Re: [gentoo-user] new machine : proposed design

[Mark Knecht]

On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 8:47 PM, Philip Webb <purslow@××××××××.net> 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