Computer Build Critique in Off Topic

ID:182076
 
Jan 31 2009, 1:20 pm
Does this build look good? I don't have money for all of the parts I want (mainly a graphics card), but those can be purchased at later times. I am trying to build an easily upgradeable system. I have pretty much all of the basics down, which are the motherboard (with PSU and integrated graphics and audio), the casing, the processor, RAM, a DVD drive, and a harddrive. Most importantly, I want to save money.

Motherboard: JetWay JPA78VM3-H-LF AM2+/AM2 AMD 780V HDMI Micro ATX AMD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813153110
$79.99

Case: HEC 6K28BBX585 Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower 585W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121004
$69.99

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 Kuma 2.7GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core black edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103300
$78.00

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262
$54.99

DVD: LG Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner w/ SecurDisc Tech
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136149
$21.99

Memory: Kingston 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134581
$19.49

Total: $324.45 (without shipping and taxation)

That's a little hefty, but I see those parts as pretty high quality for my income range. I'm actually pushing it a little, though. Any suggestions?
#1 Jan 31 2009, 2:58 pm
Since it's DDR2 RAM, I'd go as high as what you're willing to pay for. If you can afford the $20 or so, get the 4GB (x2 2GB) sticks. And again, if you can and since the motherboard has 4 RAM slots, get a couple 4GB kits.
#2 Jan 31 2009, 3:03 pm
I'd suggest going with an Intel processor instead of AMD, but if that's your preference, it's not such a big deal. In fact, the Atom processor is pretty inexpensive and very low-heat, low-power usage, so you might want to take a look at those. Doesn't even need a fan, really -- passive cooling is plenty.

I really don't like those ugly boxy cases. This one is, IMO, a better design: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154087
Doesn't hurt that it's cheaper too.

Good luck with the build.
#3 Jan 31 2009, 3:04 pm
In response to Mizukouken Ketsu (#1)
If you go for 8GB you've gotta be committed to a 64-bit OS, which can be tricky in some cases. I'd just go with 2-4GB.
#4 Jan 31 2009, 3:05 pm
In response to PirateHead (#2)
I have to agree on the statement about Intel. Personally, I am a fan of AMD. I always have been. But as much as it pains me to say it I (and nobody who knows anything about hardware) can deny that Intel simply has better products out right now. Not saying that AMD wont come back swinging, but for the time being, Intel is the choice.
#5 Jan 31 2009, 4:10 pm
In response to PirateHead (#3)
PirateHead wrote:
If you go for 8GB you've gotta be committed to a 64-bit OS, which can be tricky in some cases. I'd just go with 2-4GB.

Not really if you go with Vista 64bit. It's 32bit emulation is outstanding. In fact, I haven't found a single program that doesn't run on it, and a couple I've heard of that don't have updates out there that allow it to run.

That said, older hardware may not be compatible with Vista, so make sure you can get signed 64bit drivers for any peripherals you may be installing. Almost certainly you won't have a problem these days.

Now if you're running XP 64bit, or Linux, it's a whole different matter and I would agree with PirateHead.

Also, when running 32bit programs in a 64bit operating system, those applications are still only be limited to 4gb or memory, so you'll see no benefit to increased ram when running these applications.

Most professional applications, like 3ds max, or photoshop, I believe run in 64bit mode so they can take advantage of the increased RAM.
#6 Feb 1 2009, 8:21 am
In response to PirateHead (#2)
PirateHead wrote:
I'd suggest going with an Intel processor instead of AMD, but if that's your preference, it's not such a big deal. In fact, the Atom processor is pretty inexpensive and very low-heat, low-power usage, so you might want to take a look at those. Doesn't even need a fan, really -- passive cooling is plenty.

I realized halfway through the build that I should have probably gone with Intel, but I didn't want to search for a new motherboard. I don't know anything about any of the newer Intel processors, either. I'll give it a shot, though.

Is the Atom a good processor, or just one of those laptop processors that are outperformed by processors that are generally used in desktops?
#7 Feb 1 2009, 8:24 am
In response to CaptFalcon33035 (#6)
The atom is a good processor if you plan on carrying your computer in your pocket;)
#8 Feb 1 2009, 9:24 am
I changed the build to utilize an Intel processor.

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128357
$52.99

Case: APEX DM-387 Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case Computer Case 275W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154087
$44.99

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 2.8GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115206
$119.99

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262
$54.99

DVD: LG Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner w/ SecurDisc Tech
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136149
$21.99

Memory: Kingston 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134581
$19.49

Total: $314.44 (without shipping and taxation)
#9 Feb 1 2009, 11:07 am
In response to CaptFalcon33035 (#8)
Here's my suggestion:

Case: APEX DM-387 Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case Computer Case 275W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154087
$44.99

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE WD800AAJS 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136195
$33.99

DVD drive: LITE-ON Black IDE CD-ROM Drive Model DH-52N2P-04 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106086
$13.99

Memory: G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5S-2GBNT - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231203
$17.99

Motherboard + integrated dual-core Atom processor: JetWay JNC91-330-LF ATOM 330 Dual Core (45nm, FSB 533MHz, 1.6GHz, 1 MB L2) Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813153131
$129.99

Total: $240.95 (without shipping and taxation)
#10 Feb 1 2009, 12:13 pm
In response to PirateHead (#9)
Also, I've noticed that Antec makes a case called the Minuet 350 which people have noted has better build quality than the one I suggested. It also has a better power supply. However, it seems to be roughly twice as expensive. If you're interested, you can check it out here: http://www.buy.com/prod/ -solution-minuet-350-chassis-piano-black-antec-new-solution/ q/loc/101/206805438.html
#11 Feb 1 2009, 6:11 pm
In response to PirateHead (#9)
I have some personal experience with G.Skill RAM cards, and I must say, they aren't very good at all. I don't know why, but my single 1GB DDR stick from Crucial.com runs better than both 1GB G.Skill DDR RAM sticks combined. Wasted $40 >_> Right now I'm running the Crucial stick and one G.Skill stick.
#12 Feb 1 2009, 8:17 pm
In response to PirateHead (#9)
Doesn't that motherboard seem a little dated? It doesn't support some of the faster DDR2 technologies and the FSB is a little slow. I don't know if this is an issue, but the speed of the RAM and the speed of the motherboard RAM bus don't match (533 and 800). Does that mean the RAM will just run slower?
#13 Feb 1 2009, 8:45 pm
In response to CaptFalcon33035 (#12)
Yes. Your computer will only run as fast as its slowest component :) So anything faster than what your computer can handle, will only be bottle-necked down to whatever speed it CAN run at.
#14 Feb 1 2009, 9:51 pm
In response to CaptFalcon33035 (#12)
The build I suggested would be more cool-running than the one you posted, but also have much lower peak performance. If you feel like paying 70-80 dollars more and getting better performance, I think that would be a pretty good tradeoff.

Here's another thought: I've heard that there are forums where people keep a running list of the best hardware for a certain price point. I should try to dig one of those up and link you -- that might show that there's a much better deal than what I'm suggesting for roughly 250 dollars.
#15 Feb 2 2009, 9:15 pm
In response to PirateHead (#9)
Do not get an Atom Processor. They only reason you would want an Atom processor is if you are using a netbook. (Which by the way, a slower clocked AMD CPU would be more efficient than the Atom CPU, but that's neither here nor there.)

As far as Intel vs AMD, unless you're spending tons of money on your CPU (400+), your money will get you approximately the exact same for your buck whether you go AMD or intel. Yes, intel is making faster CPUs right now, but AMD's CPUs are competitively priced (if not actually more bang for you buck). Point being, go with either CPU maker, but not the Atom. It's not made for processing anything heavy duty.