Building my own PC and what is the best I can get?

[SunnyRabbiera]

Alright this is more of a theoretical post then anything else.
Say I want to finally build my own computer and be done with my current computer, there are things I need to get or want to get:
1: A intel dual core processor, and I have found one at a reasonable price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115038
I think this is good enough here to run what I need, and it seems to have a good rating on the site.
I know I cannot rely on such ratings, but at least I have a guideline.

2: at least 1GB of memory, this is an easy part and I wont have to go to newegg for. I think DDR2 memory should do nicely, 1GB is more then enough for me but if 2GB is available I will get it.
I will get a kingston as they have a reputation for good memory cards (plus I got one running this computer)

3: DVD burner, also a no brainer. I intend to get this as I know of its reliability with linux machines:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827140025
And it will be probably the first thing I will buy.

4: a Nvidia graphics card, preferably one compatible with linux (definately not making a windows machine here)

5: A sound card (if needed) I hope to get a motherboard that has a built in sound card.

6: a motherboard that is both compatible with linux and my intel card

7: a good power supply unit, anything but bestec.

and 8: a computer case to put it all in.

Now I am not worried about a new hard drive just yet as I can just pop the one I have in my current computer into the new computer as I know my hard drive has IDE and Sata support, and getting the numbers for her will be a non issue if I need to pull it up.
I am sure she will be compatible with whatever I do here so no worries there.

The three most important ones I know are the mother board, the computer case and the PSU, the rest I can get later and put into place but I need help the most on those parts.
What are the best brands for Computer cases is the first question I must ask, now I know I can get a decently priced PSU like an antec to pop into her but I need info on power ratings.
Then there is the mother board, I know asus typically has a good score card with linux but I know BIOS is a major concern, especially the foxconns but still I need to touch the bases.

[sharks]

get 2 gb ddr2 ram .because if u select it, in the future it may change to ddr3 and ddr2 production may be stopped and ddr2 ram is much cheaper now.

[abgemacht]

Why not get your memory at newegg, if you're getting other things there? It should still be cheaper. But yeah, Kingston is a great company.


LianLi makes beautiful cases, in my opinion. Not sure what your budget is like, but if you can, go with them.

Newegg should give you most of the specs you need for PSU, but somewhere like http://mikeshardware.com may be able to give you some more info.

I use an asus mobo in my desktop and don't have any problems with it.

[gn2]

With an MATX board you won't need a separate graphics card, Gigabyte are very good quality with solid capacitors that won't fail.

Pretty much all motherboards have onboard sound.

Antec cases are very good, particularly the Solo, Seasonic make the best PSU's, they also build Corsair's PSU's.

[hufferd]

Alright this is more of a theoretical post then anything else.
Say I want to finally build my own computer and be done with my current computer, there are things I need to get or want to get:
1: A intel dual core processor, and I have found one at a reasonable price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115038
I think this is good enough here to run what I need, and it seems to have a good rating on the site.
I know I cannot rely on such ratings, but at least I have a guideline.

2: at least 1GB of memory, this is an easy part and I wont have to go to newegg for. I think DDR2 memory should do nicely, 1GB is more then enough for me but if 2GB is available I will get it.
I will get a kingston as they have a reputation for good memory cards (plus I got one running this computer)

3: DVD burner, also a no brainer. I intend to get this as I know of its reliability with linux machines:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827140025
And it will be probably the first thing I will buy.

4: a Nvidia graphics card, preferably one compatible with linux (definately not making a windows machine here)

5: A sound card (if needed) I hope to get a motherboard that has a built in sound card.

6: a motherboard that is both compatible with linux and my intel card

7: a good power supply unit, anything but bestec.

and 8: a computer case to put it all in.

Now I am not worried about a new hard drive just yet as I can just pop the one I have in my current computer into the new computer as I know my hard drive has IDE and Sata support, and getting the numbers for her will be a non issue if I need to pull it up.
I am sure she will be compatible with whatever I do here so no worries there.

The three most important ones I know are the mother board, the computer case and the PSU, the rest I can get later and put into place but I need help the most on those parts.
What are the best brands for Computer cases is the first question I must ask, now I know I can get a decently priced PSU like an antec to pop into her but I need info on power ratings.
Then there is the mother board, I know asus typically has a good score card with linux but I know BIOS is a major concern, especially the foxconns but still I need to touch the bases.

I built a new machine this year and used a MSI mother board I have been very happy with things with that.

[Canis familiaris]

I would recommend a Corsair memory to Kingston.
Also buy 2GB RAM or more. Preferably two 1GB RAM, so that you could use them in dual channel mode.
Don't be restricted to thinking about RAM density though. Look for RAM clock speed and latency which play a very important factor in performance of the RAM chip.
RAM Clock Speed - Higher the better
RAM Latency - Lower the better

[SunnyRabbiera]

get 2 gb ddr2 ram .because if u select it, in the future it may change to ddr3 and ddr2 production may be stopped and ddr2 ram is much cheaper now.

Yeh I know, thus why it wont matter where I get it from.
Like this here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141429

is the same prince I got it at best buy, I think that is the same one I got cooking in my computer right now.
As for DDR2 and 3, I am not worried just yet as DDR3 is still new and it will be some time before it becomes a standard... DDR1 is still around and available so the same might be true for DDR2, but yes I intend on getting spares along the way.



LianLi makes beautiful cases, in my opinion. Not sure what your budget is like, but if you can, go with them.

Newegg should give you most of the specs you need for PSU, but somewhere like http://mikeshardware.com may be able to give you some more info.

I use an asus mobo in my desktop and don't have any problems with it.

Well my budget is flexible, I am not getting all these parts all at once as I think thats my best strategy for this, I hope to have this computer up and running by Christmas though.

I will take your computer case model under suggestion, but any others?
The price I want to get my case for is between $70 and $200
Anything that is over that, I might as well get a Dell or something, at least $115 for a case is reasonable to me.

[tuxxy]

Definitely an nvidia card:)

[dnns123]

An ASUS Motherboard. I think it's Linux friendly. Plus, they have Splashtop aka Express Gate.
Oh yeah, why dual-core? The new i7 cores will come out next year I think :P. Get quad-cores, I think its nearly the same price

[abgemacht]

I would recommend a Corsair memory to Kingston.
Also buy 2GB RAM or more. Preferably two 1GB RAM, so that you could use them in dual channel mode.


I agree what you said about 2GB. Honestly, I don't think it matters Corsair vs. Kingston; they are both great companies. I personally have just had great luck w. Kingston.





The price I want to get my case for is between $70 and $200
Anything that is over that, I might as well get a Dell or something, at least $115 for a case is reasonable to me.

You should be able to get a fine LianLi case within that price range.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Now for the case... how do you guys think about a micro ATX type case?
I am tired of having these huge computer cases I have laying about so I am thinking of going small.
I can deal with a small case as my hands are not that huge and getting one working should be easy enough.
This case looks good:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129034

Though I wish it came in black

What I am looking for is compact but functional, now I can go for a traditional tower PC but the smaller the better in my case.
Now this lian li seems good too, I might go for this as it fits what I want:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112147

But then this limits what I can put into her, I have to watch myself when getting the nvidia card especially with the minitower

Now this one looks fun, but I know looks are not everything:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133035

Now I could turn this one into a carry PC and get a small flat panel monitor so I can have portability if needed, but I think this one is a bit too ambitious.

I think the first one I will go with probably, I know antec makes a fair computer case.

[abgemacht]

If you can fit everything you need, Micro ATX is great. I had an old Gateway Micro ATX which I really liked. Only problem was it only had 2 Memory slots, and only a couple PCI slots.

I'm using a Mid ATX now, which is fine. It's aluminum, so it's actually lighter than the Gateway.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Well I can go with this case too:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068

and save some money, I will still have the micro ATX motherboard compatibility and not need to change my parameters.

but this one here looks good too:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108060

Again, I wish it came in black, in most home PC's black is in it seems so I want mine to be black.
But then again I can go to this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108059

[mips]

Get as much ram as you can.

Gigabyte MB's are really good and last.
Antec cases are my favourite.
I will be happy with just about any low noise PSU ;)

[abgemacht]

Of the ones you've linked, I'd go with the first or second one. I've bought cheap cases before like those later ones, any their a pain. The fans are terrible, they don't open well and some have even broken apart.

Personally, I prefer the silver cases. I think they look really nice and are a refreshing change from all the black cases. Also, I think they look pretty nice around black, so it doesn't matter that that's the color of my monitors.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Of the ones you've linked, I'd go with the first or second one. I've bought cheap cases before like those later ones, any their a pain. The fans are terrible, they don't open well and some have even broken apart.

Personally, I prefer the silver cases. I think they look really nice and are a refreshing change from all the black cases. Also, I think they look pretty nice around black, so it doesn't matter that that's the color of my monitors.

you mean this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108060

Yeh I might go with it.

Now as for the motherboard, are you sure I wont need to sodder?
Or are those things prefabricated?
And will I have to get the heat sync seperately for my processor or are they sold with the chip?

[abgemacht]

Sorry, I was actually talking about this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129034


I've never heard of In Win. I can't comment on them either way.


I've never heard of anyone having to solder on the moatherboard. In fact, i think most of it is done by robots and master solderers, so I doubt you could anyway. As long as the moatherboard is the same dimension specified by the case, you should be fine.

Heatsink usually comes with the CPU, but just check in the item's details/specs and it should tell you. Let me know if you have trouble finding it.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Yeh it seems it does come along with the intel dual core CPU I am looking at.
I know its the processor that will jack the price up but it looks like newegg has some decently priced intels.
I would go AMD as I know its cheaper but I rather stick with intel for now as I have more experience with them.
That Antec price is pretty fair, but I am trying to go cheap but of decent quality.
The antec is pretty fair though but in grand total that price is what matters, I dont want to spend over the price of something I can get at retail price like a system 76
That in win looks to be the one I will go to, its reasonably priced and will fit the bill I have.

At total now my price goes as follows:
Processor $119.99
Computer Case: $49.99
Mother Board: $79.99
Memory: $37.49
DVD Burner: $31.99
HD: $44.99

Total:
$364.44

The system 76:
$349.00

Already I would be spending more if I built my own, though with the dual core on the system 76 that price goes up to $394.00
Making my own PC the cheaper.
Plus add on 2GB of memory
and a CD-RW / DVD-RW drive and the system 76 goes up to $468.00

But the case is where things can fall apart on the dream Computer, get that antec case for 119.99 that price goes to
434.44, still cheaper yes but not by much.

[abgemacht]

Looks pretty nice.

I was reading the reviews for the In Win and it looks like people approve of it.

Hope you enjoy it!

[SunnyRabbiera]

Yeh though I may go with that silver one instead, taking my price up ever slightly to $371.44.
I am sure this rig will work once I get the parts, but it will take me a while to get her together and hopefully prices in some of these things will drop so my dream computer can change at an instant.

[tamoneya]

Im going to second that centurion 5 case. I have several and they are awesome. Also if you decide to go mATX you can get the smaller version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119149

Its smaller and cheaper. Its a little tough to work in like most mATX but still very solid.

[NoSmokingBandit]

Ram is cheap, go for a 2x2gb ddr2 setup. I built my current rig earlier this year and paid $60 for 2x2gb OCZ Reaper ram at newegg after all sorts of rebates. If the mobo you get supports 8+gb ram you will want to get it in 2gb sticks so upgrading is much easier. My mobo supports 8gb total so when i upgrade i can keep what i have and add 2 more 2gb sticks.
I've always had good luck with CoolerMaster cases. They arent always as pretty as other models but the prices are always good and they've never let me down yet. A full size case might not have to 'cool factor' that a micro atx case does but they are so much nicer to work on. I have big hands so its nice to have rom to move around inside my case when i am adding/removing parts.
I have a Gigabyte mobo with the whole solid-state thing going on and its been great. The sound card acted funny the other day but i just powered her completely down and now its working fine. Idk what the deal with that was.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Im going to second that centurion 5 case. I have several and they are awesome. Also if you decide to go mATX you can get the smaller version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119149

Its smaller and cheaper. Its a little tough to work in like most mATX but still very solid.

yeh I like that one, and yeh the Centurion 5 is in my list too.
This can swing any way, as prices are ever shifting and the market is full of combinations.
Like i said I will be getting this thing in separate units.

Now someone suggested gigabye and it seems to rate pretty good, how is this for the mother board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128079
Its got a on board NVIDIA GeForce 7050, and I know linux compatibility with them is pretty fair (though I know of the HD DVD issue but I dont give a crap about that) plus it shaves 20 or so dollars off my bill as opposed to getting the asus MB.

But I really DONT need the NVIDIA, its just a bonus as I can just get a MB with a intel graphics card built in.
I could also go ATI but I know I have to be careful with that as ATI support sucks for linux.
But if I do go NVIDIA I wonder how much trouble it will give me.

[tamoneya]

that board is pretty nice. I have built with the one level up version of that board and it worked without to many issues. I still prefer the intel chipsets over the nvidia ones but it wasnt a big issue.

[liquidfunk]

Nvidia 8500GT 512Mb is a good card.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Nvidia 8500GT 512Mb is a good card.

yeh but I will have to buy it separate.
I rather have something with an onboard card so I wont have as much work to do, plus its cheaper.
I am going with cost effective here yet functional.

Now I did note that I wont be getting a PSU with my current setup, I am trying to avoid getting the power supply unit seperate.
Thats why I might get this case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108060
It will factor into my price and will make my options a bit smaller but I really want to make sure everything works.
This case comes with a 300W PSU, think that will be enough?

[Canis familiaris]

.
This case comes with a 300W PSU, think that will be enough?
Maybe if you dont plan to upgrade and happy with integrated graphics. But if ever plan to put a discrete graphics card, extra hard disk or something you'll be in trouble.

What I would suugest do not look for Micro ATX based cabinets because they run hotter and really the space saved is not worth it, not to mention they are costlier.
Anyway get 400W or more power supply.

[gn2]

The PSU is the one area where you definitely should not cut corners, every other component depends on it.

Get a Seasonic PSU and a conventional case of suitable quality, they will see you through a good few upgrades and you won't regret it.

If budget is a consideration, I would suggest cutting back on expenditure on the CPU in favour of spending on the case and PSU.

Advertised power ratings for PSU's are pretty much meaningless.
The quoted figure is usually the maximum peak, not the maximum continuous stable supported figure.
Better PSU's will stay stable and within limits at higher wattages than cheaper ones.

If you don't have a separate power-hungry graphics card a quality 330w PSU is plenty.

I would recommend these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151035
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129018

[Canis familiaris]

the psu is the one area where you definitely should not cut corners, every other component depends on it.

Get a seasonic psu and a conventional case of suitable quality, they will see you through a good few upgrades and you won't regret it.

If budget is a consideration, i would suggest cutting back on expenditure on the cpu in favour of spending on the case and psu.

Advertised power ratings for psu's are pretty much meaningless.
The quoted figure is usually the maximum peak, not the maximum continuous stable supported figure.
Better psu's will stay stable and within limits at higher wattages than cheaper ones.

If you don't have a separate power-hungry graphics card a quality 330w psu is plenty.

I would recommend these:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=n82e16817151035
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=n82e16811129018

+1

[SunnyRabbiera]

Maybe if you dont plan to upgrade and happy with integrated graphics. But if ever plan to put a discrete graphics card, extra hard disk or something you'll be in trouble.

What I would suugest do not look for Micro ATX based cabinets because they run hotter and really the space saved is not worth it, not to mention they are costlier.
Anyway get 400W or more power supply.

Yes but is a super jumbo tower really called for?
What about a mid tower?
Or a Micro ATX mid tower?
I just want something that is compact but easy to work with that is at a decent price.

[SunnyRabbiera]

bumpy

[Canis familiaris]

Yes but is a super jumbo tower really called for?
What about a mid tower?
Or a Micro ATX mid tower?
I just want something that is compact but easy to work with that is at a decent price.

Very tricky to really suggest a cabinet. Take your own call.
If you want to stick with Micro ATX. Then you should assemble it carefully and make sure the fans work very well and throw the heat out.
When you are in process of assembling your PC, use a smoke creating substance like an incense wick to check out airflow in the cabinet.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Very tricky to really suggest a cabinet. Take your own call.
If you want to stick with Micro ATX. Then you should assemble it carefully and make sure the fans work very well and throw the heat out.
When you are in process of assembling your PC, use a smoke creating substance like an incense wick to check out airflow in the cabinet.

that is plausible.
The thing is that it looks like regular ATX motherboards are pricy, look at this asus for example:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131284

Now this one I can fit in my budget
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337
but no onboard video with that one

now I can deal with this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131184R

But I know to avoid this like the plague
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186146
No foxconns for me, no thank you after the crap I head about them

[tbroderick]

I just want something that is compact but easy to work with that is at a decent price.

Have you thought about going with AMD? Not to turn this into a AMD vs. Intel debate, but I'm a little weary of buying an Intel motherboard and cpu right now as Nehalem should be out at the end of this year or early 2009. With Nehalem comes a new socket that's incompatible wih the current LGA755. LGA755 seems like it's going to be a dead end soon. AMD's new socket AM3 is going to be compatible with AM2. So you can run the new chips in a current AM2 board. At least AMD will allow a user to put off buying a new motherboard and ddr3 memory for a little but longer then Intel.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Have you thought about going with AMD? Not to turn this into a AMD vs. Intel debate, but I'm a little weary of buying an Intel motherboard and cpu right now as Nehalem should be out at the end of this year or early 2009. With Nehalem comes a new socket that's incompatible wih the current LGA755. LGA755 seems like it's going to be a dead end soon. AMD's new socket AM3 is going to be compatible with AM2. So you can run the new chips in a current AM2 board. At least AMD will allow a user to put off buying a new motherboard and ddr3 memory for a little but longer then Intel.

Well by the time I actually get the real funds for this thing will be at the end of the year anyway plus I have some time ahead of me.
I am not going to buy a supercore PC, Dual core is enough and I am not looking into new developments from intel until 3 years from now anywho.
No AMD's for me though, as long as the 32 bit architecture dominates the market why bother getting a 64bit processor?
Besides I will be using a 32bit kernel anyhow.

[gn2]

No AMD's for me though, as long as the 32 bit architecture dominates the market why bother getting a 64bit processor?
Besides I will be using a 32bit kernel anyhow.

Most current Intel CPU's are 64-bit too.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Most current Intel CPU's are 64-bit too.

I know, but they can be used with 32bit kernels better so I hear...
I just dont want to look for a package and find it isnt covered by my architecture, thats all and i dont want to encounter any issues with what I need my machine for.
I know some packages are for the 32bit system only so I am choosing the best route for me.

[tbroderick]

No AMD's for me though, as long as the 32 bit architecture dominates the market why bother getting a 64bit processor?
Besides I will be using a 32bit kernel anyhow.

That really has nothing to do with it. All the Core 2 CPUs are 64-bit, including the Wolfdales. Even the Atom is 64-bit. I have a 64-bit AMD Sempron and only use a 32-bit kernel and related binaries. Don't be confused by the 'amd64' name of some isos or binaries. AMD was first to implement 64-bit CPUs so the name has stuck for some things but it makes no difference if you run AMD or Intel as the 64-bit binaries are compatible with both.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Its more of a just in case measure, I just want to ensure everything I need and want is covered.

[cariboo]

The only things that are not available yet are 64bit flash and java plugins. There is work being done on a 64bit flash plugin but it isn't ready fro prime time yet. Everything else in the 64bit repositories just plain works.

Jim

[SunnyRabbiera]

Yes but I also use things like zsnes to keep me entertained and junk too, a lot of those kinds of things have only a 32 bit version available.
I just dont want to do anything unneeded like play around with the 64bit kernel for a million hours trying to get things working the way I like them.
And I am very unsure about using a 32bit kernel on a AMD, will I have to use generic packages instead of using the i386 packages and such...
I know the i386 packages will work with a dual core intel, but I am wary about how the AMD structure will play with me.
Plus I know nothing about installing a AMD processor, nor making sure they work.
Intel chips I know how to work with, I know how to pop them in and get them cooking, AMD I would not have a first clue.

[Warpnow]

It is my understanding that Kingston is budget ram.

With the transition from DDR2 to DDR3 performance DDR2 ram can be gotten for VERY cheap, so I'd aim higher. Patrioit is good.

[SunnyRabbiera]

It is my understanding that Kingston is budget ram.

With the transition from DDR2 to DDR3 performance DDR2 ram can be gotten for VERY cheap, so I'd aim higher. Patrioit is good.

Actually I heard Kingston does top job for what it does, and like I said its a brand I know as the RAM in my PC is a kingston

[Warpnow]

Actually I heard Kingston does top job for what it does, and like I said its a brand I know as the RAM in my PC is a kingston

I didn't say it was bad, really, its just there used to be a HUGE price difference between "normal" ram and what most considered "gaming" ram. You know, the ram where they actually list the timings. ;)

The price gap between these two has shrunk so much the prices are starting to blend together.

[mips]

I know the i386 packages will work with a dual core intel, but I am wary about how the AMD structure will play with me.
Plus I know nothing about installing a AMD processor, nor making sure they work.
Intel chips I know how to work with, I know how to pop them in and get them cooking, AMD I would not have a first clue.

The above things you mentioned are not an issue at all in all honesty. I have used both and there really is no difference in how you install them or get software running on them.

[Warpnow]

I've installed both AMD and Intel chips and the intel WAS a little easier because of the way the fan attatched to the MB but the amd was definitely not difficult.

[Canis familiaris]

Yes but I also use things like zsnes to keep me entertained and junk too, a lot of those kinds of things have only a 32 bit version available.
I just dont want to do anything unneeded like play around with the 64bit kernel for a million hours trying to get things working the way I like them.
And I am very unsure about using a 32bit kernel on a AMD, will I have to use generic packages instead of using the i386 packages and such...
I know the i386 packages will work with a dual core intel, but I am wary about how the AMD structure will play with me.
Plus I know nothing about installing a AMD processor, nor making sure they work.
Intel chips I know how to work with, I know how to pop them in and get them cooking, AMD I would not have a first clue.

AMD processors can be installed with much ease than Intels. The heatsink installation procedure with AMD processors is so much easier on the fingers.
Also 32bit kernel on an AMD will work very well as well as Intel.
AMD would be popped in easily and working in no time at all.
There is not obvious disadvantage of AMD Athlon X2 even with its lower performance to Wolfdales unless you compile from source a lot or play games (even for games does not matter as much, better gfx will suffice).

[Warpnow]

You don't have to use your fingers to install the new C2D line. You just push the heatsink down, and the pins go into holes in the motherboard, and voila, it is in.

[Warpnow]

By the way, I bought a retail cpu (e6750_ over an OEM and have the stock cooler. I'd like to reccomend it. Its the best stock cooler I've ever seen.

Been running for over 24 hours. Have over 100 browser tabs open, about 10 terminals, am running compiz, have four flash videos running (Friday means Monk, Psych, and SGA), and my current temps are:

coretemp-isa-0000
Adapter: ISA adapter
Core 0: +22.0°C (crit = +85.0°C)

coretemp-isa-0001
Adapter: ISA adapter
Core 1: +23.0°C (crit = +85.0°C)

[Canis familiaris]

You don't have to use your fingers to install the new C2D line. You just push the heatsink down, and the pins go into holes in the motherboard, and voila, it is in.
Maybe. I have not exactly installed an Intel C2D but I had heard very negative reviews about Heatsink installation procedure in few publications.
But installing AMD processors is not at all difficult by any means. It is very simple. I have done myself.

[SunnyRabbiera]

I didn't say it was bad, really, its just there used to be a HUGE price difference between "normal" ram and what most considered "gaming" ram. You know, the ram where they actually list the timings. ;)

The price gap between these two has shrunk so much the prices are starting to blend together.

well this wont be a full gaming machine, though I will have some minor gaming software like emulators.
I just want to stick with stuff I know that will give me productivity and be right for me, I am just so unsure about AMD...
Plus with dual cores at decent prices its within reach of my budget.

No more of the AMD vs Intel crap, I know a lot of you are AMD fanatics but I rather stay intel... I know a lot of you will say crap like "intel hates open source" or "intel is Microsofts 2 dollar prostitute" but for me I I see things are getting better with intel, they have been giving us mostly decent driver support and the dual cores are powerhouses compared to the AMD64.
I made my decision on it, if you have an issue with that fine but I made my choice and linux itself is about choice.

But here is one thing I must ask, is newegg the only place to find decent computer hardware at a fair price?
I like to do price comparison and window shopping before I dedicate myself to something, I know newegg is held in high regard but I want more options.

[VitaLiNux]

If you're going for a processor, go for a Quadcore, but I suggest you to buy it after you got all the other parts, thus you can get it cheaper than the current price. As somebody has said in a previous post, Intel's new breed of processors are coming out and this will assure you that the Quads will be less expensive... Also, I'd suggest going for Intel because it has better Virtualization support (I was trying to install *BSD through a virtual machine with my AMD processor and no success) as well as you can try a Hackintosh installation should you want(one day)to install Mac OS with your Intel machine.:guitar:

[Canis familiaris]

well this wont be a full gaming machine, though I will have some minor gaming software like emulators.
I just want to stick with stuff I know that will give me productivity and be right for me, I am just so unsure about AMD...
Plus with dual cores at decent prices its within reach of my budget.

No more of the AMD vs Intel crap, I know a lot of you are AMD fanatics but I rather stay intel... I know a lot of you will say crap like "intel hates open source" or "intel is Microsofts 2 dollar prostitute" but for me I I see things are getting better with intel, they have been giving us mostly decent driver support and the dual cores are powerhouses compared to the AMD64.

I am a bit hurt to be "indirectly" called an AMD fanatic so I guess should move out of this thread.
Before moving out well, here is my last piece of advice:
* Intel are great piece of Hardware for any desktop currently and Wolfdale is a wonderful choice which remains cool and performs very well,
* If are not into gaming, and can upscale your budget a bit buy a Quad Core(Yorkfield I recommend particularly Q9300). Fantastic Performers.
* However if you just you PC for surfing web, occassionally virtualizing, and do basic stuff then AMD Athlon X2 is the best value for money since most apps are not able to snipe out the extra processing offered by better processors. However Athlon X2s are not to be considered if budget is no constraint.
* There is absolutely no difference in the user experience of using either Intel or AMD based processors. Both run cool as well. Both are x86_64 based. Both run 64bit and 32bit OSes very well.


There is absolutely no difference in the user experience of using either Intel or AMD based processors. Both run cool as well. Both are x86_64 based. Both run 64bit and 32bit OSes very well.
qft

P.S. I just wanted to clear some misconceptions. I apologise for hijacking this thread.

[SunnyRabbiera]

If you're going for a processor, go for a Quadcore, but I suggest you to buy it after you got all the other parts, thus you can get it cheaper than the current price. As somebody has said in a previous post, Intel's new breed of processors are coming out and this will assure you that the Quads will be less expensive... Also, I'd suggest going for Intel because it has better Virtualization support (I was trying to install *BSD through a virtual machine with my AMD processor and no success) as well as you can try a Hackintosh installation should you want(one day)to install Mac OS with your Intel machine.:guitar:

Well I debated on quad core, but really I dont see it in my cards just yet.
Dual cores are more then enough for me, I am not building a supercomputer here.

[Warpnow]

If you are going low-end, AMD is the better value. A low-end X2 like a brisbane is an UNBEATABLE value. The price-equivalent Intel is a celeron, which can't compare.

If you want high-end, the intels are unmatched in performance, run extremely cool, and achieve better power for your money. The price evuivalent is the Phenom, which is not really in the same class.

Edit: The high end dual-cores run BETTER in some instances than the quads because few applications can utiluze all four cores at present.

[VitaLiNux]

Well I debated on quad core, but really I dont see it in my cards just yet.
Dual cores are more than enough for me, I am not building a supercomputer here.
Just a suggestion :) everything's up to you!

[mips]

Also, I'd suggest going for Intel because it has better Virtualization support (I was trying to install *BSD through a virtual machine with my AMD processor and no success) as well as you can try a Hackintosh installation should you want(one day)to install Mac OS with your Intel machine.:guitar:

Is the processor an older one? All new Intel & AMD cpus basically have support for virtualization in hardware. My older AMD64 however does not.

[SunnyRabbiera]

If you are going low-end, AMD is the better value. A low-end X2 like a brisbane is an UNBEATABLE value. The price-equivalent Intel is a celeron, which can't compare.

If you want high-end, the intels are unmatched in performance, run extremely cool, and achieve better power for your money. The price evuivalent is the Phenom, which is not really in the same class.

Edit: The high end dual-cores run BETTER in some instances than the quads because few applications can utiluze all four cores at present.

I am going mid range, nothing fancy but something functional.

[Warpnow]

I am going mid range, nothing fancy but something functional.

The cpu you linked is definiitely upper-end, man, that thing is a beast.

[VitaLiNux]

Is the processor an older one? All new Intel & AMD cpus basically have support for virtualization in hardware. My older AMD64 however does not.
Mine is an AthlonXP-mobile +2800 if I'm not mistaking. And I couldn't install neither the BSDs nor OpenSolaris through virtual machine. Next time I buy a processor, it'd be an Intel one.

[mips]

Mine is an AthlonXP-mobile +2800 if I'm not mistaking. And I couldn't install neither the BSDs nor OpenSolaris through virtual machine. Next time I buy a processor, it'd be an Intel one.

That is an older processor without hardware based virtualisation, the same would have been the case for Intel at the time.