Building a new computer

[nuvan]

I've got a friend who plans on building a new computer for Linux
He's going to be putting RH 7.3 on it. Don't even suggest I try to sell him on another Distro, he's committed.

He's got about $3000cdn to spend on it. Could someone put together a good system that is Linux compat for me?

Note: he's not going to have the money for about 5 months. I know that hardware will advance a fair bit during that time, but If I could get a rough list, that would be great.

Thx

[baragon0]

I'm under the exact same situation word for word. I'm using a much smaller budget though $1000 USD because I just bought two other computers.

I'm equipping mine with a Pentium 4 (1.4 costs about $100 while a 2.2 costs around $600--soon the difference will be about $20 so I'm being smart ;) ) with DDR 2100 RAM (1 Gig of it). Video/Sound card isn't too important to me, so I'm getting the cheapest there (motherboard integrated). The NIC will also be in the motherboard, leaving the PCI slots wide open for any future technology or expansion (perhaps even an IDE RAID). I'll be using a 120 gig hard drive, and if I get another, I'll use RAID 0.

Using a standard $20 3.5 Floppy and I'll have a DVD-ROM as well as a CD-RW (having two drives makes backing up CD's a lot easier).

The case itself costs $300, so the rest is rather cheap ;)

[Loki3]

I'd be careful when buying a motherboard for linux with built in compoents. If they're not compatible with linux you can't swap them out like PCI cards. The obvious solution is too make sure your motherboard will be compatible(instead of recklessly buying one on impulse and hoping it works like me.), check your distro of choice's website they often have a list of certified and compatible hardware.

_Loki

[Dun'kalis]

Or just get a cheap GeForce2 and an es**** based audio card.

Note: The es**** is written as such to consider all es chipsets, not because its anything bad.

[baragon0]

Ugh, back to square one, or to the Hardware Compatibility Lists.

[Loki3]

Don't worry about it. The effort it takes to look up the compatiblity of your components is well worth it. Most likely they're all compatible. It seems like you're not in any hurry, so just double check your components. The car guys have a say, "Build it right, or don't build it at all,". Trust me, making sure ahead of time is better than doing the buy it and hope it works.

_Loki

[Timothy L. Miller]

Baragon0:
For your integrated, check what sound chip it uses...many use creative CTxxxx or an ES**** chip for integrated sound. Either of these chips IS linux compatible...just try to avoid getting something that just says generic AC97, not only is it a poor performance solution, it also covers a LOT of different chips, some linux compatible, some not quite so compatible.
As far as integrated video, I know you said it doesn't matter, but still, AVOID IT!! You will have NO 3d to speak of!! At least spend the $60US to get an AGP 64MB GeForce4 MX 420, or a ATI Radeon 7200...you'll be much happier in the long run, and the ATI will work upon installation with any recent distro (debian notwithstanding, but it's still an easy fix), and the GeForce has excellent drivers if you're comfortable working cli for a little while until you get them compiled. Just my $.02

[baragon0]

Incredibly helpful.

Thank you.

[Sastraxi]

Getting back to helping the original author...

There are several kinds of cards that have excellent support on Linux. I suggest the 530-TX 10/100 networking (found as VIA-RHINE, but works incredibly well), either an Nvidia (hard to setup but trustworthy in the end) or a Matrox (great 2D, don't know how it fares in linux). I personally would go the Nvidia route, their low-end devices being really cheap nowadays, and if your friend's into gaming, get a GeForce3 Ti200 or Radeon 8500 (better is Radeon). If you want the best, go with the Radeon 9700 (is it out yet?).

For a CDrom, I haven't had any trouble with my Creative 52x. However, I haven't tried my CDRW (HP CD-Writer Plus). I think I may find time to do this today, and I'll get back to you. Other components.... err, neither of my HDs have failed on me (Maxtor 10gig, Samsung 40gig) but I've heard high-end Maxtors seem to do poorly (they fail). I would suggest 2x 80gig WD caviars. With this space won't be a problem :)

Mobo: Microstars seem to work fine with Linux, but stay away from ASUS (don't know how their linux support is, but their support in general and their prices suck). Also, don't get a VIA (4x AGP issues). If you're going high-end (with $3000 canadian you're looking for the best of the best, it can be seen), go grab yourself a SOYO dragon. I've heard mixed reviews, but overall good about these. Also, an AMD Athlon 2200+ and a gig or so of ram would be nice (pc2700/2100).

If there's anything else, just ask around :).

[sarah31]

$3000 !! I could built three awsome computer with $3000.

Personally i would stay away from boards that have alot of crud integrated on them. ASUS, MSI, and SOYO boards are pretty good options. I have a SOYO dragon lite and have had zero troubles with it.

I would stick with something that allows you to run the pc2700 DDR ram. I would not go with anything less than a 40 GB drive at 7200rpm. Big monitors also rock. Optical scroll mice are great.

What to build it with really ddepends on what your friend is gonna use it for.

[Sastraxi]

I've heard the SOYO KT333 Dragon's integrated sound is pretty good... any thoughts on this?

I'm also building a comp. and wouldn't mind knowing if I should get a Dragon Ultra or a Dragon Lite / SB Audigy.

[nuvan]

Just talked to him again. He's planning on Dual-booting Windows (probably XP, possibly 98) and Linux, because he wants to be able to do games on it. If someone could work out a system that packs in a 60Gb or better HDD w/ a decent 3D accelerator card (GF2 or better) that would be great.

[fancypiper]

Cheap Linux Box (http://www.ls.net/CheapBox.html)

The Ultimate Linux Box (http://www.tuxedo.org/~esr/writings/ultimate-linux-box/ulb2001.html) - update (http://www.tuxedo.org/~esr/writings/ultimate-linux-box/update.html)

[nuvan]

Originally posted by Sastraxi
Getting back to helping the original author...

There are several kinds of cards that have excellent support on Linux. I suggest the 530-TX 10/100 networking (found as VIA-RHINE, but works incredibly well), either an Nvidia (hard to setup but trustworthy in the end) or a Matrox (great 2D, don't know how it fares in linux). I personally would go the Nvidia route, their low-end devices being really cheap nowadays, and if your friend's into gaming, get a GeForce3 Ti200 or Radeon 8500 (better is Radeon). If you want the best, go with the Radeon 9700 (is it out yet?).

For a CDrom, I haven't had any trouble with my Creative 52x. However, I haven't tried my CDRW (HP CD-Writer Plus). I think I may find time to do this today, and I'll get back to you. Other components.... err, neither of my HDs have failed on me (Maxtor 10gig, Samsung 40gig) but I've heard high-end Maxtors seem to do poorly (they fail). I would suggest 2x 80gig WD caviars. With this space won't be a problem :)

Mobo: Microstars seem to work fine with Linux, but stay away from ASUS (don't know how their linux support is, but their support in general and their prices suck). Also, don't get a VIA (4x AGP issues). If you're going high-end (with $3000 canadian you're looking for the best of the best, it can be seen), go grab yourself a SOYO dragon. I've heard mixed reviews, but overall good about these. Also, an AMD Athlon 2200+ and a gig or so of ram would be nice (pc2700/2100).

If there's anything else, just ask around :).


Well, the best soyo board that I could find for this thing that does not use a VIA chipset will support PC2100, and an AthalonXP 2100+, so i think I'll settle for that...

[Sastraxi]

Err.. you COULD use a VIA chipset, they seem to have less problems these days. But, they still do have 4x probs, so I would stick with a nice Epox (I've learned more info since I posted that :D)

[Timothy L. Miller]

Originally posted by Sastraxi
I've heard the SOYO KT333 Dragon's integrated sound is pretty good... any thoughts on this?

I'm also building a comp. and wouldn't mind knowing if I should get a Dragon Ultra or a Dragon Lite / SB Audigy.

I don't have it running in linux, but my roommate has a SOYO dragon plus platinum, using onboard sound. quite nice, equal to a Soundblaster Live! 5.1...

[Sastraxi]

Yeah, I heard that... Unfortunately, I've also heard it can lead to static which comes from being to close to some other stuff on the Mobo, which is why we'll never have TRUE all-in-one mobos..

Another thing thats unfortunate is that where I am, in Canada, I can't get any Soyo products locally. All I have near me is crap local stores and Future Shop :(:(

[nuvan]

Sastraxi, you could probably order direct off the soyo site... one of the boards is $69.99 US, which translates to about $109cdn

[sarah31]

Soyo Dragon (Lite,Plus, whatever) $170-300 CDN. I can tell you that the Lite works just fine and I sure don't mind the sound. The Ultra or Plus will give you five or six channel sound.

256-1 GB DDR333 RAM (PC2700) $100 - 650 CDN (it ain't cheap)

You can get a Nvidia GF2 MX400 with 64MB RAM for $75 - 150 CDN depending on whether it is plain or with other outputs.

Maxtor Diamond Max Plus 7200RPM with LFB ATA133 80GB $185-220

DVD/CDrom $50-150

CDRW $120-180 or less

$25 or less for a floppy

AMD XP 2200+ $250-350 and up

Tower with decent power supply $50 and up

So you see it would be very easy to throw something together for that much money. Like i say I could make at least three kickass comps for 3000 cdn.

[nuvan]

those power supplies that specifically say P4, will they work w/ the AMD AthalonXP chips?

[Timothy L. Miller]

Yes, they will. They simply have an extra little 4 prong power supply that is used on the P4 chipsets. I THINK I remember reading that the Opterons are going to require it also, but I'm not 100% sure.

[Sastraxi]

Hmm, I was able to build up this from the local stores, any comments? I can scan in the catalogue, if you'd like...

$189. ECS-K7S5A Mobo
$229. Athlon XP 2000+ (1.73ghz)
$239. 512MB PC2700 DDR-SDRAM
$149. 7200RPM 60GB Maxtor
$169. Radeon 8500LE 64MB
$49. SB Live! 5.1 OEM
$29. Logitech Wheel Mouse Optical
$35. ATX MID
$64. 16x DVD
$229. SAMSUNG 753DF 17" Monitor
$99. Altec ATP3
$79. "Heavy Duty" ATX 350w
$9. Enhanced 104 PS/2

Comes out to $1800 after tax...

[Timothy L. Miller]

Dat's a good price for the RAM!!

[sarah31]

sastraxi,

that specific motherboard is waaaaay over priced. it was down to $109 here in Manitoba and is $90 in Calgary so I think it is too much to pay for that specific board (I have nothing against the board just the price).

I would also make sure that the onboard LAN will work as i remember seeing a few post before about it not working (mind you I never saw the conclusions of those threads). But since lans are cheap it is not much of an issue.

that is a bit high for RAM but reasonable.

The XP 2000+ is a good chip but, actually, the 1800+ is a better value for the price when you break it down. That is a very good price for it though. makes up for the RAM. IMHO.

But all in all it sounds good. Except for the price on that Mobo.

[CrashTestDummy9]

Check out www.newegg.com . A good cheep AMD based DDR MoBo is the Shuttle AK35GT2 or AK35GTR2(onboard HighPoint Raid) . Its a VIAKT333 chipset . NewEgg is (in my opinion) the best source for hardware . Some things even have free shipping . check it out .

[Sastraxi]

Nothing ships to Canada; it has to be my local store.

Okay, here are the Mobos and the RAM prices:

XP 2100
$289.97/$299.97
XP 2000
$229.97/$239.97
XP 1900
$199.97/$219.97
XP 1800
$159.97/$169.97
XP 1700
$139.97/$149.97

First price: OEM 30day (warranty)
Second: Retail Box 3 Year

http://www.compuadnet.com/mb.htm

And there's the mobos... The store really sucks (was nearly shut down because of piracy, so we just buy parts from them now, not full comps), but I'm not going to the other because the same comp costs $200 more. :eek:

[Sastraxi]

If I could buy it at NCIX...

Mobo:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?sku=8286&PHPSESSID=e2bfe520a61ca4b0d560b0687e94f234

Ram:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?sku=8024&PHPSESSID=c469b7d1c906e20f38a759fc765279d2

CPU:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?sku=7477&PHPSESSID=e33356b04c0ac519c5bd93802abcfbe6

Video:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?sku=7554&PHPSESSID=e881a4f928413ef048a3f2e0468ef6df

Chassis:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?sku=6563&PHPSESSID=b8067574d3be3daea0660286c135c3c3

Hard Disk:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?sku=6899&PHPSESSID=3e8b4ff8f1335b3ae37fcd9fd8bf8fbe

Sound Card:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?tab=2&sku=6590&PHPSESSID=6574bb316f656de565343239bb7a0139

Mouse:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?tab=2&sku=7261&PHPSESSID=645445b10f7d5ee8fd15e858d7c7d35e

Keyboard:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?tab=2&sku=6160&PHPSESSID=8db6168c62ebef8f3edc97c20ac16fc5

DVD:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?sku=6450&PHPSESSID=dd69293d4bb259492a091e4e07f4e180

Monitor:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?sku=5478&PHPSESSID=5fda78e6b48c525e807599adbafa02ec

Speakers:
http://www.ncix.com/canada/productdetail.php?sku=5569&PHPSESSID=475a7548b79bee13c9fbfd2aa15e49e8

I'm working out the total.

[sarah31]

techtronics (http://www.techtronics.ca) computerboulevard (http://www.computerboulevard.ca/)

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by Sastraxi
Hmm, I was able to build up this from the local stores, any comments? I can scan in the catalogue, if you'd like...

$189. ECS-K7S5A Mobo
$229. Athlon XP 2000+ (1.73ghz)
$239. 512MB PC2700 DDR-SDRAM
$149. 7200RPM 60GB Maxtor
$169. Radeon 8500LE 64MB
$49. SB Live! 5.1 OEM
$29. Logitech Wheel Mouse Optical
$35. ATX MID
$64. 16x DVD
$229. SAMSUNG 753DF 17" Monitor
$99. Altec ATP3
$79. "Heavy Duty" ATX 350w
$9. Enhanced 104 PS/2

Comes out to $1800 after tax...

They seem to be fairly good prices.

Here in Toronto, I usually shop at Canada Computers ( www.canadacomputers.com ) and another store (which I forget the name right now) on Yonge St. just south of Bloor.

I built my dual AMD box from parts I purchased from the Yonge St. store. Cost me a bundle, but I did get some very good prices.

[Sastraxi]

I suppose I'll go with the local store, seeing as the price from NCIX is insane (It'll be nearly $2k after shipping). Thanks for all your help :)

I might be able to take a trip out to Toronto, it's only a 45 minute drive from the mountain here...