R
rtech
New member
I have been reading various threads here for a while, and must say that the information I’ve gotten already has been great. Thanks to all of you who answer posts like this one. 
I am trying to put together a new computer, but would like to re-use what I can from my existing setup. It’s about 4 years old. I am looking to use this for music (surprise!) and it will need to do double duty as a regular computer, as well. I do not game or watch movies on this computer.
The parts I’d like to figure out how to salvage are the case, HD’s, Soundcard (Audigy PlatinumLive!. I know, not the best, but the way I work it does fine), and OS.
I have a small 75gb drive as my C drive. It is plenty big for apps & all now, so should be fine. A 150gb dive is my second drive. My idea is to use the 75 again as my C, & keep my audio & video on new, separate drives. I’ll keep the 150 as another back-up drive.
My questions are:
1) RAID. Is it worth the expense? If so, RAID 0 or 1? Is it best for the drives to be identical?
2) What size drive appears to be the sweet spot these days, as far as storage, speed, and cost?
3) I like the case I have & want to keep it. It’s an Antec slk3700-bqe. If I re-use the case, would I run into a problem with ports lining up with existing holes or new parts fitting?
Here are its specs:
3.0 Ghz compatible
Black Quiet Edition
Single fan 350W SmartPower ATX12V power supply
Drive Rails for 5.25" drives
2 Front USB ports with shielded cables
Removable Side Panels
Removable Drive Cages for 3.5" drives
10 Drive Bays:
Cooling capacity: up to 2 120mm fans
Fan Specs: RPM: 1200; CFM: 38.94; dB(A): 24.86
Motherboards up to Standard ATX (I'd send a link to an old review of it, but I'm still too new)
4) Can I re-use the CD/DVD RW drive? It’s a Plextor 702A, I believe. I am getting another similar drive. Don’t want/need bluray (I don't think).
As far as what I am looking at, I cannibalized this thread ("HELP! - with DAW build") and have come up with this:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600
ASUS P5Q SE/R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
(the PN5-D was highly suggested, but since I have no need for the SLI, I went for this less expensive MOBO. Good idea or no?)
(2) Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
ASUS EN8400GS SILENT/HTP/512M GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q
(2) ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P10664GK
COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power RP-550-PCAR 550W ATX from factor 12V V2.01 Power Supply
I am open to any input. Any parts that you’d swap? Will the fan fit the case? Is the PSU a good one that will work with the case? Is the memory good or would you suggest something else?
I’d like to order all this by the 30th, as most of the rebates expire soon. Clearly, I am grateful for the help & suggestions. Thank you.
I am trying to put together a new computer, but would like to re-use what I can from my existing setup. It’s about 4 years old. I am looking to use this for music (surprise!) and it will need to do double duty as a regular computer, as well. I do not game or watch movies on this computer.
The parts I’d like to figure out how to salvage are the case, HD’s, Soundcard (Audigy PlatinumLive!. I know, not the best, but the way I work it does fine), and OS.
I have a small 75gb drive as my C drive. It is plenty big for apps & all now, so should be fine. A 150gb dive is my second drive. My idea is to use the 75 again as my C, & keep my audio & video on new, separate drives. I’ll keep the 150 as another back-up drive.
My questions are:
1) RAID. Is it worth the expense? If so, RAID 0 or 1? Is it best for the drives to be identical?
2) What size drive appears to be the sweet spot these days, as far as storage, speed, and cost?
3) I like the case I have & want to keep it. It’s an Antec slk3700-bqe. If I re-use the case, would I run into a problem with ports lining up with existing holes or new parts fitting?
Here are its specs:
3.0 Ghz compatible
Black Quiet Edition
Single fan 350W SmartPower ATX12V power supply
Drive Rails for 5.25" drives
2 Front USB ports with shielded cables
Removable Side Panels
Removable Drive Cages for 3.5" drives
10 Drive Bays:
Cooling capacity: up to 2 120mm fans
Fan Specs: RPM: 1200; CFM: 38.94; dB(A): 24.86
Motherboards up to Standard ATX (I'd send a link to an old review of it, but I'm still too new)
4) Can I re-use the CD/DVD RW drive? It’s a Plextor 702A, I believe. I am getting another similar drive. Don’t want/need bluray (I don't think).
As far as what I am looking at, I cannibalized this thread ("HELP! - with DAW build") and have come up with this:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600
ASUS P5Q SE/R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
(the PN5-D was highly suggested, but since I have no need for the SLI, I went for this less expensive MOBO. Good idea or no?)
(2) Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
ASUS EN8400GS SILENT/HTP/512M GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q
(2) ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P10664GK
COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power RP-550-PCAR 550W ATX from factor 12V V2.01 Power Supply
I am open to any input. Any parts that you’d swap? Will the fan fit the case? Is the PSU a good one that will work with the case? Is the memory good or would you suggest something else?
I’d like to order all this by the 30th, as most of the rebates expire soon. Clearly, I am grateful for the help & suggestions. Thank you.