that says it only lasted 3 to 4 months).
You very well could be right, but if it were me, I would rather spend a little more and protect the rest of my investment.
Well on that you have to ask questions regarding that particular setup, was he using it to power stuff and the PSU couldnt handle the load and burned out, Not adequite air supply etc etc....
out of the 575 Reviews atleast 74% was 3 Eggs or better, 49% 5 Eggs, 17% 4 Eggs and 8% 3 Eggs leaving only 26% of the reviews to be 1 or 2 eggs. And alot of unexperienced builders will get all of those high end cpus, video cards etc and expect this PSU to run it and while it might hold onto a powerful setup for awhile it will DIE quickly if it is being drained so bad, But when you have components that run 250W a PSU like this should have NO problem running it.
Some Reviews of owners who have had it for 6+ months:
1.
Pros: Used it for an HTPC build and this is not really loud. The CPU fan was louder than this. Braided lines are great and keeps everything nice and clean. Dual fans keep temp low.
Cons: none.
Other Thoughts: I bought one 3 years ago and still running great. Purchased another one for an HTPC build and no problems at all.
2.
Pros: Rock solid reliability. I have 10+ of these installed in various environments. Some are going on 2+ years of 24/7 operation.
Cons: Not enough SATA connections.
Other Thoughts: Great low-cost replacement PS for desktops and lightweight file servers.
3.
Pros: not much to say .. . it's a great power supply for the money
Cons: none .. everything is perfect all the time - - i've purchased like 8? of these
4.
Pros: great power for a great price. Extremely reliable.
Cons: wish it had more sata power connections, but adapter cables are cheap
Other Thoughts: got this after a friend told me he's had no issues with his 2 years into it and I know he stresses his out. Better performance than many priced 3 times as much.
5.
Pros: was low cost..claims 575watt power..2 fans..not that loud..claims sli support..
Cons: none..other than only 2 sata..
Other Thoughts: good power supply for low to mid range p.c as long as you dont push your luck..
this is a follow up review after 4-6 months after purchase..
I could keep going through the feedback and get more but i dont see the point, I seen 1 post that had 1 Egg the guy straight up admitted to using a high end video card and trying to run on cheap powersupplys he had fried 3 previous ones and this one after a few weeks, My point exactly DONT OVERLOAD YOUR PSU, I see no problem in budgeting and getting this powersupply, If it does die well it has a 1 Year warranty to do it within!
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Like I said, you very well could be right, I've just personally heard too many horror stories.
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Like I said, you very well could be right, I've just personally heard too many horror stories.
I hate horror stories, Someone or something always dies :confused: :uhoh
But overall the choice lies with Dred :rock
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Ok updated list
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395
CPU: AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX450WFGMBOX - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103886
Vid Card: EVGA 01G-P3-1430-LR GeForce GT 430 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130579
Antec EarthWatts Green EA-430D Green 430W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034
ASUS M4A88T-V EVO/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131668
CORSAIR XMS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Ultra Stable Desktop Memory Model CMX4GX3M2A1333C8 Now: $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145299
SIIG JU-MR0012-S1 All-in-one USB 2.0 Bay Media Card Reader $24.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820270007
Windows 7 64 bit yadda yadda yadda $99.99
Total $529.92 After shipping and taxes $581.42 (its the freeking taxes that screw the budget on "more")
The only other thing I'm maybe thinking is inasmuch as the motherboard is video capable already. Blowing off the video card for now and just doubling the system memory. should same another $30 or so.
for her needs she may not see a huge benefit and I can always add one later if needed.
Thoughts?
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dred, i may be mistaken but i don't think that power supply will support the video card...the video card needs a +12v output of 22amps and the power supply is showing +12V1@17A, +12V2@16A...unless it will switch all power to a single 12v rail you won't have enough for that graphics card.
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Which one? the antec or the Rosewill?
If your referring to the Antec
The roswill is only 10 bucks more. And I'd rather err on the side of more power anyway.
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the antec earthwatts 430...underpowered for that graphics card.
rosewill psu? ...i have no experience with them but...it's better than logisys for sure.
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How about the PSU supplied with this case?
http://www.rosewill.com/products/s_1601/productDetail.htm
Output +3.3V@24A,+5V@24A,+12V@41A,-12V@0.5A, +5Vsb@2.5A
nevermind
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How about the PSU supplied with this case?
http://www.rosewill.com/products/s_1601/productDetail.htm
Output +3.3V@24A,+5V@24A,+12V@41A,-12V@0.5A, +5Vsb@2.5A
nevermind
From what I see that PSU doesn't even come close to those 12V readings (finding it's 15/16A but even that's not true if I am doing the formula right). Heard bad things about Rosewill construction quality. Still have a Logisys laying around, still works after ~2 years but I wouldn't use it again.
The 430 recommends a 300Watt minimum Since you said it won't be gaming it shouldn't even hit peak usage (short of start-up). Since you want 25% overhead in a PSU we'll say you'll need 300Watts for everything (way more than you'll likely use). 25% overhead would bring it to ~370 Watts. So a PSU around 400W should be plenty. Also, you don't want too much overhead.
Personally I'd suggest http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151072
Hopefully someone who knows PSUs better can chime in, Skuzzy may be able to help. :)
Quick list I've thrown together, mostly using parts I have with some cutbacks:
Motherboard: $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131673
CPU: $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846
RAM: $47
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231189
GPU: $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130579
PSU: $49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151072
HDD: $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320
Total: $401 So you have room to add in DVD/Case/Card-reader/etc. with what you have left to spend on this.
This CPU/Motherboard/RAM combo works together perfectly, it's what I have with no issues.
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OOPS! Sorry I posted the wrong one, I meant this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029
They were the same price, I transposed...
Dred you'd be fine w/o a graphics card, just add one later if you really feel that you'll want to game on it.
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or switch to an ati video card...they typically don't have the +12v requirements that the nvidia's do.
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From what I see that PSU doesn't even come close to those 12V readings (finding it's 15/16A but even that's not true if I am doing the formula right). Heard bad things about Rosewill construction quality. Still have a Logisys laying around, still works after ~2 years but I wouldn't use it again.
The 430 recommends a 300Watt minimum Since you said it won't be gaming it shouldn't even hit peak usage (short of start-up). Since you want 25% overhead in a PSU we'll say you'll need 300Watts for everything (way more than you'll likely use). 25% overhead would bring it to ~370 Watts. So a PSU around 400W should be plenty. Also, you don't want too much overhead.
Personally I'd suggest http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151072
Hopefully someone who knows PSUs better can chime in, Skuzzy may be able to help. :)
Quick list I've thrown together, mostly using parts I have with some cutbacks:
Motherboard: $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131673
CPU: $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846
RAM: $47
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231189
GPU: $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130579
PSU: $49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151072
HDD: $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320
Total: $401 So you have room to add in DVD/Case/Card-reader/etc. with what you have left to spend on this.
This CPU/Motherboard/RAM combo works together perfectly, it's what I have with no issues.
Actually with the Os it brings it up to 500 even. Plus tax
2 questions. I see that motherboard is a micro ATX. Unless I can get that board to fit in a mid sized ATX case. Then Im buying a case too
Second. is there any real benifit with that CPU
AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Desktop Processor - C3 Revision CPU: $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846
Over the one I had picked out
AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX450WFGMBOX $79.99
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The Phenoms have more cache than the Athlons, but really, that's about the only difference. That and the clock multiplier on the Phenom Black Editions are unlocked, but unless you're overclocking, that should pretty much mean squat to you. The cache does help performance, in certain applications. Tom's Hardware has a pretty good write-up on it:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cache-size-matter,1709-8.html
Micro ATX boards are really meant for compact builds, but should perform just as well. The big thing you'll notice is the lack of PCI slots on micro boards.
Heads up though, the MicroATX ASUS posted above has only 2 RAM slots, which leaves future upgrades to be a little more expensive.
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Actually with the Os it brings it up to 500 even. Plus tax
2 questions. I see that motherboard is a micro ATX. Unless I can get that board to fit in a mid sized ATX case. Then Im buying a case too
Second. is there any real benifit with that CPU
AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Desktop Processor - C3 Revision CPU: $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846
Over the one I had picked out
AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX450WFGMBOX $79.99
Most full sized cases should fit lower sized Board, but that was just a quick throw together. I use Micro (as mentioned those parts was mostly what I use) so I just listed that one, that and I know it works together well with the other parts. D'oh, just noticed I I posted wrong, there isn't a full ATX of the board like I had mentioned, just Micro with 4x RAM slots :)
It has less PCI/RAM slots compared to a Full board, but it's a personal choice on what is needed. As mentioned, yes it has 2 RAM slots, but that holds up to 8GB max and an average user shouldn't need more than 4GB.
As for the CPU, there won't really be any noticeable difference for a normal user. The Phenom does use less power (80W vs 95W) and has L3 cache, but less L2 cache due to having 1 less core. Phenoms are normally gaming and Athlon for normal use, didn't even think about that. :P
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Phenoms are normally gaming and Athlon for normal use, didn't even think about that. :P
*ahem* makes you wonder how we built really nice gaming systems before the phenom cpu's came out don't it? :D
(sorry, couldn't resist)
dred, the full atx mobos are great if you want more flexibility for upgrades add-ons etc...and you can get them without built in graphics chips...whereas the micro boards don't offer near the expansion capabilities and finding one without a built in graphics chip is nearly impossible.
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*ahem* makes you wonder how we built really nice gaming systems before the phenom cpu's came out don't it? :D
(sorry, couldn't resist)
dred, the full atx mobos are great if you want more flexibility for upgrades add-ons etc...and you can get them without built in graphics chips...whereas the micro boards don't offer near the expansion capabilities and finding one without a built in graphics chip is nearly impossible.
Actually I was leaning toward a board with the graphic capability anyway as I could at least for now forgo the vid card which is something I can always add on later as I upgrade my own. Thats why I was thinking of dropping the board in my original build specs and just upping the ram from 4 to 8 gig to make up any difference. Cost savings would be around $30
How about Asrock boards?
I am leaning to ASUS because I like their boards. Just seem easier to mess with then Gigasbyte. Not that there is anything wrong with Gigabyte. I use one in my My AH rig.
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I have an ASRock running my 775 Core 2 Duo as a server at the moment, but it used to be my gaming computer.
I had no issues with it, other than it had a VIA chipset that didn't overclock all that well (probably due to the amazing flexibility that board had). Had it not been able to run a Socket 775 on either DDR or DDR2, AND be able to run an AGP card and/or a PCI-E card (amazing set-up for the upgrade path I was on), I probably wouldn't have picked it. It didn't have solid state capacitors, and was just generally a cheap board.
Some of their higher-end stuff is supposedly not bad, one of the biggest things I look for personally is solid state capacitors, as failing capacitors are usually the cause of premature motherboard deaths.