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Thread: New Desktop Build

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    Ah, Mrs. Peel! mike_w's Avatar
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    New Desktop Build

    Hello folks,

    It's being about five years since I built my last PC, so I reckon its about time I bought something new and shiny. Unfortunately, my knowledge on hardware is about five years out of date too, so hopefully you lovely lot can help.

    I spend a fair bit of time programming, so a moderately powerful CPU and plenty of RAM is what I'm looking for. I'd also like a CPU with the virtualisation extensions.

    I don't do that much gaming any more, so having a fantastic graphics card isn't a top priority -- however, something a fair bit better than my 6600GT would be nice.

    The primary OS will be Debian GNU/Linux (happy to use Squeeze if necessary), so the various parts need to be compatible with Linux.

    Definitely not planning to overclock -- low noise would be preferred to overclockability.

    I already have a monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc., so I'm just looking for the base unit. I'm assuming that I can reuse my ATX case? And would reusing my Tagan 480W PSU be an option? Even if I can reuse the PSU, some advice on new ones would be handy anyway. I plan on keeping my hard drives, so you don't need to worry about those.

    Budget-wise, I'm looking at around £300 to £400. I'm open to pre-built as well as building it myself -- it just depends on the price. Cheaper is better if it means sacrificing only a little performance.

    Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks

    Mike
    "Well, there was your Uncle Tiberius who died wrapped in cabbage leaves but we assumed that was a freak accident."

  2. #2
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    Re: New Desktop Build

    There is one build over at
    http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-hardwa...ml#post1784397

    It comes to about £540 but includes an SSD, a HDD, a case and a monitor . Take any or all out and you're done!

    Don't know your PSU so can't comment but you can reuse your case if it can take a Micro ATX motherboard.

    P.S. the recommended PSU in the thread above is top class.

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    • burberryjam's system
      • Motherboard:
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      • CPU:
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    Re: New Desktop Build

    Im in a similar situation to you, just saw scans today only page has a £300 build you could probably bench off that and upgrade as you see fit?

  4. #4
    Ah, Mrs. Peel! mike_w's Avatar
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    Re: New Desktop Build

    Having taken a look at the other thread, and read around a bit, the AMD Phenom II X3 720 seems to be pretty good value. I was thinking about pairing it with an nVidia GTS250. Any thoughts? Or recommendations for motherboards?

    Thanks
    "Well, there was your Uncle Tiberius who died wrapped in cabbage leaves but we assumed that was a freak accident."

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    Ah, Mrs. Peel! mike_w's Avatar
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    Re: New Desktop Build

    Okay, so far I'm thinking of:

    CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard: MSI 770-C45 (AMD 770)
    Graphics card: Asus 512MB GTS 250
    Memory: 4GB Corsair DDR3 1333Mhz

    This comes to around £290. Any recommendations for a PSU? Or any components that are better for the same price?
    "Well, there was your Uncle Tiberius who died wrapped in cabbage leaves but we assumed that was a freak accident."

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    Headless Chicken Terbinator's Avatar
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    • Terbinator's system
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    Re: New Desktop Build

    Athlon X4 (quad-core) can be had for a cheaper price compared to Phenom X3's. This OCZ PSU is great for the price also, i used it recently in a build for my mate.
    Kalniel: "Nice review Tarinder - would it be possible to get a picture of the case when the components are installed (with the side off obviously)?"
    CAT-THE-FIFTH: "The Antec 300 is a case which has an understated and clean appearance which many people like. Not everyone is into e-peen looking computers which look like a cross between the imagination of a hyperactive 10 year old and a Frog."
    TKPeters: "Off to AVForum better Deal - £20+Vat for Free Shipping @ Scan"
    for all intents it seems to be the same card minus some gays name on it and a shielded cover ? with OEM added to it - GoNz0.

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    Ah, Mrs. Peel! mike_w's Avatar
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    Re: New Desktop Build

    Quote Originally Posted by Terbinator View Post
    Athlon X4 (quad-core) can be had for a cheaper price compared to Phenom X3's.
    True, but I doubt I'll ever use the fourth core (I not sure I'll even use the third), so I believe the Phenom will be faster.

    This OCZ PSU is great for the price also, i used it recently in a build for my mate.
    Thanks, I'll keep it in mind.
    "Well, there was your Uncle Tiberius who died wrapped in cabbage leaves but we assumed that was a freak accident."

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    • tonpal's system
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    Re: New Desktop Build

    Quote Originally Posted by mike_w View Post
    Okay, so far I'm thinking of:

    CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard: MSI 770-C45 (AMD 770)
    Graphics card: Asus 512MB GTS 250
    Memory: 4GB Corsair DDR3 1333Mhz

    This comes to around £290. Any recommendations for a PSU? Or any components that are better for the same price?
    Your build looks good. You may wish to look at DDR3 1600Mhz memory. I have seen it selling for less than 1333Mhz. Do you need HDDs or DVD drives?

    480W would be ample for the system you are thinking about so as long as you are happy with the Tagan that you have I would not suggest spending more on a new PSU.

  9. #9
    Moosing about! CAT-THE-FIFTH's Avatar
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    • CAT-THE-FIFTH's system
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      • Massive E-PEEN
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      • RGB E-PEEN
      • Storage:
      • Not in any order
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      • EVEN BIGGER E-PEEN
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      • OVERSIZED
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      • UNDERSIZED
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      • DOS 6.22
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      • NOT USUALLY ON....WHEN I POST
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      • FUNCTIONAL

    Re: New Desktop Build

    Quote Originally Posted by mike_w View Post
    Okay, so far I'm thinking of:

    CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard: MSI 770-C45 (AMD 770)
    Graphics card: Asus 512MB GTS 250
    Memory: 4GB Corsair DDR3 1333Mhz

    This comes to around £290. Any recommendations for a PSU? Or any components that are better for the same price?
    It maybe worth looking at the following AM3 motherboards which have the slightly newer SB710 southbridge:

    http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173978

    http://www.ebuyer.com/product/170281

    I am uncertain whether they have ACC enabled or not.

    Also consider the ATI HD4850 too. I would make sure that the GTS250 you are looking at has only one PCI-E power connector like the HD4850 too.

    Also a modular PSU like the 450w Corsair HX450W maybe worth considering.

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