OK, so I ordered the parts for the new machine. I tried to keep the cost down and at the same time keep my upgrade options open. I spent the better part of two weeks looking obsessing on what I was going to actually build (and I should really REALLY thank my wife for putting up with me during this time).
I started out thinking about building an AMD Athlon XP system because parts are cheaper and since it’s an older CPU, better supported in Linux. While the XP is a strong CPU and should last for a couple years (at least for my use), I don’t foresee AMD continuing production of this line. That would mean I would be stuck at a Athlon XP 3200+ 400MHz. That’s probably a fast CPU and overclocking it would make it even faster, however, the CPU is not the only thing that would create a road block when upgrading a system. The motherboards that support the socket A use older chipsets and none that I have found support PCI Express. Most of them do support SATA Raid (some support PATA Raid as well). Another thing is memory. Most of the boards max out at 3GB of PC3200 (some will only do 2GB at 400MHz *or* 3GB at 333MHz). Furthermore, the cost between an Athlon XP and an Athlon 64 (939) setup aren’t that significant. Therefor, I decided to go 64.
True, 64-bit Linux is still relatively new, but I can run 32-bit Linux just fine with a 64-bit CPU. And, from what I’ve heard, an Athlon 64 3000+ will run circles around an Athlon XP 3000+.
So, armed with a bunch of “knowledge,” I ordered up some parts to put together a machine I think will last me for the next 2 to 3 years. Even beyond that, I can upgrade my CPU/RAM/Hard Drive/Video Card without having to buy a new motherboard or the entire system.
Here’s a list of what’s on order:
- CoolerMaster CENTURION 5 Case
- Seasonic S12 330 PSU
- EPoX EP-9NPA+ Ultra Motherboard
- AMD Athlon 64 3000+ CPU
- 1GB O’ Dual Channel Memory a la Corsair ValueSelect
- Samsung SpinPoint P Series 160GB SATA II HD
- XFX GeForce 6600LE
- NEC Dual Layer DVD Burner
- NEC Floppy
- Nifty Looking Keyboard
- M$ Mouse
- Decent 17″ Viewsonic LCD
I’ll have to detail the build when I get around to it. Hopefully I don’t get any DOA items that will need to be RMA’d… don’t know if I have the patience for that right now.
Wow! How exciting! I feel like building a new machine…I think Ayako would flip if a bunch of stuff came in the mail. I do need to pick up a new power supply and an additional hard disk.
I looked at the stuff you ordered – looks good!
Let us know how it goes!
Hey, if you need a new power supply, take a look at the Seasonic. They’re one of the most efficient ones out there and they’re pretty quiet as well. They cost a little more than your average PSU, but they’re supposed to be really good units. I’ve been reading up on several sites for most of the stuff I’ve bought…
> Anandtech > Silent PC Review if you’re looking for quiet components > Tom’s Hardware
Newegg has good prices and fast shipping (I placed an order late Wed night and it arrived today). MWAVE is a few $$ cheaper on most things than newegg and you can pick your order up from their wherehouse in Walnut, CA
Wow – you already received your stuff…
Well, are you two feet deep in packing material and pc parts?
I’ll check out the links…I dont know much about PSU’s – mine has got a fan that acts up now and then and gets pretty darn noisy. Its also not much of a power supply – I’ve got a ton of stuff running on it…3 drives 2 hard drives and a bunch of other stuff…
I’ve also got my eye on a 300 gig hard drive which I think I’ll pick up in the next couple of weeks.
It must feel like Christmas. Personally, I wouldn’t have enough self control to not open everything up and start putting it together:-).
The case looks pretty cool from the pix. Very simple. Its probably what I would have picked.
The thing about PSUs is that you really don’t need a ton of power, just good quality power. I’ve read in several places that even at max load, the average PC will only use around 200W – 250W. At idle you’d probably be around 170W tops. Even with all your drives you be fine with good 350W PSU (maybe a 400W just to be on the safe side). But to even come close to using the max power, you’d have to be running 100% CPU and all your drives would have to be spinning at full speed at the same time.
It also depends on your motherboard and CPU as well. If you have an older CPU (like an XP) you can get away with the older ATX v1.3 (although, the better ATX v2 PSUs come with 24 to 20 pin adapters and would work fine). Some other brands to look at are Antec, Fortron Source (FSP), Enermax and Zalman… maybe even Ultra with the X-Connect feature.
I haven’t gotten any parts yet. The newegg shipment arrived to day while I was at work so it’s sitting over at the FedEx facility. The MWAVE order is will-call so I’ll pick both of them up tomorrow sometime. I should be up and running by sunday (if everything goes well).
Any updates?
Read the next post :)