New computer purchase

I'm thinking about getting a new computer, but until now, i've gotten prebuilt computers. I'm thinking about building a cluster out of a few computers, and am hoping to get more out of my money by building my own, and having some fun too :D. I have links to all the pages of the hardware that is in the area of what I'm looking for, but since I don't know a lot about hardware(all i've ever done is added RAM to my dell, :rolleyes:), I was hoping you guys could help me find if everything is compatible and all.

[edit] Just so you guys know, it came out to be almost exactly $500 USD, including shipping.

I appreciate any help that you guys are willing to give!

Hmmm,

Do you mean a "cluster" or a "local network"?

What are the specifications of the computers that you have (hardware & operating systems)?

Where do you see this new machine fitting in?

What do you propose using all this for?

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Originally Posted by nihil

What do you propose using all this for?

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Aye, biggest question is... What are you going to do with it?

I ment a cluster, but the cluster probably won't exist for a good long while as i can't afford more than one computer. All i meant was it is probably eventually going to be used in one (and im still just thinking about it). Mabie in a year or two ill get another, and then Ill start building them into one continuously. I guess it is good to look ahead to see whats better for a cluster, but my main question was about compatibity though, and with my luck, ill order them, and nothing will work. :D

I also have a question about buying prebuilt computers as opposed to building them, because my parents had a few bad experiences with our old computer (Win95) and they say it was because it was built and had compatibility issues, as opposed to being bought. Im not sure if this was how it truely was, or is now, or ever was, and was wanting some help on that. We also knew nothing about computers then, so that could be more or less why we thought that.

[edit]

Quote:

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Aye, biggest question is... What are you going to do with it?

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Well, I don't do much right now that needs much processing speed, mostly programming, obviously internet use, and some older games, but they don't require much from the computer.

If I had a cluster, id probably look a lot more into parallel computing applications. Ive also been looking into cryptography, but other than rainbow table generation and cracking, I dont think that takes much CPU.

Hmmm... I wasn't going to say anything about the cluster thing... But, if you don't know much about hardware are you sure that you want to try to build a cluster?

Unless you are intending on using software to do it.

a/y to answer your question. More than likely all the hardware will match allowing you to push, plug and move around to your hearts desire. Except for probably dell most companies allow you to interchange parts in and out. Only reason I say dell is because I remember trying to do some case moding once and having a problem.

a/y no you should not have a problem.

I build all my computers from scratch.. Never had any compatibility issues.. They all run just about anything I throw at them..

Next question.. What OS will you be running?

As for playing around with clusters/parallel computing.. Ever thought about running 2 (or more) virtual machines (VMWare i.e.)?

Hmmmm,

I wouldn't worry about clustering unless you have the money to spend up front. If you are going to build it over a period of time you are going to end up with mixed technology anyway.

My advice is to start saving your money and keep your eye out for ex-corporate or institutional machines. These can usually be obtained very cheaply, if not for free. Time to talk to relatives and family friends to look out for you as well.

I think that the new Windows Vista operating system will mean that a lot of these will be made available over the next year or so. ;)

I would not take any experience with Windows 95 as being particularly illuminating, especially for someone with no computer experience.

Apart from price, the main differences between a home built and a brand name computer are:

Brand Name:

1. Comprehensive warranty ( home built has individual component warranties).

2. Comes with bundled software you probably don't want.

3. Less flexibility in component choice (you may think that you can have it made to your specs...........you can't.........you get to chose from a number of standard builds)

4. Limited upgradability.

5. Doesn't have a full version of the Windows OS. And it cannot be transferred.

6. Does provide after sales support but you may need to be fluent in a foreign language to get any benefit from this :D

7. Will work perfectly or you send it back.

8. Is covered by consumer protection legislation.

Home Built:

1. Only has individual component warranties (this can be an advantage, as stuff with a Dell, HP or whatever badge will have their 12 month warranty. Quite a few items bought under their manufacturer's brand name have three year warranties, or even lifetime in the case of RAM).

2. You get a full Operating System, and with a retail version you can transfer it to another machine.

3. You only get the hardware and software that you want.

4. To some extent you can determine the upgradability, and spread the cost.

5. You are responsible for chosing compatible components and for all support.

6. Minimal consumer protection, as you did not buy it as a finished product.

The alternative is to go to a small, independent retailer and have a machine built to your specifications. They will check compatibility, and will provide a warranty. You will have to pay them for doing the build and accepting liability for the warranty.

Just a few thoughts......................

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SirDice

Next question.. What OS will you be running?

As for playing around with clusters/parallel computing.. Ever thought about running 2 (or more) virtual machines (VMWare i.e.)?

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Chances are I'll be running linux, probably playing around with a few before sticking with one, and possibly a dual boot with windows, but not too likely.

Never have messed around with virtual maches before, but they seem interesting. What are benefits of using these?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nihil

My advice is to start saving your money and keep your eye out for ex-corporate or institutional machines. These can usually be obtained very cheaply, if not for free. Time to talk to relatives and family friends to look out for you as well.

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Are these hard to come by? how do you go about getting them?

It depends on where you live, what is round about and who you know.

I would normally recommend that you ask parents relatives and friends who work in environments where they use a lot of computers. They can find out what the disposal policy is and if there is any old kit lying around.

Also look in local newspapers for any sale announcements.

Finally you can ask the IT departments of major organisations, colleges etc. in your area.

:)

Today I was looking at processors, and figured i'd look at a chart to see if the one i had chose was really what I wanted. I was looking at this chart
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.ht...=472&chart=167
I was looking at AMD compared to intel, the
Intel Pentium D 820 Smithfield 2.8GHz $98.00
and the
AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Orleans 2.4GHz $96.50
they're both closely priced, but have very different ratings on the website I posted above. I was wondering if I should get an AMD instead, as it seems you get more for your money.

Hello my friend, and welcome to the world of reality :D

Firstly, let me say that you went to a good site in my opinion, as I do rate Tom's Hardware. However, what you are looking at are benchmarks, as opposed to reality.

This is why almost my first question was "what do you want to use it for?" You see, I ran the same comparison and the Intel processor won on "value for money" and on "Multitasking 1" (50% apps, 50% games). You used a gaming benchmark.

I am afraid that you really need to know what you want to do with it, as you are somewhat "budget" in your specifications?.

One thing I would like to draw to your attention is that the AMD processor had PC800 RAM whilst the Pentium had PC667 (superstitious lot aren't we.......I bet it is actually 666 :lildevil:)

I have an old P4/1.7 that will hammer my AMD Athlon 1900s (real speed about 1.6?) even though the Athlons have 1GB of DDR and it only has 768MB...............you see it has RAMBUS RDRAM PC800. That is the RAM, rather than the processor that is having the effect.

I would suggest that you think a bit more about your intended usage and look at benchmarks that reflect that.

For what it's worth: I got a new desktop today, and it's a Dell. Until this one, I have always built myself; I didn't this time because:
- Dell is cheaper than anyone can build him- or herself
- Vista is around the corner, and Dell (and most other manufacturers) offer free upgrades when it becomes available.

For under $1,500, I got:

- Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (2.13GHz)
- XP Media Center Edition
- Free Upgrade to Vista Home Premium
- 2GB DDR2 533MHz
- 250 GB SATA 7200
- 16x DVD ROM + 48x CD-RW/DVD
- 19 " digital flat panel
- 256MB Radeon X1300 Pro
- SB Audigy
- Keyboard (multimedia), mouse (optical) - USB
- 650 VA UPS
- 13-in-1 media card reader
- 1394 adapter

I don't think there is any way you can build something like that yourself for that price... I also believe that today is a really bad day to buy computers (unless you don't care about the upcoming Vista); the main reason (other than cost) that I went with Dell is that I'm sure it's going to work with Vista (and I'll get it for free...)

Well, I have to admit that Negative has introduced a slightly different angle here.

I have purchased two Dells over the past 12 years............. I would say that they cost about $15,000 between them, but they are still going strong. I bought them when they were the best you could buy...............now I build my own or get an ex-corporate, and upgrade.

The secret, in my opinion, is to decide what you want up front. Whatever you buy will be obsolete in 6 months, so I tend to go for stuff that is already obsolete and costs rock bottom.

Neg~ is spot on, now is not the time to buy fancy gear unless you have a clearly defined use for it.

:)

I figured I should post the parts I have chosen up till now, and see what you guys think. I kinda chose a cheap RAM but i didn't know what to choose, so if you have any better ideas please post.
http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/...Number=4953127
I upgraded from the
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116014
to the
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116213
which is more expensive.
Why does the more expensive one have a lower clock speed? Also, what is the difference between Pentium D and 4? (i know that D is a newer line of processors, but thats about it)

The case is very tacky.................see through panels and flashing lights = crap!

Get something with 500w (or better), and plain.

One of the processors is single core and the more expensive one is dual core as far as I can see..............I have not looked up their details, mind you.

If I were running MS Office, I would go for the older, single core architecture;)

Dual Core and better still, dual processors are the future, but the software has yet to catch up?
;)