Yes I know, I saw it on show us your rig. Looks awesome
but I need a lot more cash and (more importantly) experience before I can (try to...
) start building a rig like yours
Congrat on the new rig
Amplid
Thanks, Amplid.
It does take time to build a good rig. The original computer (Venus), took me 6 months of research before I finally settled on a motherboard, CPU, chassis, etc. I was in a bit of a rush building Prometheus, because the insurance company was breathing down my neck. Prometheus was built in under 2 weeks!
Just when you are ready to upgrade, remember that the single most important component you can buy is the motherboard. Sure, it sounds backwards, because most people choose a CPU first, motherboard second. But you want to take your time looking at and comparing motherboards.
When building your computer, you need to concentrate on these primary factors:
- CPU: What family CPUs does the board support, and what are you future upgrade options? For example (with AMD), if you choose an AM2+ motherboard, you can use both AM2 and AM2+ CPUs, but if you go with an AM2 board, you cannot use AM2+ CPUs like the Phenom.
- Memory Speed: What is the maximum speed supported? DDR2-800 or DDR2-1066? Boards that support DDR2-1066 are better, because it improves future upgrade options.
- Memory Size: What is the maximum supported memory capacity? You'll want a board that supports 8GB of ram, even if you are only planning on installing 4GB, or on using Vista 32-Bit. If you install 2 x 2GB memory modules, you'll then have two open slots, so when (if) you do switch to Vista x64, you'll have an easy upgrade path to 8GB memory.
- Storage: How many storage device connectors does it have? The older IDE standard is fast on it's way out, but most boards still have at least one that you can use for CD/DVD writers (I use mine for both my boot drive & DVD writer). You'll want a board that has an absolute minimum of 4 SATA connectors, but more is better. Be sure that the SATA controller is a true SATA II (3Gb/s).
- PCI-Express: Even if you're not currently planning on using SLI or Crossfire, make sure the board has TWO PCI-Express x16 slots - You never know what the future may bring, and you may find yourself wanting an SLI or Crossfire setup later.
- Graphics: If the motherboard is using an nVidia chipset, then you must use an nVidia graphics card. Similarly, if the motherboard uses and AMD/ATI chipset, then you want to use an ATI graphics card. I've found that overall system stability and performance is enhanced if the motherboard and graphics card use chipsets from the same manufacturers.
- Power: Don't settle for second best here, as you'll want a PSU that adapts to you. I am currently using a 700W PSU, but again, more is better, especially if you're later planning on adding a power-hungry graphics card, or additional hard drive. A-Open make some really good Power Supplies, as does Thermaltake, but Thermaltake PSUs are horribly expensive.
- Chassis: You'll want a solid case with plenty of room to securly hold everything, with enough room to hold as many hard disks as your motherboard has IDE/SATA connectors. Hard Disk bays should preferably have fans. Make sure that there is room also to tuck away cables to improve airflow. The best choice for a case is from a supplier that specializes in cooling. Those from Thermaltake or Coolermaster are on the top of my list.
The rest of the components, like RAID, USB, Firewire, HD sound, etc are extras. The eight "specifications" I've highlighted above in order of preference are the most important, and is how I've been building computers for years now. And I have yet follow the above and end up with a poor performer.
My opinion is not gospel, as others may have their own ideas on how to best build a "super-rig", but just remember that if you buy a crappy motherboard, then it doesn't matter how good the rest of the components are - your overall performance will suffer.
