[Melyssa22]

[font=Georgia] Okay guys- I am really hoping some one can help me out here. I have to "build" a computer for a class I have. really long story...Have no computer background and this is only a six week class. Of 7 people who started 4 dropped out already, of 3 left I am only one passing. Anyhow given a hypothetical "client" who is in Multi-media work..need to build a really decent graphics computer. The teacher is really pushing Mac..but she doesn't want us to get anything pre-built..says we have to customize something. I have to make a presentation to this "client" next Thursday, and I am almost sick over this..we have only learned a small amount about computers thus far. This "client" already has custom software and teacher said platform wouldn't be a concern--but hinting Mac. I need to be able to write up spec sheets for this computer and present why it would be best for this client..everything is just so vague.Oh client is only one person so don't need network , and he hypothetically works for midsized publishers..if that helps you cause it hasn't helped me yet!!! Looking to keep cost under 3,000 U.s. but guess could go higher if need be. I am so sorry for having to bother you guys...but if there's anyone who can help me at this point it's YOU!!! Thanks for even just reading this post and if you can help....I would be forever grateful!!!! I'm begging!!!!!

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You need to read some hardware sites like Toms hardware guide and Hexus, they will tell you what parts are out and what they do. You cant get OSX on a custom built system i dont know if your teacher knows this ive often found some computing teachers arent as knowledgable as they really should be or let on to be.

The OS options are Windows or Linux.

Hardware wise biggest choice is AMD or Intel for the CPU, i would probably go intel, new core 2 duo cpu comes out in july its going to be fast. You will want a dual core if some description.

You will want plenty memory two to four gigs, find out the type you need and what brands are good.

You will need a functional case with good cooling. And a quality PSU. Find out if the client needs a 3D gfx card or would benefit from a specialised 2D one like a fire gl. The gfx card is important as if they dont need a high end 3D card that saves alot of money.

[warriorscot]

You need to read some hardware sites like Toms hardware guide and Hexus, they will tell you what parts are out and what they do. You cant get OSX on a custom built system i dont know if your teacher knows this ive often found some computing teachers arent as knowledgable as they really should be or let on to be.

The OS options are Windows or Linux.

Hardware wise biggest choice is AMD or Intel for the CPU, i would probably go intel, new core 2 duo cpu comes out in july its going to be fast. You will want a dual core if some description.

You will want plenty memory two to four gigs, find out the type you need and what brands are good.

You will need a functional case with good cooling. And a quality PSU. Find out if the client needs a 3D gfx card or would benefit from a specialised 2D one like a fire gl. The gfx card is important as if they dont need a high end 3D card that saves alot of money.

[rumble291]

Ok, heres a list of what you need:

CPU- Either AMD or Intel
Motherboard- ATX size with PCI-Express e.g MSI, ASUS etc
RAM- at least 2GB of decent Crucial, Kingston, Cosair
Hard drive- depends what you want to store on it if not much get 80GB SATA2
Graphics card- Nvidia Geforce 7600 should be ok
PSU- Antec, Hiper or Enermax I would recommend 450W or higher
Case- ATX
CD-Drives: you can have either a DVD-RW, DVD, CD-RW, CD I would get a DVD-RW as you can run any sort of disk with it.

You will also need some case fans. With the processor if you get a Retail one you should get a cooler with it.

You can't custom build a Mac you have to buy them ready built.

Edited by rumble291, 18 June 2006 - 12:51 PM.

[Mitesh]

You could use mine just take out the 'other' bits. Make the hard drive one 160 GB SATA and only the LG multiformat drive, make the screen 20 inch and processer Intel Conroe E6600, and supporting motherboard or just leave it as it is because finding a compatibale board is hard at the moment. Simple.
Look at my signature for mine.
By the way I remeber when I was just like you, trust me it took me time to understand the basics and some finer details it is complicated if you no little or nothing as most common users do.
Hey and rumble291 those links in your sig is a very useful and nice touch..... good thinking!!

Edited by Mitesh, 18 June 2006 - 01:04 PM.

[Melyssa22]

Okay guys I went online and have been looking this stuff up for quite awhile since my original post. This is what I put together so far...will it work?


Asus P5WD2-Premium Intel 955 Socket 775 ATX Motherboard
Intel D 950 3.4GHz Dual-Core OEM Processor
Ultra Black Aluminus ATX Mid-tower case w/ Ultra x2connect 550 Watt power supply.
Corsair Dual Channel Twinx 2048mb DDR2 800 MHz E.P.P. memory (1024mb x 2)
Hitachi Deskstar 7K250 200 Gb HD
Lite-on SHM160P6s Half-height dual dvd RW drive...cd etc.
Iomega 750 MB ATAPI Internal Zip drive...my teammates insist on this component.
XFX Ge Force 7800 GT 256MB PCIe video card....

And either a 24 Inch Acer AL2416WD LCD Flat panel monitor

OR

DUAL Samsung 204B 20.1 inch ultrafast 5ms lcd Flatpanel


I still need a cpu cooling unit yes?
THANKS so much for having pity on a close to slueless computer student!
Okay wish I had gotten these posts before my "team mates" arrived this morning!!!! We have until Thurs. to get all this together and info for presenting to "client" (teacher). This is alot to take in at once!! I do think I am learning ..tryin anyway! LEt me know if what I picked out is realistic???? What's your opinion?

[warriorscot]

A zip drive, thats just daft no one uses zip drives now they were hardly used when they were at there most popular but given the low cost of flash pens they just dont make sense.

I would go for the samsungs on the monitor and 7800s are obsolete after the 7900 manufacturing proved cheaper. If you go intel go 975X chipset as its new and can use conroe giving good upgradabilty.

Get a retail CPU it comes with warranty and HSF. Get a normal dvd drive half height wont serve much purpose except costing more. Case and PSU look at Antec combos cheaper and better quality for the cases, make solid working pcs as they have good cooling and good frames.

[rumble291]

Yeah thats a good setup. I wouldnt get a case with a PSU with it as they are usally really bad. Get a better one like Antec, Enermax or Hiper. Thanks the ATI stuff is useful i thought so i gave people the links lol