On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 8:47 PM, Philip Webb <[email protected]> wrote: > Thanks for all the advice so far. Here is the list of proposed pieces : > > CPU : AMD Bulldozer X4 FX-4170 4-Core 4,2 GHz 8 MB : 149.99 (CAD) > Mobo : Asus M5A97 AM3+ DDR3 2133 6xSATA3 2xUSB3 USB2 : 99.99 > Memory : Kingston ValueRAM 4 GB DDR3 1333 MHz CL9 : 24.99 > Graphix : Asus GT520-1GD3-CSM Nv GT520 810 MHz 1 GB : 54.99 > SSD : Kingston HyperX 3K SATA3 120 GB 6 Gb/s : 149.99 > HDD : Seagate Barracuda SATA3 500 GB 16 MB 6 Gb/s : 69.99 > Case : Canada Computer NA-680 ATX Tower 450 W W/CR : 42.99 > subtotal : 592.93 > tax : 77.08 > total : 670.01 > > CPU : the principal point made seemed to be that raw speed is central; > I'm suspicious that > 4 cores, chip design becomes vital to performance > & I doubt if I'm going to need more cores; this is the fastest CPU in sight. > > Mobo : I've always bought Asus. > > Memory : I already have 1 of these in another machine, > so I'll end up with 8 GB after transfering it ; there's no point > in buying faster memory, as it will run at the lower speed. > > Graphics : I prefer to go with Nvidia on a separate card : > my suspicion is that Intel's built-in GPU takes space on the die > & I had a bad experience with drivers when I tried to use it > on a machine I built in 2007 (I had to add an Nvidia card in the end). > > SSD : I'll use this for everything needing regular access > & esp anything Portage (grin). > > HDD : This is far larger than I'll need in the foreseeable future, > but it will allow me to set up an incremental Rsync back-up. > > Case : I assume 450 W is adequate; the 2007 PSU has 500 W . > > I will also transfer a CD/DVD drive from another machine. > > All pieces are in good supply at Canada Computers in downtown Toronto, > which suggests they are popular with other customers. > > Comments are as welcome as ever (big smile). > > -- > ========================,,============================================ > SUPPORT ___________//___, Philip Webb > ELECTRIC /] [] [] [] [] []| Cities Centre, University of Toronto > TRANSIT `-O----------O---' purslowatchassdotutorontodotca > >
Ok, so I get that you're on a budget (who isn't these days!) and so you're proposing to reuse some memory from another box, but I think for a nice new processor you'd do better to spend a few bucks more and buy a new 8GB DRAM set for about $80 instead of reusing the older one. This would allow you to get another 8GB later when you decide you want it. (and you will!) ;-) Anyway, it's an additional $45 which is about 8% of the machine cost. I attach a link to Crucial's page for that motherboard. Crucial stuff you can usually get through Amazon so no running around. Crucial has replaced memory 2 or 3 times for me no charge. Good company. Good luck, Mark http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=M5A97&Cat=RAM
