PC quotes and advice please

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ScorpiusK

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Hey guys

So insurance paid me out based on Incredible Corruptions repair quote. I dont want to repair but rather to put in a couple thousand extra for a decent PC.
Looking to spend between 6-7K for a PC (excluding monitor). Looking to spend between 2-3K for a good monitor (preferably larger than 22" and able to handle HD inputs and to be used like an extra TV)

Based on some of what I read on this forum, I'm thinking quad core Intel CPU, Asus P5 MB, 4Gb RAM, 500Gb HDD. I see all recommendations being on DDR2 800 RAM and wondering why not 1066? Is it due to too small a performance difference for the price?
Also I dont really play games but would like a decent enough GFX card for video encoding and some Photoshop work and to handle HD well. Looking at around 1-1.5K for a card I guess.

As for monitor, I really like the Samsung 23" and T240. Seen rather varying pricing so if anyone knows where I can get the best price let me know.
I'm also happy building the PC myself. I havent done so or looked at components in about 5 years which is why I'm looking for advice in whats the best available now at good prices.

Thanks in advance guys
 
Oh one more thing. Looking to buy a good TV tuner that gets digital transmission
 
R2500 Intel Core2 Quad Q8300
R1400 ASUS P5QL-Pro
R325 Hynix 2048MB, 800Mhz, DDR2 240-Pin Memory Module
R325 Hynix 2048MB, 800Mhz, DDR2 240-Pin Memory Module
R750 SAMSUNG SATA2 500GB 7200RPM 16MB HDD
R1300 Sapphire HD4670
R2300 Samsung 2333SW 23" 1920x1080

R8900
 
Ok so to answer your question - you won't really notice a difference with 1066 ram because it will never realistically run at that speed, not with core2/quad architecture. To overclock a q6600 to 3.6 will only require 400mhz fsb from ram for example. And good quality 800 ram will overclock to 1066 anyway.

Anyway I agree with pp's recommendations. Maybe can you stretch to a 4830 rather than 4670? You will see the difference. Shame to waste such a great PC with a puny graphics card.
 
cerebus said:
Anyway I agree with pp's recommendations. Maybe can you stretch to a 4830 rather than 4670? You will see the difference. Shame to waste such a great PC with a puny graphics card.
Click to expand...

Agreed. If there is more to spend, go for a better graphics card.
 
cerebus said:
it will never realistically run at that speed, not with core2/quad architecture.
Click to expand...

Probably not if you're aiming for a 1:1 RAM:BUS ratio, no. But if you use memory dividers (as we all do) then it will run at its stated speed.
 
The_Techie said:
Probably not if you're aiming for a 1:1 RAM:BUS ratio, no. But if you use memory dividers (as we all do) then it will run at its stated speed.
Click to expand...

yeah, so instead of running your fsb @ 400mhz and your memory @ 400mhz(800mhz effective) you could run the divider @ 1:1.6, so your fsb is at 333mhz(cpu clock @ 3ghz) and your memory will then run @ 1066mhz...

or you could keep your fsb @ 266mhz(cpu will be @ stock speeds) and just have a ratio of 1:2
 
Thanks for the responses and the explanations guys. Takes me back to what I studied and realise how long its been since I left IT as a career path.:D


PostmanPot said:
R2500 Intel Core2 Quad Q8300
R1400 ASUS P5QL-Pro
R325 Hynix 2048MB, 800Mhz, DDR2 240-Pin Memory Module
R325 Hynix 2048MB, 800Mhz, DDR2 240-Pin Memory Module
R750 SAMSUNG SATA2 500GB 7200RPM 16MB HDD
R1300 Sapphire HD4670
R2300 Samsung 2333SW 23" 1920x1080

R8900
Click to expand...

Thanks PostmanPot!
Sounds like a great system. Are those are your own quotes from your own business or from another computer store?
Few q's if you dont mind:
- Whats the difference between the Q8300 and Q9300? I see that PC International have the Q9300 listed at about R2600 but not the Q8300
- Is brand on memory modules important? I've never thought about that before
- Point taken on the GFX card. I'm happier to shell out a bit more if the performance benefits are higher enough for the extra cash. Also is the consensus that the ATI cards are best at this price point?
- One last thing I guess would be a good enough PSU and case - any recommendations?
 
ScorpiusK said:
Thanks PostmanPot!
Sounds like a great system. Are those are your own quotes from your own business or from another computer store?
Few q's if you dont mind:
- Whats the difference between the Q8300 and Q9300? I see that PC International have the Q9300 listed at about R2600 but not the Q8300
- Is brand on memory modules important? I've never thought about that before
- Point taken on the GFX card. I'm happier to shell out a bit more if the performance benefits are higher enough for the extra cash. Also is the consensus that the ATI cards are best at this price point?
- One last thing I guess would be a good enough PSU and case - any recommendations?
Click to expand...

Ram brand isn't important unless you'll be ocing yur ram.

Q9300 = 6mb cache Q8300 = 4mb cache

If it's only R100 more take the Q9300.

It's definitelt ati in the limelight now. Take the 4830. Should be around R1700/R1800.

PSU wise a Coolermaster extreme 460Watt should be fine. It's got dual 12v rails with 18amps on each. Failing that maybe the cooler master extreme 550. The corsair 550 is also worth a look if you don't mind spending a bit more.
 
ScorpiusK said:
Thanks for the responses and the explanations guys. Takes me back to what I studied and realise how long its been since I left IT as a career path.:D




Thanks PostmanPot!
Sounds like a great system. Are those are your own quotes from your own business or from another computer store?
Few q's if you dont mind:
- Whats the difference between the Q8300 and Q9300? I see that PC International have the Q9300 listed at about R2600 but not the Q8300
- Is brand on memory modules important? I've never thought about that before
- Point taken on the GFX card. I'm happier to shell out a bit more if the performance benefits are higher enough for the extra cash. Also is the consensus that the ATI cards are best at this price point?
- One last thing I guess would be a good enough PSU and case - any recommendations?
Click to expand...

Yip, approximate quotes from my own business.

Thanks Qwikslver for answering the Qs. :)

+1 on Q9300, 4830 and CM Extreme 550watt (Corsair is a bit pricey :D).
 
Thanks guys!
Well at R500 more the 4830 certainly looks good
Will have a look at the Coolermaster PSU's and cases
PostmanPot, I see you're in CT. What would be approx charge for shipping?
 
ScorpiusK said:
Thanks guys!
Well at R500 more the 4830 certainly looks good
Will have a look at the Coolermaster PSU's and cases
PostmanPot, I see you're in CT. What would be approx charge for shipping?
Click to expand...

Without a big/heavy case it would be cheap. ;)

I'll PM you.
 
Coolermaster 550 would be my recommendation. More than enough for upgrades, solid, excellent PSU.
 
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