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Well the last time I ran FAH AMD 2700's were not that bad of a processor. I haven't even though about computer hardware since then let alone software. So now that things are starting to fall apart I thought I would update my computer system. Maybe a nice graphics package and multiple monitors. You know something to replace my CRT monitor. Even something I can use to play some of todays games.

DG

The System Guide and the System Builders forum are great places for this information.

The gist of it is that you just need a decent Folding-capable GPU, a dual/quad core CPU for general performance and may be to run an extra single core client (or if you feel adventurous you can run the SMP client too).

No I don't think it's that easy. I think the best way to describe it as someone from the 1950's with no knowledge of computers wanting one in 2008.

dragongoddess wrote:

No I don't think it's that easy. I think the best way to describe it as someone from the 1950's with no knowledge of computers wanting one in 2008.

Oh, well this is what you need then: http://www.walmart.com/electronics

just. kidding. Give us a budget. Are you going to build it? Like FuzzyFox said, the videocard will be the most important part in your rig when it comes to folding.

From my seat of the pants feelings.... being I am starting to think about the upgrade thing.

If you want to fold or folding is more than a fancy.. forget amd gpu's their points suck. ppd/$ is too low. Unless some new clients have improved the situation you will get 1/4 the points for equal money.

Dual core/quad core. from my folding farmer perspective, the money is in gpu clients, and money spent anywhere else is wasted. And since the cheapest quad core is $139.99 and the cheapest dual core is $59.... quad is out, because the additional $80 will buy me an nvidia gpu worth 6k/day, that I can plug in on a dual core MB at no additional cost. However for a general use machine, the Quad/gpu combo would be much better and more responsive to any other work you wanted to do.

My current machines running one instance gpu on a dual core machine are waaay slower than they were with just smp running, and there is more than just a few video "oddities" that crop up, but they are still usable for some 3d work and surfing.... with two gpu instances, I am not sure I could even surf the web...., and I have not tried two gpu instances with two cards on any of my machines. gpu/smp/winxp has been a no go for me.

XP/Vista.... No Idea, All I have is XP. Vista, from what I read, is better at the gpu/smp combo.

david00214 wrote:

FuzzyFox

Should I even be happy that I'm associated with Fuzz the UGN pursuer?

Flying Fox wrote:

david00214 wrote:

FuzzyFox

Should I even be happy that I'm associated with Fuzz the UGN pursuer?

There is a distinct family resemblance

Hi DG,

It's nice to see you dropping by a little more often. For a good gaming / folding system I recommend an Intel Core 2 Duo cpu of the 4000 series or higher. Right now the best buys are probably the 7000 series. A motherboard with the P965 or P35 chipset. A couple of gigs of Corsair or Kingston DDR2-800 or 667 ram. And an nVidia 9800GTX+ video card with a double slot cooler which should be good for 4000 to 5000 PPD with the GPU client and it should run a little cooler than most. (ninja edit) The current most highly recommended gaming monitor is the LG L227WT which is currently on sale at Best Buy for $260.

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PPS edit (07 Nov): You're probably going to need a new PSU for that 9800GTX+ .. Newegg has the Antec earthwatts 430 on a promo sale until Monday, 10 Nov. It's $35 and free shipping with the $25 off promo code, EMCBBAEAB. And it would probably be a good idea to stick the a P35 or similar mobo with PCIe 2.0 slots.

Yikes, I've been hit with #5748 WUs and my 9600GSO PPD have dropped from 2640 to 1640! YMMV, seems a bit of an understatement. "Oh well, so it goes." At least it's still faster than the SMP client.

Looks like I might as well throw everything away except for the case. Can I still use the same case or have they changed the form.

You should be able to use your current case (as long as it's an ATX case, which most socket A mobos used) and your optical drive. You can also use your current hard drive, although it will have to share an IDE channel with your optical drive which may make it run slower (most current mobos have only one IDE channel, two drives max). Buying an SATA hard drive would probably be worth the money since you will be amazed by how much faster it runs and a new hard drive will give you a better chance of not losing your data as soon.

Best Buy is currently listing the LG L227WTG monitor at $310 online, but it might be cheaper in store or that $260 price might have been last weeks sale ad price. Newegg is currently selling it for $260 plus $19.44 shipping. Be advised this monitor is a glossy panel which is great for color and clarity, but not so good for reflection in a bright room. My computer room is a dimly lit cave, so I Love glossy panels!