My computer sucks. I need someones help (specs)

TranceAddict Forums (www.tranceaddict.com/forums)
- Production Studio
-- My computer sucks. I need someones help (specs)

Posted by DJ Robby Rox on Dec-10-2008 02:08:

My computer sucks. I need someones help (specs)

I don't know a lot about computers. Only thing that makes sense to me is CPUs. (some are fast and some are slow lol)
So I tend to go with my brothers recommendations (who seems to know computers really well, I need to ask you guys because I've been too lazy to gather all my specs but have been through too much computer related bs not to now.).

I'll tell you what I have first:
_________________
Mainboard

Bus(es) AGP PCI IMB USB i2c/SMBus
MP Support - 1 CPU(s)
Model - P5GC - VM Graphics Integrated Mobo
Version - Rev x.xx
Serial Number - MS1C79B00G01132
Bios Version - A_M_I_ - 10000711
Bios Date - 10/11/07
Bios Vendor - American Megatrend Inc.
MP APIC - Yes
_________________

CPU - Intel Pentium D 925 - 3.0GHz, 4mb Cache
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...DE=WEBLET03SHIP
Speed - 3000MHz
Model - x86 Family 15 Model 6 Stepping 5
Vendor ID - Genuine Intel
Socket Designation - LGA 775

_________________

Memory
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...DE=WEBLET03SHIP
Total Physical - 1.99GB
Free Physical - 1.22 GB
Max Page File - 2.95GB
Initial Size - 2046
Max Size - 4092
Allocated Memory Load 38%

__________________

Windows System - XP Pro 5.1 Service Pack 3
Kernel Type - Multiprocessor Free

__________________

Hard Disk - WDC WD50000KS - 00MNB0
WD Caviar 500GB Serial ATA HD 7200/16MB/SATA-3G
(C - 390.63GB
Data (D
MultiMedia Device - Realtek High Def Audio

__________________

Other things I bought with the computer when we built it:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...DE=WEBLET03SHIP (Fan, have since added a second)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...DE=WEBLET03SHIP
(TRENDnet TEW-423PI PCI Wireless Adapter - 54Mbps, 802.11g)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...DE=WEBLET03SHIP (dvd)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...DE=WEBLET03SHIP
(original piece of shit Mobo which burnt out in like 6 months and I replaced with the P%GC - VM)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...DE=WEBLET03SHIP
(Buffalo Select 1024MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz Memory, Not sure why I got 2 different types of memory or if I did, but I know I have 2gb and this is what my reciept from a few years ago had on it)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...DE=WEBLET03SHIP (case)

_________________________________________________

Now my past problems:
Soon after we put it together the MoBo went then was replaced.
A few months more passed by and the computer started rebooting out of the blue. It got worse and worse till my brother took a look at it and said it wasn't getting enough power.
Power supply updated, it cooled down and worked again

Currently my issues are this:
The computer has started rebooting again. Its happening before windows starts so my brother said it has to be hardware related again.
Also, I'm not pleased at all with the pentium d, its faster than my old laptop but not as fast as I wanted.
Was thinking about trashing the Pentium for the AMD Phenom X3 8750
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...p?EdpNo=3797671

My computer is unstable, even in the past it would have these weird seizures when FL Studio was open where the program would lock, clicking noises would come out the speakers, then it would unfreeze and go back to normal.
It was like a half crash/seizure (only way I can explain) and use to happen a lot till recently when I completely started rebooting.

_______________________________

Now my problem.
I don't have a lot of money.
But I def want a faster better CPU that is hopefully around $120 or cheaper.
I'm getting tired of listening to my brother. Hes smart as shit but doesn't know a lot about music DAW's, he says they are probaly computers built similar to gaming computers but they most likely don't require the intense speed gamers do.

Can someone please tell me what parts of my computer are a piece of shit? Ever since I had this computer its seemed unstable. The times it did work though it was still an improvement from what I was use to.
I am on a tight budget but would appreciate ANYTHING ANYONE can tell me about this, PLEASE.
Thank you very much!

-Roxx

Posted by pwnage1 on Dec-10-2008 02:41:

If your looking solely for a new cpu. Make sure that it is compatible with all your current shit. You should go at least for a dual core. Also, keep in mind that Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz is only 184 dollars. I doubt that, that is compatible with your mobo not that i checked, but that tells you what you can get with your money, so don't buy a piece of shit single core amd 2.4ghz when you get effectively the same four times for 60 dollars over budget.

Posted by DJ Robby Rox on Dec-10-2008 03:08:

Ok see I don't wanna make another mistake, my main reference at this point for the CPU is this:

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/...-Max-9,369.html

I'm just noticing my Pentium D is pretty low and the AMD Phenoms are near the top.
But I'm not even sure if the AMD Phenoms I'm looking at on tigerdirect are the ones on the list.
Intel Core 2 Quad looks good but I want to figure out if I actually need that speed.

Someone on another board said they switched from a AMD 5600+ @3.1ghz stable to an Intel E8500 DOU Core @ 3.8ghz stable and had a 50% increase in speed.
I'd me more than happy with a 50% increase and if I made that same switch seeing how shitty the Pentium Ds are I'd have more like a 100% increase in speed.

So I have a lot to consider, but if anyone sees any thing in my current set up that looks bad (I'm looking for reasons why my computer is so unstable too) I'd appreciate any advice.

Posted by airwalker1 on Dec-10-2008 03:36:

well it all depends on what you want from the computer in the first place dude,then you can figer out what is good and what is worth keeping.

Posted by pwnage1 on Dec-10-2008 04:00:

nvm, its a triple core. I am dumb sorry.

Seriously, i think that amd is fine unless you are going to be over clocking then get a intel. otherwise your good.

Posted by DJ Robby Rox on Dec-10-2008 04:13:

quote:
Originally posted by airwalker1
well it all depends on what you want from the computer in the first place dude,then you can figer out what is good and what is worth keeping.

I need more speed at this point, the most bang for the buck.
I think I can work stability issues out with my brother, then figure out the speed by myself (and you guys lol).

My eyes are on these right now:
(higher=better) (lower=better)
Passmark CPU - Rank - Price
Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 - 1169 - 123 - $114.97
AMD Athlon Dual 5200+ - 1055 - 140 - $65.99
AMD Phenom X4 (quad) - 2074 - 65 - $99.99
Intel Pentium Dual Core - 1181 - 120 - $59.00

Mine Pentium D 3.0 747 - 207

These are the main ones I'm looking at.
The best deal is obviously the AMD Phenom HOWEVER reading reviews on tiger direct a lot of people are actually complaining about them saying they don't perform like they expected.

The Intel Pentium Dual is like $55 cheaper than the Core 2 Duo and it has great feedback on tiger direct.
A lot of people seem to like the Core 2 Duo to as well, but its much more than a Pentium Dual.
Limitations with Pentium Dual are 800Mhz FSB and 1MB Cache. My problem is I have no idea what that means or if its important for DAW's music production.
I don't know wtf cache does.

Then the Athlon Dual is out the line up because of the Pentium Dual Core.
Anyway. I guess I've gotten down to 3 choices.
AMD Phenom which is ranked GREAT (speedwise) but seems to have bad feedback from customers.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...TD&body=REVIEWS

Then the Core 2 and Dual Core decision. And I'm still trying to figure out who the better manufacturer is Intel or AMD. Seems Intel has a better overall rep.

Posted by DJ Robby Rox on Dec-10-2008 04:18:

quote:
Originally posted by pwnage1
nvm, its a triple core. I am dumb sorry.

Seriously, i think that amd is fine unless you are going to be over clocking then get a intel. otherwise your good.

This confused me too. Some CPUs I guess overclock better then other CPUs don't? But then overclocking is suppose to make the computer less stable/run hotter or w/e?

I just want fast & stable lol. I hate how you have to turn yourself into a computer guru just to have something decent now and days.

Posted by DJ Robby Rox on Dec-10-2008 04:18:

double

Posted by pwnage1 on Dec-10-2008 04:35:

quote:
Originally posted by DJ Robby Rox
This confused me too. Some CPUs I guess overclock better then other CPUs don't? But then overclocking is suppose to make the computer less stable/run hotter or w/e?

I just want fast & stable lol. I hate how you have to turn yourself into a computer guru just to have something decent now and days.
Intel are considered more stable, and they tend to run cooler. With that said the stability and temperature don't matter unless you were overclocking, though that to can be fixed with different cooling devices.

Posted by airwalker1 on Dec-12-2008 03:23:

the reason i asked you "what you wanted from your set up"
is because you can build the set up around your needs.
but im guessing that like most people you want a all rounder.

if that is the case then intel duo core is a good choise.
and if im honist here ive lernt the need to over complecate things is just not needed.

Posted by DJ Robby Rox on Dec-12-2008 03:30:

quote:
Originally posted by airwalker1
the reason i asked you "what you wanted from your set up"
is because you can build the set up around your needs.
but im guessing that like most people you want a all rounder.

if that is the case then intel duo core is a good choise.
and if im honist here ive lernt the need to over complecate things is just not needed.

Yeh I just don't have enough speed at this point.
An upgrade directly from Pentium D seems to be Pentium Dual Core, then after Pentium Dual Core a Core2duo (depending on a chips relative specs).
I figured out my mobo won't take any AMD chips which narrowed it down.
Now my only thing is trying to figure out how much faster a Core2Duo is then a Pentium Dual. I always thought Pentium D & Pentium Dual were the same till I learned they are not at all.

But Pentium Dual is much cheaper the a Duo. I'll prob wind up going with the Core2 even if it is more expensive, just a bit intrigued still with the dual core.

Posted by Subtle on Dec-12-2008 04:06:

quote:
Originally posted by DJ Robby Rox

I figured out my mobo won't take any AMD chips which narrowed it down.
Now my only thing is trying to figure out how much faster a Core2Duo is then a Pentium Dual. I always thought Pentium D & Pentium Dual were the same till I learned they are not at all.
Pentium Dual Core is the same technology as Core 2 Duo, they perform roughly the same as well.

The Pentium Dual is a stripped down version of the Core 2 Duo (65nm), only with slower FSB, and cache.

And be aware, even if you got the right socket for handling Core 2 Duo, it doesnt mean that it will fit, so check with manufacturer about that.

Posted by davidbuhau on Dec-14-2008 02:30:

just buy an xps. seriously... you can get one with a q9550 now... and you just open the box, plug it in, install the software you've purchased... and IT WORKS.

the end

Posted by DJ Robby Rox on Dec-14-2008 04:25:

quote:
Originally posted by davidbuhau
just buy an xps. seriously... you can get one with a q9550 now... and you just open the box, plug it in, install the software you've purchased... and IT WORKS.

the end

I never heard of an XPS before.
Is it this?
http://www.google.com/products/cata...sult#ps-sellers

I was going to order today a core 2 quad but I keep delaying it.
Initially I was gonna do Pentium Dual, then Core2Duo, and now Core2Quad.

XPS I just know nothing about. But if its over $200 I don't have the money for it.

Posted by davidbuhau on Dec-14-2008 05:13:

xps is dell's high end desktop computer. think more like 1250...

my next audio machine will likely be a sun workstation with a pair of quad core processors...