Received the parts for the computer I'm building for my security system and I put the parts together. I'm still waiting on an HDD adapter (2.5" to 3.5") and I'll be picking up some cable ties later to get cable management done ahead of time. I've labeled the picture:
1) OCZ ModXStream Pro 500W ~ I figured I would get a good modular power supply since I didn't need all the extra wiring, but I didn't want a puny power supply either. Since OCZ bought PPC a couple years ago, I have heard their power supplies are pretty good now. This one cost me $65.
2) Pioneer BDR-203 ~ It's a Bluray burner, so it's mostly just in case I need to archive footage or whatnot. I pulled it from a my Mac Pro when I upgraded the drive in there, so it's not new and didn't add to the cost of the machine.
3) Corsair XMS3 8 GB DDR3 RAM ~ I looked at prices and this kit was a good price while offering a good amount of memory. It even has a heatsink and feels high quality while maxing out the RAM on this motherboard. Cost me $49
4) Intel Core i3-2100 (3.1GHz) Processor ~ It's the cheapest Intel Core iX processor. I didn't want a Celeron or Pentium since those just don't offer as much as the Core stuff while not really being much cheaper. The i3 I picked is dual-core with HTT, is only 65W, and has integrated graphics. Reviews say this is a solid processor, which helped my decision. Priced at $125
5) Biostar H61MH Micro ATX Motherboard ~ I wanted something that didn't break the budget while offering the functionality I needed. This one has UEFI which is nice, and supports DVI and HDMI which should be quite handy. I guess the latter could even make this a HTPC which is plus. Cost $70.
6) Cooler Master Elite PC Case ~ It was cheap and was offered with Amazon Prime shipping. Reviews were good and the quality seems pretty good for the price. Front is bit glossy for my tastes, but can't really complain. Only came with a rear fan which is the cost of cost cutting I guess. Price was $40 shipped.
Not pictured: Western Digital VelociRaptor 600GB HDD ~ I didn't buy this for this machine. It was a warranty replacement for a HDD that died in my Mac Pro. I was sort tricked into the getting this drive as my original was the 300GB drive in the big 2.5" to 3.5" heatsink-adapter combo, but this 600GB is actually the standalone 2.5" drive which is why I say I was sort of tricked. It's really targeted for servers. And no it does not fit into my MacBook Pro (as it's 15mm thick), so it has been collecting dust for over a year.
In terms of OS, I'm debating if I should run Windows 7 and use it as a HTPC while doing the security stuff, or run it as a server with Windows Server 2008 R2 (which is very solid). I have licenses for both, so it's a debate.
Total cost of computer, not including the value of parts that I've scavenged, is about $349. Not bad.
I'm actually not sure about this… this is the first time my landlord has even showed up in over 2 years.
1) OCZ ModXStream Pro 500W ~ I figured I would get a good modular power supply since I didn't need all the extra wiring, but I didn't want a puny power supply either. Since OCZ bought PPC a couple years ago, I have heard their power supplies are pretty good now. This one cost me $65.
2) Pioneer BDR-203 ~ It's a Bluray burner, so it's mostly just in case I need to archive footage or whatnot. I pulled it from a my Mac Pro when I upgraded the drive in there, so it's not new and didn't add to the cost of the machine.
3) Corsair XMS3 8 GB DDR3 RAM ~ I looked at prices and this kit was a good price while offering a good amount of memory. It even has a heatsink and feels high quality while maxing out the RAM on this motherboard. Cost me $49
4) Intel Core i3-2100 (3.1GHz) Processor ~ It's the cheapest Intel Core iX processor. I didn't want a Celeron or Pentium since those just don't offer as much as the Core stuff while not really being much cheaper. The i3 I picked is dual-core with HTT, is only 65W, and has integrated graphics. Reviews say this is a solid processor, which helped my decision. Priced at $125
5) Biostar H61MH Micro ATX Motherboard ~ I wanted something that didn't break the budget while offering the functionality I needed. This one has UEFI which is nice, and supports DVI and HDMI which should be quite handy. I guess the latter could even make this a HTPC which is plus. Cost $70.
6) Cooler Master Elite PC Case ~ It was cheap and was offered with Amazon Prime shipping. Reviews were good and the quality seems pretty good for the price. Front is bit glossy for my tastes, but can't really complain. Only came with a rear fan which is the cost of cost cutting I guess. Price was $40 shipped.
Not pictured: Western Digital VelociRaptor 600GB HDD ~ I didn't buy this for this machine. It was a warranty replacement for a HDD that died in my Mac Pro. I was sort tricked into the getting this drive as my original was the 300GB drive in the big 2.5" to 3.5" heatsink-adapter combo, but this 600GB is actually the standalone 2.5" drive which is why I say I was sort of tricked. It's really targeted for servers. And no it does not fit into my MacBook Pro (as it's 15mm thick), so it has been collecting dust for over a year.
In terms of OS, I'm debating if I should run Windows 7 and use it as a HTPC while doing the security stuff, or run it as a server with Windows Server 2008 R2 (which is very solid). I have licenses for both, so it's a debate.
Total cost of computer, not including the value of parts that I've scavenged, is about $349. Not bad.
I'm actually not sure about this… this is the first time my landlord has even showed up in over 2 years.
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of household gadgets!
