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DumbDan Needs Help Building His XPS 600
Hi I'm Dan. Until about a week ago I really didn't care about computer specs, but now I find myself upgrading, and not knowing what I need to know. So I thought I would see if someone here , or maybe several, would help me understand what certain options will give me. I currently have a Dell 8250 Pentium R 4 CPU2.66GHz, 2.65GHz, 512MB of RAM.
I plan on using theWindows XP Media Center< and have about 10,000 songs in my collection of CD's. I want to hook my PC to my 42 inch plasma, and run the sound through my Bose Acoustamass 15 surround system. I don't game yet, but I will after I get the new XPS 600. I also have thousands of 35 mm photographs I want to catalog, and then switch over to a medium format digital camera, as well as Video. I want to catalog my sons life, as he grows up and I don't want to lose pictures. I have a new Maxtor 300GB external HD I plan on using. I have some questions about Hard drives, and sound cards, memory etc... I hope someone will have the time to show me the ropes so to speak.
Here goes.
Pentium D processor 840 3.20 (3.20GHz,800FSB) will give me what advantage over PentiumD 830 (3.0GHz,800FSB)?
What is the added value of a second video card? Why would I want one?
If I plan on using external hard drives do I receive any benefit of a second internal one?
Would two 250 GB HD's be better than one 500GB HD?
When it comes to memory what added benefit is there to
2GB@667MHz2DIMMS verses
2GB@533MHz4DIMMS ?
Thanks,Dan
Message Edited by DumbDan on 02-01-2006 02:31 AM
CTskydiver
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Posted February 1st, 2006 15:00
"I was hoping to avoid wading through the mountains of threads and enjoy the ask and get answers aspect of this forum."
That's basically saying you want somebody else to do your work for you. The questions have been asked and answered already. That's what the search feature is for.Thanks!! I used the help me choose function, and still have questions so I googled them and it brought me back here.:smileywink:
I was hoping to avoid wading through the mountains of threads and enjoy the ask and get answers aspect of this forum.Thanks again, Dan- Have to agree with CTskydiver. Given what your stated useage will be, it will be time well spent browsing the numerous Dell media-related forums to learn about the pros and cons of this or that device or software to help you configure a system that meets your needs. And even then if you have component/device/software manufacturer preferences vs what Dell puts in it's systems this will have a bearing, too. Consider the proprietary nature of Dell systems as well. Simply said, liken what you're asking to trying to pick out a new car for someone else. In the end what you think that person would want will in all likelihood not be the case.
- The 667 is faster vs the 553 theoretically, but not necessarily equates to a faster system. To add to your confusion: http://www.crucial.com/crucial/pvtcontent/memorytype.asp?model=&memtype=CHOOSEWere it me I'd probably opt for the 667 with the rationale if there is a measureable speed difference in what I'll be using my computer for, what's another $100 when you're spending $3,000 to $5,000 for a new system anyway..
Message Edited by VCraig on 02-01-2006 03:04 PM
CTskydiver
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Posted February 1st, 2006 20:00
"Simply said, liken what you're asking to trying to pick out a new car for someone else. In the end what you think that person would want will in all likelihood not be the case."
Well said. Probably comes off a bit nicer that way, too. :)Hello Dan,
You would hardly notice a difference between a 3.2 Pentium D and a 3.0 Pentium D processor.
Dual video cards are for hard-core gaming. This is a very expensive option.
Two hard drives configured in Raid1 will mirror one another which will eliminate the possibility of lost data or in your case valuable pictures. If one drive should fail the other will still boot up your computer.
Regards,
Tony Merc
I keep re reading my original post to try and see where I gave the impression that I wanted YOU to pick out my computer. I did however ask for some clarification on technical issues and differences in order for me to make a more informed decision. I thought this would be the appropriate place. I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I wanted anyone to pick out my system. I can see how that would be a huge mistake.
Regards, Dan
CTskydiver
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Posted February 1st, 2006 08:00
In general, getting top-of-the-line options doesn't get you anywhere near the bang-for-the-buck as similar selections a tier or two down the list. Meaning, to get a just little bit more performance costs a LOT. There's always people willing to pay a high premium to have "the very best" ... you need to decide if you're one of them.