Building a Computer - Techy Questions

[the_Journeyman]

My existing desktop has some failing hardware that is integrated with the motherboard.  I bought it around 6 years ago, so it's time to upgrade it anyway.  I built several desktops a few years ago, so I'm not jumping into this blind, but just a little outdated.  That's where I need the help/advice.

My typical uses are internet, photo/video editing, office stuff, and some gaming.  I don't really want to spend more than $400.  Hard disk space is a non-item, so don't worry about advice on that, I've got a 3TB external and a keyring with a half-dozen flash drives.  I don't want to get in an AMD v. Intel argument, I've used AMD chips since college (2001) and plan on staying with AMD for this build/purchase.

I *almost* bought this one, it's would fit the slot I need power-wise and the price was right.
http://www.staples.com/Lenovo-H535-Desktop-PC/product_317772#desc_content

Then I looked at barebones kits since I can reuse my HDDs and optical drive and get a more powerful computer for cheaper.  (thanks Carlos!)

This kit really looks good and the price is right.  I can toss more memory in if I decide 4GB isn't enough and still be in my budget
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8869068&csid=_61

Question 1:  In an effort to save the cost of a new version of windows, can I simply remove/uninstall most of the drivers and salvage my current install of Vista?  Since I'm currently running Vista, will it play nice with the much newer hardware in the kit once I take care of the drivers without having to totally re-install?  The Vista backup is on one of the HDDs, but the HP Bios & Splash screen is the only way I can access the recovery (that and I don't want the old drivers reloaded anyway.) 

Question 2:  Since the AMD chip I'm looking at has integrated GPU (pretty decent one it sounds like at that) is it still possible to disable the integrated GPU and add an dedicated graphics card?  I know the process on the older mobo integrated ones, and was thinking it would still be the same basic idea.  It also looks like I can add a compatible card and get some gains that way in graphics processing that way.

Question 3:  Aside from the availability of solid state HDDs, has much changed from SATA drives.  My two physical drives I plan on reusing are 7200RPM SATA drives that total around 750GB and it would be nice if these would be just PnP with the new motherboard, OS installation/modification aside.  I have my photography backed up on my external, but not my music files & music videos and such because that is a pile of data.  I would rather just be able to plug the drive up and have it there waiting rather than move it to the external and then back.

Question 4:  Outdated on memory specs, but it looks like there is only one spec higher than the 1600Mhz stuff.  Surely the 1600Mhz stuff would be plenty fast enough for me.

Question 5:  There is another A10 bundle with a higher spec processor.  Would it be worth the extra $50 or so for the higher spec processor?
Here's the higher spec kit:  http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8511632&csid=_61

Question 6:  Can I reuse some of my old stuff, possibly even my case if the form factor is the same (can't remember if my HP case is a mini or micro ATX.  I would also like to keep & reuse my memory card reader that is currently installed (uses a 5.25 drive bay slot, plugs direct into current mobo.  Are the connections for things like this pretty common and it's just a matter of reading up on the pin connectors on the new board if equipped?

Question 7:  One is RAID ready, which I hadn't really considered necessary since I've got a 3TB external that keeps my stuff backed up.  Is it really that necessary with an external backup drive running?

Question 8:  If I don't reuse Vista (I know it's not great, but it'll save me a bit) what version of Windows?  I know there are several versions of Windows available right now.  I would prefer 7 over 8 unless there is a very compelling reason to go to 8.  Also, I know there are 64-bit versions available, but neither kit mentions whether or not they are 64-bit compatible.  None of the current software I run is 64-bit.  How likely is the 64-bit capability to become necessary in the near future

[DarkMonster620]

JM, you're welcome

Q1: Forget Vista, got W7Pro, I am running W7Pro 64bit, working great, ALL my HDDs, yes I have 3[500GB, 1TB, 2TB] internal, and one 3TB external where music and photos and manuals are backed up.

Q2: YES, I have an NVidia 8600 500GB running

Q3: PnP

Q4: The kits I forwarded are DDR3, better than DDR2 and run cooler

Q5: Yes . . . Remember you photo hobby

Q6: PnP, I did it . . . Pic this evening

Q7: Doesn't hurt to have it

Q8: See answer #1

Now, this is what I have minus the HDD and a 1500W Power suppply instead of 750W . . . http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8564588&csid=_61 . . .  I just use it to listen to music and watch movies it is also used to assiste remotely in training or diagnosing  . . .

[the_Journeyman]

That looks like a nice kit!  I'm not planning on replacing my HDDs and ODDs, they're fine.  I think I'll just find the highest spec A or FX kit I can fit in my existing case (one one with a new case included for the right price) and just get to rebuilding.

[MendoDave]

1. I agree with going Win7Pro.  But If you wanted to save money and use Vista, you should do a clean install and use the license you already have. (I had no problems with Vista myself but I have heard others complain about it. Windows 7 also seemed to be a good OS but Win 8 Looks like a disaster.) Then Import the files you have from your backups.  

2. can't help you with this one

3. Probably PNP but some SATA hardware used the old flat ribbon style connectors. If your drives are this type you can get an adapter like this one. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003H9DDLE?tag=vglnk-c1001-20 Its a IDE to SATA adapter. If you have the new style ribbon then don't worry about it.

4. The 1600 memory should be fast enough, But It wouldn't hurt to go with 8 Gigs of Ram if you can.

5. I wouldn't worry about if it was my PC, but then I don't have a Photo Hobby or do any Gaming so Carlos is probably right.

6. Try and use the Case you have. You can always get another Case If you have to. http://www.frys.com/category/Outpost/PC+Components/Cases/

7. No not really. The advantage of Raid is that you can "Hot swap" a drive if it fails without needing to restore everything from a backup. Even with Raid though its a good idea to have a backup in case your system becomes infected really bad.

8. I can't say How immediately 64 Bit will become an issue but it looks like things are heading that way. So if you can go 64 Bit without much trouble (Your programs will run in 64 Bit) That's what I would do.

One other thing. When they came out with Windows 8 it looked like a dead end and a good place to jump ship. They may fix that in the future with a new OS but maybe you might consider a different type of OS, Linux Perhaps.

I have a Linux running on my old Dell Laptop. and it works fine and there seems to be more software out there all the time for Linux.

But I also went and Bought a Mac Mini for $499 I use that for most things when Im not using the Tablet. The Mini will work with your USB Key Board and Mouse and HDMI Monitor. You can get an adapter for VGA to HDMI if you have a VGA monitor. Then I just migrated all the files I had to the new Mac. There is a utility that does that for you. All My stuff is there, Music, Documents, Photos, etc.  

[the_Journeyman]

So, I can get a top-end A10 AMD & 8GB of DDR3 (1600Mhz) or a lower end AMD FX 6-core processor and the same DDR3 setup.  Is a higher clock speed A10 better than a lower clock speed FX?  Reading tells me not a lot of stuff can take advantage of the 6-core setup.  Not 100% sure I'm getting "good" info just reading random stuff online.

The price difference in those two is about $25.  The slightly lower A10 setup is around $100 cheaper than the higher end A10.

JM

[MendoDave]

I don't know. I don't even keep up with the Chip Specs. Im sure that The 6 core is probably better but I bet you won't notice any difference. If it were me I would go with the lower end A10 and put that money into more RAM.

[DarkMonster620]

Either way you can't loose . . . A10 is fairly new FX has been around a while and will continue for a while  

[the_Journeyman]

It actually looks like I can get a much better motherboard with the A10 series kits.  One of the FX kits with a 6-core processor doesn't support the 1600Mhz memory speed!  Performance between the 4-core FX processors appears to be right there with the A10 series.

JM

[JEFF_H]

Vista joke - The It Crowd S04E05

[the_Journeyman]

Here's what I *think* I'm going to use for my build:

Processor:  AMD A10-6800K 4.4Ghz
Why - Best bang for buck thanks to being on sale and cheaper than the A10-5800.

Board:  Asus A78M-A FM2+
Why - USB3.0, supports up to 64GB of 2400Mhz DDR3, can also share up to 2GB with the GPU in the A10.

Memory Patriot Extreme 6GB DDR3, 1600Mhz
Why - Closeout & cheaper than 4GB of the same.  I can easily switch it out for 8GB of 2400Mhz later on for better speed.

Total cost for those parts (assuming I can use my existing case with no problems) is around $220 so it's not too bad expensive.  I'll still need Win7, but I would need that unless buying and off the shelf system.  Even adding Win7, it's cheaper than the A8 powered Lenovo unit I found.

Thanks for the input folks!  If you see any glaring issues, feel free to discuss.

JM

[d3vi@nt]

If you're > 4 GB of RAM, don't forget to go 64-bit with Win7. You can most likely go Home Premium OEM instead of Pro and save a few $'s.  FWIW, I've usually had better luck with Directron and NewEgg than with Tiger but YMMV.

[MendoDave]

That all seems reasonable to me. 6 Gigs of Ram should work for you. Win7 will probably use 3 and then another 1.5 or so with some programs open so you should have some to spare.

[the_Journeyman]

I was planning on getting Premium 64-bit, since it's the same price as the 32-bit I can't see any reason to NOT get it.

I do plan on switching out the RAM later on.  The 6GB set is a closeout that's only $22, so in a few months I'll spring for an 8GB stick of the 2400Mhz stuff to swap with. 

JM

[the_Journeyman]

Should I decide to go with an FX series processor & board w/o onboard graphics is this an ok video card for a good price?  I need something solid, but certainly not top of the market

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4501123&CatId=7387

While I'm dreaming, this looks like a heck of a deal on a good card.  I'm probably not building a computer than can keep up with it though 
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8140415&CatId=7387

JM

[DarkMonster620]

With either one you can hook up 2 monitors . ..  DVI and HDMI . . . and yes, the MoBo will keep up with it . . .

JM, I just like to "over-build" stuff . . . Just like having the capacity to be able to do stuff later and/or occasionally, that's why I have what I have . . .

Whatever I do with my laptop, it will stay Intel since it came that way and few laptops are AMD . . . between Spotify and iTunes, either one running, I get a message that "too much memory is being used", this in the laptop . . .on the desktop, where  I am right now, I'm not even at 5%CPU and 13% RAM out of 16GB installed with double the capacity . . . My idea, run ALL audio from this PC . .

You enjoy photography so, a good video card[stand alone] would help you a lot, but, AMD usually carries very good "onboard" video cards .. .Just that RAM usage is then higher and it could slow down the processes . . .

I'm not a IT guy, just a dude who learned with a few friends assembling PCs at nights/weekends, again, my $0.002