New Computer - What to look for...

[sourbeaver]

These things are changing every other week, but I'm about to buy a new computer and I need some counselling.

What are the most important things to look for ?

Obviously the MB, processor, RAM and HD will be the biggest parts. What should be considered when you're buying those ? (So many different stats I don't know dirt about)

Also, to produce the most silent system possible, I should give attention to fan, power supply and box right ? Any suggestions ?

Some ppl are simply throwing a given model around but I want to custom-build mine, I tend to think this is best.

Anything else you might think of is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Raph

[AncientPC]

MB / CPU = Preference. My opinion is a AMD, either a socket 754 for a budget computer or a socket 939 for upgradability and an nForce4 chipset. I prefer A-bit mobos in general.

RAM = At least 512MB, I'd suggest 1GB. I wish I knew this beforehand, but if you go with AMD 64 memory quality / dual channel doesn't matter that much. Memory timing doesn't affect performance as much as before, and something or another negated Dual Channel's effects.

HDD = Standard 7.2k rpm and you'll be fine. You don't need RAID. You probably wouldn't want a 10k rpm hdd because of excessive sound / heat.

For silent system you'll be looking at a few things:
1) Quiet power supply.
2) Quiet heatsink / fan
3) Passive cooling for your motherboard chipset / video card (i.e. heatsinks w/o fans attached). This will mean lower performance motherboard / video cards. High performance devices produce a lot of heat and therefore need a lot of cooling.
4) Someone will suggest water cooling, but it's too much work in my opinion.
5) The Antec Sonata case is a very good quiet case to build out of. Just get a Zalman HSF.

I have had bad experiences of chipset fans rattling (on the video card and mobo) after a few months of use. With my latest setup I only have a heatsink for both devices, in combination with a quiet Antech PSU made a big difference.

If you want case fans, it's always better to get a bigger case fan running at lower rpms than vice versa. The Sonata comes with a pretty good PSU and case fans.

[sourbeaver]

Very appreciated, thanks a bunch !

[Sandstone]

I just want to second the Antec Sonata.

It's an amazing case. Real quiet and a joy to work in.

[sumdumguy]

What AncientPC said, plus:
I REALLY like the stock Sonata plus an intake fan.

[2Nice2Win]

I would look for something that will allow you to multi-table. Multi-tabling is a very profitable way to play. I multi-table everyday and make thousands.

[GrandmaStabone]

[ QUOTE ]
I would look for something that will allow you to multi-table. Multi-tabling is a very profitable way to play. I multi-table everyday and make thousands.
Disclaimer: The "thousands" 2nice2win refers to are virtual money. 2nice2win does not actuallu play poker for real money

[/ QUOTE ]


I fixed your post

[jeffs]

sonata all the way!! very quiet and a great looking paint job. around $100 delivered. power supply is good quality too.

[Terry]

http://www.thermalright.com/

Quiet because you get to pick your own fan ... and absolutely the best air cooling available.

[sumdumguy]

Coming soon to a store near you: Sonata II