[SATLUG] A change in hardware

[Ernest de Leon]

> I am tossing the Idea around about upgradig one of my PC, however I have
> a few questions.
>
> 1. Processor Intel Processor only please
>    INTEL PENTIUM 4 640 3.2 GHZ EM64T 800MHZ
>    a. will this compare with say a 2.5Ghz P4 Socket 478 or will it be
>       faster then it (obviously but how fast)


>>>You're talking about a 700mHz  gain with the new processor....compared
against a base 2.5gHz,  you're talking about a  slightly less than 25%
gain  (assuming  FSB and  RAM  speed and amount are all the same)

   b. I have never been a fan of AMD processor and I never will.


>>>Shame.  If your concern is performance for price, AMD is where you should
be looking, not Intel.  Intel makes a great product, I am not saying
anything bad about them, but imho, AMD makes better products for the money.

2. Motherboard I prefer Gigabyte boards, as I never have problems
>    with them so I trust them most of all. ( am I being to close minded)


>>>Motherboards are pretty much split into 3 broad categories.  There are
the super ultra whatever mother boards with SLI and all that junk no one
really needs (and gaming is not a NEED).  There are the middle of the road
ones that are moderately priced and give decent to good performance.
Finally there are the bottom of the bin cheap ones that aren't all that
reliable.  Even the cheapest motherboards, however, will work just fine for
a PC that is only going to be used for business or school.  Gigabyte crosses
the bottom two categories, so just make sure that the mother board has the
options you want.


3. PCI vs AGP
>    a. I know PCIx is faster then AGP bu I could never make sense of
>       the different buses can anyone point me in the right direction
>       to better explain the different bus types (i.e. PCIx x1 x2 x4
>       x8 x16.....) other then the obvious what is a good card for the
>       best cost.


>>>AGP has all but disappeared with the advent of PCI-E.  AGP mobos and
cards are getting harder and harder to find, so I would stay clear of those
to avoid not finding a part later on when you really need it.  PCI-E is much
faster than AGP anyway, and you can get decent PCI-E graphics cards for
reasonable prices.  You can also get insanely expensive ones for the same
slot.  This is the best approach if you want room to grow.  Regular PCI
video cards are also hard to find, and the ones available are usually pretty
lame.

   b. the different connectors are what really confuse me as I have
>       never seen anything accept PCI, AGP, and ISA some of the new ones
>       look like the audio modem interface port that I never used.


>>>Most newer mobos will not have AGP, but you can usually identify an AGP
slot because it is offset to the right and usually a dark color like brown.
The PCI-E slot is also offset to the right but it usually has a small 'lever
type' contraption at the far right that is meant to lock the card in place.
Both AGP and PCI-E are usually the top expansion slot on the mobo.  Once you
have worked with each, it will be easy to identify them.

4. I seem to recall a conversation about problems with Fedora and
>    installation on a SATA Drive is this true or just a Urban Legend.
>    I noticed more and more systems with SATA and only 1 IDE channel
>    thats why I asked.


>>> I don't use Fedora so I can't speak for it, but I can tell you with
certainty that you will not have this issue with Ubuntu.  Ubuntu will also
recognize higher end graphics cards and the need for proprietary drivers (if
necesary) for these types of video cards.  It will then provide you the
option to install the closed source drivers with one click simplicity.  Say
what you want about closed source anything, but it works right out of the
box.

Here is what I have looked at so far and for me the price is right but
> is this a good motherboard and processor once again I don't like AMD, no
> specific reason I was just raised on Intel. Sorta like not liking
> European Cars, never drove on but just don't like them.
>
>
> Mb Gigabyte GA-965G-DS3
> NTEL PENTIUM 4 640 3.2 GHZ EM64T 800MHZ LGA775
> 2Gb 667Mhz FSB DDR memory (x2 1GB running in Dual Channel)
> the video board is the up in the air problem I don't know what is best
> for bang on a budget as I will be looking at about $235.50 before
> Shipping on just the Processor, motherboard, and memory.  where do I go
> from here.  I will more then likely be running Linux on it but a Dual
> boot with win XP is a distinct possibility as I still have some stuff I
> like to run in windows and not linux. Of course the possible problem
> with SATA and Fedora 7 if it exists is also a deciding factor.


>>>>That is a solid setup.  The only thing I would change is the RAM speed.
If your mobo supports 800mHz, might as well get 800mHz RAM to match.  As far
as video cards, I would stick to Nvidia (my personal prefrence).  ATI has
some decent products but I still feel their line up is weak in general.
Plus, if you are an intel person, know that Intel owns Nvidia and AMD owns
ATI.  At the same time, it is always wise to match the chipset on the mobo
with that of the video card.  Just makes for less compatibility issues (if
any).  Make sure the gigabyte board you are looking at has an N-Force
chipset from Nvidia if you get an Nvidia graphics card.  Naturally, you want
to max out the available SATA, USB, firewire etc ports that the mobo comes
with.  You shouldn't make them a concern when deciding to spend more, but
take into account what you will actually be doing with the box and how many
peripherals you will have connected.  That will make life a lot easier later
when you are using it.

-Ernest

Any thoughts are welcome.
>
>
>     RObert
>
>
>
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