PC Peripherals Suggestions for all-in-one rig ~35k

[abhinavmodi]

Hi,

After reading through hundreds of PC recommendation threads, time to start my own

Requirements from the VFM Rig (Please comment on whether anything below is amiss or not advisable):

* Would like to use it for multiple purposes (hybrid b/w HTPC and a desktop, more of an all-in-one rig):
* Run dynamips (This is the most resource hungry requirement)
* Programming - System and Web development
* Use to connect to 22-24" monitor and watch TV, instead of investing in a 26" LCD TV
(Please advise if this will have any issues in terms of resolution etc)
* Download Rig
* Regular browsing
* Movies - DVD rips, some HD

Looking to buy this within next 10-15 days.

1. Q: What is your budget?
a. Around 35k, but open to extending budget by 5-10K if benefits justify it.

2. Q: What is your existing hardware configuration (component name - component brand and model)
a. None - New Rig

3. Q: Which hardware will you be keeping (component name - component brand and model)
a. N/A

4. Q: Which hardware component are you looking to buy (component name). If you have already decided on a configuration then please mention the (component brand and model) as well, this will help us in fine tuning your requirement.
1. CPU - Open to Intel or AMD. Confused about whether to go for AMD x4 or not (see above for requirements)
2. Motherboard - any compatible motherboard, if possible with nvidia on board GPU and decent sound.
3. GPU - Is it required ? On my laptop and with Linux, I find nvidia ones have better support as I will be running Linux as well as Windows.
4. RAM 4 GB - brand ? DDR2 or DDR3 ?
5. TV Tuner Card - ?
6. Cabinet/PSU - Would zebronics be fine ? Please note, not looking for HTPC case/MB.
7. Monitor - Benq g2420/22 inch depending on budget
8. HDD - Seagate/WD 500 GB. Might go in for Raid
9. DVD writer
10. Keyboard/Mouse - Logitech Cordless mentioned in HTPC for dummies guide
11. Sound Card - is it required ?
12. Speaker system - ?
13. UPS - Do I need 1KVA ? Planning on Microtek
14. Please add anything I may have missed

5. Q: Is this going to be your final configuration or you would be adding/upgrading a component in near future. If yes then please mention when and which component
a. Not planning to upgrade for next few years, but would like the upgrade path to be as future proof as possible

6. Q: Where will you buy this hardware? (Online/City/TE Dealer)
1. Bangalore (Please suggest shops in SP Rd/Jayanagar area)
2. Open to purchase from local TE dealers esp with physical shops in Blr (would prefer this).

7. Q: Would you consider buying a second hand hardware from the TE market
1. No

8. Q: What is your intended use for this PC/hardware
1. Running dynamips (used for Cisco cert prep)
2. System and Web programming/development
3. Watching TV (DishTV)
4. Regular browsing
5. Download rig

9. Q: Do you have any brand preference or dislike? Please name them and the reason for your preference/dislike.
1. I feel AMD rig would be more VFM, but open to Intel
2. GPU, if required - nvidia has better support for Linux ?

10. Q: If you will be playing games then which type of games will you be playing?
1. Very casual gaming, mainly racing and strategy games.

11. Q: What is your preferred monitor resolution for gaming and normal usage
1. Whatever is comfortable on a 22-24"
2. Will watch mainly DVDs, and some HD content occasionally.

12. Q: Are you looking to overclock?
1. No

13. Q: Which operating system do you intend to use with this configuration?
1. Ubuntu Linux, with dynamips and sometimes Windows XP/7 as Virtual Machines using virtualbox
2. Windows XP/7 as secondary OS

 

[pom99]

do a search on the forum for "budget PC for 35k". u will get the best bets. also go thru the PC buying guide for november.

 

[DarkAngel]

Processor: Athlon II X4 620 - 5.2k

Motherboard: Biostar A785GE - 3.3k(HD 4200 is a very good IGP. Plays HD with eaze and directX 10.1 complaint)

RAM: Transcend 2*2GB DDR2 800MHz - 4k

GPU: Onboard

HDD: Seagate 500GB SATAII 7200.12 series- 2.4k

Cabinet: Zebronics Bijli ATX - 1.1k

SMPS: Zebronics Pro(Real Watts)-350W - 1.5k/FSP SAGAII 350w-1.6k

Optical Drive: L.G. GH22NS30 SATA/Samsung SH-S22F SATA - 1.1k

Speakers: Altec Lansing 2.1 BXR1121 - 1.1k

Monitor: Benq G2200 HD - 8k

Keyboard+Mouse: Logitech Wireless combo - 1.3k

UPS: APC 550VA - 1.9k

TV Tuner: Hauppauge PVR 150 + MCE Remote

That should be around 33-34k.

• If you replace the 22" by 24" you will have to spend 3-4k extra.
  
• If you replace the DDRII to DDRIII you will need to spend ~2.5k extra
  
• Benq2412~11.5k
  
• MSI 785GM-E51 -4.6k
  
• 4GB Trascend 1333MHz DDRIII - 5.2k
  

 

[Anubis]

Processor: Athlon II X4 620 - 5.2k
Motherboard: Biostar A785GE - 3.3k(HD 4200 is a very good IGP. Plays HD with eaze and directX 10.1 complaint)
RAM: Transcend 2*2GB DDR2 800MHz - 4k
GPU: Onboard
HDD: Seagate 500GB SATAII 7200.12 series- 2.4k
Cabinet: Zebronics Bijli ATX - 1.1k
SMPS: Zebronics Pro(Real Watts)-350W - 1.5k/FSP SAGAII 350w-1.6k
Optical Drive: L.G. GH22NS30 SATA/Samsung SH-S22F SATA - 1.1k
Speakers: Altec Lansing 2.1 BXR1121 - 1.1k
Monitor: Benq G2200 HD - 8k
Keyboard+Mouse: Logitech Wireless combo - 1.3k
UPS: APC 550VA - 1.9k
TV Tuner: Hauppauge PVR 150 + MCE Remote
That should be around 33-34k.

• If you replace the 22" by 24" you will have to spend 3-4k extra.
• If you replace the DDRII to DDRIII you will need to spend ~2.5k extra
• Benq2412~11.5k
• MSI 785GM-E51 -4.6k
• 4GB Trascend 1333MHz DDRIII - 5.2k

+ 1 for Karthi007

He is the man for this suggestion

 

[abhinavmodi]

Thanks Karthik, Anubis. I might start shopping for this tomorrow itself

Had a few queries:

1. RAM : Should I go for DDR2 or DDR3 ?

2. Mobo : Biostar A785GE has 2 DIMM slots only, but has 512 mb video memory. The MSI board you mentioned has 4 slots, but from what I understand, no dedicated vram. Any other options ? Wouldn't getting the Biostar limit RAM upgradability (+ prevent moving to DDR3) ?

Please advise.

I am assuming the other requirements (Running dynamips, connecting to DTH) would be taken care of with this config and a 22" Benq

 

[abhinavmodi]

Any thoughts regarding the above ?

 

[SumitB]

I would suggest you don't go for the Hauppauge PVR150 if you plan on getting or upgrading to more than 3GB of RAM. It just does not work and all talk of the issue having been addressed by Hauppauge is just crap. No amount of registry settings or newer drivers can get it to work. I say this from experience. I have 2 unused PVR-150s lying around with me. :no:

 

[abhinavmodi]

I would suggest you don't go for the Hauppauge PVR150 if you plan on getting or upgrading to more than 3GB of RAM. It just does not work and all talk of the issue having been addressed by Hauppauge is just crap. No amount of registry settings or newer drivers can get it to work. I say this from experience. I have 2 unused PVR-150s lying around with me. :no:

Thanks Sumit. I read this somewhere, but was not sure. Which one to go for then ? I will be using a 22" Benq mostly (24" if I get tempted )

 

[Anubis]

If you haven't bought any yet , then i can make an i5 rig @ 35k

Intel Core i5 750 - 9.5k

Intel DP55WB - 5.5k

Transcend Ram 2gb 1333mhz - 2.3k

Gigabyte 460w - 2.2k

Logitech Kb+mouse combo - .7k

Samsung/LG Dvd Writer - 1k

ATI 4350 - 2k

Seagate 500GB 7200.12 series - 2.3k

Zebronics Bijli - 1.1k

Monitor: Benq G2200 HD - 8k

Total - 35.5k

Intel Core i5 750 beats Phenom II 965 and consumes less power than Phenom II 965

Don't worry ab8 Intel mobo.

Since you won't overclock , Intel DP55WB will be fine for you bro

I know this can't be a download rig , but its a good Intel alternative

 

[abhinavmodi]

^^^

Haven't bought it yet Buying it by next weekend.

I just decided on a DDR3 AMD combo as suggested by Karthi007, and was researching the mobos. There too, decided to stick with his suggestion

MSI 785GM-E51

What are the pros/cons of your config (core i5 750) v/s amd athlon II x4 620 ?

Also, your config has 2 GB ram, so will come out a bit expensive compared to the AMD ?

BTW, noob question - the prices you folks quote - are they vat incl or excl ?

Thanks !

 

[Anubis]

^^^

Haven't bought it yet Buying it by next weekend.

I just decided on a DDR3 AMD combo as suggested by Karthi007, and was researching the mobos. There too, decided to stick with his suggestion

MSI 785GM-E51

What are the pros/cons of your config (core i5 750) v/s amd athlon II x4 620 ?

Also, your config has 2 GB ram, so will come out a bit expensive compared to the AMD ?

BTW, noob question - the prices you folks quote - are they vat incl or excl ?

Thanks !

Cheap Chip! Athlon II X4 Breaks the $100 Quad-Core Barrier - Page 2 | Maximum PC

AnandTech: Intel's Core i7 870 & i5 750, Lynnfield: Harder, Better, Faster Stronger
AnandTech: AMD Athlon II X4 620 & 630: The First $99 Quad Core CPU

Core i5 750 consumes 83.4w in Idle load and 180w at full load

But AthlonII x4 620 consumes 111w in Idle load and 174.8w at full load

Don't go the numbers , its an approximation of how much money u can save

Yeah , my rig has less RAM but see this , in 1 or 2 months time , you can buy another 2 GB DDR3

i5 750 in idle consume less power than Athlon II x4 620

I know i5 750 is an overkill for your needs

But this is a very good Intel alternative

 

[SumitB]

@Anubis: Where do you get these rates man? First it was the i7 920 for 14000. Now its this motherboard for 5500/-. Can you please link to the store or website which retails the Intel DP55WB for 5500/-. Reps in store hyeah:

Allrite, I found it. Apparently Amarbir has the board on his site. I don't know whether he has it in stock or not.

Anubis, repped :clap:

 

[DarkAngel]

If you haven't bought any yet , then i can make an i5 rig @ 35k

Intel Core i5 750 - 9.5k

Intel DP55WB - 5.5k

Transcend Ram 2gb 1333mhz - 2.3k

Gigabyte 460w - 2.2k

Logitech Kb+mouse combo - .7k

Samsung/LG Dvd Writer - 1k

ATI 4350 - 2k

Seagate 500GB 7200.12 series - 2.3k

Zebronics Bijli - 1.1k

Monitor: Benq G2200 HD - 8k

Total - 35.5k

Intel Core i5 750 beats Phenom II 965 and consumes less power than Phenom II 965

Don't worry ab8 Intel mobo.

Since you won't overclock , Intel DP55WB will be fine for you bro

I know this can't be a download rig , but its a good Intel alternative

You missed

i) Speakers - 1.1k

ii) UPS - 2k

iii) TV tuner card - 2-2.5k :bleh:

iv) 2GB instead of 4GB RAM - 2-2.5k

Total : 7-8k + 35.5k - 43-44k~ :rofl:

Why so intent on i-5 rig for all.

Plus at OP the happuge card has some problems with 4Gb of RAM.

So i guess you need to look at a different TV tuner or reduce the RAM.

@SumitB - http://www.deltapage.com/. Its 5.75k according to delta

 

[Anubis]

@Anubis: Where do you get these rates man? First it was the i7 920 for 14000. Now its this motherboard for 5500/-. Can you please link to the store or website which retails the Intel DP55WB for 5500/-. Reps in store hyeah:

This is the local rates for Kolkata Chandni Chowk. You can check it out at Price Updates from Chandni Chowk Kolkata

Is my rig that bad ? Is my suggestion this bad guys ?

Unfortunately the store doesn't have a website

My prices aren't that bad !! Are they so bad ?

You missed
i) Speakers - 1.1k
ii) UPS - 2k
iii) TV tuner card - 2-2.5k :bleh:
iv) 2GB instead of 4GB RAM - 2-2.5k
Total : 7-8k + 35.5k - 43-44k~ :rofl:
Why so intent on i-5 rig for all.
Plus at OP the happuge card has some problems with 4Gb of RAM.
So i guess you need to look at a different TV tuner or reduce the RAM.
@SumitB - http://www.deltapage.com/. Its 5.75k according to delta

Well sorry for the typo about the RAM really sorry !!:ashamed:

DDR3 2gb 1333mhz - 2.5k

It was typo sorry :ashamed::ashamed:

Your suggestion is the best and I never questioned anything bout it bro

But you gotta agree , i5 750 @ idle consumes less power than Athlon II x4 620 .

A download rig idles most of the time

I am not intent for an i5 rig at all .

Its just the OP said that he was open to Intel choices also . That's why

Well these prices as i said again Kolkata Chandni Chowk rates bro .

 

[SumitB]

Anubis, I did not mean to say that your quotes are bad. I only said that I could not find these quotes anywhere. The DP55WB is listed on lynx for 57xx + Taxes. Similarly, a few days ago, you quoted that the i7 920 is for 14000/- whereas the minimum I could find it for was 14700/- at SMC. That is the reason I asked you about the source of your quotes. Anyways, don't take it otherwise and keep up the good work.

 

[DarkAngel]

This is the local rates for Kolkata Chandni Chowk. You can check it out at Price Updates from Chandni Chowk Kolkata

Is my rig that bad ? Is my suggestion this bad guys ?

Unfortunately the store doesn't have a website

My prices aren't that bad !! Are they so bad ?

Well sorry for the typo about the RAM really sorry !!:ashamed:

DDR3 2gb 1333mhz - 2.5k

It was typo sorry :ashamed::ashamed:

Your suggestion is the best and I never questioned anything bout it bro

But you gotta agree , i5 750 @ idle consumes less power than Athlon II x4 620 .

A download rig idles most of the time

I am not intent for an i5 rig at all .

Its just the OP said that he was open to Intel choices also . That's why

Well these prices as i said again Kolkata Chandni Chowk rates bro .

• A suggestion is good only when it does not exceed budget. Thats what i was pointing to.
• As of now only LGA-775 sockets fits his budget. May be the core i-3 530's can do better hyeah:
• But still if its a budget quad core then AMD is the way to go as there are no 32nm intel quad core release on jan3.
• Have to see how the HT works out against the quad. waiting for the results

 

[Anubis]

Anubis, I did not mean to say that your quotes are bad. I only said that I could not find these quotes anywhere. The DP55WB is listed on lynx for 57xx + Taxes. Similarly, a few days ago, you quoted that the i7 920 is for 14000/- whereas the minimum I could find it for was 14700/- at SMC. That is the reason I asked you about the source of your quotes. Anyways, don't take it otherwise and keep up the good work.

I know i did quote it 14k but it was a typo . I corrected it instantly to 14.5k there when you said that

If you wanna believe these prices , you may if you don't you don't have to

But please , don't say like that . These are the prices i got last week from Chandni Chowk

Since the OP wanted to have Intel alternatives , i gave him the alternative.

Since you guys don't believe these quotes , from now on i'll post only deltapage prices

Sorry to anyone if they feel i posted absurd prices.

• A suggestion is good only when it does not exceed budget. Thats what i was pointing to.
• As of now only LGA-775 sockets fits his budget. May be the core i-3 530's can do better hyeah:
• But still if its a budget quad core then AMD is the way to go as there are no 32nm intel quad core release on jan3.
• Have to see how the HT works out against the quad. waiting for the results

I am waiting for it too bro.

But core i3 530 retails for 100-110$.

And H55 mobos capable of utilising its IGP will range in 100$-110$

Very pricey indeed.

Wat say?

 

[DarkAngel]

I am waiting for it too bro.

But core i3 530 retails for 100-110$.

And H55 mobos capable of utilising its IGP will range in 100$-110$

Very pricey indeed.

Wat say?

• Core i-3 530 - $125
• Only the Pentium G is $87. But has no HT
• We can expect intel motherboards in the 5k range and pentium to sell at 4.5k and the core i-3 530@6-6.5k.
• They will thrash the PhenomII 550 IMO.
• But still even the cheapest AMD DDRIII mobo MSI sells for 4.5k and the PhenomII 550BE is 5k. So if the Pentium+intel mobo beats it then its a very good alternative for the mid range setup.
• Intel plans to release pentium E6600 processor(3.06GHz) for $84 and the E6500 will drop to $74. So the LGA-775 sockets still have life left in them to battle the AMD in the 3-4k($50-80) DDRII market.

@OP- sorry for diverting the thread. But i hope you got answers for your queries.

 

[SumitB]

I think I already clarified that I am not accusing you of providing unrealistic quotes. Only that you should give a source for your quotes. It can be a url or even the shop's name and location will do. hyeah:

 

[Anubis]

I think I already clarified that I am not accusing you of providing unrealistic quotes. Only that you should give a source for your quotes. It can be a url or even the shop's name and location will do. hyeah:

Veadant Infosys (Kolkata) Chandni Chowl