If your running trading apps that are not designed for multiple threads on the CPU, go with a Core 2 Duo. Performance will actually be better. Consider the Wraptor 10K hard drive or SSD if you like a silent machine. For your sanity, pay for an oversize silent cooling fan. Zalman or similar. I have the Sonata III. It's very quiet with the oversize fan so IMO its a good choice although the door is a little bit flimsy. Runningbear
looks like I nice rig but what trading apps will you be running that require that much power? that just seems like a bunch of overkill to me, but hey if you want it go for it.
I'd like to ask, How do you set up your hard drives? Mine is a raptor for C: drive and a 500gb for D: drive (all my files) I'd like to upgrade my drives to the new raptor and the green drive, but what do you guys put on your C: drive if you set up like I do? (c: being a raptor)
Avoid DELL. While their computers are fine, should they build it incorrectly or should you need competent tech support, they are the worst of all that I have come across in 20 plus years of buying computers. They will suck hours and hours out of your life as you struggle to climb their various levels of tech support and rectify your problem(s). I find it insulting that their computers come with support warrantee but if so inclined, you can purchase a more expensive tech support plan that gives you access to experienced North American techs (their words). Unbelieveable. You think that there's a problem with their outsourcing?
I have a higher end Antec case for quietness but the Raptor 10k drive is still loud. I won't buy another 10k drive again. You can't tell the difference in performance anyway. John
Your disdain for Dell support on thier budget machines is warranted, at least to a degree. However, support on their "business class" computers... like the Precision line.... is EXCELLENT!
I'm sorry for your experience with the retail level Dell machines TheoHornsby (seriously, I've been there!), but Scataphagos is correct, and I have heard the same thing from multiple posters on these threads. For a compter hardware company to sell their machines with subpar parts, and then give less than optimal service and support should be criminal, but it isn't. For anyone else buying a DELL, next time create a Business Name and go with their Business Line machines ONLY!
Disagree about "sell their machines with subpar parts"... On their budget line machines, they use their version of the "ubiquitous $40 el-cheapo mobo" that is in 80%-90% of the world's desktops. I've not heard complaints about Dell's PSUs, and the rest of their parts are "off the shelf" like everybody else. I've had at least a dozen Dells (and 5 currently)... never had any serious hardware issues.. and have had only a couple of non-serious ones.
I don't have a problem with Dell outsourcing their tech support but it would be nice if they offered competent help. I can't begin to tell you how much they jerked me around. As I mentioned before, they have the nerve to offer a hgiher level tech support (for an add'l fee, of course) where they state that you will get assistance form their best, experience North American technicians. While it's not illegal, it cetainly is disreputable. Oh well, it's only money
To tell you the truth S, I've never bought a Dell for home business use, so I'll take your word on that one. What I was referring to when I said that was any retail computer hardware sales chain, not just Dell.