I have been requested by a client to build a "portable" desktop due to the limitations (and cost factor) of laptops as desktop replacements. The time frame for the build will be post-July 1 to allow for more information on Windows 7 upgrades from Vista to filter through the system.
Since the build will occur in a few months, specific pricing is not truly an issue at this time. However, how many of you have had similar requests? With a...
A. Maximum build budget of ~$1,500 US dollars (computer hardware + OS; no monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, or other software required)
B. System should be able to play "newly made games" for at least 2 years with no upgrades
C. Only "simple" upgrades (ram, new/2nd video card) to extend life another 1-2 years to allow for "newly made game" play
D. System will mostly be used for gaming, but will used for "light multi-tasking"
...would you post your opinions on the following:
1. Case recommendations <I have no experience in building Home Theatre or "Lan Party" desktops, so no prior knowledge in dealing with cases smaller than mid-tower ATX>
a. Full size "gaming" video cards must fit
b. Regular size ATX power supply must fit
c. 2 Optical drives preferred (so, 2 external 5.25" slots), but 1 would be ok if price/case options facilitate such
d. No 3.5" slot required
e. 3 interal 3.5" slots preferred (OS hard drive and 2 large storage drives in raid 0)
f. Adequate/good cooling since light overclocking will be used
2. Processor/MB <I am thinking Intel Core 2 Q9400S due to...>
a. Low power = low heat (even after a planned slight over clock from 2.66 to ~3.0)
b. If your suggestion is different, remember that the smaller case will not allow for the larger of the CPU heatsinks, so "high overclocking" isn't possible
3. Graphics Card <Will change in the months leading to build due to the pricing wars and continued name changes, but if built today thinking a 4870 1GB>
4. PS <Pricing/new models changes build, but...>
a. Low heat output/good cooling required
b. Enough power for processor and video card while staying at best efficiency for PS
c. Due to a & b, probably a ~750 watt modular cable unit with a 120 or 140 mm fan from a first or second tier manufacturer
5. Ram
a. Start with 4 GB (2 x 2 GB) if Core 2 X, 6 GB (3 x 2 GB) if Core i7, or 4 GB (2 x 2 GB) if Phenom 2 X
6. Hard Drives
a. 1 ~750GB drive for OS/program installs, 2 ~1.5TB drives for data/file storage (Raid 1 for data safety, especially since it will be moved around)
7. Optical Drive(s)
a. 2 DVD burners, one may have to be "shorter profile" for the case
As stated, this won't be built for a few months. However, the most important part of this computer build is the case. (As, the case determines what the other parts can even be...) The processor choice then determines the rest.
Thank you ahead of time...
Since the build will occur in a few months, specific pricing is not truly an issue at this time. However, how many of you have had similar requests? With a...
A. Maximum build budget of ~$1,500 US dollars (computer hardware + OS; no monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, or other software required)
B. System should be able to play "newly made games" for at least 2 years with no upgrades
C. Only "simple" upgrades (ram, new/2nd video card) to extend life another 1-2 years to allow for "newly made game" play
D. System will mostly be used for gaming, but will used for "light multi-tasking"
...would you post your opinions on the following:
1. Case recommendations <I have no experience in building Home Theatre or "Lan Party" desktops, so no prior knowledge in dealing with cases smaller than mid-tower ATX>
a. Full size "gaming" video cards must fit
b. Regular size ATX power supply must fit
c. 2 Optical drives preferred (so, 2 external 5.25" slots), but 1 would be ok if price/case options facilitate such
d. No 3.5" slot required
e. 3 interal 3.5" slots preferred (OS hard drive and 2 large storage drives in raid 0)
f. Adequate/good cooling since light overclocking will be used
2. Processor/MB <I am thinking Intel Core 2 Q9400S due to...>
a. Low power = low heat (even after a planned slight over clock from 2.66 to ~3.0)
b. If your suggestion is different, remember that the smaller case will not allow for the larger of the CPU heatsinks, so "high overclocking" isn't possible
3. Graphics Card <Will change in the months leading to build due to the pricing wars and continued name changes, but if built today thinking a 4870 1GB>
4. PS <Pricing/new models changes build, but...>
a. Low heat output/good cooling required
b. Enough power for processor and video card while staying at best efficiency for PS
c. Due to a & b, probably a ~750 watt modular cable unit with a 120 or 140 mm fan from a first or second tier manufacturer
5. Ram
a. Start with 4 GB (2 x 2 GB) if Core 2 X, 6 GB (3 x 2 GB) if Core i7, or 4 GB (2 x 2 GB) if Phenom 2 X
6. Hard Drives
a. 1 ~750GB drive for OS/program installs, 2 ~1.5TB drives for data/file storage (Raid 1 for data safety, especially since it will be moved around)
7. Optical Drive(s)
a. 2 DVD burners, one may have to be "shorter profile" for the case
As stated, this won't be built for a few months. However, the most important part of this computer build is the case. (As, the case determines what the other parts can even be...) The processor choice then determines the rest.
Thank you ahead of time...
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