Building a new computer - thoughts on my choices?

I agree. What they are good for is free on the spot advice. They're good at pointing out compatibility issues, or alternatives. Their website is www.affinity-usa.com


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While I love to support local business like these, many times, I find that when you include taxes, they can't beat the price of a major online retailer such as NewEgg or Provantage, etc. In some cases the price difference is so minimal for 1-2 components, that it's just easier getting everything from one place online. I guess it's just me... Do they have a website? Anyhow, I'll give these guys a call once I'm ready to plunk some cash down and see what they can offer. I'm open to surprises

Lots of good input here folks! Keep it coming![/quote]

 

I have to agree with flynnibus. I'd also reccomend a SysteMax PC from Tiger Direct. I ran four of those plus a server for many years with NO issues. they are cheap & use off the shelf hardware so you can do your own upgrades.

 

You planning on running linux on this box? I found there are issues with the nvidia APIC implementation and the current kernel in SMP machines. If your boot hangs, try passing NOAPIC as a kernel parameter to get it to boot.

This might also be specific to AMD64, but it took me a day to get past that small issue when re-building my home workstation.

 

Thanks for the tips Linux. I like newegg as well. I actually have an idea of what I'd like. Here is my wishlist for my computer from newegg. I am looking to keep the cost down as much as possible, but am willing to go a little higher if needed. I am just looking to mainly use this for home office stuff and maybe a little Neverwinter Nights.

 

OOOPS. click here

 

If you can, drop the Kingston ValuRAM and go with Corsaire. I'm using their XMS2 memory with the really cool blinking lights on top! They are actually a decent troubleshooting device!

Actually - I'd skip ANY memory with the word "value" in it. They usually leave off the heatsinks.

 

I can't find the page within Nvidia at this point, so this is coming from memory. The problem was with the "stock" kernel, and I think the distros that "patch" to get around it are just dropping APIC by default.

The only place I found APIC mentioned is in the known issues for GPU's at Nvidia's site, and they suggest disabling it for "stability" problems. There was a similar page for nforce chipsets, but it seems to have been moved .

 

Figured this would be a good place to just ride in on the discussion.

I've had the "same computer" since the mid-90s, and just upgraded it a piece at a time as years go on. I'm thinking it's almost time for an upgrade, and was thinking of going back to intel to get a core2duo.

Been a while since I did all the research, so thought if you all had suggestions, I'd take 'em! Like, I'm not even sure what the newest slot/socket type is for intel processors and mobos, or what the best chipsets are for the core2duos even.... Processor and motherboard would need to be updated at least, possibly memory. The rest of my components are good to go. In the past I've favored EPoX and ASUS mobos, but am open to other makers.

Thanks!

 

you better elaborate on "...the rest of my components are good to go". Do you mean you are using SATA alredy for your hard drive and DVD? And your memory would almost certainly have to be upgraded... and your video card too, especially if you want SLI capable, or a Crossfire configuration. Sound I would say you could get away with stock. And yes, I almost always stick with ASUS on the mobos, have had great results with them.

I would say you might want to consider a combo kit of some kind.

 

There's a gremlin in my house. I just blew out a SECOND mobo in 60 days. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

 

I don't need a case, memory is relatively new but I may upgrade anyway just to get more of it. I don't need SLI or Crossfire, this is a server box with some desktop functionality (I do graphics work on it) so I really just like more speed and memory to handle these graphics processing tasks and leave some cycles for the server software.
HD is SATA but not the DVDRW or CDRW drives... didn't know those came in SATA yet, so yeh, I may upgrade them too.

Thanks!

 

Yikes! I don't think I've ever blown a mobo. Do you have a surge protector on your comp? Might be a power problem to the case.

 

...or a crapbox Ultra PSU.

 

Yeah thats a good point actually. A lot of PSUs don't even provide the power they say they do. If your PSU isnt putting out enough power it could very well damage your board over time.

 

Feh! Ultra's are fine. I blame Al Gore.

And Baby Bush.

Oh and VP the guy - who's name can never be said.

 

What's wrong with AMD CPUs, Mr Linux? =) My x2 3600 brisbane is clocking at c2d e6600 speeds for ~$61 =) The E6600 is ~$220