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theGrue
Green
Posts: 19
Join Date: Aug, 2004
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« on: August 07, 2004, 12:21:39 AM » |
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I'm basically putting together my dream rig for college, and I'd really like to get some feedback from some of the more experienced Shuttle builders of this forum. So here's what I have...
Shuttle SB75S
NEC/Mitsubishi LCD1760V
3.0C Pentium 4 (Northwood)
OCZ Premier Value 512MB (256MBx2) PC3200
74GB Western Digital Raptor
250GB Hitachi
AOpen nVIDIA GeForce FX5200
Compro VideoMate TV Ultra
Plextor PX-712A
Logitech Internet Keyboard & Mouse
JBL Duet Speakers
I keep my games to the consoles, and want a powerful PC that can record video, burn DVDs, and house my MP3/FLAC collection (and encode em fast!). So I put in a pretty fast P4, the Raptor as my main Windows drive, and the Hitachi (which will be known as "The A/V Club"), which will be used for video from the TV card, as well as my music collection, DVDR related business, whatever. The rest of the parts are more or less out of necessity, so if you could give it a look and let me know if I'm making any big mistakes, that'd be nice. Thanks!
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theGrue
Green
Posts: 19
Join Date: Aug, 2004
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« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2004, 12:21:39 AM » |
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Building a SB75S - How about some feedback?
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moonhunter
Regular
Posts: 50
Join Date: Nov, 2003
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« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2004, 04:58:10 AM » |
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I built pretty much the exact system except I bought the SB75G2 instead of the SB75S... best machine I've ever had.. I take it into work with me daily and have another one as a linux server.
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Dethoff
Green
Posts: 4
Join Date: Aug, 2004
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« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2004, 06:43:18 AM » |
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I am in the process of building a similar rig for my daughter to take to college, based o the SB75S.
Two weeks ago, after *much* research, I purchased the Samsung 173P LCD. It looks fabulous and has a very thin bezel (small for a 17 incher). It can easily be rotated 90 degrees into portrait view, a feature which I find I use way more than I ever thought.
The 173p is a bit more costly than some other 17 inch LCDs, but worth it! I picked mine up at my local Circuit City, $600 after rebate.
If you have not yet purchased the monitor, give a look at this one.
Also. I would highly recommend a wireless keyboard and mouse. My older daughter used one at school and it was a God send. When she needed more desktop space to write, she could easily more the keyboard and mouse to the shelf above her desk.
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newfiedesertdog
Ace
Posts: 1,290
Join Date: Jul, 2003
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« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2004, 10:20:33 AM » |
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I just built an SB75S for my daughter.
P4 3.0 Northwood
Corsair XMS PC3200 1 gig (2x512)
ATI 9600XT AIW
Samsung Spinpoint 160 gig SATA HD
NEC 2510 dual layer DVD/CDRW
Maudio 2496 Audiophile sound card
Klipsh Promedia 5.1 speakers
Kinyo 5.1 headphones
Viewsonic VP191s LCD
Microsoft wireless Elite keyboard/mouse
Epson C6400 all-in-one printer scanner
WINXP Pro SP1a
MODS:
Arctic Silver 5
Replaced Sunon ICE fan with Panaflo H1ABX
NEC drive works great but is a little noisey I am thinking of trying
the Lite-on SHOW 832s which is suppose to have Lite-on's new vibration dampening.
Easy build and she seemed pleased with the results.
She is working on her PHD in music education specializing in
working with "special needs" children.
The bad news is my wife has seen the SB75s and loves it.
OOPS!
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rorrim180
Regular
Posts: 176
Join Date: Mar, 2004
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« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2004, 11:46:06 AM » |
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I priced out your system, not including the mouse, keyboard and speakers, at newegg.com and came up with a total of $1769.50. Going with what I suggest gets you great performance and saves you money. Shuttle SB75S No change. $350.00 Samsung 710N This LCD has a better response time, brightness rating and contrast ratio which all boils down to superior image quality. It's also cheaper than the one you picked. $390.00 P4 3.0GHz "Northwood" No change. $214.00 1GB Corsair Value Select RAM With all of the alterations I was able to upgrade you to a GB of RAM. More RAM is always a good thing. $169.00 Western Digital 80GB SATA HDD This would be used in place of the Raptor drive you picked. I picked this to save you money and protect your system from heat since you are going to be using two HDDs. It offers great performance and is MUCH quieter than the Raptor. $69.00 Western Digital 250GB SATA HDD Hitachi HDD = IBM Deathstar HDD in disguise. I don't trust em.  $171.49 ATI AIW 9800 Pro Going with this gives you better video performance and an all in one solution. $275.00 Lite-On SOHW-832S Plextor's name also comes with a bloated price tag. Lite-On makes outstanding optical drives and it will cost you a lot less. You also get the option of burning DL Media. $76.00 Total Cost = $1714.49 If you give me the max amount you want to spend I can see if I can come up with something else for you. I hope this helps. Here's a review of the ATI AIW card if you're unsure about it's capabilities. |
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DrThundr
Veteran
Posts: 353
Join Date: Jun, 2004
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« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2004, 02:14:08 PM » |
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The 74GB Raptor is very, very quiet except for a little seek noise, and fairly cool too. My other WDs are MUCH louder (but they are JBs not JDs). Many of the larger drives run quite a bit hotter than the Raptors. I would stick with the Raptor.
BTW, yeah, Plextors are expensive, but they really are great drives--quiet, great performance, and stellar build quality. Lite-Ons are good too--especially considering the price, but I don't think its as good as a Plextor.
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theGrue
Green
Posts: 19
Join Date: Aug, 2004
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« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2004, 02:43:48 PM » |
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Thanks a lot guys, especially rorrim180 for his setup. It's somewhat similar to what I had together at first, but here's what I'm a bit worried about:
-You can't beat a Plextor... I don't mind paying for quality there. DL isn't a big deal since it's pretty damn expensive these days, and I plan on being a poor college student.
-The drive configuration is still up in the air in my mind... My other idea was to go with 2 Samsung 160GB's, create a Windows partition of, say, 40GB on one and use the rest of the drive for my music collection, and use the other as the "Video" drive. Thoughts?
-ATI AIW 9800 Pro... While I'd love it if I could get my TV and video solution in one card and drop in an M-Audio Revolution in the PCI slot, I'm very, very afraid of ATI's MMC software. Reviews I've read of Compro's line of cards say they're aces, while everything about the 9800 seems to be nothing but video benchmarks and nothing about the included software, which I've heard can be quite tough to deal with.
And as for price, I'm happy with it around $1800 right now, and I'd like to keep it around there... $2000 as a max. And thanks again for your help!
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Ryan B
Veteran
Posts: 355
Join Date: May, 2002
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« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2004, 02:58:04 PM » |
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Just built one recently:
Shuttle SSB75S $243 (refurb, after MIR)
P4 2.8E $165 (oem)
52x32x52 CD $ 12
Corsair 1 GB $166
7K250 160 GB $ 95
Radeon 9600 $ 70 (refurb)
Zalman ZM-F1 $ 5
Total $756
This is kind of a budget system, but still provides excellent performance.
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VillageIdiot
Ace
Posts: 3,387
Join Date: Dec, 2003
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« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2004, 04:52:05 PM » |
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If you have a DVI output on your video card, I'd get the 710T instead of 710N, costs about $100 more though.
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rorrim180
Regular
Posts: 176
Join Date: Mar, 2004
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« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2004, 10:52:24 AM » |
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I'm glad I could help you out. I don't work for newegg or anything like that, I just like the act of rig consulting and I use them as a price benchmark because they're a great company. I work really cheap too. A simple reply with a thanks is good enough for me.I figured you'd be broke while at college, aren't we all, so the system I setup is more of a long-term solution. I know that Plextor makes an outstanding drive, but so does Lite-On. At the time I was looking for every way possible to rework the system in regards to price, while improving the performance and longevity with an AIW card and a GIG of RAM. I have experience with both SE Western Digital HDDs and Raptor drives. Maybe it's just me but I find the Raptor to be much louder than the SE HDD but if that kind of thing doesn't bother you then go with it. I don't have any experience with ATI AIW cards so I can't really comment on their software. I found another review that concentrates more on the software bundle. It seems to easy to use and covers pretty much everything you're looking for. Anyway, here are two configurations with a bigger/smaller budget: BIGGER BUDGETShuttle SB75S $350.00 SB75S Rebate Form $290.00 (Ends August 31st!) Samsung SyncMaster 710T $499.00 P4 3.0GHz "Northwood" $214.00 1GB Corsair Value Select RAM $169.00 WD 74GB Raptor SATA HDD $178.00 Raptor Rebate Form $158.00 (Ends August 14th!) WD 200GB SATA HDD $127.00 18-inch SATA Cable $2.55 ATI AIW 9800 Pro $275.00 Plextor 12X DVD +RW/-RW Drive $138.00 Realtek ALC 650 (Onboard audio) $0.00 JBL Duet Speakers $42.00 Logitech Cordless MX Duo $69.00 Sub Total: $2063.55Total (with rebates): $1983.55 SMALLER BUDGETShuttle SB75S $350.00 SB75S Rebate Form $290.00 (Ends August 31st!) Samsung 710N $390.00 P4 3.0GHz "Northwood" $214.00 512MB Corsair Value Select RAM $133.00 WD 80GB SATA HDD $69.00 WD 160GB IDE HDD $98.00 AOpen GeForce FX 5500 $69.50 Compro VideoMate Ultra $81.00 Lite-On SOHW-812S DVD +RW/-RW $64.00 Realtek ALC 650 (Onboard audio) $0.00 Logitech X-120 Speakers $19.00 Logitech Delux Desktop Bundle $11.00 Sub Total: $1498.50Total (with rebate): $1438.50Feel free to mix and match this stuff and come up with something that makes you happy. I think you should stick with 1 drive as your boot partition/windows install/apps install and use your second drive for term paper backups/music/movies/pr0n...er...stuff. You really don't need a sound card since you're only going to be using a two speaker setup (And headphones when you have to keep it quiet). I put the Lite-On drive in the smaller budget rig to cut costs. I had the same drive and I can assure you that you won't be disappointed. I also decided to go with the FX5500 instead of the FX5200 because it supports both analog and DVI connections and it has a cooling fan. I also advise getting one of these to protect your LCD when you travel: Caseace Geargrip $32.00 And this as well if you have the cash to spare: Shuttle Carry Bag $25.00 |
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theGrue
Green
Posts: 19
Join Date: Aug, 2004
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« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2004, 06:57:32 PM » |
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Once again, thanks a ton. Here's what I think it's gonna come down to (In terms of confidence): Sure Things - $711.00 Shuttle SB75S - $350.00 - Unless the SB81P is out next week, I'm in love with the look of this thing. Plextor PX-712A - $138.00 - What can I say, I love the Plextor name. Gotta have it. Pretty Sure Things - $509.50 2 Samsung 160GB SATA Hard Drives - $203.00 - I've heard good things about Samsung drives, and I think I will go ahead and partition the first for Windows/Audio, then use the second for the more demanding Video. 1GB Corsair Value Select RAM - $169.00 - Not sure how much I actually need, but with a price difference of only $30 between this and the 512MB version, why not? AOpen nVidia GeForce FX5200 - $56.50 - Not sure why I'd need an FX5500, this has a VGA and DVI out, and I like the fanlessness to keep it running quiet. Unless you think it might run too hot without a fan, I don't know why I'd need any more. Compro VideoMate TV Ultra - $81.00 - Unless ATI suddenly gets their act together, I'm scared of the software for the AIW. Everything I've read about this card suggests the quality is better than the ATI's and other TV cards, and it's nice and WDM compliant. Very Up In The AirLCD: Seems like it's down to a Samsung 710N/T, the NEC/Mitsubishi I picked out, or this Samsung 712N that appeared in today's Best Buy ad for $380 after rebates. Any idea what the difference is between that and the 710's? Keyboard/Mouse: Doesn't really matter, I was just looking at white ones to match the Shuttle . Not sure why I'd really need cordless, either. I'd go for the "Delux Desktop Bundle" but I'm not positive if that's an optical mouse. The keyboard rest looks a lot more conveniently detachable though. I can't stand those things. This, as well as the LCD and maybe the speakers, are the kind of thing I wouldn't mind just picking up at a local Best Buy/CompUSA. Speakers: I liked the Duet's because they seem decent from the user reviews, and once again, they match the Shuttle. I should really look into sound quality. USB Floppy Drive: I think I'm gonna be bringing along my laptop as well, and since it's old as dirt (but still functioning perfectly), the only way I can really get files to it is a floppy. I just threw in the cheapest there, an NEC for $27.99. White, of course. Right now, with my previous LCD/keyboard/mouse/speakers and the floppy, as well as what's above, I'm at $1752.49. Not a bad number. So, I'm open to final thoughts, as I'd like to get this all ordered sometime this week. |
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rorrim180
Regular
Posts: 176
Join Date: Mar, 2004
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« Reply #13 on: August 09, 2004, 09:41:22 AM » |
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The difference between the two Samsung LCDs is very small. The 710T has a greater vertical viewing angle (20 degrees). The 710T also has a DVI connection where the 710N uses a standard, 15 pin D-Sub. The vertical viewing angle is not even worth comparing because I'm sure you don't work standing up. But, if you must have a DVI connection, which doesn't really make a difference, then go with the 710T. Other then that, they both share the same brightness rating, response time and contrast ratio. In this setup, we're going with a matching color system so I've thrown the 1760V back into the mix. The video card you picked is a good choice if all you use the system for is 2D and DVD playback. The card will be fine with passive cooling. The Samsung drives are a good choice. I didn't know you were going for the silent route (this also applies to the video card decision) or I would have suggested those or Seagate drives. The Logitech Cordless MX Duo are both wireless. Some people are in love with wireless keyboards/mice (I hate them personally) and some could care less. I just wasn't sure what catagory you fell under so I provided links for both. Your speaker purchase should also be based on the environment you're living in: (You may also want to look into buying a good set of headphones if you don't have a set already) Thin walls/thick walls in the dorms? Is the dorm room big/small? Is your roommate easily disturbed by noise? Don't even bother with a USB floppy drive. Get yourself a USB memory stick. You'll thank me once you use it. It is so convenient. I'm sure they make white ones as well. Here's my final rundown. I think you'll be happy with it: Shuttle SB75S $350.00 SB75S Rebate Form $290.00 (Ends August 31st!) NEC/Mitsubishi 1760V $435.00 P4 3.0GHz "Northwood" $223.00 1GB Corsair Value Select RAM $169.00 (2) Samsung 160GB SATA Hard Drives $203.00 (2) 18-inch SATA Cable $5.10 Nvidia GeForce FX5200 $56.50 Compro VideoMate Ultra $81.00 Plextor 12X DVD +RW/-RW Drive $138.00 Realtek ALC 650 (Onboard audio) $0.00 JBL Duet Speakers $42.00 Logitech Internet Keyboard/Mouse Combo $19.00 Total: $1661.60You may also want to consider this stuff as well: Caseace Geargrip $32.00 Shuttle Carry Bag $25.00 Lexar 128MB USB Memory Stick (It's white!) $30.50 What state do you live in? You may want to purchase everything from an online store so you can avoid the taxes. That will save you a nice chunk of change. Check everything out and let me know what you think. |
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Flinch
Green
Posts: 24
Join Date: Oct, 2002
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« Reply #14 on: August 09, 2004, 10:05:52 AM » |
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I just ordered a system from Newegg yesterday
SB75s
Pentium 2.8c OEM
Sapphire 9800 pro
Nec 2500 dvd writer (i have this already)
2x 512mb Corsair value ram
WD 74gb raptor
Arctic Silver 5
Total cost $1106
I hope it doesn't give me any problems.
Got a brand new Apple 20inch Cinema display waiting to be hooked up.
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theGrue
Green
Posts: 19
Join Date: Aug, 2004
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« Reply #15 on: August 09, 2004, 12:45:57 PM » |
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Alright, looking good. Just to run down a bunch of things...
I mean't difference between the 710 series and 712, since the 712 is at a store near me, and that seems more like the kind of delicate item I'd just want to go pick up myself.
Not sure about the walls, but the dorms are definately small, and I haven't given my roommate a call yet. Definately will have to to figure out a things regarding headphones and whatnot. I'm either gonna get some Grado SR60's or something with a closed design if sound leakout is going to be a problem.
I would get a memory stick, but like I said, old as dirt, the laptop doesn't have USB ports.
And I'm in NY, so no tax from Newegg for me.
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rorrim180
Regular
Posts: 176
Join Date: Mar, 2004
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« Reply #16 on: August 09, 2004, 12:57:46 PM » |
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Cool stuff. Where are you going to school btw? I'm in NJ
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theGrue
Green
Posts: 19
Join Date: Aug, 2004
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« Reply #17 on: August 09, 2004, 02:15:16 PM » |
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RIT. Majoring in Software Engineering.
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rorrim180
Regular
Posts: 176
Join Date: Mar, 2004
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« Reply #18 on: August 09, 2004, 02:40:17 PM » |
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Ewwwww, math!
*Hissssssssssss, claw
Hehe, send me a PM if you have any other questions.
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