system spec help

simon567

simon567

simon567

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Joined
20 Dec 2005
Posts
15
Hi

I'm just looking for a little assistance specs for a system!

I work as a web designer, so regularly user Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash etc all at once. I also do other design related things in my spare time, so throw Illustrator and Indesign into the above list, but no 3D.

I also use my computer for music making so would like it to perform in that area as well (I'm guessing other than a soundcard, I'd require pretty similar specs for this as designing?).

I'm entirely a console gamer, so no PC gaming is required at all.

I can spend upto about £1000. I already have an M-Audio 24/96 soundcard which I'll use for the new system (unless there's a reason not to?), everything else will be new and I need to buy XP as well which is to be included in the above (not interested in Vista ATM)

I'd also like something that's fairly quiet for music recording (and lack of noise annoyance!)

Here's what I have so far (though any alternative suggestions are welcome)...

£75.19 Asus P5B (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard
£111.61 Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 "LGA775 Conroe" 1.86GHz (1066FSB) - Retail
£46.99 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB ST3250620AS SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM
£46.99 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB ST3250620AS SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM
£58.74 Lian-Li PC-7 PLUS Aluminium Midi-Tower Case - Black

I'm looking for 2GB RAM, thinking 800mhz? Any advice which to go for?

Any advice on quiet power supplies and CPU fans?

Recommendations video-card wise? I'm a bit worried about ATI cards as when I last owned one, I got pretty bad banding on gradients. I have a Geforce 6200 in current computer which seems to look fine (using a Dell 2407fpw).

How are the fans in the case? Should I replace them with quieter ones also?

Other advice on leads and other connecters I need are also helpful and as I said, if anyone thinks I'm heading in the wrong direction, please give me alternative suggestions! (I'm by no means an expert!)

All advice much appreciated!
 
Depending on if you plan to overclock or not, which I doubt you will be from your post that looks fine.

I would maybe bump up the mobo to this one http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-088-GI for upgradability in the future, it will support the new intel processors.

Looks like a very nice spec, the hdd's work well in RAID too.

RAM wise: I would get the Giel 2GB PC6400 if your not planning to overclock or the G. Skill HZ PC6400 if you are planning to overclock.

Cooling, I would say a AC7 for small overclocks and a Noctua/Tuniq Tower for large overclocks.

That case has 1x120mm and x180mm fans I beleive which I would say get a 80mm Noctua case fan and a 120mm one also, for intake and outtake.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-002-NC&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=819
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-000-NC&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=4

Is the current GFX card you have AGP or PCIE?
 
thanks for the advice.

No plans to overclock. My current graphics card is AGP, otherwise I might stick with what I had.

Does all this stuff come with everything I need to connect it all together? I've got lots of experience with installing PCI cards, hard drives, memory etc. but have never built a system from scratch before (hopefully I don't mess anything up!).

Any advice for a quiet power supply also?

Again, thanks for the advice!
 
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I'd go for a P35C-DS3R which is a few £ more expensive but you get to use DDR3 in the future as well. Also would go for an E6600 if you are not going to overclock. Arctic Freezer 7 is sufficient and a lot quieter than the stock HSF.

Lian Li PC7 has 1 120mm intake and 1 120mm outtake plus an optional 80mm at the top. Both included fans are not particularly quiet so you will want to replace both and perhaps add a 80mm fan at the top too, although I'm not too experienced with silent fans. You can always go for a fan controller later.

As for graphics card you might want to get something with passive cooler like the ASUS EN7300GS/7600GS.

If you are willing to go far for a really quiet pc there are fans & hard drives dampening kits available and you may want to spend more on a better case like Akasa eclipse or lian li V1000.

As for PSU nothing is quieter than Seasonic M12 / Corsair HX520.

Your motherboard should supply you with enough cables your case will give you more than enough screws so there is no problem.
 
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