PC upgrade time - number cruncher

Jonny69 · 09-11-2008, 12:31

Okay, doing some encoding on my olde laptoppe and it's taking an age. Swapped to ye greate Shuttle and it's no better because it's just as old

So it's time to get with the times and upgrade. Basically I need processing power and storage space. Graphics is not a concern, neither is huge amounts of RAM, just need number crunching power for ripping discs to the iPod etc.

Been out of the computer market for a while so I'm out of touch. I think a terrabyte of space should cover us for now, would prefer a desktop system but as small as possible. Don't need a screen, just a nice quality simple case, onboard graphics is fine, already got Windows XP, got disk drives. Used to be able to build a respectable box for under £200, what would I be able to do now?

Want to stay with Windows so PC suggestions only please

divine · 09-11-2008, 13:10

Hmmm...

You could probably get a S775 shuttle PC, whack a Q6600 in it with 2GB RAM and away you go. Assuming the apps you use are quad enabled anyway. Onboard graphics I suppose will depend on the Shuttle, I have no idea what's available in that regard tbh.

Edit

Asus Pundit P3-P5G33 Barebones System - Intel Core 2 Duo/Quad (LGA775)

Takes the latest 1333 FSB Core 2 chips, has integrated Intel 3100 graphics and Realtek sound. Probably best off looking through barebones cases yourself though to find one you like the look of too, at a place you'd be happy buying, I only use OcUK to find stuff, I wouldn't shop there any more.

Pumpkinstew · 12-11-2008, 14:35

If you don't mind a bit of overclocking I'd get a Core2Duo/Quad and some DDR2 RAM and that should allow for 3GHz clockspeed.
Big cache on the chip is good for ripping and encoding.

09-11-2008, 12:31	#1
Jonny69 Noob Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Socialist Republik of Kent Posts: 5,032	PC upgrade time - number cruncher Okay, doing some encoding on my olde laptoppe and it's taking an age. Swapped to ye greate Shuttle and it's no better because it's just as old So it's time to get with the times and upgrade. Basically I need processing power and storage space. Graphics is not a concern, neither is huge amounts of RAM, just need number crunching power for ripping discs to the iPod etc. Been out of the computer market for a while so I'm out of touch. I think a terrabyte of space should cover us for now, would prefer a desktop system but as small as possible. Don't need a screen, just a nice quality simple case, onboard graphics is fine, already got Windows XP, got disk drives. Used to be able to build a respectable box for under £200, what would I be able to do now? Want to stay with Windows so PC suggestions only please __________________

09-11-2008, 13:10	#2
divine Moonshine Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Southampton Posts: 3,201	Hmmm... You could probably get a S775 shuttle PC, whack a Q6600 in it with 2GB RAM and away you go. Assuming the apps you use are quad enabled anyway. Onboard graphics I suppose will depend on the Shuttle, I have no idea what's available in that regard tbh. Edit Asus Pundit P3-P5G33 Barebones System - Intel Core 2 Duo/Quad (LGA775) Takes the latest 1333 FSB Core 2 chips, has integrated Intel 3100 graphics and Realtek sound. Probably best off looking through barebones cases yourself though to find one you like the look of too, at a place you'd be happy buying, I only use OcUK to find stuff, I wouldn't shop there any more. __________________ Last edited by divine; 09-11-2008 at 13:16.

12-11-2008, 14:35	#3
Pumpkinstew Absinthe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mostly Oxford, Sometimes Bristol Posts: 1,156	If you don't mind a bit of overclocking I'd get a Core2Duo/Quad and some DDR2 RAM and that should allow for 3GHz clockspeed. Big cache on the chip is good for ripping and encoding. __________________ Get old, or die tryin' PSTEWREVIEWS - Chunks of Meaty Reviews, Mixed with Your Five a Day of News, Comment and Opinion, Floating in a Broth of Suspect Grammar and Seasoned Liberally with Mixed Metaphor. Tasty.