Hardware - Doubts in Process

Author

Doubts in Process

Dynamics

2004-04-07, 11:12 am

I'm looking to build myself two systems ( similar, not exactly the same ) for my web development and programming, what would be the best at the lowest price ( not necessarily sacrificing performance ), to put into my system? processor, board form factor, video card, and so on.. I've already got an idea, I'd just like to recieve some input.

DaDnDe

2004-04-07, 6:56 pm

well i would go for a couple P-3's if that is all you want to do.

if you arent doing any heavy graphics, 3D modeling, games, etc. then anything over 500 mhz will do. shop around and see whats available. keep in mind that P-4's have additional processor instructions that will benefit you. (iow, clock speed isnt everything)

when you get farther away from the top of the line stuff there can be a huge difference in performance but not a lot in dollars.

i built a machine that i use for my ICS machine with the firewall, main e-mail, etc. that uses a MB with built in everything because i dont need the performance here and its cheaper when sound, video, modem, LAN, etc is built in. then i built another machine that i put in the high end video card, extra RAM, SATA RAID 0 hard drives, etc. this one i connect to the internet thru ICS and run it as lean as possible for better game performance (keep in mind that you only need only firewall setup in a network but EVERY computer should be running anti-virus)

but if you are interested in building your own, you should be able to do the basic machine for $350(P-4 1.8 Ghz) and a more than decent gamer for $800.(P-4 3 Ghz)

Dynamics

2004-04-08, 9:43 am

that'll work. currently i'm running a p3 730 mhz, with 192 mb of ram. so, i guess it'll be good for the upgrade. but i'll probably scratch it and build from the base so that I know exactly what i can and can't run. dell's are fine, but i want a system i can call my own.

DaDnDe

2004-04-08, 1:21 pm

that system sounds good except for one thing. if you are going to run XP, i strongly recommend at least 256 MB of RAM.

512 is better, but 256 MB is almost a must.

and you are right about Dell. they do not make the best systems by a long shot. my sister has a Dell that has many hardware capabilities disabled. this is done im sure for stability and compatability purposes.

also, the best part about building a system from scratch is that with the money you save by building your own system, you can afford to keep both systems. if you are into networking at all, having multiple systems is the ONLY way to learn.

also building your own system is advantageous because a KVM switch for $50 can save you several hundred dollars in a multi-system setup.

Sponsored Links