So I Need A New Computer...

[lan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookieFactory The top-end Conroe will likely be $1000, or in worst cases $1500. The former is doable, but if it turns out to be the latter, I will switch to a lower-end processor. As for the 150GB Raptor, yes that is an (better) option. However it is one that carries a fairly significant price increase so we shall see As for being more powerful than is needed for "general use," it probably is. However 1) I must run a lot of software IDEs and some of them can get quite a bit more resource intensive than the programs most people use on day-to-day basis.

The difference in price of the CPUs can be greater than the difference in performance of the harddrives. I rather get the faster harddrive.

Ah why didnt you say you were going to do some developing in some IDEs. That's not general purposes

 

[swt61]

I'm a big fan of the modular power supplies. As you don't have all the extra cables clogging up your airflow and generaly looking untidy. And I'd go with 500wt. Newer video cards suck a lot of juice.

 

[luckybaer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookieFactory I'm about to graduate college and I've decided I need a new computer. Usage will be a little bit of everything, with no special emphasis on gaming (of which I do fairly little at the moment, but this could change). That being said, here's my current build: Processor Conroe Extreme Edition (XE) I prefer AMD processors, but that's just me. They give me more performance in computer chess, and I like them for gaming. Motherboard ASUS P5WD2-E Premium ATX Intel Motherboard Memory CORSAIR XMS 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Kit A solid choice. I've had Corsair XMS stuff in my Intel rig upstairs for over 2 years. No problems (knock on wood). Case Antec Performance I P180B Black Computer Case I use Antec cases, too. I like the aluminum one with the clear side and the 2x120mm fans. Power Supply SeaSonic S12-430 430W Power Supply I'd get the 520W model from OCZ. That thing has a single 12v rail, but it can pump out the juice. Cooling Scythe SCNJ-1000 "Ninja" Heatsink Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound A friend of mine uses that HS, I think. I prefer stuff from Thermalright. AS5 rocks, great choice. Hard drives OS: Western Digital Raptor 74GB 3.5" Serial ATA150 Hard Drive DATA: Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive Raptor is overkill, IMHO. Video Card Waiting for DirectX 10...Suggestions welcome. CD/DVD Drive BenQ 16X DVD+R DVD Burner Monitor Looking for a LCD HDCP-supported monitor... Keyboard Microsoft Natural 4000 Black Wired Keyboard Mouse Logitech G5 Laser or Razer Copperhead Tempest Razer Copperhead rocks for gaming, and it is set up to be an ambidextrous mouse. It takes a while to get used to the shape(I still have a MX-518 from Logitech on another PC), but the big buttons, very tactile scroll wheel, and sexy rubber rails running down each side are totally awesome. I can't stop touching the rubber rails! I played a lot of BF2, and believe me, this mouse rocks! I would like to be able to run Windows Vista (whenever it comes out) and it's massively bloated features without any problems. I have no "brand loyalties" so anything is up for change. One invariant however is I would like to run Windows as my main (but not necessarily exclusive) OS. One question mark I have at this point is if my cooling will be adequate. I would prefer not to go the water-cooling route. Any opinions?

My thoughts are above, bold and blue.

 

[CookieFactory]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swt61 I'm a big fan of the modular power supplies. As you don't have all the extra cables clogging up your airflow and generaly looking untidy. And I'd go with 500wt. Newer video cards suck a lot of juice.

I'm not familiar with the differences between modular power supplies and "regular" ones. Could you recommend some good modular PSUs?
Actually I just read that the current top-line GPUs draw almost 400 watts under load! Not that I would get one but that is ridiculous, and definitely makes me reconsider my PSU choice.

 

[luckybaer]

Antec NeoPower series are modular in nature.

Also, check out frozencpu.com. They have a brand named "Hiper," and they make a nice looking PSU that is also modular.

Most of the big PSU makers have modular options, I believe.

 

[mateo05]

Modular means that the various PSU cables are detachable from the PSU itself, so that you don't have a bunch of cables that you aren't using floating around in the case.

Oh, and you've found it, but Newegg is by far the best place to shop- I've had many many positive experiences with them, and no negative experiences so far.