I'm sold on PC as a source, now I need to upgrade my PC..

Marbles · « **on:** 31 Dec 2005, 04:24 pm »

Here's what I'm looking for.

1. it must be quiet, not silent, but VERY quiet.
2. it must have a combination of HD's that have at least 400MB of storage.
3. 1 G of memory
4. Windows XP or Media Center
5. 6 USB ports

Can you help me build my machine?

Thanks for any help.

Marbles · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 04:26 pm »

One other path I can take is replace the power supply to quiet my machine and add a large HD.

I currently have a 1.8G processor with a 120G HD and 512MB of memory.

It seems to work fine for my needs, but the fan is a little loud, and I'm running out of HD space for CD's.

zybar · « **Reply #2 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 04:53 pm »

What kind of budget?

Instead of 6 USB ports, can you use an external USB device?

George

Marbles · « **Reply #3 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 05:41 pm »

Quote from: zybar

What kind of budget?

Instead of 6 USB ports, can you use an external USB device?

George

Whatever it takes to do it the cheapest/best for my needs.

External is fine, I currently use a 4 port external.

Thump553 · « **Reply #4 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 07:13 pm »

A good starting point if you are going to build your own:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/

If you don't want to build your own, I'd go for a mid-level Dell desktop. You can get some great deals on those, especially at the end of a business quarter. I'm personally familiar with about five different Dells in the last couple of years, and only one of them made more noise than a lightbulb (it's hard drive was audible). Google for Dell deal sites, here is one:

http://dealsvengali.com/cat3.html

PS-if you go the Dell route, be sure to note that some models have built-in video that is non-upgradeable. Depending on your intended uses, that may be fine but it is something to consider.

For the big hard drive(s) I'd keep my eyes open on the deal boards-they go on great sales frequently.

Hantra · « **Reply #5 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 08:58 pm »

You might as well get a mobo with a SPDIF out. Can't beat that for versatility.

I have the Asus P5GD, and it's great. Except it died this week after 10 months.

3 year warranty, but they have yet to respond to my RMA request. So. . . I don't know what else to tell you.

I just bought an Antec TruePower power supply that is amazing. It's super duper quiet with a 120mm fan that I can't really hear. I recommend it, even though it's overpriced. Beats the hell out of the Thermaltake "SilentX" model that was so loud, even AFTER I ripped one of the two fans out and ran a rheostat.

Marbles · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 09:31 pm »

Where did you get your power supply?

Thanks

Tweaker · « **Reply #7 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 09:38 pm »

A very important device to install in whatever you end up with would be a fan speed controller. I have an Antec case with the Truepower p.s. and the 120mm fan in the rear and a smaller in the front. It was a bit noisy untill I installed the fan speed controller. Still not dead quiet but I was able to get the case fan noise down 5db as a result. I would also recommend an AMD based system with a Sempron processor as they run quite cool ( which makes them very popular with overclockers) and thus allows you to minimize the number of case fans used. (one large 120mm in the rear would be sufficient).
Here is a link to the one I have:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813999504

Hantra · « **Reply #8 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 10:21 pm »

Quote from: Marbles

Where did you get your power supply?

Thanks

I bought it locally at a small PC shop. I paid probably 10% more than Newegg, but you gotta support your local peeps if you have them.

Folsom · « **Reply #9 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 10:49 pm »

I will walk you through the entire process of buying componets and putting togather a computer if you like, or upgrading the one you have.

What type of space does your computer reside in? Closed in? Wide open? Where you listen to music you have a large nice TV right? Are you opposed to having a PC that is not replacing the current one near it? Does the TV have any PC connections? I am just coming up with a few ideas.

Let us know what sounds better. Just remmeber any thing aside from upgrading will cost a lot more!

bpape · « **Reply #10 on:** 1 Jan 2006, 12:27 am »

If you want a relatively inexpensive case, GOOD built in power supply, PLENTY of room for HDs, easy to work on, and very quiet - check out the Antec Sonata case. You can pick it up on NewEgg or MWave.com for < $100. I've built quite a few machines using this case and it's a breeze to work with. All of the drive slots have slide in loading plus rubber grommet mounting of drives to keep them quiet. The PS fan is also very quiet and it cools very well.