System of a Down: Mark's 'Puter, Pt. 1

If you're curious as to what I use at home for my computing needs (some people are into these things) then read on....otherwise you can escape using a sidebar link.

I roll my own PCs, and the current one is no exception.  If you want to know more about why I build my own systems, read my rant on system building .  The information below is as much to help you understand my choices and perhaps help you along the way.

The Case

To start off, I needed a case that would accept an ATX form-factor motherboard.  The one I had previously was supposed to accommodate them, but I had to hack it to make it work.  Off to Best Buy to purchase an Antec mid-tower case with a 250w power supply.  It's good enough for what I do, I'm not trying to impress anyone and I haven't yet fallen prey to the case modification bug.  I don't do LAN parties either - this thing stays on my desk, period.

I may yet get into that.  Northward Graphics has some cases that make me positively drool.  I'm not the least bit ashamed to admit that those are cool and if you don't agree, I'd be tempted to call you a liar!!

The Motherboard

The current mainboard is a Gigbayte GX7VA-XP. It replaced an Epox mainboard that decided not to recognize the installed RAM.

The system runs 1 GB DDR SDRAM (yes, one gigabyte!) purchased from Crucial .  Need memory....go there.  Crucial is second to none in customer service.  I've also hear that Corsair memory is a great performer but I have no reason to check it out. I don't overclock or push it to the limits, and Crucial's stuff is guaranteed for life.

The Processor

Installed in the system is an Athlon XP 1700.  I use AMD processors in my builds because I haven't seen any conclusive evidence that Intel is better, and they cost half as much.  There are plenty of people who presume AMD is the root of all instability - but this thing runs 24x7, no heat problems (again, because I don't overclock) even in front of a window with direct sunlight.  AMD chips do run hotter than Intel's offerings, but lately, that's not saying much.

Let me tell you - if you are not a gamer, then there's no reason to have the very latest offering from either Intel or AMD.  When you get up to about 1.3 GHz or so, no software on the market except for games needs that much horsepower.  It's all semantics.  Want to game?  Go buy a Playstation or an X-box.

Power Supply

Power supply? Who cares, right? Well, you should. You cannot imagine the difference a good power supply makes. Cheap knockoffs tend to fluctuate in voltage and it leads to system instability. I am a fan of Antec products. The current unit is an Antec SmartPower 400 watt, and it is exceptionally quiet and efficient.

The Graphics Adapter/Video Card

I'm a Nvidia fan.  Currently I have a shiny new PNY Geforce4 TI 4200, 64MB onboard memory.  It excels at DVD playback and nearly every other graphic operation I put to it.  The card has an S-video output so that I can run it to the TV, but no inputs for digital video.  For more on S-video, check out the information at this link. (Thanks to Keely Dunn for that link!)

I use Nvidia because I have had great success with their stuff.  I have had too many driver-related problems with ATI cards, and I used to use them frequently.  Plus, the unified drivers make it easier for owners of their graphics adapters to update.  The graphics card market is currently a duel between ATI and Nvidia - so again research.

The Soundcard

I screwed myself into needing a new sound card when I bought my speaker system, which is a Dolby 5.1 system.  I still have the other, a Sound Blaster Live! MP3, now installed in my kids' system.

Installed is a Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum.  It includes a remote control so that you can leave the PC on the other side of the room and change audio/video sources, play back whatever you want, and more.  I decided on this product for three major reasons:

• It enables 24-bit 5.1 surround for my Klipsch Promedia speakers.  This machine will ultimately become the hub of my entertainment system, and premium audio was absolutely a requirement.
• It ships with a Live! Drive which occupies a 5 1/4 drive bay in the front of the computer.  This has several advantages for me: digital in/out for my Playstation 2, all manner of connectors for other audio equipment, and high quality microphone inputs (I record music using this).
• Music production. I record my own songs at home on this PC, and the Audigy does a great job of this. It's not what "true" home recording buffs use, but you know what? It sounds great to me and it's several hundred dollars cheaper.

Most people won't need something this complex.  I'm demanding, so research before you buy.  I'd be hard pressed to buy anything but a Creative card, but Philips makes a good line as well.

NEXT: More specs on the home workstation >>>