Hard drives- Seconday Hd's

SDA1C

Syndil wrote: »

Don't know. I have built every computer I've ever owned, but I'm starting to think those days are passed as well. You can get pre-built PCs using the same high-end components you would if you built one yourself, and if it's pre-built it will be cheaper. When it comes time to replace my current PC I will probably buy my first pre-built PC.

What one would you look at first if do have to buy a prebuilt type?

EndersShadow

SDA1C wrote: »

That would be cool if you have time. Also as quiet as possible. I know some folks like the sound like a gear drive in a chevy but I am more of the sleeper type.

No worries. An aftermarked CPU heatsink and a good case will take care of that. . I am running 5+ fans in my computer and from sitting next to it you can barely hear it :biggrin:

Glowrdr

For a cheap PC, it definately isn't worth it to build anymore. I can't build one for $400 and install Windows on it (legally). Although, you wouldn't catch me going to Best Buy and getting a $2,000 PC from them. You could build the same exact thing for probably 2/3 of the price.

Not to mention - build once, and you have a decent jump on the next one. I just did that actually. Kept my Antec case, PS, HDD and DVD drives. Bought a new MB, i5 2500k processor, a couple of 500GB drives for RAID and 16GB memory. In the end I think it cost me $600 to upgrade/rebuild.

EndersShadow

Glowrdr wrote: »

Not to mention - build once, and you have a decent jump on the next one. I just did that actually. Kept my Antec case, PS, HDD and DVD drives. Bought a new MB, i5 2500k processor, a couple of 500GB drives for RAID and 16GB memory. In the end I think it cost me $600 to upgrade/rebuild.

Agreed. I have switched cases three times, changed CPU heatsinks twice, along with downgrading powersupplies and graphics cards and after selling off the old stuff come out about even.

Next jump for me will be from my overclocked quad core Q9650 (4 Ghz) to a i5 w/ DDR3, but since the socket isnt compatible with my current motherboard or memory, its going to be a bit lol. Plus its overkill for what I use it for.

I debated building a small mini-ITX desktop for just the internet and word processing and keeping my main rig as a server, but havent felt like buying the parts yet lol.

SDA1C

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do;HHOJSID=lpC9PybJLw3GbRGsCCwnyynyYJk4Tcp1J8MLSQMXfTnSngJz2qGl!309508561?storeName=computer_store&category=desktops&a1=Category&v1=Gaming&series_name=h9xt_series&jumpid=in_R329_prodexp/hhoslp/psg/desktops/Gaming/h9xt_series

How about this kid here? What do I need to have to plug in one of those ASUS sound cards?

PrazVT

It has 2 pci-e 1x slots - most sound cards use that now, so you should be good.

Syndil

Performance-wise it wouldn't be that much different from the first HP you linked to. You're paying a huge premium for the six-core processor in the second one, even though it runs at 3.2GHz compared to the 3.4GHz of the quad-core.

If you're going to be using it for HTPC, general office use and CAD, you really don't need that powerful of a machine. I support a laser/machine shop that has several CAD machines, and they aren't anything special other than an Nvidia Quadro video card. If CAD is going to be the most intensive thing you do, what you're looking at so far is what I would consider massive overkill. But if you want to go big or go home, I can definitely understand that.

Last CAD machine I sold was a Lenovo Thinkstation E30 at $929 per machine.

Drenis

Marty913 wrote: »

A typical Windows 7 operating system load is very roughly 65 GB (depends on apps, MS Office)

Where the heck did you get that info from? My Win 7 Pro 64-bit with office and a crap load of applications and I've used 50 GB's. My Windows folder is only 24.5 GB's. Still have 90+ GB's left on my 160GB Intel SSD.

Also, Lenovo is like the new IBM now. Good brand.

If you're looking to spend 2 grand on a new system, I'll help you spend your money. However, building is still the best way to ensure quality parts and that you spend less. Some here might not agree with me but that's just the way I roll. If you're content with browsing the web and typing some emails and the game of solitaire, go buy the cheapest dell desktop you can.

SDA1C

That's good news. It sounds to me like the best bet is going with the h8xt adding maybe a secondary 1tb drive and spending the rest on software.

PrazVT

I'm with Drenis - unless the machine is being used for very basic activities and minimal to zero config changes, I wouldn't go into Best Buy and pick something up even if the high level specs are decent. I'd rather ensure I get a reliable / full featured / tough motherboard, quality power supply, and quality ram at the very least. By then you're halfway to custom building anyway.

Also agree with Syndil about getting a 6 core for CAD applications. I'm guessing those are GPU accelerated, in which case you should be spending more on the video card than the CPU. But again, that's if there are any budget constraints.

If you do any HD video encoding (ex. blu-ray -> mkv or avchd), more cores is helpful. But otherwise a 4 core / 8 thread i7 should do the trick. I do alot of encoding & gaming so to me the i7 970 was worth it (esp OC'd to 4.2ghz on water).

SDA1C

I am mainly concerned with the processing of the CAD and having a strong home office. The wife and I both take online classes so it needs to support the full Office suite.We don't do much gaming but occasionally I'll try a few rounds of World of Tanks. I would like it to be an incognito digital hifi source allowing me to go tube elsewhere in the house and still have good sound from youtube.. It's really sounding like the h8xt business model from hp (not best buy). I think I saw somewhere a 20 to 30% discount via the school as well.

Syndil

If you build your own, sure you know exactly what goes into it, but you are also responsible for fixing it if it breaks, or at least determining which specific part has broken. With a pre-built the warranty covers the entire computer, and if it breaks you just call up the manufacturer.

Don't get me wrong I've built every single PC I've owned so far, starting with a 286 I built from used parts in college. Well, mostly used. I remember I shelled out over $300 of my hard-earned student-level income for a 14.4k modem to put in it. Couldn't even use that as a paper weight today. But the point is, obviously I'm a computer guy. I don't get the impression that SDA1C is much of a computer guy. If he was, he probably wouldn't have posted this thread.

And with all the discounts available on pre-built machines, I bet I can find something similar to whatever you guys piece together for less money. We could make a game of it. Post your parts/price list when you're done, and I'll see if I can beat it with a pre-built.

PrazVT

You're totally right Syndil - unless you've been at it for years, it's not always the best option to build yourself.

@SDA1C - I think a reasonably spec'd machine + a good video card and sound card and you'll be in good shape.

Drenis

SDA1C wrote: »

I am mainly concerned with the processing of the CAD and having a strong home office. The wife and I both take online classes so it needs to support the full Office suite.We don't do much gaming but occasionally I'll try a few rounds of World of Tanks. I would like it to be an incognito digital hifi source allowing me to go tube elsewhere in the house and still have good sound from youtube.. It's really sounding like the h8xt business model from hp (not best buy). I think I saw somewhere a 20 to 30% discount via the school as well.

If you plan on doing CAD or any graphic intensive programs, get a better than average nVidia card like the GTX 560 Ti. Onboard video will be garbage for those programs. Also factor in RAM. Budget for 8GB min. I don't know what you use or will all be doing but 8 is the bare min I would run. Some people who are really into that hobby run 16GB.

Syndil wrote: »

If you build your own, sure you know exactly what goes into it, but you are also responsible for fixing it if it breaks, or at least determining which specific part has broken. With a pre-built the warranty covers the entire computer, and if it breaks you just call up the manufacturer.

There are so many horror stories when it comes to that topic. I've dealt with Dell warranty once... never again. And it was for a customers machine I was servicing. The process is lengthy so have patience if anything fails.

Edit: SDA1C, I'd love to help you out with finding something that suits you and covers all the needs you desire but there seems to be folks here who might know you a lot better then I who are taking care of you. I'm sure the community won't steer you wrong. But DO listen to the people who know their ****. Good luck dude!

Marty913

Drenis wrote: »

Where the heck did you get that info from? My Win 7 Pro 64-bit with office and a crap load of applications and I've used 50 GB's. My Windows folder is only 24.5 GB's. Still have 90+ GB's left on my 160GB Intel SSD.

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I meant a Win7 load AND the typical group of MS Office apps plus everyday user programs/documents can run in the 60-65 GB range. My point was in response to the question about using a 128GB SSD for the OS and some media.