Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Number crunching and general use - Build suggestions

  • 28-02-2011 11:05pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 447 ✭✭


    Looking to see what suggestions or advice might be given for a fast, quiet and relatively future proof 'work' build (probably a month before I'd be actually pulling the trigger, but wanted to see if I should be keeping an eye out for anything in the short term so said I'd ask now and pick up advice along the way).

    I do a lot of data intensive mathematical modelling (heavy on RAM, but the specific software changes frequently so haven't looked at things like quad vs hex core benefits as this can/does change), some minor web development and photo editing (normally with numerous programmes running in tandem, so multi tasking is very important) and all the normal 'office' activities.

    Speed is probably my main aim with the system, so assuming I should be looking to include an SSD (OS and browser) in the build? And something relatively fast for the main applications (I have 3TB in external to handle the bulk of the 'rest', seems plenty for me atm, so storage isn't a major concern).

    In terms of the CPU, I've no preference on chip type at all and other than wanting something fast, stable and fairly quiet, I'm clueless in terms of what is most suitable. Stability of the system is important, but I'd consider having a go at overclocking if it would improve performance without much risk (and be fairly simple to achieve :o). Given my intended usage, would waiting for the sandybridge issues to be resolved be a good idea? Or with the lack of gaming would I get the same performance from an alternative setup at a similar price?

    It won't be used for any intensive gaming (or even basic), but it will be used a lot for working on media rich sites, so a good all round system would be good. I intend to have it setup with a dual monitor display (2x Iiyama 2409HDS), potential for more in the future would be great too, so that might have an impact on the GPU/MB selection?

    On the case side of things, I'm not too worried on the aesthetics (plain and simple is just fine) at all. Good air flow, nice and quiet and with the room to take whatever I need (room for future upgrades handy too) is about all I'm looking for there.

    I'll need a new OS (w7 64bit), but should be able to pick up one of the student deals there unless there's a (price) reason to pick it up elsewhere. In terms of KB/mouse/monitors, I have all I need there.

    In terms of budget, I'd love to be able to pick up something suitable for ~€800, but if the benefits are there I could go to ~€1200 at the top end. The initial thought is a pre-built from HWVS, as I just think the knowledge of having it done properly would be more valuable than the 'fun' of a diy job.

    I think that covers most of the basics, but if I've missed anything do let me know. Any build suggestions (or things I should consider more in advance) are greatly appreciated.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    If your not gaming a AMD hex-core would be the way to go.
    Just had a look for you on HWVS the perfect set-up for you but the total came just under €900:

    CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1055T - €145.90
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=34042&agid=1242

    Motherboard: ASRock 880G Extreme3 - €86.94
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=34993&agid=1232

    RAM: 8GB Mushkin Silverline Stiletto - €68.21
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=33967&agid=1192

    Graphics Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 5670 OC 1GB - €63.49
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=43690&agid=1004

    SSD: 80GB OCZ Vertex 2 - €143.08
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=42396&agid=1145

    HDD: 1TB Samsung Spinpoint F3 - €46.57
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=30028&agid=1284

    Disc Drive: Samsung SH-223C DVD+RW - €17.08
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=29466&agid=699

    CPU Cooler: Artic Freezer Xtreme Rev 2.0 - €28.16
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=25993&agid=669
    (Really quiet cpu cooler)

    Case: Fractal Define R3 - €91.28
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=36379&agid=631
    (One of the quietest cases on the market)

    PSU: Super-Flower Amazon 550W - €52.29
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=30069&agid=1628

    OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit - €87.96
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=29181&agid=185

    Computer Assembly - 20
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=746&agid=829

    Shipping - €30

    Total - €880.96

    Edit: You have to add all these to your basket induvidually because the PC Configurator won't show 2.5" SSD for some insane reason.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 10,088 Mod ✭✭✭✭marco_polo


    Edit: You have to add all these to your basket induvidually because the PC Configurator won't show 2.5" SSD for some insane reason.

    Everybody knows that it is impossible to fit a 2.5" drive in a 3.5" bay, human technology has not yet advanced far enough :pac:

    I would love to know why they can't be arsed installing a drive bay adapter


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 447 ✭✭PaulPinnacle


    Thanks a million IMH. As always, amazing input to these build threads.
    Edit: You have to add all these to your basket induvidually because the PC Configurator won't show 2.5" SSD for some insane reason.
    Between the SSD quirks and the common PSU overspecification issues, the site can tend to be a little odd at times.

    I assume when adding the individual elements like this, there wouldn't be an issue with the SSD coming 'ready to go'? Or requesting them to have the OS installed (I believe when ordering the OS directly on the site with a build it comes pre-installed, meaning some initial build checks have been done) on the SSD rather than on the F3/other? (perhaps they even do that as a default when an SSD is included?)

    I'll go do a little research on the components mentioned, particularly that mobo and the options it gives, and see if any more questions arrise. The RAM is one I haven't seen mentioned too often previously (perhaps that's more a reflection on me than the part tbf), so wonder if there might be anything else to consider here (perhaps a slight upgrade that might have speed/performance gains - rather than 'more', 8GB would have been my assumed sizing needs) for long term benefits?

    Thanks again for the superb suggestions. Hugely appreciated.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    wouldn't mind but all the hdd bays in the define r3 are 2.5 ssd ready so they did the impossible of doing a mad man's dream of fitting a 2.5 drive in a 3.5 bay XD


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    i think they charge €35 to install the os and drivers so it would cost you €55 to have build the whole thing altogether.
    as for the RAM mushkin have been around for awhile (1994 i'm pretty sure) but recently they have been very noticed with there new ddr3 line which competes agains kingston, corsair, ocz etc.
    one thing i would probably change to slightly increase performance is swap the 1055t for a 1100t which has alot better overclocking potential and a faster stock speed but it does cost €45 more plus it's out of stock atm =/
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=40652&agid=1242


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 447 ✭✭PaulPinnacle


    Heh, didn't realise the OS installation was so high. Very expensive for what is (or should be) a relatively painless (although it is time consuming and potentially frustrating - re headshot's thread) job. I'll definitely be keeping that one off the list. Plenty of experience bodging around with software, just the hardware that would be a bridge too far.

    And.... time for the stupid question(s) :o

    Apologies in advance, but using this to try and improve some very basic knowledge as I go.

    Will the 880G handle the hex core ok? The product page mentions compatibility with quad cores, but no mention of the Phenom II x6/hex.

    If I were to go with the 1100t and OC (looking at the potential gains, it does seem worth the extra), any need to revise the choice of fan (or PSU/case)? (I'd assume not, but better to ask)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    the cpu cooler is still a brilliant overclocker and if your abit concerned about the mobo you should get the 890gx extreme3 instead
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=36060&agid=1232
    it does cost €12 more but it's a better overclocker plus it's hex core ready.
    should check out the "we'll build your pc thead for you" thread i started to find someone to build and install the os for you who's closer to home rather than coming all the way to wicklow like we discussed in pm


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 447 ✭✭PaulPinnacle


    Finally looking to pull the trigger on this in the next day or two, assuming the GPU comes back in stock. If anyone has any further comments, updates or suggestions please do throw them at me.

    I've convinced myself I can justify the extra cost of the upgraded CPU and mobo, so a (provisional) final list of...

    AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition, AM3: 195,43 €
    ASRock 890GX Extreme3, AM3, ATX: 97,93 €
    8GB-KIT Mushkin Enhanced Silverline Stiletto LGA1156 PC3-10667U CL9-9-9- 24: 72,50 €
    Gigabyte Radeon HD 5670 OC, 1024MB DDR3, PCI-Express: 62,54 €
    OCZ SSD 80GB SATA 2,5' Vertex 2 Retail: 146,99 €
    Samsung EcoGreen F3 1TB,SATA II HD105SI: 42,91 €
    Samsung SH-223C bare schwarz SATA: 16,61 €
    Arctic Freezer xtreme Rev 2.0, alle Sockel: 28,23 €
    Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 550W: 51,47 €
    FRACTAL DESIGN Gehäuse DEFINE R3 Black Pearl: 91,69 €



    Any changes since the original suggestions that mean a rethink is needed?

    Thanks again for all the help to date, hugely appreciated.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 447 ✭✭PaulPinnacle


    Finally looking to pull the trigger on this in the next day or two, assuming the GPU comes back in stock.
    Heh, and on saying that the expected date on stock pushes out further. Also now issues with the R3... the joys of trying to plan ahead.

    Assuming the 5670 stays out of stock in the short term, is there a suitable replacement available? I can easily pick it up from a different supplier if there's nothing comparable at a similar price point.

    Was very keen on the R3 from the description IMH gave, so I'd be disappointed to miss out there. Again, anything comparable as an alternative? Or better looking for a different supplier?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    well theres another 1GB 5670 they have in stock for an extra €4 and would be just as fast:
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=44159&agid=1004

    Plus theres 2 other versions of the Define R3 with a different colour door, one in titanium grey and the other in white:

    grey: http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=36381&agid=631
    white: http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=36380&agid=631

    Edit: Also I would spend the extra €3 and get the normal version of the spinpoint F3 which is faster than the ecogreen version:
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=28152&agid=689


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 447 ✭✭PaulPinnacle


    As always, superb help IMH.

    I did a bit of looking around after posting and was trying to see the differences between the various 5670's, so knowing that the other will suit is a great help.

    When I started looking at comparing HV1310F3DE or HV1310HEDE (variations on the F3), I started to glaze over!


Advertisement