Please don’t say Mac!

Hi, I’m Adam and I am a first year Networking Engineering Technology student. The main things I use my computer for are gaming, running server applications like web and file servers and doing a lot of virtualization, which is running several operating systems inside of the main operating system.
I have a really big monitor so I can keep track of a lot of things at once. It is 24 inches and it allows me to have several applications open at the same time. For instance, I often have a both web browser and a word processor open when I am doing research so I can research and type at the same time, this is very handy.
Another one of the most important parts of a computer for me is the RAM. Most people don’t really need a lot of RAM. However, it you start doing a lot of multi-tasking like I do with several things running at once you will find that if you don’t have enough RAM it can really bog down your computer. This is because your operating system will try to use your hard drive and your hard drive is a lot slower than the RAM.
The video card is another important component. I have a very nice GTX280 which is great for playing all the new high end games.
The next very important thing is the processor. Without a fast processor, all your other components will run slowly. I have a quad core processor and it is very fast and lets me do all of the multi tasking that I want to.

Thanks, it’s for a school assignment in computer programming. I’m a Mac person and don’t know much about where to buy all these computer parts.
Lol, thanks, The Future is Fusion.

to go with said processor.

Here’s the one I’ve decided that I want…

AMD Phenom 9950 BLACK EDITION 2.6GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 140W Quad-Core Processor

Its stats…

CPU Socket Type Socket AM2+
Multi-Core Quad-Core
Name Phenom 9950 BLACK EDITION
Operating Frequency 2.6GHz
Hyper Transports 4000MHz
L1 Cache 4 x 128KB
L2 Cache 4 x 512KB
L3 Cache 2MB
Manufacturing Tech 65 nm
64 bit Support Yes
Hyper-Transport Support Yes
Virtualization Technology Support Yes
Multimedia Instruction MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4a,3DNOW! Professional
Voltage 1.05-1.30V
Thermal Power 140W

Yes, I know the 45 nm is better but I honestly can’t seem to find a Phenom with 45 nm and I rather like everything about this particular one.

So… what would you recommend for a motherboard for this processor? The reason that I’m asking is that there’s just so many Motherboards out there and my eyes are starting to go crosseyed looking at all of them. They’re starting to run together.

I imagine that means I should put some stats on what I’m looking for in a Motherboard.

II want it to support up to 8GB (though I’m seeing thats a standard) RAM.

At least three PCI-E slots (I want to add a 9800 GTX+ and a sound card, probably a Creative Labs though I haven’t decided that yet).

I would like it to support a SATA 3.0GB, a 140W power supply (needed for the video card),…

hmmm, I think I got everything.

What do you suggest?

HP – Pavilion Elite Desktop
# AMD Phenom™ II 945* quad-core processor
True multicore processing for extreme multitasking performance. Cool’n'Quiet™ 3.0 and CoolCore™ technologies and Dual Dynamic Power Management™ for efficient energy usage.
# Direct Connect Architecture
Delivers overall system performance. HyperTransport™ technology, AMD Balanced Smart Cache and AMD Wide Floating Point Accelerator for quick access times and improved performance.
# AMD Memory Optimizer Technology
For multithreaded software performance, and AMD Virtualization with Rapid Virtualization Indexing to help virtualization software run securely and efficiently.
# 8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 16GB.
# Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media. Supports LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media.
# 2MB L2 and 6MB shared L3 cache memory
For efficient system processing.
# 1TB Serial ATA hard drive
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
# NVIDIA GeForce GT220 graphics
Feature 1GB dedicated video memory. Supports Microsoft DirectX 10. HDMI output. High-definition audio with up to 7.1-channel surround sound support.
# Built-in TV tuner and personal video recorder
Allow you to watch, pause, rewind and record live TV.
# 15-in-1 media reader
Supports SmartMedia, xD-Picture Card, Secure Digital, miniSD, CompactFlash I, CompactFlash II, Microdrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats.
# Also supports MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard Mobile and MultiMediaCard Plus formats.
# IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface and 7 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity.
# Built-in wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n)
To wirelessly connect to the Internet.
# Built-in 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet LAN
For an easy wired connection to the Web.
# Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable computing platform.
# Software package included
With HP MediaSmart Software Suite, Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe, Microsoft Works 9 and more. 60-day trial of Microsoft Office also included.
# AMD, AMD Arrow logo, AMD Phenom, Cool’n'Quiet, HyperTransport and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

……………OR…………………….

Alienware – Aurora Desktop

# Intel® Core™ i7-920 processor
Features an 8MB cache and 2.66GHz processor speed.
# The all new 2010 Intel® Core™ i7 processor
Features 8-way processing for ultimate smart performance. Intel® Turbo Boost Technology automatically speeds up your processor when your PC needs extra performance.
# 9GB DDR3 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 24GB.
# Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM.
# 1TB Serial ATA II hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
# NVIDIA GeForce GTX260 graphics
Features 1792MB of dedicated video memory for lush images. High-definition 7.1-channel audio support.
# Also supports Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Micro, CompactFlash I/II, Smart Media, xD-Picture Card and Microdrive formats.
# 2 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interfaces and 8 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity.
# Built-in 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN
For an easy wired Web connection.
# Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
# Software package included
With Alienware Command Center and more.
How much money can I save???
And can I build one that is new and similar or better then the alienware and still save money?

i have a intel quad core processor i have windows xp running on it . i want to know is it possible to install mac using any virtualization software. if so how

First off, I would like to let you know, that I got this PC in the mail today and hooked all of the input/output devices like the mouse and monitor, and plugged it up…. Well, then after 10 minutes of being powered on I believe the PSU blew out. IT shut off and could not get it back on. Also , I was adjusting the power plug to the psu at the exact moment when this happened. I heard like a pop, and did smell a lil burning electrical smell. It was a 480 watt PSU… Which ibuypower has said that is more than suffiecent enough to power my computer, and suggested I not upgrade it, and just let them send me another one. I have a feeling that if that power supply burned out that fast, then this may happen again. IF not the same day , somewhere in the near future. Unless it was just faulty to begin with. But anyhow, I want to make sure that all of these components are compatible. I have a Quad Core Processor on a Phenom X2 and was beginning to think if that was not a good idea. Somebody who is really knowledgable on this topic, your answer would be greatly appreciated. Also, the PSU should be here tomorrow and I want to make sure I hook everything up the way it is. I know pretty much what needs to be powered. I just want to make sure that everything is hooked up properly and maybe a good site would help with that. Here is the system…. please let me know.

Case ( [ OFF Mail-In Rebate] Nzxt Apollo Gaming Tower Case w/420W Power Supply Black )
Case Lighting ( None )
Power Supply ( Standard Case Power Supply )
Processor ( [== Quad Core ==] AMD Phenom X4 9550 Quad-Core CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology )
Processor Cooling ( Certified CPU Fan and Heatsink )
Motherboard ( Asus M3A78-CM AMD 780V/SB700 Chipset w/Integrated ATI video, 8-channels, Gb LAN, S-ATA Raid, USB 2.0, Single PCI-E MB )
Memory ( 4 GB [2 GB X2] DDR2-800 PC6400 Memory Module Corsair-Value or Major Brand )
Video Card ( NVIDIA GeForce 9400GT 1GB w/DVI + TV Out Video )
Video Card Brand ( Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA )
Hard Drive ( 500 GB HARD DRIVE [Serial-ATA-II, 3Gb, 7200 RPM, 16M Cache] )
2nd Hard Drive ( None )
External Hard Drives [USB 2.0/eSATA] ( None )
CD/DVD Drive ( None )
CD-RW/DVD-RW Drive ( [** Special !!! ***] LG 22X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive Black )
Sound Card ( 3D Premium Surround Sound Onboard )
Speaker System ( iBUYPOWER 2.1 Channel Stereo Super Bass Subwoofer Speaker System )
Network Card ( Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100) )
Floppy Drive ( None )
Monitor ( None )
2nd Monitor ( None )
Keyboard ( iBUYPOWER USB Keyboard w/ 18 Internet Hot /Multimedia Keys Black )
Mouse ( iBUYPOWER 1600 dpi High Sensitivity Internet Mouse Black )
USB 2.0 Accessories ( Built-in USB 2.0 Ports )
ok, well. I reviewed a video about installing a PSU. So it is pretty much as I suspected.
yea, thank you… I did actually get the 64 bit Windows VIsta Home. From Ibuypower. After reading other posts and talking to other people, I was able to determine that would be the best OS for my computer. I am just a lil concerned mainly with the PSU blowing out on the first 10 minutes of the computer being powered on.