Is the suggested combination good enough to reach my requirement?

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by blackranger, Aug 12, 2010.

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Is the suggested combination good for me?

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  1. blackranger

    blackranger MDL Senior Member

    Dec 28, 2009
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    #1 blackranger, Aug 12, 2010
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2010
    I have such requirements in building a self-built desktop, please read and comment briefly does the suggested desktop matches my need.

    Requirements:

    Purpose: Install and store lots of software, virtualizating, study, NOT mainly for gaming. The computer must support lifetime virtualization.

    I used to install WinXP as real machine, and install Win7 in VMware Player 3 / Workstation 7.

    Price: HKD$3000 or less
    CPU: Native quad core (Intel or AMD is accepted)
    CPU supports: Virtualization, 64-bit OS
    Motherboard: any well-known brand
    Memory: at least 2GB RAM
    Hard Disk: 500GB / 1TB
    DVD Reader & Recorder: 24X +R/+RW (optional: BD +R/+RW)
    Graphics Card: NVIDIA or AMD ATI is accepted
    Sound Card: any
    Network Card: any
    Case / Power supply: at least 2 USB ports / any

    Suggested desktop by Hong Kong Centralfield (M$ Gold Cert. partner 07~08)

    Price: HKD$2770
    CPU: AMD AthlonII x4 635 (2.9G, 2MB, 95W, 45nm)
    Virtualization & 64-bit OS: Both YES
    Motherboard: GA-880GM-UD2H
    Memory: 2GB DDR3-1333
    Hard Disk: 500GB (SATA2, 16MB)
    DVD Reader & Recorder: 24X DVD+/-RW SATA Recorder
    Graphics Card: ATI HD4250 (HDMI, DVI, VGA)
    Sound Card: Internal 7.1 Channel
    Network Card: Gigabit high speed network card
    Case / Power supply: ATX case / 400W power supply

    Is the suggested good enough?
     
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  2. acyuta

    acyuta MDL Expert

    Mar 8, 2010
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    Memory is too low. I have a 7GB DDR3 RAM. Installing win 7 64 bit on VM can be done with lower memory. I initially had 2 GB allocated to win 7 64 bit VM but found that 2.5-3 GB gives a very good experience. If virtual machine is to be used only for testing, then basic HDD for virtual disk can be lower though I have allocated 40 GB (default value). Enough for me, though not enough if many games are to be loaded in VM.
     
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  3. blackranger

    blackranger MDL Senior Member

    Dec 28, 2009
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    Thanks for commenting. I would like to reply by saying that,
    I would install WinXP in C: (meaning that it's a real machine),
    then install VMware in WinXP,
    then install virtual Win7 in VMware.

    And, at least 70% of my time using computer is spent on Win7 but much less on WinXP. So, almost 70% time I will have two machine switched on at same time.

    Besides, I use 500GB HDD will be just fit for me to store softwares. Also, I cannot find a suggested combination with HDD storage less than 500GB.

    Now, does 2GB RAM really not so suitable for this situation? Can acyuta please clearly advise me which part of my list I should change? Is simply 2GB RAM to 7GB RAM?
     
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  4. acyuta

    acyuta MDL Expert

    Mar 8, 2010
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    I have win 7 64 in VM WS7 and found that 2 GB was just about adequate for VM. RAM is not too expensive and DDR3 is the min. now. In India, a 2GB DDR3 1333 Mhz stick is close to US$60-65 and could be lower in HK. Why do you not skimp on HDD for the time being (buy 500 GB) and increase RAM. XP does require at least 1 GB for some reasonable degree of speed.
     
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  5. blackranger

    blackranger MDL Senior Member

    Dec 28, 2009
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    Thanks Hazar, but I want to say more.

    This ideal/suggested self-built will not be used to overclock, absolutely not for overclocking.
    Also, WinXP 32-bit and Win7 32-bit totally don't require 2GB of RAM, right? So can I say the suggested combination is fit for me?
     
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  6. Hazar

    Hazar MDL Guru

    Jul 29, 2009
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    If you don't overclock then you're stupid.

    Honestly, it's a smart thing to do provided it's done right.
     
  7. Hazar

    Hazar MDL Guru

    Jul 29, 2009
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    LOL, I know. The newer batches do like FS pointed out. They added it in SLGTL

    Intel > AMD for clock for clock performance. Memory performance will be better on AMD but OCing will even that out. 800mhz in Dual channel is quite a lot of bandwidth