[Ham-Computers] Questions about building a 'new' computer

[Paul]

Philip Atchley wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> IF things work out as expected, I may be in a position to build myself a
> new computer later this month or early next month.  Basically, for quite
> a few years now I've built all the computers that I've used, including
> this 600MHz PIII, usually using motherboards and other items that I
> bought used when somebody "upgraded", often recycling various components
> from computers I've parted out (Hard drives, CD ROMS etc).   This time I
> intend to build it from the "ground up", using quality components (It
> may take me a little time to get all the goodies together).  This
> present 600MHz P3 would then replace my wifes 200MHz "Email" machine
> (which doesn't do USB etc).
> 
> It seems that most commercially built computers now days have done away
> with the "legacy" serial, parallel ports and only have a couple PCI card
> slots (if that) etc, only providing USB ports.  As this new machine will
> have to support radio control, radio decoding etc,  it should have the
> following characteristics.
> 
> 1.  Modern (P4) processor of over 2GHz speed, fast RAM.  I DON'T
> overclock as I don't need the problems.
> 2.  Support for both ISA and PCI cards.
> 3.  At 'least' two serial ports and a Parallel port "just in case",
> along with the usual USB.
> 4.  LAN support, either on-board or by NIC card.
> 5.  Either on-board video or support for my present Nvidia (AGP?) card
> which has  64MB video ram.
> 6.  Allow a plug-in audio card (some "on-board" sound chips don't
> support some radio decoding programs).
> 7.  At LEAST one 'Swappable' HD for Cloning (backup) purposes (I
> presently have to open up the machine to connect the backup drive for
> cloning).
> 
> Questions:
> 1.  What would be the 'best' processor for this application, Intel or
> AMD?  I've always leaned towards Intel, but have heard some good things
> about the newer AMDs.

My personal preference is AMD's and has been for a few years now.

> 
> 2.  Considering that I want "Legacy" support, what would be the best MB
> (motherboards if more than one is equal) for this application?
> 
Difficult to answer.

Do you want 32 or 64 bit? Single or double processor? SATA drives?

Don't worry too much about a serial/parallel motherboard - you'll be
able to get a PCI card with 2 + 1 for under USD 10.

USB ports are built into many (most?) motherboards.

> 3.  In "real world use", how much RAM would you suggest for Win XP
> running multiple applications at once? I want "enough", but don't want
> to waste money!

512MB - but more cash on memory is generally better spent than on a
faster processor.

> 
> 4.  Assuming the fast processor, TWO hard drives, TWO CD ROM drives (one
> writable DVD) etc, how much "power supply" should I look for in the case
> I buy?
>
380 watt +

> 5.  And FINALLY, taking into consideration honesty, "in stock" and
> prices, what is a 'suggested' place (s) to buy my hardware from? We have
> a couple small "mom and pop" computer stores in town that have limited
> stocks on hand along with Best Buy etc, but I suspect an "On-line" store
> would have more choice, but many On-line places aren't all that good to
> do business with!
> 
Online will have more choice, lower prices, quicker delivery to you.

Mom & pop will value your business, and are around if that nice new
power supply starts smoking. If you give them a list and ask for their
best price, there might not be a huge difference between them and the
online store.

One other avenue - many of the online suppliers offer a 'bare-bones pc',
might be worthwhile checking these out. (I'd welcome any advice on how I
can persuade the light-of-my-life that we *REALLY* have to get one of
these: http://global.shuttle.com/Product/Barebone/SN26P.asp)    8-)

Paul
5B8BA