My old reliable IBM R40e has worked for me for a long lime now 4 years+ and I felt now its time to go for a new system. The question between laptop and desktop was something which made me give a thought and I finally settled for a desktop, as i don't move around a lot and will be able to enjoy some gaming as well.
Next question of branded PC vs. assembled PC, the answer was simple for me as with assembled PC gives me option to select the specific component and build my pc as per my specs. Dell gives similar option but then things go in premium in such case.
Now before moving any further, let me specify my requirements. I want a mid range computer which can play some games (not necessary at best settings), can multitask without much problems, normal office work and a bit of ansys and matlab simulation.
With current generation of Intel C2D performing better than Phenom tricore processors in all aspect except multitasking Intel C2D was my choice. Out of which C2D E7200 offers best VFM with 3MB L2 cache @ 2.53 MHz and fabricated with 45 nm technology which keeps the processor really cool.
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As, I don't have any plan to overclock a basic mobo from Asus P5KPL CM served my purpose well. It has Intel G31 chipset supporting 1600 MHz (OC) / 1333 MHz FSB speed is yet another VFM product.
The cabinet and PSU are critical and based on the power requirement of the system I opted for zebronics Bijli cabinet with 450W Zebronics PSU (with 20A / +12V on power rail) is real steal. Bijli cabinet has 120mm LED fan in front providing inlet air and 2 side outlet and 1 rear fans helps in maintaing the complete cabinet really cool.
320GB SATA Seagate Baracudda was my choice for HDD while only available boxed SATA DVD writer from LG was my choice. I wanted to buy Samsung DVD writer but due to non-availability of same I had to be happy with LG DVD writer.
Corsair known for their memory product was my choice for RAM 1GB 800MHz twin packing RAM was my first choice. Had Kingston RAM been readiliy available in Cochin, I would have purchased the same, but anyhow few hundred bucks spend here doesn't matter much.
Standard Optical tilt wheel USB mouse and Multimedia keyboard from Logitech is my current input devices.
Monitor from AOC 913 FW (19" TFT) really caught my attention by its looks and performance and best buy award by Digit in its May 08 issue confirmed by selection.
In order to protect the full system APC 650 VA UPS was my choice with no second thought. It has 3 UPS cum Power surge outlet for my cabinet, monitor and speaker (old mercury 2.1 ) and 1 Power surge outlet for cable modem.
The full system costed me INR 29400/-. Due to money constrain, I didn't buy a graphic card which will come in next couple of months, but for now this my new system:
1. Intel C2D E7200 processor
2. Asus P5KPL-CM motherboard
3. Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400 ram (2 x 1GB)
4. Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 320 GB SATA hard drive
5. LG SecurDisc SATA boxed 20X DVD writer
6. AOC 19" TFT (913 FW) monitor
7. Zebronics Bijli cabinet with 450 W PSU.
8. Logitech MM keyboard and Optical tilt wheel mouse
9. APC 650 VA UPS.
<strong>Total Cost incl taxes on Sep 08 : INR 29400 (less than 30K).</strong>
So here is my first post from new PC. Many more to come. Please keep reading for more.