Newbe with questions

[nvrpc]

I have been pricing a Dell workstation 490 and want to know if I can build the same computer for less by doing it myself? Is there anywhere on the web where I can find details on where to buy the same componets they are using and do it cheaper? This machine will run 24-7 and must be about to do CAD, camera, video editing, etc all at the same time including internet, blog, teleconferencing, etc. It needs to be a workhorse.

[RickyTick]

List out the specs on the Dell, and the price.

[Jamie Nixx]

Intel Xeon Processor
1.5 TB of HD space
Nvidia Quadro GPU
4GB DDR2 ram
750w PSU

And the price for the low end one i think is $1500.


Dare i say it, but i reckon you could build a much better computer for the same price.

[nvrpc]

If that be the case where do I find out what mother board they are using, etc, etc etc and be assured that when I get all of the parts I have everyhting I need.

[Jamie Nixx]

Dell do not use very good parts, they often use generic, low quality components from cheap manufacturers.


You need a case
Memory
CPU
Motherboard
Graphics card
Harddrive
PSU
Optical drive

Thats the hardware, you will also need an OS.

I can price your rig for you if you want.

[nvrpc]

I want the:

Intel Quad Core Xeon processor X5450 3.00 ghz 2X 6M Ls 1333 FBS

CD reader and DVD burner room for a HD-DVD Blur ray burner

4MB RAM

750watt power supply

Quite fans

ATI FireGL V8650

Will be running windows XP SP2

80 gb primary hard drive with a 400-500gb secondary

firewire and usb 2 capability

large case with lots of air flow.

If I missed anything let me know

[Jamie Nixx]

You do realise the CPU you chose is almost a $1000?

4GB of memory? you will need a 64bit OS.

The ATI FireGL will cost over $1500.


I just specced this same computer on Dell, bare in mind they are not even using 800Mhz memory ect and it came to almost $4000.


Now you could build the same computer for cheaper, but is this really how much you want/need to spend?

[nvrpc]

Yeap. Every time I go to get a computer that's worth having the cost is about $4K without monitors. I want processing speed and durability. I do CAD, video editing, photo shop, surveillance camera recording, blog management, word processing and Internet all at the same time. Got an ideas of a machine that can do all of this at the same time that is cheaper? Please advise.

[iiiprimeiii]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[jayrust]

nvrpc,

I'm building my first workstation too. I have about same needs as you. I do alot of 3d modeling and rendering and have programs that can utilize 64bit multi-threading, so none of it should go to waste. Dell/Boxx Tech/HP all quoted my machine at $3600 or more for what I want. So I'm building my own... Go to boxxtech.com and look at their 8400's. They are the best stations around but are costly, but it does give you an idea of what is out there. Thats where I started for my specs.

Case: Antec p190+1200 ($400) should last rebuilds for years to come...
CPU: dual quadcore Xeon 5420's 2.5 ghz 12mb cache ($350 each)(8 CORES!!!)
MOBO: TYAN S5396 771 socket ($380)
GFX Card: Nvidia Quadro FX1700 512MB ($450)
Memory: Kingston 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 FB-DIMM ECC ($188)
HDD: WD Raptor 150GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 1.5Gb/s ($170)

The total build cost is around 2500, if I do it myself. You could probably get the cost down to 2k if you wanted to. Having the dual processors will allow me to render video/etc while still working if I configure the processors right. You will probably need a larger HDD for the video editing. The graphics card really determines how CAD works and if you game, you might want more. I'm gonna start building this beast tomorrow, so I can update you with how it goes, if you want...

What you guys think?