I need computer advice.

cgratti wrote in post #4606400
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http://www.thebestpage​intheuniverse.net/c.cg​i?u=macs_cant

You've gotta love it

Skip, some say XP runs faster on 2GB than 4, but if you're planning to upgrade the OS soon, it's probably negligible. FWIW, I built a system very similar to your OP list (in fact, it's uncannily similar) and am very happy. I also recommend Antec cases and power supplies. I've had two generic ones fail lately.

Thanks fo all the help guys.
It appears that I can upgrade the PS to ENERMAX Liberty ELT620AWT Would this be a good unit? The upgrade price is $135

Seems like a bit overkill. I wouldn't spend more than about $90: http://www.newegg.com …aspx?Item=N82E1​6817371007

The 600+ watt PSUs are so expensive because of the bling factor. Few machines actually need that much. I have a loaded mid tower with no problems on 450w.

The HD that you have picked out is not the best choice -- 160 GB is tiny these days and the model that you picked only has 8 MB cache. Instead, I would go with the Western-Digital WD5000AAKS -- 500 GB, 16 MB cache SATA.

It has been almost 2 years since the last computer that I built, so I haven't kept up with the latest on everything, but I really like my Intel board with dual core processor -- I guess that quad is the latest thing now. Memory speed and amount of memory is more important than processor speed, so go for fast FSB and high speed memory and lots of it -- at least 4 GB for aps like Photoshop CS3 Extended. And don't forget the case with lots of illuminated fans and blue lights out the wazoo -- that is really important!

I don't see a need for really fancy graphics cards unless you are a rabid 3D gamer (or very high-end CAD or animation application user) and need an adapter to rapidly build solid model vector graphics. Otherwise, an adapter that can handle the needs of your monitor (optimum refresh rate @ native resolution and usually 32-bit depth color).

rowdyred94 wrote:
Seems like a bit overkill. I wouldn't spend more than about $90: http://www.newegg.com …t/Produc...82E1​6817371007

Yes Clint, I too think the Enermax Liberty may be a bit of overkill however there has been some skepticism expressed over the quality of the default PS and it has been my experience that if you get the best you can afford you will seldom be disappointed. I can afford to be on the safe side.
I have decided not to build it myself but to have it custom built. If you check out post #9 you will see my power supply options. Please let me know what you think.

Thanks for responding Bill.
Did you notice that there will be two hard drives? The 160 GB will run the thing and the 500 GB will hold the data.

Now if someone would just suggest a decent video card that can run two monitors (dual cards is OK too) I would be much appreciative. How about the ATI Radeon X1550 256mb as this is available through the builder?

Thanks to all.

Skip Souza wrote in post #4612567
Thanks for responding Bill.
Did you notice that there will be two hard drives? The 160 GB will run the thing and the 500 GB will hold the data.

Yes, after I clicked SUBMIT. However, I think that it would be a good plan to get two 500 GB drives and connect them in a striped RAID configuration for data and configuration protection. Heck, get 4 drives.

Also, both of the drives that you selected have 8 MB buffers and I recommend 16 MB for faster performance.

I already told you all that I know (and maybe a bit more) about video cards -- sorry.

My system is OK, but it started acting wonky (that is a technical term according to the software pukes where I worked before my retirement) about 8 months ago after installing Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium and now I can't uninstall it or reinstall it or do anything to it but live with it.

I agree, Skip, to a point. I find myself decidedly disappointed when I discover I've spent a bunch of money for no reason.