PC Purpose: OS: Windows XP (Will probably use Windows 7 when it comes out) Programs: Bittorrent, FTP, Virtualization (Running Server 2003, and freeBSD) Games: Here and there, but I have a 360.. So here is what I had in mind: OCZ OCZ500SXS StealthXStream 500-Watt Power Supply $52.99 Corsair Dual Channel TWINX 4096MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz $49.99 AMD Phenom 9500 Processor 2.20GHz with fan $119.99 Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI $109.95 I already have a case/hhd/dvd burner laying around. I am going to retire my old comp so I will use the Windows XP I already own. So for under 400$ I think I am getting a pretty reasonable setup. Does anyone here think I could improve anything?
It depends on where you live and where you are buying from. I can see 25-33% off your prices by selective shopping.
I live in Canada, so I looking at NCIX, tigerdirect, and some places in my home town. Another thing I am wondering is if the CPU is good.
There are better for the price. I have a 9500. If I had to do it all over again I would have waited. The 9500 is OK for what I'm doing but an Intel would have been better for converting Video. (expecting Sam to chime in here). There is a very well respected poster on this board that doesn't think highly of the 9500.
The CPU is rubbish. The Phenom 9500 is actually slower than some dual cores, even in 4-threaded programs. Here's a better all-round setup: Core 2 Duo E7400 - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115206 4GB Corsair XMS2 RAM - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184 Antec Earthwatts 380W - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005 Gigabyte P31-ES3G - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128356 HIS Radeon HD4650 - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161262 This is just over $400 to start with, but a mail-in rebate on the memory pushes it below $400.
Even though that setup you posted is "better" then what I currently have it doesn't leave much room for upgrades. I guess I should specify some other stuff. I need as many SATA connections as possible because I plan on having enough HHD space to store media (TV, Movies, music, etc), downloads. With the MB I proposed I think I should have no problem upgrading the processor later when the Phenom II's drop in price. I do plan on doing some on-the-fly encoding of video so I can watch it on my 360. This PC is going to be used more for server purpose's then desktop purposes.
Why isn't it as upgradeable? Cheap Asus boards are known for premature failure, which is why I have selected a Gigabyte. If you're willing to pay the extra you can have twice as many S-ATA ports. The CPU can be upgraded to a Core 2 Quad with ease, and since Core 2 Quads are better than Phenom IIs, that makes the bord every bit as upgradeable. On the fly encoding wants a more powerful processor, which is what I've given you. Your opinion is your right, but if you're going to blindly refuse any improvements to your setup, there was little point in asking.
Since lots of people are saying that Intel is better overall I think I am going to switch my build from AMD to Intel. I'm going to do some more research and then post back my new build
