Experts, recommend me a desktop!

[rhema83]

Hey all,

 

I have been using laptops for the past 4 years and I am totally out of touch with the desktop world. I am planning to get a desktop (in Singapore) soon and would like to hear what fellow bikers recommend.

 

The most intensive things that I will use this desktop for:

1) AutoCAD (2D + 3D)

2) MathCAD

3) MATLAB (molecular simulations)

 

Games I intend to play:

1) Heroes of Might and Magic V

2) Starcraft 2 (when it is launched)

3) WoW

4) Latest RPGs

5) PS2 emulator (to play FFX and FFX-2)

 

My intended OS:

1) Windows Vista Business 64-bit (for work)

2) Windows XP Pro SP2 32-bit (for games)

 

Since I will do quite a bit of work on the computer, I am going to stay away from overclocking or mods that can compromise reliability or stability. I am an Intel person so I am going to politely turn away the AMD fans right here.

 

Please use your imagination and knowledge and recommend the following (preferably with prices):

 

1) CPU

2) Mainboard

3) RAM

4) Graphics card

5) Hard disk

6) DVD burner

7) Casing

8) Power supply unit (if the casing doesn't come with one)

9) LCD display

 

If you have good deals with certain shops, please share!

 

(On the other hand, if you need recommendations for laptop, you can ask me. I'll be glad to help.)

[IvikaRazI]

Hi Bro, so the switch to Desktop huh. Actually from what I can see, you may want to look at the workstation line, the only draw back is the cost. So your budget does matters.

 

As for Matlab, I would recommend you run linux instead of windows, I believe there is a performace boost. You may also wan to get Xeon or Optron processor and board for faster 64-bit computing. I do not use Matlab by the way so did not run it on my system.

 

I am currently running on the following specs

1) CPU: Intel C2D E6550

2) Mainboard: Asus P5K WS (Price with CPU - $660 ~ Cybermind)

3) RAM: Kingston 1GB x 3 ($43 x 3 ~ Sitex)

4) Graphics: NVidia GE 8500GT Fatal1ty ($139 ~ Sitex)

5) HDD: Seagate 34GB SCSI ($279 ~ Storage Studio, 2 years ago) + 500GB SATA ($219 ~ Fuwell, 2 months ago)

6) DVD: LG DVD with LiteScriber ($63 - Sitex)

7) Casing: Coolermaster Aluminium ($349 - Cybermind ~ 5 years ago)

8) PSU: Corsair HX520 ($219 ~ Sitex)

9) LCD: Samsung 19" LCD 2ms ($399 ~ Funan, 2 years ago)

 

Please note that WinXP 32-bit can only run 3GB RAM, any higher will not be used by the system. So far I have not max out my RAM, even when playing games, only use 1+ GB. Only 64-Bit systems are able to access above 3GB RAM Addressing.

 

PS: prices are confirm changed as this is my price.