Which of you nerds knows about building compruters?

[brandon11983]

Whats up dudes? Long time, no see.. I know...

So here it is... I need to build a PC. I'm starting to get my MCSE and I am going to need a Windows box to install Windows Server 2003 on. I'm so out of the PC building game, what with being a Mac user and all... that I don't know what is what. Back in my day, it was just Pentium 4 at 3.0 Ghz or Athlon 3000+ or whatever. I don't know how a Pentium D stacks up against a Pentium 4 vs a whatever... I want something Intel based. So far, I've looked at a 2.66 Ghz dual core Pentium D and an Asus mobo. I don't want anything for gaming or any of that stupid shit. I just need a box to put Server and Exchange on. Something cheap... remember.. I hate PC's. Any help would be much appreciated.

[Hardknock]

First of all, calling one who has the expertise you need a nerd in that tone isn't a good way to kick off your request for help. Just my opinion.

Search the web. Plenty of building resources out there.

[Dilbert1234567]

Well if you want cheep, go with a Celeron. Pentium D is a dual core Pentium 4. The latest socket for Pentiums is the LGA775; it’s just the new 478. If you’re looking for a test box for server 2k3 with exchange, you don’t need much horse power; you don’t need a spiffy mother board, or gigs of ram.

Celeron 2.53, generic motherboard that’s not junk, single SATA hard drive (what ever is not too huge and not to expensive) 1 gig of ram. See if you can get a board with onboard video, save you a bit of money on a video card.

Before you buy make sure there are drivers for your onboard NIC for win2k3, if there are not, buy a supported NIC and use it instead.

[jujueye]

Hey, I don't mind being called a nerd. Nerds make good money these days...... Although I do take offense at the "stupid PC" vs Mac debate! LOL. Will it ever go away?

Brandy, buddy! What you are looking for is definitely out at Intel. There are tons and tons of white papers out there. Just browse around and that stuff will be there. I don't have any definite links, but you know how to get to Intel. For the most part, though, you really don't need a dual core server-ready proc. A basic server to run tests on and fiddle with for class can be anything, so don't feel like you need that much power. If you plan on using the server for business or something, that's different. You could easily get by with your dreaded P4 at 3G. Really....

[Anexkahn]

server 2k3 and exchange will run on just about anything. if this is only going to be a development box and not going to be put in production where it is going to be hammered i'd just build up a cheap rig instead of something decent.

[Lasereth]

Originally Posted by brandon11983

I don't want anything for gaming or any of that stupid shit. I just need a box to put Server and Exchange on. Something cheap... remember.. I hate PC's. Any help would be much appreciated.

If you don't want anything for gaming or "any of that stupid shit," then why do you want a processor for it? You could spend $500 total and easily craft a PC that will run your server apps as good as a dual core P4. If you're not gonna game, it doesn't really matter what you have as long as it has 512 MB of RAM or more.

[Dilbert1234567]

Originally Posted by Anexkahn

server 2k3 and exchange will run on just about anything. if this is only going to be a development box and not going to be put in production where it is going to be hammered i'd just build up a cheap rig instead of something decent.

I had it, as well as my SQL server, running on a pII 333 with 168 megs of RAM, as long as I did not use a GUI, it was fine, you can do almost everything remotely with out the GUI. It was slow but it was good enough learn from

[xepherys]

Originally Posted by Lasereth

If you don't want anything for gaming or "any of that stupid shit," then why do you want a processor for it? You could spend $500 total and easily craft a PC that will run your server apps as good as a dual core P4. If you're not gonna game, it doesn't really matter what you have as long as it has 512 MB of RAM or more.

Quoted for truth.

Also, why go Intel, ESPECIALLY for a cost-effective machine (though after 12 years of work in IT, including years of PC assembly, I still prefer AMD in almost any utilization)? You just need a box to run Win2k3 on?

AMD Sempron 2500+ $65
ASUS K8U-X Mobo $45 (built-in audio and ethernet)
Radeon 7000 Video (any manf.) $35
Patriot 512MB x 1 DDR333 $35
Lite-On ATAPI DVD-ROM $20
Hitachi Deskstar 80GB $50
Rosewill ATX Case w/ 300W PS $25
-------
Total $275

This is, of course, assuming no tax or shipping (newegg.com has these prices and VERY reasonable shipping costs) and that you are using a trial of Win2k3 from one of your course material books or so and assuming you have a KB and mouse. KB and mouse can be had for $5-10 each. *shrug*

[xepherys]

I'm curious why, if you are a Mac guy and don't seem to have much current PC experience or interest, you would be going for your MCSE? I mean, even if it helps you get an IT job (which is a fad that's slowly going away, thank god) you'll be in an environment that seems uninteresting to you nearly all the time. *shrug* Just curious. Also, having an additional interest in computers with things like gaming and/or PC building/modding are the only really good way to excel in IT. Even management within IT is being filled by nerds and geeks rather than MBAs these days. It's still not a 100% thing, but the speed at which the full change is coming is accelerating quickly. At my company, we won't hire someone that doesn't have an outside, non-work interest in technology, computers (Mac and PC) and networking. Even non-IT companies are getting better at hiring practices regarding IT personnel... finally! Just a head's up. If it's what you want to do, more power to you!

[Willravel]

Mac-for-life guy wants PC advise? $5 says it's work related. Same thing happened with me.

[brandon11983]

i'm an ungrateful, self pitying, don't know squat egotist, so i was edited

[dksuddeth]

wait a second. you're trying to get MCSE certified but don't know how to build a PC?

You'd be better off reading a book on building computers so you can follow the steps a few times. The MCSE certs are not going to help you with the hardware on a PC anyway, nor will building a PC help you with server applications.

[MikeSty]

Originally Posted by brandon11983

i'm an ungrateful, self pitying, don't know squat egotist, so i was edited

LMFAO.

I'd be curious to see what the original message is.

[Dilbert1234567]

Originally Posted by brandon11983

i'm an ungrateful, self pitying, don't know squat egotist, so i was edited

*snickers*

[brandon11983]

Originally Posted by MikeSty

LMFAO.

I'd be curious to see what the original message is.

ha ha! It was really sweet too! I'm going to go curl up in a ball on the bathroom floor and pity myself some more!

[xepherys]

Originally Posted by MikeSty

LMFAO.

I'd be curious to see what the original message is.

Yeah, I'm a bit curious myself... but not terribly suprised after the OP. *shrug*

[brandon11983]

I had it saved in a Word doc, (there were a bunch of quotes) but I deleted after I posted it up. I didn't think someone would go all scout camp counselor on me and edit it.

[Willravel]

brandon, we are Mac men in a PC world. It's just something we have to deal with.

[brandon11983]

I know my friend, it is true. I'm only doing this out of necessity. If there was an ACSE, I'd jump on it in a second.

[nezmot]

Why are you studying for an MCSE? I know some companies hire based on the certification - but I know many more who much prefer real-life experience to Microsoft indoctrination. It's pretty much 50/50.

*Just* in case you've not paid for it yet, you'd be better off investing the cash in building a home network out of ebay'd parts, and doing a couple of week's research on the internet.

If your company/college are already paying for it, then that's their problem.

[brandon11983]

For like the 10th time, I'm getting my MCSE to get into a well paying job that will pay for school. How else can one get real world experience without first going through the Microsoft indoctrination? Winging it? I'm extremely competent in Windows XP and I trying "winging" a Server 2003/Exchange install and it did not go well. Many of the companies I have spoken to (American Express, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, etc...) will hire based on certification and a strong knowlege of the subject matter. I have one of the two now.

[nezmot]

Ok, good for you, chill out Good luck to you. Hope it all goes well.

[brandon11983]

Thank you, I appreciate your support.

[MooseMan3000]

Originally Posted by brandon11983

For like the 10th time, I'm getting my MCSE to get into a well paying job that will pay for school.

Actually, that's the first time you've said that. Way to count. And you're still being not very nice.

So I hope that works out well for you. You know, not having even a remote semblance of common courtesy, even when you're asking for help.

[Willravel]

Originally Posted by MooseMan3000

Actually, that's the first time you've said that. Way to count. And you're still being an ass hole.

From the first post:

Originally Posted by brandon11983

I'm starting to get my MCSE

Mooseman, I strongly suggest that you tone down the 'asshole' stuff, espically when you're wrong.

[xepherys]

a) It is the first time he's said WHY he's getting his MCSE. Which was MooseMan's point.

b) I've been in IT for 12 years now, make very good money and have NEVER had my MCSE. *shrug* So yes, there are other ways to do it. In fact, I don't even have a college degree. It's called, if you're GOOD at it, IT will treat you well. If you get a piece of paper but suck, it won't. There are plenty of jobless MCSE's out there because people are realizing that it's more or less a useless cert. It's far easier to get than many (just costs money). If the job you want requires you to have your MCSE, it's probably NOT that good of a job and probably won't do much to get you any further than that particular job. I think a few of us here are trying to give you some insight into the IT world in which we live and work, but whatever you want bro. Also, how can you have a "strong understanding of the subject matter" of Microsoft operating systems and networking, but not be able to figure out on your own what parts to get to put together a PC? Frankly, it sounds like you're one of the guys I interview every so often that THINKS they know far more than they really do. An MCSE won't fix that for you.

Oh, and asshole is one word, not two...

[brandon11983]

Actually I posted why I was getting my MCSE in my very long post addressing many points of posters above me, but Sister Mary Hanxter deleted it. Really people, lighten up just a bit. Don't take everything to seriously.

I was merely asking for a bit of advise in putting together a new PC. I am sorry if I offended anyone. I'm a brash person. I likes to talk shit, its all in jest though. Seriously, don't take it to heart.

I also think (read: know) my PC/Windows knowledge is coming off far less than what it is. I am extremely competent in Windows XP (believe what you want to believe) and computer "theory" (if I don't know something, or where it is... I can probably figure it out in a short time).

I put the thread up because I am out of the PC building game for some time now... (see above). I expressed not knowing what advancements and changes in nomenclature had been made and asked for advise as to what is what these days. Back when I was in the PC building game, it was more straightforward, Pentium 4 and Athlon XP. Now it is not so uncomplicated. I am a Mac user now, so I felt no need to keep up with the advances in the PC market. I can put a PC together standing on my fucking head, I just don't quite know what the good stuff is anymore. Frankly, your assertation is incorrect. Physically putting a machine together and knowing an operating sytem and a networking environment are about as related as being an engine builder and a Formula1 driver.

[MooseMan3000]

Actually, willravel, if you read the entire quote, you'd have seen I was right, as xepherys pointed out.

And brandon: sarcasm doesn't translate well to forum posts, as you should know by now with your nearly 1800 posts on TFP alone. If that's really what it was, then I apologize, but I'm not the only one who felt how I did... just the only one to phrase it as such.

[Jinn]

My desire to help went from "sure" to "yea right" as I read through this post.

Google it.

[brandon11983]

Thanks for your input. Keep up the good work.

[Redjake]

I think the title of the thread is creating some unneeded tension here. The grammar of the sentence makes it sound like you are calling everyone else nerds, but you want our help.

As technical as you get in the audio/electronic forums, I'd say you are just as much of a nerd, if not more, than a lot of the TFPers in the Computer forum. I'd change the title to "Who can help me build a computer?" or something. Start fresh!

[brandon11983]

I am a nerd! I'm just fooling around with you guys! I could understand if my thread title was "which of you cocksuckers want to help me build a computer." I really meant nothing by it. Seriously dudes, don't take it to heart.

[Redjake]

Originally Posted by brandon11983

I am a nerd! I'm just fooling around with you guys! I could understand if my thread title was "which of you cocksuckers want to help me build a computer." I really meant nothing by it. Seriously dudes, don't take it to heart.

I know you were joking because I've been here a while and know your actions are usually mature, but some people may have not heard of you or seen your posts and taken it seriously. Just a suggestion to stay out of thread titles that may throw some TFPers off

PS: I think the "cocksuckers" thread title might have gotten a lighter response

[brandon11983]

Originally Posted by Redjake

I know you were joking because I've been here a while and know your actions are usually mature, but some people may have not heard of you or seen your posts and taken it seriously. Just a suggestion to stay out of thread titles that may throw some TFPers off

PS: I think the "cocksuckers" thread title might have gotten a lighter response

ha ha! Filed for future reference. At least someone knows I'm only fooling around.

[dksuddeth]

Originally Posted by brandon11983

For like the 10th time, I'm getting my MCSE to get into a well paying job that will pay for school. How else can one get real world experience without first going through the Microsoft indoctrination? Winging it?

I did it the 'winging it' way. started doing phone support for companies like Intuit, AOL, MSN then moved in to doing workstation support for different companies and finally got the attention of the server administrators because I was sending them help tickets with the resolution already listed for them without having to research it. So now I'm an advanced windows server administrator/active directory/exchange/anti-virus/cisco networking/content switch services/engineering type with no certs at all.

[brandon11983]

My hat is off to you, sir.

[dksuddeth]

Originally Posted by brandon11983

My hat is off to you, sir.

thanks, but my point is that although it can be done both ways, 'winging it' or digging in hands on is much preferrable to getting certified via 'regurgitation education' and then having to be trained by the people you end up working with/for. Your career and salary will be reflective of which path you choose.

[brandon11983]

One has to start somewhere though.