New lightning fast computer? Which CPU, Mobo & Case? [Archive]

ruthless29

Mar 30th, 2008, 11:47 AM

My old computer just died (I posted another thread about reviving it). I think its time for an upgrade.

I am a power user/huge multi-tasker. I usually have about 30-40 windows open, lots of things downloading and because I am a video editor as a hobby, I find that 2 terabytes of space is not enough. I never switch off my computer. Ventilation and quietness is key for this new comp.

I need a good motherboard that allows for connecting 6-7 Hard drives, use lots of RAM sticks and perhaps an AMD Dual Core or Quad Core processor. I've heard that it's better to get a high end dual core than a low end quad-core.

I am looking for a new case that is somewhat fancy... perhaps even colorful like a gamers case (although I am not a gamer)? where would I buy it physically? shipping for cases through NCIX and DC.com is too expensive or slow. The case should come with a good power supply to handle all the power and the loads of USB devices that I connect.

A high end video card really isn't required. I might add it later.

So which CPU, Case and Mobo?

Thanks a million. Absolutely any input you can provide is appreciated!

Aj23

Mar 30th, 2008, 11:55 AM

EDIT: Nvm, you only need Cpu case and Mobo, I'll post what I would get.

Budget?

Aj23

Mar 30th, 2008, 12:11 PM

I know you said you wanted AMD, but Intel will give you much better performance so I'll put up an intel setup, but if you're stuck on AMD, I could put something else together.

CPU
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=28849&vpn=BX80569X3350&manufacture=Intel&promoid=1046

$389
Power Supply
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19831&vpn=CMPSU%2D620HX&manufacture=CORSAIR&promoid=1046

$109.99 AR*

Or

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26415&vpn=CMPSU%2D750TX&manufacture=CORSAIR&promoid=1046

$109.99 AR*

Motherboard
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25851&vpn=P5K%2DE%2FWIFI%2DAP&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1046

$152.98

Case
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21123&vpn=NINE%20HUNDRED&manufacture=ANTEC&promoid=1046

$95.98

Could get a better case if you want, but IMO, this one is not that bad. Couldn't really find any "Colorful" Gaming cases.

You said you don't want to order from NCIX, I know that I am just using Ncix for a reference of the product and pricing (all pricing from sales page). Shipping is about another $50 (to my address in toronto) for all of the above just in case you're wondering. But it could take up to 6 days (Ground Shipping).

tmpz

Mar 30th, 2008, 12:23 PM

I know you said you wanted AMD, but Intel will give you much better performance so I'll put up an intel setup, but if you're stuck on AMD, I could put something else together.

CPU
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=28849&vpn=BX80569X3350&manufacture=Intel&promoid=1046

$389
Power Supply
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19831&vpn=CMPSU%2D620HX&manufacture=CORSAIR&promoid=1046

$109.99 AR*

Or

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26415&vpn=CMPSU%2D750TX&manufacture=CORSAIR&promoid=1046

$109.99 AR*

Motherboard
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25851&vpn=P5K%2DE%2FWIFI%2DAP&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1046

$152.98

Case
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21123&vpn=NINE%20HUNDRED&manufacture=ANTEC&promoid=1046

$95.98

You said you don't want to order from NCIX, I know that I am just using Ncix for a reference of the product and pricing (all pricing from sales page). Shipping is about another $50 (to my address in toronto) for all of the above just in case you're wondering. But it could take up to 6 days (Ground Shipping).

I agree with X3350, Antec 900 and Corsair 620HX. The case has very good ventilations and the PSU is dead silent. Go for a higher wattage if you are going to put a high end video card. The X3350 is best performance/value quad core CPU.

I would recommend getting X38 chipset. They overclock slightly better than the P35. As far as I can remember, the X38 and P35 have very little differences. If money isn't an issue, I would go for ASUS Maximus Formula. It's one of the best X38 boards. Otherwise, I would go for Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L or Asus P5K-E.

Free shipping for orders over $300 at DirectCanada

Gee

Mar 30th, 2008, 12:36 PM

If you just want the basics, I have everything you need in my forsale thread. All new too, except for the motherboard, which I just acquired from another deal.

Antec Sonata III
Asus P5K
Intel Q6600
2 Gigs RAM (OCZ)
WD 1 Terabyte Hard Drive

The only down side is the WD is 5400 RPM

hmm, I don't have a PCI-E Video Card.

Silver Bullet

Mar 30th, 2008, 01:07 PM

So you're only replacing CPU, MOBO and CASE & PSU ? You have already bought ram, hds, etc ?

I would try:

CoolerMaster COSMOS S
Scythe Slip Stream Kaze Jyuni 120MM Fan 1200RPM x 4
Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme
Intel Q6600
Asus P5E (x38) or P5K-Premium (P35)
Corsair 620W or 750W depending on # of HDs and video you plan on getting.

Use pricecanada.com to get the best prices and then pricematch at NCIX, you can get the case locally at Infonec (http://www.infonec.com)for $229, the rest I would ship.

The difference between the X38 & P35 is pretty much nothing unless you going for crazy overclocking, I would pick the board the has the features you're looking for first, worry about oc'ing later.

I would stick with the Q6600 over the X3350. It's $150 cheaper as the oc'ing results are pretty much the same (within 200mhz). The price is just crazy right now for the 45nm quadcores. I would also stay away from the AMD stuff right now, the Q6600 at stock speed pretty much beats the best AMD Quadcore on every benchmark.

kuqdew

Mar 30th, 2008, 01:25 PM

Cheaper approach:

$75 - Intel E2160 (Best overclocker ever!!)

$88 Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L (best overclocking mobo)
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11830BD1399&vpn=GA-P35-DS3L&manufacture=GIGABYTE

$35 - 2GB of DDR800 RAM
--------------------------------
Total: $200

Overclock like a mofo with this system.

3.2Ghz can be reached.

Much faster than the Q6600!!!!!!

Aj23

Mar 30th, 2008, 01:28 PM

kuqdew

Mar 30th, 2008, 01:31 PM

E2160 for video editing and intensive multitasking? I don't thjnk that would work to well...

E2160 at 3.2Ghz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That $hit is amazing! Its on par (if not better) than a X6850!!!!

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/09/12/pentium_dual_core/index.html

oH yA, THIS IS RFD, WHERE WE ALL TRY DO SAVE $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Silver Bullet

Mar 30th, 2008, 01:39 PM

E2160 at 3.2Ghz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That $hit is amazing! Its on par (if not better) than a X6850!!!!

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/09/12/pentium_dual_core/index.html

While it might be on par a stock E6850 (it's an E btw .. not an X), it doesn't stand a chance against a quad core cpu, so take you big font somewhere else and do you research.

Aj23

Mar 30th, 2008, 01:44 PM

E2160 at 3.2Ghz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That $hit is amazing! Its on par (if not better) than a X6850!!!!

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/09/12/pentium_dual_core/index.html

oH yA, THIS IS RFD, WHERE WE ALL TRY DO SAVE $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Lol, as SB said, the e2160 is nothing compared to an overclocked Quad. The Quad would be much better for his needs as well.

Amourek

Mar 30th, 2008, 02:23 PM

Let's see so based on the fact you're a huge multitasker I'd say a quad-core wiht at least 4GB of RAM since you edit video. You need a mobo with lots of SATA ports and and presumably Firewire as well.

Here's what I'd get (best prices I could find):

$307 Xeon X3320 Quad 2.50GHZ
$054 Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme + Scythe Kama 120mm PWM Fan 1200PRM - for quiet overclocking :)
$163 Gigabyte EP35-DS3P - 8 SATA ports, Firewire, good overclocker
$116 G.Skill DDR2-1000 2x2GB
$046 Asus Radeon HD3450 256MB - excellent video playback, fanless heatsink
$110 Corsair 620HX - very quiet, lots of power, modular cables
$120 Antec P182 - if you quiet get the P182... if want flashy get the Antec 900

aimfox

Mar 30th, 2008, 05:29 PM

Beradon

Mar 30th, 2008, 05:30 PM

$75 - Intel E2160 (Best overclocker ever!!)

Overclock like a mofo with this system.

3.2Ghz can be reached.

Much faster than the Q6600!!!!!!You are comparing a dual core cpu to a quad core. The OP said he's a huge multitasker. No matter how fast your dual core can go, the quad can be assigned double the tasks without breaking a sweat.

rsasp

Mar 30th, 2008, 06:14 PM

I suggest you get QX9450

kuqdew

Mar 30th, 2008, 06:44 PM

You are comparing a dual core cpu to a quad core. The OP said he's a huge multitasker. No matter how fast your dual core can go, the quad can be assigned double the tasks without breaking a sweat.

its cheaper tho

ruthless29

Mar 30th, 2008, 08:53 PM

Thanks for the help. I'm been researching each of your suggestions!! :-)

EDIT: So I retract my earlier statement about not caring about the budget. I do.
Coolmaster cosmos is good but really expensive. $230 bucks for a case?!! :confused:

Here are some questions based on your responses:
(1) I video edit as a hobby every couple of months. As a multi-tasker, I have 30-40 internet explorer windows open, Excel spreadsheets, music playing, DVDs burning, and lots of downloads going on. Would a very very high end Overclocked Dual-Core be much better than the quad-core suggested above? (this is in response to Kuqdew and Beradon's post)

(2) Are the gamers cases (Antec 900) very distracting when you're sleeping at night. I mean with all the lights and fans moving around?

(3) How do I find out how much power (in terms of Watts) each component will require. For example a CPU requires X Watts of power, CD-ROM requires X, HDD requires X, and each USB device, etc

(4) I would be overclocking for the first time so I'm hoping its easy. To overclock, I'm assuming you HAVE to buy your own heatsink because the stock one won't do.

(5) Gee has the Antec Sonata III for sale for $70 in his for Sale thread. Is that a better buy than the Gamer case?

(6) I'm still doing the research on the mobos. I'm looking for the one that provides the most amount of ports at the back and support for lots of HDDs. Also, having eSATA at the back might be cool.

You folks are awesome!

Bskll

Mar 30th, 2008, 09:10 PM

Thanks for the help. I'm been researching each of your suggestions!! :-)

EDIT: AMD or Intel is fine. The cheaper one is better. I want to go for a very high end dual-core or quad-core. I don't like waiting even for things to load.

EDIT2: So I retract my earlier statement about not caring about the budget. I do.
Coolmaster cosmos is good but really expensive. $230 bucks for a case?!! :confused:

Here are some questions based on your responses:
(1) I video edit as a hobby every couple of months. As a multi-tasker, I have 30-40 internet explorer windows open, Excel spreadsheets, music playing, DVDs burning, and lots of downloads going on. Would a very very high end Overclocked Dual-Core be much better than the quad-core suggested above? (this is in response to Kuqdew and Beradon's post)

(2) Are the gamers cases (Antec 900) very distracting when you're sleeping at night. I mean with all the lights and fans moving around?

(3) How do I find out how much power (in terms of Watts) each component will require. For example a CPU requires X Watts of power, CD-ROM requires X, HDD requires X, and each USB device, etc

(4) I would be overclocking for the first time so I'm hoping its easy. To overclock, I'm assuming you HAVE to buy your own heatsink because the stock one won't do.

(5) Gee has the Antec Sonata III for sale for $70 in his for Sale thread. Is that a better buy than the Gamer case?

You folks are awesome!

First of all, I don't wanna know how it is humanly possible for you to get any work done.

second, quad core is like a given for your situation.

third, if you do this much, why even care about cost? if you cared about cost, then maybe you should tone down on what you do and learn to have a little patience. A little patience never hurt anyone.

kuqdew

Mar 30th, 2008, 09:19 PM

holy crap

30-40 internet exploer windows

Bskll

Mar 30th, 2008, 09:21 PM

holy crap

30-40 internet exploer windows

kuqdew has just been toppled as number 1 time waster on the internet.

ruthless29

Mar 30th, 2008, 09:25 PM

kuqdew has just been toppled as number 1 time waster on the internet.

lol.

No, I save my sessions. I have standard websites that open up everyday, stock, news, email, etc.

I thought this was normal. :o

kuqdew

Mar 30th, 2008, 09:34 PM

kuqdew has just been toppled as number 1 time waster on the internet.

rfd iz nawt wastin time

Bskll

Mar 30th, 2008, 09:54 PM

lol.

No, I save my sessions. I have standard websites that open up everyday, stock, news, email, etc.

I thought this was normal. :o

when you said multi tasking, i thought you meant on all on them.

ruthless29

Mar 30th, 2008, 09:55 PM

(3) How do I find out how much power (in terms of Watts) each component will require. For example a CPU requires X Watts of power, CD-ROM requires X, HDD requires X, and each USB device, etc

to answer my own Question 3, here's a link to HowStuffWorks
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/power-supply3.htm

So it's safe to assume 500W won't be enough for my 6-7 hard drives, 1 CD-ROM drive, several USB devices, 4GB RAM, etc?

mysticalinfluence

Mar 31st, 2008, 01:51 AM

E2160 at 3.2Ghz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That $hit is amazing! Its on par (if not better) than a X6850!!!!

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/09/12/pentium_dual_core/index.html

oH yA, THIS IS RFD, WHERE WE ALL TRY DO SAVE $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

:lol: Toms hardware only the worst source of computer infomation there is.

importpsycho

Mar 31st, 2008, 04:22 AM

antec 900 is such a ugly case

tmpz

Mar 31st, 2008, 09:04 AM

(2) Are the gamers cases (Antec 900) very distracting when you're sleeping at night. I mean with all the lights and fans moving around?

The lights might be distracting. You could replace the fans with nonled fans. Or somehow disconnect the leds. It shouldn't be loud with low settings for each fan.

(4) I would be overclocking for the first time so I'm hoping its easy. To overclock, I'm assuming you HAVE to buy your own heatsink because the stock one won't do.

You can go for a mild overclock, but I think it might be better for aftermarket heatsink. It'll run cooler and probably quieter than the stock heatsink.

(5) Gee has the Antec Sonata III for sale for $70 in his for Sale thread. Is that a better buy than the Gamer case?

All up to you. Take a look at some of the reviews and pictures. Sonata III is quieter than 900. But the air flow is a lot better on the 900.

(6) I'm still doing the research on the mobos. I'm looking for the one that provides the most amount of ports at the back and support for lots of HDDs. Also, having eSATA at the back might be cool.

http://compare.intel.com/pcc/showchart.aspx?mmID=54987,29003,29001&familyID=10&culture=en-US

Intel has at most 6 sata ports.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_NVIDIA_chipsets

Same with nvidia.

Your best option if you need more ports is to get SATA PCI cards.

See above

Silver Bullet

Mar 31st, 2008, 09:29 AM

(1) I video edit as a hobby every couple of months. As a multi-tasker, I have 30-40 internet explorer windows open, Excel spreadsheets, music playing, DVDs burning, and lots of downloads going on. Would a very very high end Overclocked Dual-Core be much better than the quad-core suggested above? (this is in response to Kuqdew and Beradon's post)

(2) Are the gamers cases (Antec 900) very distracting when you're sleeping at night. I mean with all the lights and fans moving around?

(3) How do I find out how much power (in terms of Watts) each component will require. For example a CPU requires X Watts of power, CD-ROM requires X, HDD requires X, and each USB device, etc

(4) I would be overclocking for the first time so I'm hoping its easy. To overclock, I'm assuming you HAVE to buy your own heatsink because the stock one won't do.

(5) Gee has the Antec Sonata III for sale for $70 in his for Sale thread. Is that a better buy than the Gamer case?

(6) I'm still doing the research on the mobos. I'm looking for the one that provides the most amount of ports at the back and support for lots of HDDs. Also, having eSATA at the back might be cool.

You folks are awesome!

1. So definiatly quad core then ... Q6600 best bang for the buck I'd say.

2. The Antec 900 is going to be a little noisy I guess depends how much u can listen too and still sleep. You might consider an Antec Solo or P182 as quiet alternatives.

3. Here (link (http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp)) is a great spot to get a quick estimate on what type of power usage you can expect. I did a comparison with my system and it was within 50W of what my system uses so it would seem its reasonably accurate.

4. You don't have to buy a new heatsink, I think you would buy a heatsink more for noise killing than oc'ing. You can really go two ways .. quiet and ok cooling (Scythe Ninja & stock fan) or mid-quiet and good cooling (TRUE & Scythe 120mm 1200rpm fan).

5. I don't think the Antec Sonata III is going to work for you. The power supply isn't strong enough and cooling is quite limited.

6. Asus P5K-Premium should do you.

ruthless29

Mar 31st, 2008, 10:54 PM

Wow... I reliazed I am a true RFDer and I might not be able to afford something that good.

It all boils down to what the incremental speed difference is compared to my existing system. I mean in terms of the daily multi-tasking. So essentially, I want to compare how the stock speed of the AMD X2 6400+, Intel Quad 6600 and Intel e2160 compares to my AMD3800+. And likewise for the overclocked speed of each compared to my AMD X2 64 Dual Core 3800+. How would I go about doing that? If it's a couple of seconds here and there is it worth the incremental cost? (rhetorical question).

Well, I did a price comparison. Here is the spreadsheet I made:
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/7986/pricecomparisoncpu2008vu2.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pricecomparisoncpu2008vu2.jpg)

Sorry but my last couple of questions:
(1) Will the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L OR ASUS P5K-E/WIFI be able to handle by 4 HDD IDEs. I looked at the screenshot and it seems that they only has 1 IDE port.
(2) Will they be compatible with my DDR2 512MB PC4200 or OCZ DDR2 RAM sticks?
(3) In the future, can I mix DDR2 and DDR4 RAM sticks on my system?
(4) What else would I need to overclock? I mean besides what I have in my attached screenshot.

Silver Bullet

Mar 31st, 2008, 11:47 PM

(1) Will the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L OR ASUS P5K-E/WIFI be able to handle by 4 HDD IDEs. I looked at the screenshot and it seems that they only has 1 IDE port.
(2) Will they be compatible with my DDR2 512MB PC4200 or OCZ DDR2 RAM sticks?
(3) In the future, can I mix DDR2 and DDR4 RAM sticks on my system?
(4) What else would I need to overclock? I mean besides what I have in my attached screenshot.

1. No, no new motherboards come with more than one IDE port, so you will either need to buy new drives or fine an IDE PCI card adapter (they're cheap, but your case will be a mess of IDE cables).

2. Nope ... too slow, spend the $31 (AMIR) for 2GB of good quality PC2-6400 OCZ Ram.

3. Nope no mixing

4. A quality heat sink (Ninja Rev2 or Ultra 120 Extreme) and reading a good article or two :)

... A Q6600 should be good for around 3.2 - 3.6ghz depending on the amount of noise want to listen too. Also for pretty any situation the Q6600 (oc'd to even 3ghz) should be faster than any of those other cpus you listed. Also no amd (X2 or Phenom) can beat a intel cpu after 3ghz ... so forget the amd stuff unless u just wanna do a quick cheap upgrade to your current comp i guess.

Also Sonata III probably not the best choice, you might consider a Antec Solo , Solo 550 or P182 as you be buying a power supply for your new comp anyway (the 500W with the Sonata isn't that great really).

tmpz

Apr 1st, 2008, 09:03 AM

You may want to consider buying SATA hard drives to replace the IDE ones that you have. You can only have 2 IDE devices since there is only 1 IDE port. IDE is getting phased out. Seagate 750GB 32MB goes for $130.

Another option is to buy IDE PCI controller cards and that would give you 1-4 IDE ports which allows 2-8 devices.

Or buy IDE HDD enclosures and connect them via USB.

I think it would help if you could post your budget.

Another question: Do you play games?