Computer Build Recommendations?

JimMSG wrote on 7/10/2005, 11:47 AM
"We" have decided we need another computer for the kids and Mom. I certainly agree because I have had to give up mine on more than one ocassion to allow for school projects to be completed. I have twins, so they usually both have the same project to complete at the same time.

I built my current computer under a real tight budget strictly for audio. Of course a client was complaining about some element in the video I was composing for, so I fixed it with Vegas, word got out, and now I do video regularly. Unforunately, this computer is not really set up for it. My Athlon 1600XP+ does a pretty nice job, but some times it really shows the lack of horsepower, like Friday night when it took 93 minutes to render a 6 minute project to MPEG1 in the good setting.

So, my plan is to convert this computer to a school computer and build a new one for myself. Now, I still have to keep it on the buget side. I can't afford thousands for processors alone. I will also admit I have been an AMD user since someone gave me a K6 2 years ago. That doesn't mean I won't use Intel, just that I'm not as likely to.

The questions then:

What processors should I be looking at? Which ones should I be sure to avoid. Does dual processing really make a difference?

Any particular mother boards or chipsets to get or forget?

What about video cards? Currently I'm using an ATI All-In-Wonder (an older one) which is nice because I can plug into my old composite monitor and use it to monitor V6 video. Currently I only have one monitor for the computer, but I keep telling myself I'm going to get another one soon, so I suppose I should consider having that available in the video card.

The only other thing I will mention is my computer travels between my production lab, and my home. It isn't a portable, a mid tower, but it travels every day, so durability in parts is a must. Almost forgot does anyone know of computer muffin fans that can move a lot of air and are still quiet?

All comments, recommendations, rants encouraged.

Thanks!

Comments

GlennChan wrote on 7/10/2005, 12:23 PM
There's a similar thread going on called Athlon X2 RenderTest Results. It contains some information on which processors are fast.

2- If you move your computer a lot, look at a laptop or a computer using an aluminium case (i.e. Coolermaster Centurion 5, Antec LANBoy or SuperLANBoy).

Or, get a firewire drive?
And/or use winXP pro's remote desktop feature, or UltraVNC if using XP home if you want to access your computer remotely. Remember to open up your firewall, to forward ports on your router if using one, and to setup dynamic DNS (if you have a router with DDNS function or a free DNS client, use dyndns.org or other similar free service; namecheap.com has a free and very basic dynamic DNS client that works with namecheap.com's .info registrations for $3USD/yr).

3- Noise:
silentpcreview.com has lots of lots of information on making your computer quieter. I'd look at:
Aluminium case with 120mm fan. You can go small form factor (i.e. Shuttle), but the limited expansion and added cost doesn't seem worth it to me. Aluminium cases are very light and easy to carry (based on my experience with the Antec LANBoy; it has a noisy PSU when under stress). The Centurion 5 seems like a better case than the LANBoy (you can actually get it; it's "cheaper" and doesn't come with a mediocre PSU; I think it's even lighter).

CPU: AMD runs cooler than Intel. Pentium D has really really high high, so I'd avoid it.
On the dual core front, AMD X2 is probably your best choice. Performs faster, and is cooler (and more expensive).
On the single core front, Intel has a slight lead in performance. They are definitely faster at MPEG2 encoding. AMD may be less pricey than you think though, if you want to stick with old cheaper technology (DDR1 RAM, AGP video).
I'm not sure if dual cores offer a good boost over single cores... results seem to be mixed right now?

Power supply:
see silentpcreview.com Seasonic seems to make the quietest PSUs? They are more energy efficient, so they'll cut your electricity costs in roughly half and makes up the price premium.

Fans: see silentpcreview.com again. Not sure which fans are the best, but the low speed Panaflos are generally well-regarded.

CPU Cooling: Applying any thermal paste like Artic Silver 5 will improve cooling, and costs like nothing. Be sure to read the instructions.
If you want, you can spring for a heatsink like the Zalman 7700alcu (which should come with a tube of thermal paste) and that'll be even quieter. Not sure if weight will be an issue for your, since you will transport the computer around a lot? (That heatsink is a little heavy.)
Thermalright XP-120 is the ultimate in air cooling, but probably unnecessary. It cools as well as low to mid-end water cooling systems.

Video card: I'd look for a passively cooled dual monitor card.
For previewing to a TV, you should probably hook up your TV to your camcorder and preview that way.

Motherboard: No reported compatibility issues with Vegas with any motherboard, except for the 6300 southbridge (for Xeon motherboards).

Hard drives: Samsung or Seagate. Look at AAM and hard drive suspensions if you find your hard drives noisy.

4- If you the cheapest value computer you can get, look for a hot deal on a Dell Dimension 4700 (not the 3000 or 2400). With free shipping, there are some really good deals for them and a LCD monitor. Video card upgrade may be worth getting.
Throw in your own upgrades from newegg.com for everything else: RAM, DVD burner, etc.
Tyr hot deals sites for your country.

The Dell deals are cheaper than building it yourself, for the base configuration. Dells use only Intel processors, and are good noise-wise among the OEMs (but are otherwise OK noise-wise).

If cost and performance are your priorities, I'd strongly consider waiting for a hot deal on a Dell and throwing in your own upgrades.
If noise and portability are a priority, I'd look at rolling your own computer based on an AMD CPU (Venice core). If you have the money, a dual core AMD system should give the best performance among single-CPU systems.