Is this a good set of components for a new PC?

ataraxia · 2009-05-06 01:44:55

Ok, all you "build it yourself" fans and AMD-heads, could you look over my attempt at putting together a system? I'm particularly concerned about the cheap case, power supply, and LCD. Is this board a good Linux board? Also, is the CPU going to be underpowered? I'm not familiar with recent AMD CPUs. (And did I forget some obvious component?)

MoonSwan · 2009-05-06 05:27:38

If you can help it, never skimp on the PSU. Its the one component you cannot afford to have fail or spike or provide over/under-voltages. Ask anyone who's bought a cheap PSU then had it fry their 2000$ system. Buy a good brand name one and try to buy one that is 50W to 100W more than you need so while it ages it will still supply sufficient power.

Other than that, I can't comment on the mobo/cpu but the rest looks ok.

daneel971 · 2009-05-06 09:47:45

I totally agree with MoonSwan. It won't cost you too much and it will spare you a lot of troubles.
My suggestions:
- install a 12" front fan, for hd cooling (now is only one drive, but tomorrow they can be 2,3,4... )
- I don't know how the stock AMD heatsinks perform, but think about buying a good cooler: changing it after the mainboard is installed can be a pain.
- AFAIK, upgrading the firmware of LG drives isn't possible with Linux; if this is important for you, search for alternatives.

Kirurgs · 2009-05-06 17:49:24

I build my computrers since 1998 or so, needless to say every computer I owned was custom built except laptops

To me it seems:
motherboard is well chosen (except there are too few additional pci slots, but if You won't need them it's ok)
CPU is ok for HTPC - 65W (65W are up to 5600), check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AM … processors, for desktop I'd choose some phenom I or II ones, only because quads are future (I have Phenom 9950 Black Edition for gaming desktop, bought half a year ago)
Memory and disks are well chosen (seagate is really good and 4x1 is right conf. for this chipset)
Can't say anything about screen
I would not choose LG for optical drive as I have bad expierence with samsung and lg drives (liteons, pioneers are better choice)
Keyboard and mice is ok, but this has to be chosen on-site (shop) due to ergonomic observations (except if you know that it's ok beforehand)

As people noted already, choose silent case and thermo-controlled!!! PSU - this is for Your comfort, 400W at least should do the trick...

This is it

dispanser · 2009-05-06 18:10:44

ataraxia wrote:

Ok, all you "build it yourself" fans and AMD-heads, could you look over my attempt at putting together a system? I'm particularly concerned about the cheap case, power supply, and LCD. Is this board a good Linux board? Also, is the CPU going to be underpowered? I'm not familiar with recent AMD CPUs. (And did I forget some obvious component?)
board - ASUS M3A78-EM - $80 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6813131324

From what I have heard and experienced, using ATI video cards is one thing you don't want to do if you want to have at least some sort of performance. Proprietary drivers don't seem to work with the most recent kernel (2.6.29),

http://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=71578 just to get you started

Last edited by dispanser (2009-05-06 18:11:03)

Kirurgs · 2009-05-06 19:47:33

ATI + 2D is really ok, 3D is not as good as nVidias, but quite close, everything regarding compiz is just flying on my rig, nVidia finally fixed 2D starting 8xxx series of cards... I've checked forums and this is not that bad really... People say - it's working.
I'll update my quad core with hd3300 and hd4850 to see what is what and report back here. I'll edit this post not to ruin the idea of post - having best hw for homebrew desktops

EDIT: As I promised, I updated my quad box and installed fglrx 9.4 + patch + 2.6.29.2 (not using AUR) and it works, here I am, compiz enabled - full effects...

Last edited by Kirurgs (2009-05-06 22:21:29)

ataraxia · 2009-05-07 01:52:35

I'm in the process of rolling another parts list based on this advice and some other input.

Some specific questions:

- What's your favorite AMD-based board? I'd like something that's not going to flake out on me and doesn't have any not-so-Linux-friendly bits. Integrated video is optional, see below.

- What's the "best" video (either integrated or discrete) to have under Arch nowadays? I've seen people here hating on all 3 major vendors recently, for apparently good reasons. I'm not looking for super-fast 3D, I just want it to work right. I do insist on excellent XV performance. I don't care about compiz-style 2D effects. I also want to get something that won't be deprecated by its driver while I'm still using it (Catalyst, I'm looking at you).

iphitus · 2009-05-07 02:10:30

For the PSU....

Seasonic make awesome PSU's. Efficient, well made, tidy and extremely quiet - but they're pricey. However Corsair PSU's are a bit cheaper, and happen to be manufactured by Seasonic.

If you care about having a quiet computer, dont skimp on the power or case. I built a computer with a Corsair PSU in December. It's incredibly quiet, and the case itself is so tidy as the cables are all wrapped. It's cavernous in there.

The 450W Corsair I used is on newegg for 74, but with a $30 mail in rebate. $44 is a pretty good price!

Last edited by iphitus (2009-05-07 02:13:05)

Southie75 · 2009-05-07 03:17:31

Concerning the case, the 120 in the rear is cool, and the side and front vents will keep dust from collecting in your drives, cards and ports. The memory is overkill, because that cpu only supports PC2-6400 (800MHz) [link] The ps is weak, as others have said, even without a vid card. If you upgrade the cpu to a phenom, watch out for the TLB bug. The phenom's with **50 numbers have a built-in fix and the phenom II's don't have the bug at all. (AMD school 101) I've read that seagate is fast and reliable, even though I'm a WD man, and was considering a slightly lesser seagate myself. [link]

A review on newegg said that you couldn't flash that mobo BIOS in linux, which might be the type of snag your looking for. PS I'm running onboard ATI 3300 HD and no problems. [link] Not as good as my NV 6800gt, but runs linux/compiz fine. My only problem was installing catalyst drivers after Gnome. (arch,X,catalyst,Gnome) The plus is, that I can add a cheap ATI card down the road and they will work in hybrid-crossfire mode. (Not sure if it will actually work.) Obviously discrete is better though, because neither AMD overdrive or Gigabyte's tuner (win progs) seem to detect my GPU temps. I can say that I've tried nvidia with linux games and had no problems.

Again, downgrade yer mem and put towards power.

Last edited by Southie75 (2009-05-07 03:21:22)

ataraxia · 2009-05-07 03:18:24

Ok, here's pass #2 as promised. I changed mostly everything It's a good bit more expensive, as I came to realize today that I just wasn't able to get what I wanted for so little.

Last edited by ataraxia (2009-05-07 03:19:01)

jowilkin · 2009-05-07 04:25:17

Looks pretty good, you obviously moved up a notch in the price I've placed so many orders from Newegg in the last 12 years or so I can't count and they have never let me down, so I definately recommend them.

I have had nightmares with ATI cards on linux, so I like the move to Nvidia. Nvidia cares a lot more about their linux drivers than AMD/ATI. I have had good luck with the integrated Intel graphics on my laptop in arch, it runs full compiz effects with no hiccups, but if you want performance, I would go with a discrete Nvidia card.

I'm a fan of Intel cpus recently. I built only AMD machines since the first Athlons came out (500mhz athlon was my first build), but I've recently switched over to Intel because of the large performance gap. Most applications are still single threaded and by the time we have decent threaded applications I think you will itching to buy a new cpu. That said, some people do like the phenoms. Personally I would rather have a similarly priced core duo Intel processor.

Anyway, you have a nice computer there

app4des · 2009-05-07 10:25:37

Don't go for Phenom 1, they are bad performers and very power hungry. Either go for Phenom 2 (even 3core ones they are great) or if you don't have the money, go for a Athlon X2, those in case you want to stay on AMD.

You can also build a Intel PC, Core 2 Duo (even the oldest ones) are very good performers, compared to AthlonsX2.

Also it is good to know that CPU frequency scaling on AMD Phenoms (1 and 2, not on Athlons) doesn't work correctly on linux. Scaling works but there is a ~40% drop in performance when enabled (when it should be 1-2% as it happens to all other processors). The only exception is when Phenom 2 Frequency Scaling is used on Windows Vista or 7 (Windows XP has the same problem as linux).

Kirurgs · 2009-05-07 11:22:17

I have the same Antec case, it's sweet, quiet and well built, even HDD's are mounted on rubber thingies
I would not say Phenoms I are bad performers... The ones with TLB bug were, the newer ones rev. B3 are ok (the chosen one 9650 is B3) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AM … processors).
Setup looks fine now, but there are some things to note:
1. I would stay with Kingston memory
2. I would not blindly choose nVidia, personally I have nVidia and ATI both, ATI was and is 2D king so far, 3D works nice (yesterday fired up D3 and Q4 to test Kern. 2.6.29+Cat .9.4), to me only thing nVidia has over ATI is VDPAU. I have HD4850 wich offers big bang to the buck and I'm happy with it, really

ataraxia · 2009-05-07 14:44:05

You know, I intended to pick a Phenom 2. I don't know how I ended up with that other one. This one looks nice, and it's certainly popular:

cpu - AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb Quad-Core AM2+ - $190 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6819103471

Looking again at Intel options as well. Why is the Q6600 more expensive than the much newer Q8x00 CPUs? What am I missing here?

ataraxia · 2009-05-07 19:51:21

And on yet another front, any opinions on the Shuttle barebones boxes like this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6856101038

Kirurgs · 2009-05-07 21:23:03

That particular one has GF 7 series which does not benefit from new features and nVidia drivers, to me it seems it's a no-go

Last edited by Kirurgs (2009-05-07 21:24:02)

Southie75 · 2009-05-08 04:24:17

ataraxia wrote:

You know, I intended to pick a Phenom 2. I don't know how I ended up with that other one. This one looks nice, and it's certainly popular:
cpu - AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb Quad-Core AM2+ - $190 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6819103471

That one supports 1066 mem.

Mr Green · 2009-05-08 05:50:38

Think it pays to shop and then shop some more before buying pc components, got to the point where I buy up nearly new components and systems. P4's still have life in them yet!

Good luck with your new system

harumph · 2009-05-08 06:12:05

I will second the nvidia card vs ati on linux. I'm a big ATI fanboy on windows just because of their price/performance ratio, but I have had nothing but trouble with ATI cards using linux. My latest build uses a gtx 260 only because I am using arch. Otherwise I would have gone with a 4870. Also, if by chance you would want to go with an Intel cpu and have a microcenter close to you, they have the i7 920 for $229 vs 279-289 at most places, online and brick and mortar.

Kenni · 2009-05-08 11:15:11

ataraxia wrote:

video - ASUS EN9500GT (GeForce 9500GT 512 MB GDDR3) - $70 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814121267

I would go for a passive (without fan) Geforce 9xxx instead, they perform the same, just without the noise

ataraxia wrote:

case w/ ps - Antec Sonata III 500 (500W) - $110 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6811129024

I have another Antec enclosure with a 500w power supply (SP-500P) and the power supply is now being returned for the third time in two years. The first two times it died completely and was replaced by the retailer. Now it has started to give out a loud whining sound and I have to return it directly to Antec to get it replaced...really annoying.

I would go for a nice enclosure without PSU and then buy a Seasonic or Corsair PSU. Have a look at http://www.silentpcreview.com/article699-page1.html, there's a list of most recommended power supplies in terms of quality and noise level. And they know what they are talking about.

ataraxia wrote:

keyboard - Logitech Deluxe 250 - $9 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6823126013

Throw in another $10 and get a Logitech UltraX instead - these are MUCH nicer typing at, you'll really be happy for this extra $10 investment!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6823126022

Kenni · 2009-05-08 11:21:02

ataraxia wrote:

Looking again at Intel options as well. Why is the Q6600 more expensive than the much newer Q8x00 CPUs? What am I missing here?

The Q6600 is about to leave the market soon, I bought it like 1,5 years ago. I suppose that is why it's keeping its price. Also, Q8200/Q8300/Q8400 doesn't have the Intel VT (Virtualization Technology integrated), meaning that you can't use these processors for virtualization of other operating systems.

Both Q6600 and Q9xx0 does have Intel VT.

Last edited by Kenni (2009-05-08 11:22:38)

ataraxia · 2009-05-08 12:45:08

Very interesting about the Q8x00 not supporting VT. I thought some of them did, but not all. I also learned that the Q6600 is a great overclocker, which explains plenty.

I've converted this list into a Newegg wishlist: https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Publ … r=11582746 . Much easier to maintain.

However, after all this, I think I'm going to shelve this project. Several reasons:

- No other parts around to swap in and out to isolate DOA components. If any critical part is DOA, all I'll know is "it doesn't power on". Tough to RMA anything under those circumstances.

- The "all thumbs" problem. I don't work on my own car or my own house because I suck at it. Why would I not suck at working inside computer cases? Broken hardware FTL.

- My current machine is still nice enough that I'd need to spend a bit too much to see any real improvement over it, hardware-wise. (Why was I doing this at all? That machine is an iMac 5,1. I wanted something that's actually Linux-friendly rather than one that's minimally so.)

This has been very interesting, anyway. At least now I have some passing familiarity with current hardware.

ataraxia · 2009-05-12 00:59:29

Back at it again, with a different set of goals. Going for a much more modestly specced machine, with low power consumption and low noise. Same wishlist as the previous post. Fanless 9400GT GPU and 45W CPU means I can get away with a (good quality) 330W PSU. Backing off from a 24" WUXGA screen to a 22" WSXGA+ cuts the price of the display by half, too.

Apparently, while Arch has done away with distro-hopping for me, I've taken up fantasy-machine-building as a replacement. By the time I actually buy anything, I'll have redesigned the machine as many times as Gullible Jones has left Arch

harpo · 2009-05-14 15:14:09

ataraxia, I've just ordered components to improve my current setup, while staying as quiet as possible.

- ASUS M4N78 Pro AM3/AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 8300 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard $99.99
- AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX $139.00
- OCZ NVIDIA SLI-Ready Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory $44.99

Prices are from newegg.

The Asus board is that rare beast, a socket AM2+/AM3 with on-board nvidia graphics. Seeing as I don't game or do 3d, I like to go on-board to save heat/power/noise.

Phenom II X3 720 is same as the 920 quad, but with one core disabled. Saves $50 and pulls 95W instead of 125W.
You could go super cheap and lower power by instead going with this or similar:

- AMD Athlon X2 4050e Brisbane 2.1GHz Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core $39.99

Only $40 and pulls just 45W. With the Asus board above you also have a clear upgrade to quad-core socket AM3 processors in future.

I already have one of these PSUs:

- CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V

It is outstanding and super super quiet.

Right now my largest source of noise is a crappy CPU fan, so I plan on trying one of these if it will fit on my mobo:

- ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink

Will report on my build when it is delivered.

ataraxia · 2009-05-14 15:16:05

I love the look of that Zalman cooler, it always reminds me of a hot-air balloon getting ready to take off Those things are huge!

Arch Linux

#1 2009-05-06 01:44:55

Is this a good set of components for a new PC?

#2 2009-05-06 05:27:38

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#3 2009-05-06 09:47:45

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