Help me decide on a processor and drives. Need help!

dsiomtw · 02-20-2007, 06:32 PM

I'm looking to buy a Dell Precision 390 and had a few questions I was hoping ya'll could help me with. I'm going to get it with XP, and my goal is to get the "best" computer I can that will last me for as long as possible.

I use the computer to run my small business, and do serious multi-tasking all day long - constantly loading, quitting and switching between dozens of programs, and always have at least 5-10 programs going at once.

I don't need much in the way of graphics, and I currently use a 4-port Appian RADEON card to power my 4 19" flatscreens. I plan on just swapping this into the new computer (or getting a better one if it would make a difference).

I just can't decide on a few things and could use some help:

1. I can't decide between the following processors. Will I even be able to tell the difference? The quad QX6700 is only $100 more than the dual X6800 ... seems like a no-brainer? I'm sure I don't need a quad, but for only an extra $100??

Intel® Core 2 Extreme QX6700 2.66GHz/1066MHz/8MB L2/Quad-core/VT [add $1,264]
Intel® Core 2 Extreme X6800 2.93GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $1,164]
Intel® Core 2 Duo E6700 2.66GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $739]

2. Regarding the drives, I'm looking at a RAID 1 setup with either 10k SATA drives (I assume these are Raptors?), or maybe even the 15k SAS drives. I don't know anything about SAS - anything to be aware of? Are 15k drives roughly 50% faster than 10k drives? If so it seems like that would definitely justify the extra cost of the SAS drives and controller. They must be insanely fast??

3. I'd like to get a 3rd drive to use for backup purposes. When I try to add a 3rd drive when spec'ing the computer on the Dell site, it says my config requires 2 drives (due to the Raid obviously). But is it saying that a 3rd drive is not even an option? Why would that be? Or am I better off using an external drive for backup purposes? Why?

4. I'm thinking 4 gigs of RAM just for kicks, or maybe 2 is enough?

Sorry for all the questions but I'd really appreciate any input you guys and gals can give me. Thanks!

JP

ETSA · 02-20-2007, 06:49 PM

With that kind of money I would get a dual processor dual core xeon mobo with 8 gigs of RAM. (a server in other words) :-).

dsiomtw · 02-20-2007, 07:17 PM

I'm not sure exactly what you're referring to, but this is for my home office so I don't need a "server" and I don't need 8 gigs of RAM. Anyone have any helpful input regarding my questions? I'm just looking to buy this computer from Dell. Or is this forum only for people talking about building their own computers? Thanks!

ETSA · 02-20-2007, 07:48 PM

"Anyone have any helpful input regarding my questions?"

Everyone will tell you to build it yourself. All the stuff you mentioned is complete overkill for 'home' use.

dsiomtw · 02-20-2007, 07:58 PM

Maybe for "home use" in the sense of someone only using it to surf the web and check their email, but I use the computer to run my small business and do some serious multi-tasking. Let's just put it this way - I currently have a P4 3.4Ghz and it's too slow. There is noticeable lag and delays when multitasking, etc. as compared to my friend's computer with dual cores. And my current computer has 3 gigs of RAM so it's not that. Anyway, I'm just trying to get some helpful info before ordering this new computer. Maybe you can look past what I'm using it for, and just give me some input on my specific questions? Thanks!

drunkbum222 · 02-20-2007, 09:48 PM

If you have 5-10 programs open at any one time I suggest getting something where you can have a duel monitor setup as well.

dsiomtw · 02-20-2007, 10:44 PM

2 is not enough. I currently have a 4-port graphics card that powers 4 monitors.

[-0MEGA-] · 02-21-2007, 12:13 AM

The X6800 is clocked higher, and will perform better in some of todays games, as well as older games. However when new games come out, they will be written for multiple cores, and when that time comes, the QX6700 will take the lead.

dsiomtw · 02-21-2007, 03:25 AM

I don't play games on my computer.

Bramp · 02-21-2007, 04:19 AM

sent you a PM

02-20-2007, 06:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
dsiomtw New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 5	Help me decide on a processor and drives. Need help! I'm looking to buy a Dell Precision 390 and had a few questions I was hoping ya'll could help me with. I'm going to get it with XP, and my goal is to get the "best" computer I can that will last me for as long as possible. I use the computer to run my small business, and do serious multi-tasking all day long - constantly loading, quitting and switching between dozens of programs, and always have at least 5-10 programs going at once. I don't need much in the way of graphics, and I currently use a 4-port Appian RADEON card to power my 4 19" flatscreens. I plan on just swapping this into the new computer (or getting a better one if it would make a difference). I just can't decide on a few things and could use some help: 1. I can't decide between the following processors. Will I even be able to tell the difference? The quad QX6700 is only $100 more than the dual X6800 ... seems like a no-brainer? I'm sure I don't need a quad, but for only an extra $100?? Intel® Core 2 Extreme QX6700 2.66GHz/1066MHz/8MB L2/Quad-core/VT [add $1,264] Intel® Core 2 Extreme X6800 2.93GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $1,164] Intel® Core 2 Duo E6700 2.66GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT [add $739] 2. Regarding the drives, I'm looking at a RAID 1 setup with either 10k SATA drives (I assume these are Raptors?), or maybe even the 15k SAS drives. I don't know anything about SAS - anything to be aware of? Are 15k drives roughly 50% faster than 10k drives? If so it seems like that would definitely justify the extra cost of the SAS drives and controller. They must be insanely fast?? 3. I'd like to get a 3rd drive to use for backup purposes. When I try to add a 3rd drive when spec'ing the computer on the Dell site, it says my config requires 2 drives (due to the Raid obviously). But is it saying that a 3rd drive is not even an option? Why would that be? Or am I better off using an external drive for backup purposes? Why? 4. I'm thinking 4 gigs of RAM just for kicks, or maybe 2 is enough? Sorry for all the questions but I'd really appreciate any input you guys and gals can give me. Thanks! JP

02-20-2007, 06:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
ETSA Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: WA Age: 23 Posts: 2,210	With that kind of money I would get a dual processor dual core xeon mobo with 8 gigs of RAM. (a server in other words) :-). __________________ DESKTOP Antec P180B(4 x 120mm Tricool fans) Antec 500W neoHE Gigabyte GA 965p DS3 E6400 /w Zalman cnps9500 led 92mm (OC'ed to 3.2Ghz) 2 GB Corsair xms2 DDR2 800 @ 920mhz x1900xtx 512mb ddr3 /w Zalman VF900(688/792) Soundblaster Audigy 4 LAPTOP Core 2 Duo T5750(2.00GHz)/4GB ddr2 667/250GB HD/8600M GT

02-20-2007, 07:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
ETSA Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: WA Age: 23 Posts: 2,210	"Anyone have any helpful input regarding my questions?" Everyone will tell you to build it yourself. All the stuff you mentioned is complete overkill for 'home' use. __________________ DESKTOP Antec P180B(4 x 120mm Tricool fans) Antec 500W neoHE Gigabyte GA 965p DS3 E6400 /w Zalman cnps9500 led 92mm (OC'ed to 3.2Ghz) 2 GB Corsair xms2 DDR2 800 @ 920mhz x1900xtx 512mb ddr3 /w Zalman VF900(688/792) Soundblaster Audigy 4 LAPTOP Core 2 Duo T5750(2.00GHz)/4GB ddr2 667/250GB HD/8600M GT

02-21-2007, 12:13 AM	#8 (permalink)
[-0MEGA-] Diamond Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Concord, NH Age: 19 Posts: 26,015	The X6800 is clocked higher, and will perform better in some of todays games, as well as older games. However when new games come out, they will be written for multiple cores, and when that time comes, the QX6700 will take the lead. __________________ Core 2 Duo E8400 @ 3.83GHz Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L ATI HD 3870 GDDR4 @ (840/2332) 4GB (2x 2GB) DDR2-850 500GB SATAII HD w/16MB SilverStone 750W +12V@60A 3DMark06: 11593

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02-20-2007, 07:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
dsiomtw New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 5	I'm not sure exactly what you're referring to, but this is for my home office so I don't need a "server" and I don't need 8 gigs of RAM. Anyone have any helpful input regarding my questions? I'm just looking to buy this computer from Dell. Or is this forum only for people talking about building their own computers? Thanks!

02-20-2007, 07:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
dsiomtw New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 5	Maybe for "home use" in the sense of someone only using it to surf the web and check their email, but I use the computer to run my small business and do some serious multi-tasking. Let's just put it this way - I currently have a P4 3.4Ghz and it's too slow. There is noticeable lag and delays when multitasking, etc. as compared to my friend's computer with dual cores. And my current computer has 3 gigs of RAM so it's not that. Anyway, I'm just trying to get some helpful info before ordering this new computer. Maybe you can look past what I'm using it for, and just give me some input on my specific questions? Thanks!

02-20-2007, 09:48 PM	#6 (permalink)
drunkbum222 Gold Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 277	If you have 5-10 programs open at any one time I suggest getting something where you can have a duel monitor setup as well.

02-20-2007, 10:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
dsiomtw New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 5	2 is not enough. I currently have a 4-port graphics card that powers 4 monitors.

02-21-2007, 03:25 AM	#9 (permalink)
dsiomtw New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 5	I don't play games on my computer.

02-21-2007, 04:19 AM	#10 (permalink)
Bramp Gold Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 378	sent you a PM