My New PC
From beplacid.net
Contents |
Introduction
I have decided to purchase a new Desktop PC, and so that I get a system with the power and setup that I want, I have chosen to build the computer myself.
This wiki page documents the process.
Required Components
The components I will be purchasing for my new desktop PC are as follows:
| Component Name | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard | Yes | |
| PSU (Power Supply Unit) | Yes | |
| CPU (Central Processing Unit) | Yes | |
| RAM (Random Access Memory) | Yes | |
| Graphics Card | Yes | |
| HDD (Hard Disk Drive) | Yes | |
| Case | No | You can run without a case, but it's not safe |
| Sound Card | No | |
| DVD/CD R/RW (Digital Versatile Disc Read/ReWriter) | No | |
| Monitor | No | (Computer will operate, but is unusable as a desktop) |
| Keyboard | No | (Computer will operate, but is unusable as a desktop) |
| Mouse | No | (Computer will operate, but is unusable as a desktop) |
| Speakers | No | |
| Ethernet Network Card | No | PCI |
| Wireless Network Card | No | PCI |
Note: It is essential that you purchase components that are compatible with your motherboard and PSU. Read the specifications for the items you are buying and ensure that your motherboard supports them and that your PSU can supply the correct amount of power. This is particularly important when choosing your CPU, RAM, Graphics Card and HDD.
My Choices
Below you will find links to components that I have considered for purchase. An item with an asterisk in its title denotes hardware I have/will purchased/purchase.
Motherboard
I want a motherboard that is going to provide these features:
- dual core processor support
- RAM from 4GB
- at least 6 USB slots
- PCI Express
- Multiple PCI slots
I have researched BTX cases (a new layout design of motherboards, see here), but have been informed that using high-end processors are not a good idea due to the heat produced - I intend to use at least one dual core processor. Furthermore, there may not be room for a larger graphics card due to the size of a BTX. Therefore I have chosen to go with an ATX style.
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe
Dual PCI-E 16bit motherboard with AM2 compatibility. ebuyer.com
*ASUS Striker Extreme 680I SLI Socket 775
SLI, PCI-E, and Quad-core support, Intel 775 chipset http://www.ebuyer.com/product/126240
PSU
Coolermaster eXtreme Power 650W
Good reviews: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/116522 Bad efficiency level (70%), not purchasing.
*Antec TruePower Quattro 850W Modular PSU
Efficient, modular: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/129282
CPU
I have been running on both Intel and AMD Athlon 64 processors. I am inclined to continue with AMD 64bit, as applications under GNU/Linux are rapidly becoming mainstream(as well as having an extensive amount already available).
AMD Athlon 64 6000+ (Dual Core)
A brand new, dual core, AM2 based processor with a clock speed of 3.0 GHz.
ebuyer.com Link
dabs.com Link
*Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0 Stepping
Quad-core CPU, 2.4GHz Socket 775 http://www.ebuyer.com/product/131950
*Speeze EE512S7 Socket 775 Quadroflow CPU Cooler
Apparently better than the Intel standard CPU fan: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/104307
RAM
Kingston 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400
Good reviews, relatively fast: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/129954 Bad: ValueRAM
*OCZ 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400
Fast, good manufacturer: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/116755
Graphics Card
Has to be NVidia due to their drivers working better with GNU/Linux. I would prefer 512 of onboard RAM.
*Gainward 8800 GTX 768MB
The (2nd) best on the market: http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=4BMR&CategorySelectedId=11137&PageMode=1&NavigationKey=11137,402630000 Didn't buy from dabs.com as their ordering system is inferior, and I had repeated billing address issues requiring e-mail contact which is extremely slow (I still haven't heard back from them over 24 hours after the original contact). I will never use dabs.com again. They also do not have a telephone contact line.
Purchased from scan.co.uk: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=615602
XFX 8800 GTX 768MB
A beast, 768MB RAM, NVidia 8800 http://www.ebuyer.com/product/124924
HDD
My goal here is to get plenty of space, and to double it. I have decided to get at least two 250GB HDDs.
Seagate Barracuda 250GB SATAII ebuyer.com
*Seagate ST3500630AS 500GB
Large, fast and well reviewed. Decent price too: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/113428
Case
I want a stylish case, but will compromise on looks if the case exceeds my primary goal - decent cooling for the components.
Antec P180 EU
This case seems to have quite a few good reviews for it. Essentially I want a case that will keep components cool (i.e. it is well designed) and has a little style.
dabs.com
ebuyer.com
Sound Card
DVD/CD R/RW
HP DVD1040i 20x DVD±RW/RAM
Cheap, fast, good reviews: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/128348 Out of stock
*LG GSA-H66NBAL 18X SATA DVD±RW/DL/RAM
Cheap. SATA II: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/134531
Monitor
HP LP2465
Excellent size and decent speed considering. Pricey, but worth it - http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/118831
*Samsung Pebble SM2232BW 22"
Sleek, stylish and sexy. Relatively cheap too: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130925
