-=PCTechTalk=- Re: DIY computer
- From: Gman <gman.pctt@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2008 02:33:12 -0400
Initial thoughts below with plenty more to come after some careful
consideration of which jokes I want to include with my replies.
:O)
Peace,
Gman
"The only dumb questions are the ones we fail to ask"
----- Original Message -----
From: <dsw32952@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 12:03 AM
Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- DIY computer
>I am anticipating a new computer (Christmas is coming) and would like to
>build it myself, perhaps from a DIY barebones kit from TigerDirect or
>NewEgg (or similar). This will become the center of an entertainment
>system (primarily as a TIVO replacement) in addition to duty as a "normal"
>computer. It will not be used as a gaming system.
> I want a 64 bit dual core or better processor (2.5GHz or faster)
This is a given to help eliminate video stuttering. Aim for a 45nm Core
2 Quad from Intel to keep down heat while providing your system with plenty
of muscle for unanticipated workouts. Do you intend to do any video
transcoding on this machine? How about ripping from old cassettes, VHS,
LP's etc.?
> SATA capability for at least 2 hard drives
Given as less than the minimum you'll get with nearly any mainboard.
> Video card with at least 256 MB of memory and ATSC tuner with HDTV support
> (see note below)
Lots to say on this one. Enough to cover it separately so stop reading
this paragraph. There's nothing to be learned here. You heard me, now go
away!
> Audio with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound capability
This is already built into most mainboards and quality has improved
quite a bit, as long as you stay away from Realtec chips (they were called
out over a year ago by the tech community for falsifying EAX benchmark
results and still have yet to fix the problem). If you also want remote
control over sound, you will do better with a discrete card. My strongest
suggestion would be to not start your search with Creative Labs. You will
be surprised to learn what other options are out there.
> Powerful Power Supply to support a lot of external USB, Firewire or eSATA
> devices (replacing internal devices where ever feasable plus addtional
> hard drives, thumb drives and other stuff as technology permits)
Most external devices will include their own power cords and will not
need this support from the system PS. Those that don't have their own only
sip power through USB and are not much of a factor when figuring out how
much PS muscle you'll need. A better guage is to add up the requirements of
all major components that will reside within the case and get a PS that's at
least 80% of that figure (120% is best and allows plenty of room for future
expansion). My guess would be that one in the 700-800 watt range will do
you justice, although you'll know much better once the other components are
chosen. Make sure that it is 80 Plus certified, runs quiet (VERY important
for living room use) and carries a decent warantee.
> Lots of USB/Firewire/eSATA ports
You can always add more, but try to avoid USB hubs for this. They are
notorious for adding more issues than they solve.
> 4GB RAM with support for 8GB or more if required
Already standard on most consumer level boards. Many new boards support
up to 16GB.
> 26" or larger HDTV for a monitor
Your choice, but hold off on ordering until we've fully discussed
graphic card options. I have at least one possible 'must-have' you'll need
to support.
> Win XP 64-bit if compatible peripherals and drivers can be found
We'll see what's available as each suggestion comes up. Consider that
the majority of home entertainment systems are run using Linux.
> My main questions and concerns are at the component level... is one MoBo
> or chipset or cpu better suited, is ATI or Nvidia better, best GPU, Plasma
> vs LCD etc.
So are mine. Initially, your focus must be on the best chipset for
handling what you expect to throw at this baby (and then some). Once you
decide on the chipset, then you can compare features offered on mainboards
that use that chipset. The first thing then would be support for the
specific CPU you prefer to use. Then, look for drive options (including
RAID, if desired) as well as USB, Firewire, etc. support, CPU power
regulation, PCI-e & PCI slot support (as needed), etc..
> Tips as to what to look for or watch out for when considering the various
> parts of the system will be helpful.
You would do well to seek out a case made specifically for this type of
use. It would most likely lay flat (as opposed to a tower) and blend in
with other stereo type components. It's height will dictate the type of CPU
fan that can be mounted, but remember, the larger the fan, the quieter it
will run. If you end up using a tower, you'll want to look into grabbing up
a ThermalTake V1 CPU cooler or the Zalman 9500 (or 9700) line. They provide
the best compromise for cooling with the least amount of noise. If you go
with a flat style case, we'll have to do some research into the best air
cooling solution.
> Thanks for your input.
>
> Don
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