First Time Build

[st55]

Im soon going to be in the position to be able to build my first computer specifically for Design / Music. I want to build rather than off the shelf as i feel this would be cheaper, i want to keep it as cheap as possible but obviously good enough to run the tasks.

I dont really have the greatest experience in computer build so im going to have to ask you lovely people for some advice.

I would rather stick too XP rather than Vista but i want to run a big amount of memory 4gb - 8gb but ive heard that its pointless running a 32bit OS with that amount of memory but im also curious how many programs (maybe older versions) will run on either 32 or 64bit.

The other problems i have would be processor, im leaning towards a quadcore but thats where im stuck, is it worth it and is there a good one to suggest.

As far as graphics card, im clueless, im going to have at least 512mb but the rest of the spec im unsure about again is there one that someone could suggest.

Im going to have 2 hard drives both around 250-350 gb, does the drive speed make a big significance.

I will stick a basic Creative Audigy in it but will upgrade to a later date

As far as the case goes im thinking the only thing to really worry about is cooling, do i need to think about certain things regarding cooling

Lastly is there anything else i need to think about before i embark on this magical journey. Im going to run

AutoCAD 2008 / 2009
3D Max
Sketch Up
Solidworks
Architechtural Desktop
Cubase

Thank you for any help you can give

Paul

[ReMark]

It may not be cheaper because companies like Dell, for example, get volume discounts on just about everything. However, the "fun factor" and the "learning experience factor" cannot be topped. I always say that a person should build at least one computer in their lifetime. The experience will serve you well (you'll be much smarter for it).

XP Pro 64-bit and a quad-core seem like a good start.

4GB of RAM is another good choice.

For a graphics card I'm partial to nVidia. Take a look at the Quadro series. Keep in mind that AutoDesk wants to move towards Direct3D and away from OpenGL in future releases.

Hard drive speed? Stay away from anything that spins less than 7200 rpm. If you can afford it take a look at the WD Raptor SATA II drives that spin at 10,000 rpm. If money is no object you can jump to a SCSI drive and get 15,000 rpm speed but 1) it will cost you dearly and 2) you won't get anywhere near the same capacity as a SATA drive of the same price.

Build for the future and not for today! This computer has got to last you a good 3 to 4 years right?

[ReMark]

For more good advice refer to:

PC World at www.pcworld.com (http://www.pcworld.com).

Smart Computing at www.smartcomputing.com (http://www.smartcomputing.com).

Cadalyst Magazine at www.cadalyst.com (http://www.cadalyst.com).

Tom's Hardware at www.tomshardware.com (http://www.tomshardware.com).

Good luck and a good build.

P.S. - Watch out for static electricity. Always wear a grounding strap.

[StykFacE]

Im soon going to be in the position to be able to build my first computer specifically for Design / Music. I want to build rather than off the shelf as i feel this would be cheaper, i want to keep it as cheap as possible but obviously good enough to run the tasks.

I dont really have the greatest experience in computer build so im going to have to ask you lovely people for some advice.

I would rather stick too XP rather than Vista but i want to run a big amount of memory 4gb - 8gb but ive heard that its pointless running a 32bit OS with that amount of memory but im also curious how many programs (maybe older versions) will run on either 32 or 64bit.

The other problems i have would be processor, im leaning towards a quadcore but thats where im stuck, is it worth it and is there a good one to suggest.

As far as graphics card, im clueless, im going to have at least 512mb but the rest of the spec im unsure about again is there one that someone could suggest.

Im going to have 2 hard drives both around 250-350 gb, does the drive speed make a big significance.

I will stick a basic Creative Audigy in it but will upgrade to a later date

As far as the case goes im thinking the only thing to really worry about is cooling, do i need to think about certain things regarding cooling

Lastly is there anything else i need to think about before i embark on this magical journey. Im going to run

AutoCAD 2008 / 2009
3D Max
Sketch Up
Solidworks
Architechtural Desktop
Cubase

Thank you for any help you can give

Paul
uhhh, as cheap as possible??? I don't think cheap falls into the categories you've listed, haha. :lol:

I would suggest WinXP Pro if you're gonna have 4GB of RAM, that way you can utilize the /3GB Switch.

As far as Audio Card, that's a "gaming" audio card - trash that piece of junk. Get something designed for multimedia and music, such as an HT Omega audio card. :)

And that's a stout software listing. That looks to be at least $15,000 worth of software you'll be running. haha :wink:

but yeah, get a workstation level computer from Dell or HP, and add the sound card when you get it, and you should be fine. :)