Complete New System

D

djjones69

Joined
Nov 2, 2004
Messages
51
Reaction score
0
Hey there,

Been on here a few times about general laptop problems and have finally decided its time to get serious and buy a new PC. Got bout 500 squid to spend but may increase to 700 if it will be worth it. I will be mainly using it for CAD programs which tend to completely freeze on my current laptop. I have some friends who build pcs but thought id ask on here as well as you all sound like pro's. I would be interested in building however my experience is pretty much zero, but I am an engineer (aeronautical engineer though) and should be able to pick things up quickly. Cheers for any advice.......


Dan





********...........never been up in a plane......but I design them!!!............********
 
i would not go through the stress of builiding yourself unless you really really want to

Get youself a custom built system, prehaps a friend u know who u can help put it together with and learn from him also!

I started with zero knowledge and I made lots of mistakes and lots lots of money too, that hurt, but its from your mistakes that you learn:_)

good luck mate
 
Cheers, ill take that into mind.

One thing i really wanted to know is what kind of system you would suggest for 500 quid. I have no idea what kind of deals there are out there??!! So i spose what im asking is if you had 500 quid to spend on a new system what would you buy???

cheers

dan
 
djjones69 said:
Cheers, ill take that into mind.

One thing i really wanted to know is what kind of system you would suggest for 500 quid. I have no idea what kind of deals there are out there??!! So i spose what im asking is if you had 500 quid to spend on a new system what would you buy???

cheers

dan
Click to expand...
You may have to up your "squids" a little. An "off-the-shelf" system from Dell (Dimension 5000) will set you back £639 (inc Del & VAT) and would be considered a good 'entry' system for today.

However, I'm no fan of Intel and although you can get and AMD "put together" at a resonable price, If I were you, I would be looking at an AMD 939/64bit system. And that's a little dearer.

;)
 
djjones69 said:
I am an engineer (aeronautical engineer though)
Click to expand...
Another Aeronautical engineer here too :) Best job isn't it ;)

If you are looking for a CAD machine, be sure to get PLENTY of ram and a good monitor - it makes all the difference.

Like mucks, I'd suggest getting something like a basic Dell, but tweaked a little bit. You should be able to get something with a 17-19" Flat Screen and 512MB Ram (ideally 1GB) for around £700.

Are you planning to play any games on this PC, or just basic office work and CAD?
 
It really isn't that difficult putting together a PC and the big advantage is that you get to pick and choose your components and can tailor the machine to your needs.

There are countless guides to building your own on the net.

If you're limited by budget, you can still build a very respectable Socket A system for £700.00, easily good enough for your CAD work.

Problem is, Socket A systems now have a limited life span, but should be good for several years if your main use is graphical work. Sckt A systems are being superceded by Socket 939 AMD 64 Bit systems and Intel have a 64 Bit chip around the corner no doubt.

Let's assume you're restricted by budget and want something good to do your work on. We'll also assume you're not interested in Games.

Buy the biggest monitor you can afford, with some decent specs. The Iiyama Pro 514 (21") and Pro 454 (19") would be good choices, excellent imaging. Within your budget, I think you'll have to stick to a CRT Monitor, a TFT version would not be affordable and anyway, imo CRT Monitors give a better image. But they do take up a lot more desk space ;)

You can also save a lot of money if you buy a Matrox Graphics card, they're made with CAD work in mind and concentrate on 2-D imaging, but are weak on 3-D imaging.

If you're interested in going down that path, let me know and I'll price a system up for you.

There is another recent thread around here where I specced a Socket A system for some other guy, that may be worth looking at, I'll see if I can trace it.
 
Mainly work, but sometimes i get persuaded away from work and play games.......mainly multiplayer games like command and conquer etc, but if i had a better graphics card ram etc would prolly play more fighter sims...which dont work on my current system...not too bothered tho.......my work is more important....lol

dan,

p.s opinions of this??

353377.jpg
[size=+1]"Verso" Pentium IV 'Prescott LGA775' 3.0GHz (800FSB) Hyper Threading System (FS-003-OK)[/size] [size=-1]

- Intel Pentium IV 'Prescott LGA775' 3.0GHz (800FSB) HyperThreading CPU
- Abit IG-80 915G "PCI-Express" (Socket 775) Dual DDR400 Motherboard
- Onboard Intel 2D/3D Accelerated Graphics (PCI-E x16 slot for future upgradability)
- GeIL 512MB (2x256MB) DDR Value PC3200 CAS2.5 Dual Channel Kit
- 200GB Maxtor DiamondMax Plus10 8mb Cache SATA 150 Hard Drive
- Samsung TSH-552 16X Dual Layer DVD±RW ReWriter Drive
- Onboard 6 Channel Audio
- Gigabit LAN
- Antec Aria Micro ATX Cube Silent Case
- Antec 300W Silent ATX Power Supply
- Built in 8in1 Card reader
- Front & Rear Firewire IEEE1394 Ports
- Front & Rear USB2.0 Ports
- Front Headphone & Microphone Ports

from overclockers???

(£530 including vat)
[/size]
 
You'll have to buy a PCI-E graphics card ... 'cos that on-board rubbish will not hack it. PCI-E cards are not that cheap, yet. If your looking at PCI-E then AMD/64bit is the only feasable option.

There will be NO ROOM for any real expansions in that "pretty looking" system ... up your buget and look for a "real" system. ;)
 
cheers for all the replies so far......


The jist so far is that I should get a socket A system, with a good monitor (prolly crt). Although buying a system all ready together would be less hastle I dont have the money but can afford the hastle!!

Is it worth me waiting a few months and getting an Intel 64bit or AMD thingymajig......?????

Or will they be too expensive????

Plus if someone could tell me what spec I should be hoping for with 500-700 squid, i.e ram, hard disk size, usb, graphics etc???


Plus any good sites to buy from etc would be great at this stage......

cheers
 
I've looked at a few sites etc, wondering if ya could look over em for me and give me ur prof opinion:

Dell 5000:

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/dimen_5000?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs



1Ghz, with 512MB of SD PC133 Ram, 40GB 7200rpm hdd, CDRW drive, 19" flat front Illyama CRT, and a 64MB graphics card-£300....one of my mates getting rid of some stuff..

cheers

need to get this sorted within the next two/three months as im going to germany in the summer!

any other ideas/help would be fantastic...
 
djjones69 said:
1Ghz, with 512MB of SD PC133 Ram, 40GB 7200rpm hdd, CDRW drive, 19" flat front Illyama CRT, and a 64MB graphics card-£300....one of my mates getting rid of some stuff..
Click to expand...
No.

No, no no.

That system's archaic. Although the Monitor may suit you, what's the model number?

Look, some folks still rate Socket A systems as up to date. It's just that if you're always looking to have the latest, like most folks here, they do now seem a little old tech.

But they're not.

Give me a while, a day or so, I'll spec something for you.

And don't do anything rash without asking here, OK? ;)
 
Flopps' spot on ... to be honest with you djjones69 I have gotten a little fed-up with "specking/sourcing" systems, I usually leave it to the young-uns here.

However, I'm pretty quick to correct any 'errors' they may suggest. ;)

I will say this though ... socket "A" (AMD based systems) is not dead; I have no need to upgrade mine, yet. Not found anything it can't do. So if you can hang on in there for a day or so I know Flops will come up with some dam good systems.

:thumb:
 
Here’s a suggested Socket A System:



A few notes:



The motherboard has onboard 6.1 sound and LAN (Network).

The Matrox Card is ideal for CAD work, but weak on Gaming. If you wanted to compromise, go for the ATI 9800 Pro and add another £33.00

Lots of people are selling their CRT Monitors now, all ‘upgrading’ to TFT Models. Therefore you could likely pick up an Iiyama Pro 454 for around £150.00-ish. Or even an Iiyama 21” quite cheaply second hand.

I haven’t included Arctic Thermal Silver 5.0 Thermal paste as the Gigabyte cooler comes with it’s own paste, it will be good enough.

I haven’t included internal cables as I expect the Motherboard will come with those, but it’s worth checking. If you buy new rounded cables and a SATA Data cable, add about another £20.00.

I haven’t included Mouse, keyboard or loudspeakers as I assume you already have those.

It’s worth checking to make sure the PSU in the suggested case has SATA Hard Drive power connectors, otherwise you’ll have to buy an adapter.

This is only a suggested system, maybe you don’t like black for a case colour, but it should give you an idea of what you can build for your money.

In compiling this, I’ve considered budget and the best options within that budget, it is obviously not the best system currently available.

However, for your intended use, it will fly and will cope admirably.



I’ve split the system across two suppliers to save on postage, shop around, you may do better.



Feel free to mix and match components and ask for further advice here.





Antec SLK1650B Case with 350W PSU …………………………………..£53.00

AMD XP3200 2.2Ghz CPU, OEM:………………………………………….£94.00

Asus A7N8X-E Motherboard………………………………………………...£60.00

Gigabyte 3D Rocket Pro 3D CPU Cooler:………………………………….£28.00

512Mb Corsair Value Select memory, PC3200, (2 x 256):……………….£53.00

NEC ND3520A Dual Layer DVD Recorder:………………………………..£43.00

Matrox Millenium P650 Graphics Card:…………………………………….£97.00

Seagate 160Gb SATA Drive:………………………………………………..£66.00

Floppy Drive, black:………………………………………………………….£7.00

Hyundai Image Quest Q995 19” Monitor………………………………….£132.00



Total:………………………………………………………………………….£633.00



Alternative Monitor: Iiyama Pro 454 19”………………………………….£242.00



Alternative video card: Powercolour ATI 9800 Pro 128Mb:………………£126.00



Links:



CPU (2nd one down)

Case

Motherboard

CPU Cooler (top one)

Memory

DVD Drive/Recorder

Graphics Card

Powercolour 9800 Pro 128Mb

Hard Drive

Floppy Drive

 
awesome, cheers for all the help so far lads, i really do appreciate it!!

No doubt ill be getting back to you with more problems in the near future!!

cheers

dan
 
I like it ... however, and I'm not being picky here, just want to point out a few things and I'm sure Floppy won't mind. (I do it all the time anyway)

Floppy's selection is excellent, if you like Black, so I thought I would give you some food for thought.

The CPU ... I would suggest you pick the first one, the retail version with an AMD supplied/approved HSF ... Why? You get 3 years warrantee off the supplier, you don't have to mess around fitting your own HSF an especially daunting task if you've never done it before. AMD are NOT going to supply a HSF that does NOT do the job. Really no difference in price.

The Monitor ... this, to you, is a critical component. It is what your going to looking at all day. The "flavour" of the year is Iiyama ... their Vision Master Pro range is excellent, I swear they either nicked or use Sony Trinitron tubes. Best value, I think, is the 455. Not as good as the 454 (silly numbering system) but in a good price bracket. £160'ish.
A little note here ... CRT monitors still have the edge on LCD/TFT in the price-per-dot-pitch equation. In other words to equal a good CRT an LCD/TFT will set you back a 100/200 pounds more.

As for the rest ... well, I agree.
except for black. ;)
 
muckshifter said:
The CPU ... I would suggest you pick the first one, the retail version with an AMD supplied/approved HSF ... Why? You get 3 years warrantee off the supplier, you don't have to mess around fitting your own HSF an especially daunting task if you've never done it before. AMD are NOT going to supply a HSF that does NOT do the job. Really no difference in price.

Click to expand...
I did actually give that issue a lot of thought. The three year warranty is well worth having, I agree, the AMD cooler is easy to fit and it actually works out around a tenner cheaper when compared to OEM/Gigabyte cooler.

However, I have to disagree with you about AMD not supplying a heatsink that wouldn't do the job.

I bought the retail version of the XP3200, my case is well ventilated (4 x 80mm fans) and at full load with the AMD cooler fitted it hovered around 60C. So I bought the Gigabyte cooler - 42C. And if I turn the fan down, it's quieter and only goes to 43C tops at full load.

So that's why I made the decision to reommend the Gigabyte cooler, although it was a close decision, I'd say about 51/49 in favour.

If Dan decides to go ahead with an XP3200 I would by all means encourage him to consider the retail version for reasons outlined above. But like I said, the Gigabyte cools a lot better.

As for black, I know, it's a taste thing, I like black meself although a mate of mine hates it, he wants everything silver ;)

Still, that Case looks like a good buy, including an Antec 350W PSU and all, so I thought I'd go with it. Like I mentioned, they're only suggestions.

I was unaware of the 455 Monitor, if it has a flat screen, it could be a good choice. DO stay away from the 1451 19" Iiyama though, they're OK, but not flat screen and the Hyundai mentioned in my list is a much better buy for around the same price.
 
We agree to disagree Flopps. ;)

There was no need to defend yourself :p it’s a good spec'

My CPU also hovers around 50/55 on full load ... and we both know my feelings on temp readings. However, I'll defend AMD here and 'argue' the fact I've had to change more OEM HSF (even those from good manufactures) and have yet to change an AMD supplied HSF. That may be due to the fact that a lot of retailers sell their CPUs OEM. ;)

I can personally vouch for the 455, 'tis indeed a 'flat screen' Diamondtron, at a good price. A newer better monitor can always be bought when the budget permits.

I'll also agree with you on the case ... but only due to the fact they use a decent PSU ... I think we should have made that a little clearer from both of us. A good PSU is important.

We are both aware that the "quality" of ALL components is very important; not least from the ground up ... choosing the right MB, in my opinion, being where one should start. We both agree on your choice of MB.

I'm sure we've given djjones69 food for thought.
:thumb:
 
Top motherboard :)

play games.......mainly multiplayer games like command and conquer etc, but if i had a better graphics card ram etc would prolly play more fighter sims...which dont work on my current system
Click to expand...

I definatly think a 9800pro OR preferably a 6600GT would be a better choice there though...
 
Back
Top