Help with desktop build

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andysh

229 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 16

#31394 16-Mar-2009 16:57

Hey,

Just looking for some advice from you on the computer I am looking to build.

What I will be using the computer for is: Storage/server for the flat, will be on 24/7 so need something that will be realitlvly quite. I will also be using it for watching FreeViewHD, and maybe running a MediaPortal server. I will also be playing the odd game on it, but it does not have to be a dedicated gaming machine.

I also have a budget of $1500~ does not have to be exact and can be a little over under if the advantages make it worth while. Also I expect the computer to last (spec wise) for about 3 years.

What I have got so far:

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3 Intel P45
Case: Thermaltake Soprano with 430w PS
CPU: E8400 3.0Ghz
Memory: 2 x Transcend 2GB (Total 4GB)
GFX: Geforce 9800 GT
HDD: Seagate 1.5TB
Screen: BenQ T2200HD

Think this current build is about $1700 including the monitor.

As far as I can tell, the only think that might not be the best is the mobo? Or do you think that the current mobo will be sufficent? Also I guess if I am looking to run applications such as MediaPortal server 24/7 could go with a quad core?

andysh

Referrals:

Tesla: https://ts.la/andrew897313

Sharesies: https://sharesies.com/r/XRGS77

Ragnor

8279 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 585

Trusted

#201455 16-Mar-2009 17:30

Couple of things...

If you want to record Freeview HD you will need a TV tuner card.

Hard drives fail at the time, just because you haven't had one fail personally or recently doesn't mean it won't. If this is going to be reliable storage for stuff that you don't want lose you need at least 2 drives with the 2nd being a mirror of the first (if not a mirror than synchronized with scripts or an sync application). Better safe than sorry imo!

Have a look at the Asus P5Q Pro in comparison to the Gigabyte board imo.

You might also want a more powerful PSU, I highly recommend the Corsair 520HX.

andysh

229 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 16

#201582 17-Mar-2009 10:55

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, and yes I guess I will need a TV Tuner card lol, any suggestions? I guess it would be good if it was a hybrid card (so can watch prime) and maybe a dual tuner, as different flat mates might watch different MUX's at the same time (so guessing it would need to be a dual tuner)

I should have also mentioned that I already have a 300 and 400g HDD, with the 400g backing up the 300g. This will be all the important stuff on these two drives. The 1.5TB will just be random stuff. Such as mucis/movies etc. Stuff that if we lost would just be a pain (to copy all the DVD's and CD's back onto) and is mainly used as just another backup/secondary source for our media.

As for the Mobo, why do you recommend the ASUS over the gigabyte. The biggest difference that I could see if that the ASUS had RAID where the gigabyte did not. I guess it would be good to run the 300 and 400g in RAID (if that is even possible?) but I can just write a script to copy over the essentials. The ASUS mobo is about $50~ more expensive, worth it?

Also do you think that 430W will not be enough for my set up? Cosidering I will prob be running 3 HDD?

Also what do you think about the CPU, do you think a dual core will be enough, or should I go for quad since I will most likely be running a mediaportal server?

Thanks for the help

Andysh

Referrals:

Tesla: https://ts.la/andrew897313

Sharesies: https://sharesies.com/r/XRGS77

andysh

229 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 16

#206013 8-Apr-2009 13:56

Sorry to bring an old topic up, but I am still in the process of thinking about this build.

What mobo should i go for do you think? Also with the GFX, is a OEM 9800GT vs like a gigabyte 9800GT much different?

Also there are the old questions

Andysh

Referrals:

Tesla: https://ts.la/andrew897313

Sharesies: https://sharesies.com/r/XRGS77

sypher

22 posts

Geek

#206047 8-Apr-2009 16:54

if they cost the same go for the oem gtx, they usually come in an anti-static bag rather than the retail box, and probably wont have any software with it, but any software you need can just be downloaded from the vendor's site or directly from nvidia

andysh

229 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 16

#206058 8-Apr-2009 18:39

So would there be any performace difference between http://pcpacific.net/product_info.php?products_id=4994 and http://www.extremepc.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=124_127&products_id=3346 ?

Just don't really get what gigabyte etc do to the stock GFX card, add quiters fans?

Andysh

Referrals:

Tesla: https://ts.la/andrew897313

Sharesies: https://sharesies.com/r/XRGS77

andysh

229 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 16

#206329 10-Apr-2009 12:06

Also what do you guys think about this case?

http://madkiwi.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=39

Not to bad of a price and come with a 500W PSU

Andysh

Referrals:

Tesla: https://ts.la/andrew897313

Sharesies: https://sharesies.com/r/XRGS77

Mighty Ape

Shop now at Mighty Ape (affiliate link).

ticallista

24 posts

Geek

#206514 12-Apr-2009 02:02

Price is good but you really pay for what you get.

Raidmax PSUs are pretty average and might struggle to get to 3 years if stressed enough.

And I'm not a fan of the alien design of the case

Personally, I'd go for:

Case - http://www.playtech.co.nz/product.php?action=showdetail&id=2876

PSU - http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=8585

Corsair PSU's are fantastic but pricey. Vantec ION2 Plus' are underrated so they make a good steal if your budget is low.

About $110 more in total but definitely worth it if you don't plan to touch the system for another 3 years.

Plus both Computer Lounge and Playtech are excellent stores.

2MEKEE

33 posts

Geek

#207683 17-Apr-2009 20:40

hi

the Cooler master CM690 always gets good reviews and is at a good price
but im bi est ;)
adding a bit more power wouldn't hurt something in the 500w mark would be better

http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Review/101716,cooler-master-cm690-pc-case.aspx

http://www.einfo.co.nz/shop/product_info.php?products_id=9106

by the way its a pretty nice rig, love the CPU you'll be able to OC the sh*t out of it :p

"There is the known and the unknown. In between are the doors" - Jim Morrison