It’s been 2 months since my last Ideal Home PC config, prices has come down & new products are available, so I m updating my config for Ideal Home PC
CPU = P4 2.8 GHz, northwood, 512 KB L2 cache & 800 FSB
Although Prescott 2.8 GHz is available for 1,500 more but due to noi performance benefit I m not recommending it
Motherboard = Intel 865GBF with LAN
Still the motherboard of my choice, although U won’t get any over clocking features but U will get solid stability & performance even at Stock speed, it is kind of set it & forget it motherboard, be sure to update the BIOS
The bundle of 2.8 GHz P4 & This motherboard is available for Rs 13,500 here in Lucknow, so check for the prices at your place too
RAM =2X256MB DDR400
I m still recommending 512 MB DDR400 RAM, as it can be found for Rs 4,900 with Hynix or Spectec chips, Spectec chips are not the good over clocker but they provide low timing & nice performance even at stock speed. Hynix on the other hand can be over clocked, but I don’t recommending over clocking at all due to heat issues
Storage = 80 GB Samsung SP0802N or Seagate Barracuda 7200.7
Both of these models provide 3 years warranty & ample storage for anything U want to do, I won’t recommend going for any higher for home use but if U need go for higher capacity. Also look for the 8 MB cache models if they are available, then don’t even look back at the 2 MB buffer models
Cabinet = your choice with 350W SMPS
Cabinet is up to your choice look wise, although look for a model with at least 1 rear & 1 front intake fan space, there are some models with side exhaust fans, U can also go for PCI slot fans which just attaches to the empty PCI brackets at the back of your cabinet & exhaust, I recommend attaching one to the PCI bracket below your AGP card for good exhaust
With these I m recommending a 350W PSU, they are quite easy to find now so there is no use not going for these, u can also go for branded ones like Power safe but they will cost U above Rs.1,500
Optical Drive = Samsung SM-352N/B combo drive/ DVD Drive
I U r buying the PC for the first time then I will say that go for a Combo drive as DVDs are available quite easily now, but If U already own a CD Writer I will say to go for a DVD Drive from Samsung, LG or Lite on, they are about the same, with Lite-on is not easily available
Floppy & Modem
Go for these only if U want to
Speakers
Although it depends on your choice but I will recommend the Altec Lansing 621 or iSound DJ 2.1 speaker set, they are both 2.1, U better look for the available 5.1 models as they will be costly.
Sound Card
Onboard sound provided is enough as the cheapest creative Audigy is for Rs 5,000. It supports 5.1 channel audio too.
Keyboard & Mouse
Since it is a Home PC, go wireless, The Logitech Wireless Optical Mouse black is available for Rs 1,400 & Keyboard choice is up to your usage, I prefer Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard with this Logitech mouse, or U can go for the Logitech Cordless Freedom desktop set
Monitor
I prefer Samsung 763MB or 773s 17� models, there are a few Philips Lite frame models available in 17� but they are all look, go for them if look matters to U, also these are hard to find. Samsung 793MB is still starting to show but in low quantity
Graphics Card
The holy tool for every gamer, in the mid range category for home use, I would say go for Gigabyte FX5700 or Radeon 9600 Pro models, U can also go for Powercolor Radeon 9800 Pro for Rs.12,500, or Gigabyte FX5900XT for Rs 20,300 but then U have to look for them as they area not easily available.
U can go for any other componenst U want, however these are my stock recomendations
Ideal Home PC August 2004
Linear Mode
