ZodiaK
04-21-2007, 08:17 PM
I am fixing to build my girlfriend a computer for her undergrad graduation so she has something to use when she goes off to grad school.
She's currently using a G4 Mac 12" (the old 897mhz setups) and it chugs a lot when doing many loading and editing activities in Illustrator. It is far too outdated to run the new CS3 packages, and I'd like to set her up with something.
Requirements: Reliability, portability, and performance--In that order.
It is going to need at least 1gb of ram and a decent processor primarily. Drives (dvd burners etc) and HDDs are not important in the price/configuration pattern to me.
My knowledge of current computer technology is minimal, and I certainly need advice on modern Cases (nothing too large, but good ventilation since I know she is probably going to shove it in some inconspicuous spot.
Things I have been looking at:
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168 19115013)
$175ish
Mobo:
Newegg.com - BIOSTAR P4M890-M7 PCI-E LGA 775 VIA P4M890 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168 13138043)
$44ish
RAM:
Newegg.com - CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168 20146580)
$50ish x2
Total so far: 310 or so.
I'm really not sure about a good case for the setup, and I would rather not go above $500 (don't need a monitor or such).
Cliffs
-Need Graphic Design tooled comp. No 3d rendering, just InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator etc.
-Computer needs >1.5ghz,1gb ram (needs to be able to carry over into the CS4 generations at least).
-Needs good venting (woman=stuffing case behind a desk or in a corner)
-Preferably <=$500.
If I've left any detail that is pertinent, let me know and I'll respond ASAP.
Thanks in advance, fellows
She's currently using a G4 Mac 12" (the old 897mhz setups) and it chugs a lot when doing many loading and editing activities in Illustrator. It is far too outdated to run the new CS3 packages, and I'd like to set her up with something.
Requirements: Reliability, portability, and performance--In that order.
It is going to need at least 1gb of ram and a decent processor primarily. Drives (dvd burners etc) and HDDs are not important in the price/configuration pattern to me.
My knowledge of current computer technology is minimal, and I certainly need advice on modern Cases (nothing too large, but good ventilation since I know she is probably going to shove it in some inconspicuous spot.
Things I have been looking at:
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168 19115013)
$175ish
Mobo:
Newegg.com - BIOSTAR P4M890-M7 PCI-E LGA 775 VIA P4M890 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168 13138043)
$44ish
RAM:
Newegg.com - CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168 20146580)
$50ish x2
Total so far: 310 or so.
I'm really not sure about a good case for the setup, and I would rather not go above $500 (don't need a monitor or such).
Cliffs
-Need Graphic Design tooled comp. No 3d rendering, just InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator etc.
-Computer needs >1.5ghz,1gb ram (needs to be able to carry over into the CS4 generations at least).
-Needs good venting (woman=stuffing case behind a desk or in a corner)
-Preferably <=$500.
If I've left any detail that is pertinent, let me know and I'll respond ASAP.
Thanks in advance, fellows