Recommendations on a new PC

[wanko80]

So I'm gonna get a new PC at work. While I don't have an unlimited budget, I don't need to get a basic one either. We prefer to use Dell's here, so that's what I'm gonna get.

I do some graphics work (using Photoshop, Acrobat, etc).

Any thoughts on what to go with? They have so many models and too much crap I haven't kept up with to know what is better.

For example here are some choices on processers for a Precision model:
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/linebr.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Core®2 Extreme X6800 2.93GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $1,134]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Core®2 Duo E6700 2.66GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $709]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Core®2 Duo E6600 2.40GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $489]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Core®2 Duo E6400 2.13GHz/1066MHz/2MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $319]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Core®2 Duo E6300 1.86GHz/1066MHz/2MB L2/Dual-core/VT [Included in Price]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Pentium® 4 Processor 631, 3.00GHz, 2MB L2, 800MHz, HT [subtract $30]

And here are video card options:

http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/linebr.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif512MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX 4500, Dual Monitor DVI or VGA [add $1,450]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif256MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX3500, Dual Monitor DVI or VGA Capable [add $825]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif256MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX 3450, Dual DVI or Dual VGA or DVI + VGA [add $525]

Enhanced Graphicshttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif256MB PCIe x16 ATI Fire GL V7200, Dual Monitor DVI or VGA Capable [add $725]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX550, Dual VGA or Dual DVI or DVI + VGA [add $71]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif128MB PCIe x16 ATI FireGL V3400, Dual DVI or Dual VGA or DVI + VGA [add $71]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro NVS 285, Dual DVI or Dual VGA Capable [add $10]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro NVS 285, Dual Monitor VGA Capable [Included in Price]

And the part I'm most clueless on, hard drives:

C1 All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 1 drive total configuration
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/collapse_selected.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC1 All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 1 drive total configuration [Included in Price]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC1a All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC2 All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 3 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC3 All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 4 drive total configuration add $0

May delay your Dell Precision 390 ship date (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:OpenPostedDetailsPop%28%27shipdate_details_po pup.aspx?%7Elt=print&name=m_9:SATA4&cfgitem=CFG&c=us&cs=04&kc=6W463&l=en&oc=39032min&s=bsd&fb=1%27,%27650%27,%27450%27%29)http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC4 All SATA drives, RAID 0, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC5 All SATA drives, RAID 1, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC6 All SAS drives, Non-RAID, 1 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC7 All SAS drives, Non-RAID, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC8 All SAS drives in RAID 0, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC9 All SAS drives, RAID 1, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif Boot Hard Drive

For hard drives, GB means 1 billion bytes, total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment.Mixing of SATA/SAS Hard Drives is allowed, but the 1st Hard Drive or Boot Hard Drive must be SATA.When Ordering SAS Hard Drives, you must select a SAS controller.When ordering RAID, all hard drives in the RAID must be exactly the same capacity, speed, and type.http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/bevel_notselected.gif80GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/collapse_notselected.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/brand/icons/help.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:makeWin2%28%27http://www1.us.dell.com/content/learnmore/learnmore.aspx?c=us&cs=555&l=en&s=gen&%7Eid=workstationharddrives&%7Eline=workstations&%7Emode=popup&%7Eseries=precn&ref=CFG%27,%20558,%20420%29;)Help Me Choose (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:makeWin2%28%27http://www1.us.dell.com/content/learnmore/learnmore.aspx?c=us&cs=555&l=en&s=gen&%7Eid=workstationharddrives&%7Eline=workstations&%7Emode=popup&%7Eseries=precn&ref=CFG%27,%20558,%20420%29;)http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/linebr.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif160GB SATA, 10K RPM Hard Drive with 16MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $231]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif80GB SATA, 10K RPM Hard Drive with 16MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $130]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif750GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 16MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $501]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif500GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 16MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $301]

New Lower Pricehttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif320GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 16MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $101]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $71]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif160GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $31]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif80GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™ [Included in Price]

May delay your Dell Precision 390 ship date (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:OpenPostedDetailsPop%28%27shipdate_details_po pup.aspx?%7Elt=print&name=m_8:80ST&cfgitem=CFG&c=us&cs=04&kc=6W463&l=en&oc=39032min&s=bsd&fb=1%27,%27650%27,%27450%27%29)http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif300GB, 3Gbps, SAS, 3.5 inch, 10K RPM Hard Drive [add $501]

May delay your Dell Precision 390 ship date (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:OpenPostedDetailsPop%28%27shipdate_details_po pup.aspx?%7Elt=print&name=m_8:300SS10&cfgitem=CFG&c=us&cs=04&kc=6W463&l=en&oc=39032min&s=bsd&fb=1%27,%27650%27,%27450%27%29)http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif146GB, 3Gbps, SAS, 3.5 inch, 15K RPM Hard Drive [add $501]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif146GB, 3Gbps, SAS, 3.5 inch, 10K RPM Hard Drive [add $351]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif73GB, 3Gbps, SAS, 3.5 inch, 15K RPM Hard Drive [add $301]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif73GB, 3Gbps, SAS, 3.5 inch, 10K RPM Hard Drive [add $181]


Should I just go with a cheaper model (Optiplex)? It seems the Optiplex doesn't have as many options on the hard drive.

[fly]

why in the fuck did you spoiler that? :lol:

[inline4]

SATA RAID 0
primary boot drive = 73GB 15kRPM drive
For the RAID go with two 750gb drives
7800gt card
and duo proc..

or get an optiplex..

[BeerAd]

Each of our computers are tossed together for like 200 bucks or packages from dell for about the same. No point to have major graphics cards and 300 gig hard drives here.

[wanko80]

why in the fuck did you spoiler that? :lol:
So it wasn't too long. I hate long posts because they make me not want to read them.

It's called being considerate asshole. Give it a try sometime. :heart:

[BeerAd]

So it wasn't too long. I hate long posts because they make me not want to read them.

It's called being considerate asshole. Give it a try sometime. :heart:

So setting up a spoiler that we have to take extra steps to see that it is long and then not want to read them is more considerate? :tard: :fly:

[wanko80]

So setting up a spoiler that we have to take extra steps to see that it is long and then not want to read them is more considerate? :tard: :fly:
No, I was just tricking you into reading it.

[BeerAd]

No, I was just tricking you into reading it.

EXACTLY!!!





ive done that before:P

[wanko80]

Follow up question on monitors.

I'd like to get a widescreen, but they're pretty damn expensive. Would I get a noticebly better deal buying one somewhere besides Dell?

[BeerAd]

www.pricewatch.com

[theacoustician]

Follow up question on monitors.

I'd like to get a widescreen, but they're pretty damn expensive. Would I get a noticebly better deal buying one somewhere besides Dell?

No. Widescreen monitor is the fucking win. Buy the 2407 and revel in its glory.

[w_a_w]

how big are the graphics you deal with? seems like you'd want raid and a nice vid card

[April40]

why in the fuck did you spoiler that? :lol:

I like it, it's very interactive.

[theacoustician]

Follow up : you don't need a Quattro or Fire card. That's top of the line pro-only stuff (read : printshops and architects). If you can, get a GT7950. Its SLI on a single card and that's fucking hot.

Don't do RAID 0 for your primary, unless you feel comfortable buying a new drive, restripping the RAID, and installing your OS from scratch. Its not likely you'll have a drive fail, but if you do, those are the steps you will have to take. DO NOT use RAID 0 for long term storage of photos, videos, music, etc. That's just fucking stupid.

You won't notice the difference between a SATA 300 15k rpm drive and a 7200rpm drive 90% of the time.

There is never such a thing as too much RAM. If you don't want to buy it from Dell installed, then buy some extra from Newegg after you get the machine and max it out.

Only worry about the Core2 E series. Skip the Extreme and the P4. Buy as fast as your budget allows, but I'd say the 6700 is just an ass-raping for the marginal improvement over the 6600.

[wanko80]

I'm not doing major graphics stuff here, but I do edit photos and such to create our flyers and catalogs.

Now, I really do want the 2407FP monitor, but it's so much more than the 2007FP. I only have a 17" flatscreen right now, so would I be correct that the 2007FP would still be a huge upgrade over what I have now?

[theacoustician]

I'm not doing major graphics stuff here, but I do edit photos and such to create our flyers and catalogs.

Now, I really do want the 2407FP monitor, but it's so much more than the 2007FP. I only have a 17" flatscreen right now, so would I be correct that the 2007FP would still be a huge upgrade over what I have now?

Size wise? No. It would just be wider than your current monitor. Remember that's 20" measured on the diagonal. You're dealing with 2 different aspect ratios (16:9 vs. 4:3). Would it be better quality wise? Depends on what you have now.

This is assuming you mean the 2007WFP and not the 2007FP since we're talking about widescreens here. If you do mean the 2007FP, moving from 17" to 20" isn't a huge leap. Quality wise, well, same as I said above.

[April40]

WFP FTW

[wanko80]

Size wise? No. It would just be wider than your current monitor. Remember that's 20" measured on the diagonal. You're dealing with 2 different aspect ratios (16:9 vs. 4:3). Would it be better quality wise? Depends on what you have now.

This is assuming you mean the 2007WFP and not the 2007FP since we're talking about widescreens here. If you do mean the 2007FP, moving from 17" to 20" isn't a huge leap. Quality wise, well, same as I said above.
I meant the WFP. Their website says FP Widescreen.

Right now I have a 1703FP.

[theacoustician]

I meant the WFP. Their website says FP Widescreen.

Right now I have a 1703FP.
Ah, then its nearly the same horizontal resolution. The colors will be slightly better, but I think the biggest thing you'll notice is the widescreen desktop. fly didn't believe me when I said it makes a difference. He's a believer now.

[Sarcasmo]

That Intel Core 2 Extreme is the new quad core processor, right? Get that. Instant internet penis elongation.

[fly]

Ya, I thought the widescreen BS was just Jews pushing their religion on us. Then I found out that it really is tits. :cool:

[theacoustician]

That Intel Core 2 Extreme is the new quad core processor, right? Get that. Instant internet penis elongation.

No. There are no quads on the market yet.

[Sarcasmo]

Oh my bad. It will be when it debuts.

"Citing sources at leading Taiwan motherboard makers, DigiTimes claims the first model will be an Extreme version, the Core 2 Extreme QX6700, which will be available starting in mid-November."

[April40]

Ya, I thought the widescreen BS was just Jews pushing their religion on us. Then I found out that it really is tits. :cool:

:lol: @ jews.

[theacoustician]

Oh my bad. It will be when it debuts.

"Citing sources at leading Taiwan motherboard makers, DigiTimes claims the first model will be an Extreme version, the Core 2 Extreme QX6700, which will be available starting in mid-November."

Go search Google Video for Alan Wake Quad Core.

That fucking demo made my jaw drop.

Edit : Actually it was YouTube. My bad.

[JPatrick]

Just get one of them blueberry flavored imacs.

[w_a_w]

Just get one of them blueberry flavored imacs.

that would be sooo cute! :elfpenis:

[Arátoeldar]

Oh my bad. It will be when it debuts.

"Citing sources at leading Taiwan motherboard makers, DigiTimes claims the first model will be an Extreme version, the Core 2 Extreme QX6700, which will be available starting in mid-November."

The Quad cores are code named Kentsfield.

[w_a_w]

The Quad cores are code named Kentsfield.

after so many years it's become readily apparent they have completely exhausted themselves of cool names

[Sp`ange]

Each of our computers are tossed together for like 200 bucks or packages from dell for about the same. No point to have major graphics cards and 300 gig hard drives here.

umm.. I highly disagree. I fill up 300 gig HD once a week and 2D performance is a big issues with photoediting and vector artwork.

I suggest (from your listed choices):

Intel™ Core®2 Duo E6600 2.40GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT

128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX550, Dual VGA or Dual DVI or DVI + VGA
(I'd look for a Matrox Parhelia 256MB. If you can get it, it will be the best dual monitor, 2D solution)

80GB SATA, 10K RPM Hard Drive with 16MB DataBurst Cache™ (boot hd)
250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™ (storage)

I also suggest a second HD for swap space. Illustrator & photoshop use their own space that can be specified and used separately from windows. I use a 50gb drive for that. Just make sure it's as fast as your boot hd. Some people would disagree with this choice, but it makes a HUGE difference in performance.

I'd also throw in a different mouse then what they ship. Get a Logitech.

[fly]

after so many years it's become readily apparent they have completely exhausted themselves of cool names

They are all named after cities in the northwest, no?

[Sarcasmo]

I fill up 300 gig HD once a week



wtf?

[fly]

wtf?

^Im with the idiot in the banana suit

[theacoustician]

umm.. I highly disagree. I fill up 300 gig HD once a week and 2D performance is a big issues with photoediting and vector artwork.

I suggest (from your listed choices):

Intel™ Core®2 Duo E6600 2.40GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT

128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX550, Dual VGA or Dual DVI or DVI + VGA
(I'd look for a Matrox Parhelia 256MB. If you can get it, it will be the best dual monitor, 2D solution)

80GB SATA, 10K RPM Hard Drive with 16MB DataBurst Cache™ (boot hd)
250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™ (storage)

I also suggest a second HD for swap space. Illustrator & photoshop use their own space that can be specified and used separately from windows. I use a 50gb drive for that. Just make sure it's as fast as your boot hd. Some people would disagree with this choice, but it makes a HUGE difference in performance.

I'd also throw in a different mouse then what they ship. Get a Logitech.
I don't think he's nearly as hardcore into graphics as you're making his machine out to be. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but wonko stated he's just doing lite Photoshop. When anyone lists Acrobat as a primary tool, it isn't that graphics intensive. I still think a Quadro is overkill, but if its cheap, whatever.

I had a 10k drive and I promise you it makes zero difference unless you're opening/saving 500+ meg files. The only time it seemed to make a difference is massive read/write operations. The downfall is they run hot, loud, and have a short life span. I understand the need in video editing, CAD stations, and graphic masters like yourself (Spange), but for someone who just need to make fliers to advertise that Friday is Hawaiian shirt day at the office, um ... yeah. I guess its up to wonko to tell us what level of work he's doing.

[w_a_w]

umm.. I highly disagree. I fill up 300 gig HD once a week and 2D performance is a big issues with photoediting and vector artwork.

I suggest (from your listed choices):

Intel™ Core®2 Duo E6600 2.40GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT

128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX550, Dual VGA or Dual DVI or DVI + VGA
(I'd look for a Matrox Parhelia 256MB. If you can get it, it will be the best dual monitor, 2D solution)

80GB SATA, 10K RPM Hard Drive with 16MB DataBurst Cache™ (boot hd)
250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™ (storage)

I also suggest a second HD for swap space. Illustrator & photoshop use their own space that can be specified and used separately from windows. I use a 50gb drive for that. Just make sure it's as fast as your boot hd. Some people would disagree with this choice, but it makes a HUGE difference in performance.

I'd also throw in a different mouse then what they ship. Get a Logitech.

he was saying he didn't need it at his work, not that you or possibly wonko don't

[wanko80]

theac is giving choices closer to what I really do. I'd say it's more intensive than weekly flyers, but it's not full time graphic design by any means. But I do run those large programs that hog resources.

[theacoustician]

theac is giving choices closer to what I really do. I'd say it's more intensive than weekly flyers, but it's not full time graphic design by any means. But I do run those large programs that hog resources.

Do you have a budget number you're trying to hit?

[w_a_w]

theac is giving choices closer to what I really do. I'd say it's more intensive than weekly flyers, but it's not full time graphic design by any means. But I do run those large programs that hog resources.

you just need a lot of ram to overcome that issue...I recommend at least 2gb

[theacoustician]

you just need a lot of ram to overcome that issue...I recommend at least 2gbRight on. Like I said before, you can never get too much RAM.

[wanko80]

Do you have a budget number you're trying to hit?
Trying to stay around $2000. I think I got one configured that should be good given the advice you gave.

Intel™ Core®2 Duo E6400 2.13GHz/1066MHz/2MB L2/Dual-core/VT
128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX550, Dual VGA or Dual DVI or DVI + VGA
2GB, 667MHz, DDR2 SDRAM Memory, ECC
160GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache (two of them)
Dell 20 inch UltraSharp™ 2007FP Widescreen, adjustable stand, VGA/DVI

[fly]

Trying to stay around $2000. I think I got one configured that should be good given the advice you gave.


Intel™ Core®2 Duo E6400 2.13GHz/1066MHz/2MB L2/Dual-core/VT
128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX550, Dual VGA or Dual DVI or DVI + VGA
2GB, 667MHz, DDR2 SDRAM Memory, ECC
160GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache (two of them)
Dell 20 inch UltraSharp™ 2007FP Widescreen, adjustable stand, VGA/DVI

FIXT. STOP MAKING YOUR POSTS SO BIG FAG>

[theacoustician]

Trying to stay around $2000. I think I got one configured that should be good given the advice you gave.

Intel™ Core®2 Duo E6400 2.13GHz/1066MHz/2MB L2/Dual-core/VT
128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX550, Dual VGA or Dual DVI or DVI + VGA
2GB, 667MHz, DDR2 SDRAM Memory, ECC
160GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache (two of them)
Dell 20 inch UltraSharp™ 2007FP Widescreen, adjustable stand, VGA/DVI

Not bad. Do you have to get ECC memory? ECC is really a server only thing. You can save a bit of cash if they allow you get get non-ECC.

I guess the only other thing is the HDDs. 160 is more than enough for a boot drive with all your programs on it. Depending on your storage situation at work, you might want more for the secondary drive. In fact, if you don't have a reliable network storage solution for long term archiving, you may want to consider getting a second and third drive of the same size and doing a RAID 1 on them. RAID 1 differs from the before mentioned RAID 0 in that RAID 1 is mirroring. That means all data gets written to both drives simulateously so you always have 2 copies of what you're doing. That way if one drive fails, you're not SOL. That one is totally up to you though. I don't know how important the stuff is you're working on.

[wanko80]

Yeah, they don't give me the choice to get non-ECC. Don't know why.

We actually don't have network storage at this point, but it is something we are going to implement soon. Since you brought it up, any recommendations on what to get there? A friend of my suggested a NAS device. My only question with those is then how do you store the data from it in an off-site location?

[wanko80]

FIXT. STOP MAKING YOUR POSTS SO BIG FAG>
I know. I was being such an ass. Please accept my apologies by fucking off.

[Sarcasmo]

FIXT. STOP MAKING YOUR POSTS SO BIG FAG>

bahahahaha

[theacoustician]

Yeah, they don't give me the choice to get non-ECC. Don't know why.

We actually don't have network storage at this point, but it is something we are going to implement soon. Since you brought it up, any recommendations on what to get there? A friend of my suggested a NAS device. My only question with those is then how do you store the data from it in an off-site location?

There are a lot of ways to do network storage. You could VPN in to the site and it would be like saving to a local network drive, you can FTP in, you could set up a web interface, etc. I could help, but Chikken is the fucking master for networked storage. Whatever he says, I'd agree with.

[Sarcasmo]

There are a lot of ways to do network storage. You could VPN in to the site and it would be like saving to a local network drive, you can FTP in, you could set up a web interface, etc. I could help, but Chikken is the fucking master for networked storage. Whatever he says, I'd agree with.

His first several posts will be about beer and whiskey though, so you have to wade through that.

[KNYTE]

xbox 360, that's the PC direction I went.

[fly]

There are a lot of ways to do network storage. You could VPN in to the site and it would be like saving to a local network drive, you can FTP in, you could set up a web interface, etc. I could help, but Chikken is the fucking master for networked storage. Whatever he says, I'd agree with.

...if you have 10-20mil to throw around. :fly:

[Sp`ange]

I recently bought an awesome NAS that was WAAAAAY cheap. If you want the company contact info, lemme.

[wanko80]

I recently bought an awesome NAS that was WAAAAAY cheap. If you want the company contact info, lemme.
Others may be interested, so I'd say post it here. If you disagree then pm me.

I guess I'd like to explain what I'd like to accomplish with our network to see if you all also thing NAS is something we should do or just use a normal server to do it (as well as other stuff).

Currently we have a RISC box that hosts our inventory software. It also hosts sendmail for us, but that only sorta works.

What we need:
Server to host a database (probably has to be Windows too)
Server/NAS for backups.
Server for email. Don't know what email to use, something easy and safe. Don't really care about whizbang features.

So should I use one server to do both the database and email? Or just use some linux server to do email? Aren't you supposed to put an email server outside a firewall anyway? Use a NAS, or use one of the other servers as well?

We're not talking heavy traffic on any here as we have at most 30 users, and usually much less than that.

[theacoustician]

I just want to figure out how to score an old PC, some 500 or 750 GB drives, and a HW RAID card for nuttin' so I can run a nice little home NAS. Someone hook a brutha up.

[fly]

Others may be interested, so I'd say post it here. If you disagree then pm me.

I guess I'd like to explain what I'd like to accomplish with our network to see if you all also thing NAS is something we should do or just use a normal server to do it (as well as other stuff).

Currently we have a RISC box that hosts our inventory software. It also hosts sendmail for us, but that only sorta works.

What we need:
Server to host a database (probably has to be Windows too)
Server/NAS for backups.
Server for email. Don't know what email to use, something easy and safe. Don't really care about whizbang features.

So should I use one server to do both the database and email? Or just use some linux server to do email? Aren't you supposed to put an email server outside a firewall anyway? Use a NAS, or use one of the other servers as well?

We're not talking heavy traffic on any here as we have at most 30 users, and usually much less than that.

You could probably get away with one box, if its only 30 users. If you could do 2, I'd do one box for email/db and some NAS for backups. Why does the DB server have to be windows? If you can get away from it, run linux and postfix email...

If you have the money, it would be best to run all three separate, because like you said, you really want email outside your LAN...

[wanko80]

You could probably get away with one box, if its only 30 users. If you could do 2, I'd do one box for email/db and some NAS for backups. Why does the DB server have to be windows? If you can get away from it, run linux and postfix email...

If you have the money, it would be best to run all three separate, because like you said, you really want email outside your LAN...
The database says it needs Microsfot SQL Server. I called them to verify if I could put in on a Linux box, and they said no.

So should I look at doing DB/backup serer and then a linux email server?

[Sp`ange]

I just want to figure out how to score an old PC, some 500 or 750 GB drives, and a HW RAID card for nuttin' so I can run a nice little home NAS. Someone hook a brutha up.

why not just do what I do and lookout for HD deals. I have something like 500GB of IDE drives that I paid less than $20 for them all. I'll give you a mobo and processor if you want. I have a dual p3-400 collecting dust if you want it. I could prolly dig up some ram too.

[fly]

The database says it needs Microsfot SQL Server. I called them to verify if I could put in on a Linux box, and they said no.

So should I look at doing DB/backup serer and then a linux email server?

That is probably your best bet, that way you get the email server out of your internal network.

[wanko80]

That is probably your best bet, that way you get the email server out of your internal network.
That's our problem now with the sendmail on our Risc box. We can't fully open it up to use pop3, so we kinda half use it.

[fly]

That's our problem now with the sendmail on our Risc box. We can't fully open it up to use pop3, so we kinda half use it.

:confused:

[wanko80]

:confused:
Just don't ask. It's a shitpile, and I'd rather start all over. Plus I'm not crazy about sendmail anyway. If possible, I'd like to get one that has a webmail feature.

[fly]

Just don't ask. It's a shitpile, and I'd rather start all over. Plus I'm not crazy about sendmail anyway. If possible, I'd like to get one that has a webmail feature.

postfix + squirrelmail.

[inphosys]

So I'm gonna get a new PC at work. While I don't have an unlimited budget, I don't need to get a basic one either. We prefer to use Dell's here, so that's what I'm gonna get.

I do some graphics work (using Photoshop, Acrobat, etc).

Any thoughts on what to go with? They have so many models and too much crap I haven't kept up with to know what is better.

For example here are some choices on processers for a Precision model:
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/linebr.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Core®2 Extreme X6800 2.93GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $1,134]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Core®2 Duo E6700 2.66GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $709]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Core®2 Duo E6600 2.40GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $489]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Core®2 Duo E6400 2.13GHz/1066MHz/2MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $319]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Core®2 Duo E6300 1.86GHz/1066MHz/2MB L2/Dual-core/VT [Included in Price]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifIntel™ Pentium® 4 Processor 631, 3.00GHz, 2MB L2, 800MHz, HT [subtract $30]

And here are video card options:

http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/linebr.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif512MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX 4500, Dual Monitor DVI or VGA [add $1,450]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif256MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX3500, Dual Monitor DVI or VGA Capable [add $825]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif256MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX 3450, Dual DVI or Dual VGA or DVI + VGA [add $525]

Enhanced Graphicshttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif256MB PCIe x16 ATI Fire GL V7200, Dual Monitor DVI or VGA Capable [add $725]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX550, Dual VGA or Dual DVI or DVI + VGA [add $71]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif128MB PCIe x16 ATI FireGL V3400, Dual DVI or Dual VGA or DVI + VGA [add $71]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro NVS 285, Dual DVI or Dual VGA Capable [add $10]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro NVS 285, Dual Monitor VGA Capable [Included in Price]

And the part I'm most clueless on, hard drives:

C1 All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 1 drive total configuration
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/collapse_selected.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC1 All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 1 drive total configuration [Included in Price]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC1a All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC2 All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 3 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC3 All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 4 drive total configuration add $0

May delay your Dell Precision 390 ship date (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:OpenPostedDetailsPop%28%27shipdate_details_po pup.aspx?%7Elt=print&name=m_9:SATA4&cfgitem=CFG&c=us&cs=04&kc=6W463&l=en&oc=39032min&s=bsd&fb=1%27,%27650%27,%27450%27%29)http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC4 All SATA drives, RAID 0, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC5 All SATA drives, RAID 1, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC6 All SAS drives, Non-RAID, 1 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC7 All SAS drives, Non-RAID, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC8 All SAS drives in RAID 0, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifC9 All SAS drives, RAID 1, 2 drive total configuration add $0
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif Boot Hard Drive

For hard drives, GB means 1 billion bytes, total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment.Mixing of SATA/SAS Hard Drives is allowed, but the 1st Hard Drive or Boot Hard Drive must be SATA.When Ordering SAS Hard Drives, you must select a SAS controller.When ordering RAID, all hard drives in the RAID must be exactly the same capacity, speed, and type.http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/bevel_notselected.gif80GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/collapse_notselected.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/brand/icons/help.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:makeWin2%28%27http://www1.us.dell.com/content/learnmore/learnmore.aspx?c=us&cs=555&l=en&s=gen&%7Eid=workstationharddrives&%7Eline=workstations&%7Emode=popup&%7Eseries=precn&ref=CFG%27,%20558,%20420%29;)Help Me Choose (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:makeWin2%28%27http://www1.us.dell.com/content/learnmore/learnmore.aspx?c=us&cs=555&l=en&s=gen&%7Eid=workstationharddrives&%7Eline=workstations&%7Emode=popup&%7Eseries=precn&ref=CFG%27,%20558,%20420%29;)http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/linebr.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif160GB SATA, 10K RPM Hard Drive with 16MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $231]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif80GB SATA, 10K RPM Hard Drive with 16MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $130]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif750GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 16MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $501]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif500GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 16MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $301]

New Lower Pricehttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif320GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 16MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $101]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $71]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif160GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™ [add $31]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif80GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache™ [Included in Price]

May delay your Dell Precision 390 ship date (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:OpenPostedDetailsPop%28%27shipdate_details_po pup.aspx?%7Elt=print&name=m_8:80ST&cfgitem=CFG&c=us&cs=04&kc=6W463&l=en&oc=39032min&s=bsd&fb=1%27,%27650%27,%27450%27%29)http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif300GB, 3Gbps, SAS, 3.5 inch, 10K RPM Hard Drive [add $501]

May delay your Dell Precision 390 ship date (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:OpenPostedDetailsPop%28%27shipdate_details_po pup.aspx?%7Elt=print&name=m_8:300SS10&cfgitem=CFG&c=us&cs=04&kc=6W463&l=en&oc=39032min&s=bsd&fb=1%27,%27650%27,%27450%27%29)http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif146GB, 3Gbps, SAS, 3.5 inch, 15K RPM Hard Drive [add $501]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif146GB, 3Gbps, SAS, 3.5 inch, 10K RPM Hard Drive [add $351]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif73GB, 3Gbps, SAS, 3.5 inch, 15K RPM Hard Drive [add $301]
http://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gifhttp://img.dell.com/images/global/configurator/general/spacer.gif73GB, 3Gbps, SAS, 3.5 inch, 10K RPM Hard Drive [add $181]


Should I just go with a cheaper model (Optiplex)? It seems the Optiplex doesn't have as many options on the hard drive.


If you're gonna buy a dell, PM me and I'll set you up with my Dell Rep (Rick). He'll give you/your company about a 15-20% discount and free three year gold warranty. He's also really good at sizing up what different folks need.

I'm buying Dells w/ Core 2 Duo E6400 @ 2.13GHz, 2 gigs of Ram, 250 Gig SATA hard drives, 256 meg graphics, DVD +-RW, 19 inch DVI Flat panels, 3 year gold onsite next day support for $1300 after taxes and shipping from Austin, TX to Savannah, GA.

The core 2 Duo E6400's have been clocked at 150% faster than the latest P4 Xeon server class processors.

I'm working with two new Dell PowerEdge 2900 servers right now with dual, dual core xeon 5160's @ 3 GHz and these things are screaming!! I was donating the processors to climateprediction.net for about a week and I was winning the all time fastest model computations. :fly: