Re: Poker PC Ideas (long)
[ QUOTE ]
CPU
---
I am aware that to use dual-core CPUs you need to have a dual-core motherboard, but what is the difference between socket 754 and socket 939 and 940 ?
[/ QUOTE ]
I'm not a big hardware guy and do not know the difference between slots. I am sure a Google can explain quickly. But, what I do know is duel CPUs (I have) will help when running multiple apps. Apps need to be written to use SMP (Symmetric Multiprocessing), meaning most apps will only use one at a time. The benefit is the OS will use both freeing CPU cycles for apps.
Also, unless you are doing intense Video editing, massive DB work or number crunching, getting the second fastest CPU speed is the most cost effective. The things you describe do not need the fastest CPU possible. Even the PT database work.
[ QUOTE ]
RAM
---
The next thing that I think is very important is the RAM, due to the number of programs I have running at the same time I think that having a decent bit of RAM could do wonders. Do people agree with me that Kingston and Corsair are some of the best brands to buy ?
[/ QUOTE ]
Those brands are fine. My rule of thumb is to buy as much RAM as affordable/can fit in the system. You can never have too much. My opinion is 1GB is standard nowadays and not really "enough".
[ QUOTE ]
HDD
---
At the moment I have a 80GB HDD which keeps filling up with downloads and my PT database However later on I will be adding an external HDD which would also store my PT database. I have heard that if you run all your programs from one hard drive and then PT from another this also increases the performance (esp when data mining). The external HDD will also mean that I can take my PT database with me whether I go in case I need to use someone elses Computer or would like to share databases.
[/ QUOTE ]
Again, storage is so cheap now you should just get the most you can afford. External drive is a good idea if you really plan on transporting your DB. Also, look into SATA hard drives which will allow greater speeds and redundancy using RAID. Most new motherboards support this.
[ QUOTE ]
GRAPHICS
--------
At the moment I only have a Radeon 9800 pro card which is an AGP slot card which supports two monitors for mult-tabling. However If I buy a new motherboard that supports PCI express will I not be able to use the graphics card anymore ?
[/ QUOTE ]
Not unless you get a motherboard that supports both. I couldn't find one in a quick search but I am sure there is one.
|