Spec for general usage and CAD usage?

Scythe

Scythe

Scythe

Soldato
Joined
23 Jun 2005
Posts
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Hi, I don't spend a lot on computers anymore, so I don't really know what the components are like these days. I'm running a Mac Mini for general usage, but I'm going to build a PC for new usage and CAD work, along with assignments etc for uni.

I don't regularly upgrade so I want a good spec now that will last me a while, USB3, i7 preferably, but other than that, I don't know.

Ideally:
  • USB3
  • 1TB HD Capacity minimum
  • Plenty of RAM (preferably 8GB or more?)
  • No SSD
  • Futureproof

I've already got Windows 7 too, but nothing else. I won't be overclocking either.

Budget is £500, maybe stretch to £600 if it opens up many more opportunities.

Is it possible?
 
Last edited:
stulid said:
Do you need a monitor/keyboard etc?
Click to expand...

I'm going to put away £500 for a system, and an extra £100 for a monitor, so that's why I can stretch to £600 if it's really needed for the spec.

Gonna be using a KVM switch with my Mac so using existing keyboard/mouse.
 
Thanks for the quick response. It's got 12GB (8GB + 4GB packs) there, is there enough slots to accommodate this, or is it best just sticking to the 8GB due to dual channel?

Don't need delivery either so that'll save me a tidy sum :)

EDIT: I also won't be overclocking so doesn't matter, will stay stock :)
 
Reaper 392 said:
you would see a massive benefit from overclocking in CAD programs. its also really easy
Click to expand...

True but this system will be easily quick enough compared to mine right now what I've been working with :p

I suppose having the opportunity there is useful, I like to have a quiet, stable system without much messing about though to be honest.
 
stulid said:
You already have DDR3 ram? how many sticks is it? how is it arranged?

2X4GB and a 4GB or 2X4GB and 2X2GB?
Click to expand...

No I'm running DDR2. I mean looking at the spec, it has

Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (CMX4GX3M2A1600C9) £26.99
(£22.49)

and

Kingston HyperX Genesis Grey 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (KHX1600C9D3X2K2/8GX) £49.99


Total is 12GB? It would be quite nice to have if it worked.
 
Is such a big card really required? With my work it's mostly processing power I lack, although a dedicated card will be needed. Possible place to cut back? I'm not sure
 
stulid said:
If it was me, I would want the GTX460+ i5 2300 option.
Click to expand...

Ok, thank you, I think I'll go for it :)

I will need a dedicated graphics card by the looks of things now then, I'll be doing lots of complex drawings so I suppose it will be for the best

Thanks for your help people
 
Why can't you overclock with a H67? I really shouldn't have lost interest in computers, as I'd have a better idea still!

Might look into having a mild overclock applied, to 3Ghz or so from 2.8Ghz. This should be easy without much increase in temperature surely?

EDIT: Just saw it is a micro-atx board. Wouldn't it be simpler and cheaper to get a standard ATX board, full size and everything should be better for cooling as it is spread out?
 
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Reaper 392 said:
H series motherboards have a locked multiplier. since this is the only way you can overclock with the new sandybridge chips is with the multiplier you cant overclock on these boards

the multiplier is locked to bring down costs, and is mainly for people who arent very computer literate and dont know what overclocking is.

the great thing is, it was perfect for people who wanteda budget sandybridge motherboard. however, now that OcUK sell a P67 series motherboard for £8 more than the H67 motherboard that you want, its really a no brainer to go p67
Click to expand...

Same socket etc?
 
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