New system advice

[alfienoakes]

Just a quick heads up really on the following kit.

 

Got a chance to get some quite good kit, for a reasonable price, sort of custom built as well. Here is the spec:

 

Processor (CPU)

Intel® Core™2 Quad Q6600 (4 X 2.40GHz) 1066MHz FSB/8MB L2 Cache

 

Memory (RAM)

2GB CORSAIR XMS2 800MHz - LIFETIME WARRANTY! (2x1GB)

 

Motherboard

ASUS® P5K WS: DUAL DDR2, S-ATA II, x16 VGA, 2 x PCI-E

 

Operating System

WINDOWS® XP Professional (inc. Genuine CD & License)

 

USB Options

8 x USB 2.0 PORTS (6 REAR + 2 FRONT) AS STANDARD

 

Memory - 1st Hard Disk

80GB SERIAL ATA II HARD DRIVE WITH 8MB CACHE (7200rpm)

 

2nd Hard Disk

80GB SERIAL ATA II HARD DRIVE WITH 8MB CACHE (7200rpm)

 

1st CD/DVD Drive

20x Dual Layer LightScribe DVD Writer ±R/±RW/RAM

 

2nd CD/DVD Drive

16x DVD-ROM WITH 48x CD-ROM

 

Graphics Card

512MB GEFORCE 8800GT PCI Express + DVI + TV-OUT

 

Im pretty much OK with the spec; CPU MoBo and graphics card. But I was wondering what people are doing HD wise, and also OS wise..

 

I have opted for 2Gb of semi fast RAM and Windows XP Pro.. I could have Vista 64, but I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, as I will be running Viz 2007 and Vray 1.5 latest.

 

Also, whats the general feeling on faster 10,000rpm HD's. I have gone for a couple of 7,200's at the mo..?

 

Also, bearing in mind I am in the UK, how does the price stack up. The above kit is fully made up into a usable system, delivered and VAT for £913.

 

Cheers..

[Stephen Thomas]

160Gb seems a little low on the storage side these days, but if you are connecting up to network and keeping files on a central server then it's probably okay. With the faster drives I think what some do is have a small fast drive, say 70Gb running at 10,000rpm just for the OS for quick response, then have their main storage drive for files etc. running at a slower speed.

 

Overall seems like a decent rig though, and you can easily run two monitors off that graphics card.

[alfienoakes]

Just what I was thinking of doing, 10k rpm for OS etc, and then 72k for storage.

 

Cheers

[Chris Potts]

Hey alfienoakes

 

Funny thing, Yesterday I was thinking same as you. Almost same kit as your wish list. I have been spend heavy search on internet gather some information from CG Architect recommend and other Computer website forum.

 

Most of your kit list look good and good price. Apart that Im not sure about motherboard is bit old, Hey I might wrong about it and also Im not expert on this. Im so confused load of style of motherboard out there. Hoping someone will help us about this.

 

Which website you found list of kit? I think it really good price. Only I found good price on website: http://www.scan.co.uk. There load of motherboard list of choice and good price I think.

 

and Windows XP Pro.. I could have Vista 64, but I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not

 

Yeah, I know most people here say recommend XP pro this but I'm find most retailer stop sell this. So I might scarfic have to go Vista 64 Home Premuim. because I think this year or next year is XP Pro will end. . Is that correct ?

[alfienoakes]

Hey Chris,

 

The site I have found is:

 

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/

 

You can custom choose from their list of parts. Also looking on ebay for Dell ready made systems. I know a lot of people dont like dell, but I have used them for years, and never had a problem with them.

 

I dont want to overclock particularly, just want to get it out and use it. Quite happy with that. Always done the job for me. As for XP stopping, check out the following statement from the link:

 

The good news is that Microsoft has committed to at least seven more years of XP support with plans of a Service Pack 3 next year.

 

Microsoft XP Professional is still my recommended operating system for business environments.

 

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080119/LIFESTYLE06/801190305

 

I would stick to XP for now just to be sure.

[Chris Potts]

Microsoft has committed to at least seven more years

 

Oh that good news. Im happy for now until next new version (after Vista) coming up in 2010 I think ( That I heard rumour on website ). So I still trying find get one of XP Pro X64 - full retailer version. Or do you think we should better get off stick to X32 bit? BTW:- What is OEM ?

 

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/

 

Thank for link, I have been look up this website but seem not much choice kit for me. Also My IT guy recommend me look up http://www.cclonline.co.uk. I find http://www.scan.co.uk bit cheaper than that. So I will look bit of both choice. Soon I will put up list of my kit choice post here.

 

Cheer thank.

Chris P.

[gabrielaca]

andie, i have almost the exact same rig, for a couple of months now, except for the double layer cd/dvd and my choice of graphics card was ATI 1650 w/512. it works just fine, my p5k has wi-fi also and its proven very useful and reliable, about the price i guess it´s a littlle bit high i got mine for us $1,454 in mx (914 is about us1800?), better keep looking, and with the new specs you´re considering price migth go up, good luck in your computer hunting.

[alfienoakes]

I hate it when I see what you guys state side are paying for your IT equipment. Basically, anything for under a grand over here is pretty good money, anything of any worth that is.

 

So Something with a Quad, 2 Gb RAM, 8800 GT card, 500Gb HD and OS is going to be around £1000 new, and possibly 600 - 1000 if you risk Ebay.

 

I bought my last 2 from Ebay, and must say, it was a fine experience. Would prefer new, but there you go....

 

Hope to reveal what I end up buying soon..