hi..
i plan to setup a cyber cafe with 80-100 unit of computers.
i need to advise which one is better for gaming.
the game will be like counter-strike, online game and network game (warcraft etc)
1) AMD sempron prcessor or Intel P4.
2) Wiin XP Home or Win XP Pro . ( i heard not much diffrence )
TQ
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I'll have to agree with the Windows Xp Pro recommendation because if you're going to manage a network 80-100 computers, Windows Xp Pro's augmented featureset will be of much use.
Considering that this is for gaming, I suppose I would recommend the AMD Sempron processor.
Could you be more specific, however, and list the specific processors you're considering and which motherboard you'll be utilizing?
Motherboard wise I would at least look into motherboards that support PCI Express graphics cards and depending on where or how you are purchasing or making these pc's I would suggest using decent Nvidia or ATI graphics cards.
For nvidia I would say at least the 6800 , but prefferably the 7800 GTX.
Here are 2 nvidia card suppliers that I think are really good :
http://www.bfgtech.com/
http://www.xfxforce.com/we
ATI have the x1300 and x1800 card range out which are pretty good, if you really want to look at comparisons and see what graphics cards are like I suggest you take a look at toms hardware and also firingsquad.
toms hardware :
http://www.tomshardware.co
Specifically the graphics and displays section :
http://www.tomshardware.co
Firing squad :
http://www.firingsquad.com
AMD and XP Pro (most of the networking stuff is hidden under the bonnet in XP Home but you do get some useful extras for both LAN & WAN) but as already mentioned you need to look at MoBo and Graphics as part of a whole package, it's no good having great components if the data just doesn't travel between them.
1) Sempron 2500+ or higher. It's WAY cheaper than a P4 Prescott 800mhz and it's performance is almost the same. Also, if you want to go for the P4, you can get an Athlon 64 Socket 939 for about the same price, and it performs better. Short Version: Sempron and if you have some extra money, Athlon 64 Socket 939 3000+.
2) I would go for XP Home. The main difference is IIS and some networking services. and I seriously doubt you will be using any of them, since I'm sure you will make the network with Routers and so, and you don't need anything more complex than Windows XP Home (SP2) in the Clients to have them work well. Also, XP Home is cheaper.
Also, you need a VGA, and it's VERY IMPORTANT for a gaming-oriented place. Taking into account you said this: "the game will be like counter-strike, online game and network game (warcraft etc)". Here's my answer:
You can use all those games with nothing more expensive than a Radeon 9550 128 bits / 128 mb and they will perform OK.
But I'm sure you want to handle some actual (and future) games like FEAR, etc. Go for a Geforce 6600 GT 128 mb (PCI-E for future compatibility -you need a motherboard that supports it as well). That should be enough.
Super-Short Version (This is the recommended PC):
* Athlon 64 3000+ Socket 939.
* 1 gb of RAM (2*512).
* A motherboard that supports PCI-E (nForce 4 preferably if you go for an Athlon 64).
* Geforce 6600 GT 128 mb.
* Windows XP Home.
That would be excellent.
As the preceding comments have undoubtedly made clear, you will get many opinions on what is "best" for your PC infrastructure. Much depends on your budget; the skillset of the staff or company who will be maintaining these PCs; and exactly what you intend to allow the users of the PCs to do.
To throw in my opinion: I personally prefer Intel-based PCs with Intel motherboards -- I've simply found them to be exceptionally reliable, and you never have to "fight" configuration issues that are all-too-frequent with many AMD motherboards, and even non-Intel-chipset Intel motherboards.
HOWEVER, that is (a) not the least expensive approach; and (b) no longer anywhere near the issue it was just a few years ago, as many AMD systems are quite reliable. AMD has also resolved the issue of thermal control much better in their current processors (in years past you could actually "burn up" an AMD CPU). So current AMD systems are just fine - and although I don't use them, they are in many respects better for gaming applications.
The real bottom line, despite the various opinions, is it doesn't matter. EITHER system will work fine for what you've proposed -- a MUCH, MUCH more important decision in this case is which graphics card you select. THAT will make a very large difference in the performance of modern games. Be sure you use a motherboard that uses PCI x16 graphics boards (NOT AGP), and then simply choose the best graphics card you can at whatever price point you're targeting. gecko suggested an nVidia 7800GTX - a GREAT choice BUT pretty pricey :-) If you're okay with that price point, go for it. Otherwise, do what I suggested - pick your price point and buy the best card you can at that price.
As for XP Home vs XP Pro, I'm also a fan of the added features of XP Pro, and would suggest that you go for it; but if all you're using these for is gaming PCs I'd be hard-pressed to give you a specific reason that you HAVE to use Pro => XP Home will work fine for the use you've noted; I'd simply use Pro so you have more options in the future, should you decide to expand the capabilities of the systems or incorporate more sophisticated networking features.
Finally, one thing you didn't mention, but should consider: In any environment like this, the PCs are subject to many users and can, no matter how restricted you make the accounts, make unintended (or intended) changes to the PCs. Management and configuration control of these systems will be MUCH easier if you "lock them down" in a way that allows the configurations to be kept very stable. An excellent way to do that is with Deep Freeze, from http://www.itsltduk.co.uk/
http://www.microsoft.com/w
If experience is what you are interested in, my last post is the way to go. I've worked with some cyber cafes (in configuration and deployment of computers) and I usually know what gamers are interested in and, obviously, fitting the computers to an specific budget. Throw in some numbers and I will be able to help you further (Budget, Amount of Internet Connections, Number of dedicated servers, etc.).
my budget is not much. but i have 2 phase .
First phase is 40 unit . Second Phase another 40 unit.
Budget per pc = RM2500 ( about USD700 )
internet connection will be 2MB line
Router : Linksys router with 4 LAN port. (please advise this as well)
dedicated server = 1. ( for online game patch, data storage etc)
as for now, i plan to go for Win XP pro, AMD processor, 80GB harddisk,
motherboard & VGA still not decide.
tq
You can build quite a nice little PC for $700 (at least in the US) => AMD, XP Pro, 80GB is fine as a base. Add memory and a nice video card and you'll have a nice system. At that price point you'll probably want to use an nVidia 6600, or possibly 6800. Something like this would be a very nice choice: http://www.newegg.com/Prod
... and if you're buying 40 at once, you may be able to get a better price :-)
2 mb for 40 PCs? You need at least 4 mb (I recommend 2*2 mb connections -or you can put a bandwidth splitter-) so it works well. Remember people will be playing online games, like CS, and you need AT LEAST 128 k for every machine for it to "work nicely". You need 256k at least for Battlefield (8 mb). One Server is OK. You can also use it for computer control, and you will have to buy only 1 computer for everything.
And something else: DON'T GO FOR WINDOWS XP PRO. YOU DON'T NEED IT. Windows XP Pro is only useful for Game Servers (And most times it's not useful). That's all. For a Client, you only need a computer that can handle a LAN, and XP Home is more than OK for almost every gaming machine.
Also, where do you live? I assume you are not in the States, and that means you are paying more than you would do in USA. And that also means that you can't buy anything we recommended with that money.
You should be able to get this:
* Sempron 2600+ (Socket 754).
* ASUS K8N-E.
* 2*512 mb DDR400.
* Geforce 6600 GT 128mb / 128 bit (If that's not possible, a 6600 Non-GT).
* 80 gb SATA HD.
* Some ATX Case with a 450W+ Power Suppply.
* Keyboard, Mouse and Earphones. Buy a generic Keyboard, a Microsoft 1.1a Mouse, and some cheap Earphones you can easily replace.
* Windows XP Home.
guess my comment is too late... anyways.
MotherBoard
I personally prefer asus motherboards especially p4p800 series (non pci-express).
i found them very stable and reliable from my experiences.
I have tried other motherboards like msi, intel, ecs and amd.
The only issue i had with amd is incompatibility issues with hardware.
i usually upgrade my pc and sell my spareparts. its kinda hard to resell again to intel-based users(or haters).
Compared to Intel, its much easier to resell.
About the 64bit thing.. are you really going to buy WindowsLonghord?
i feel like by the time LongHorn will be released(probably 2008 or more),
i would probably resell my computer and buy a new pc.
RAM
1 or 2 - 512mb ddr400 ram is recommended. i have 2 computers right now 1st - 2x256 ddr400 and 2nd computer 1x512mb ddr400.
somehow i could feel that 1x512 is faster than the 2x256 ddr400 dual ram. i cant prove it but i just feel it (my opinion only).
the goodthing is if you like to upgrade, you could just buy another 512mb ram and enable dualram.
VideoCard
probably gForce 6600GT - GT word is really recommended. mid range price but top perfermer. Its the best price/performance in the market. (my current issue - i cant play any movies. i think there is an issue with directx9 and the latest drivers. unlucky me. gforce brand Palit. so beware.)
Keyboards.
I recommend not wireless, wide and comfortable.
recommend
http://users.ipfw.edu/well
(the extrapad in the palm is really relaxing)
minimum
http://images.google.com/i
(simple and so gimmick design)
not recommended
http://images.google.com/i
(uncomfortable even it says so)
i hated most - http://www.thebookpc.com/i
(especially in games, even in just browsing, its like learning to type again)
HDD
SEAGATE. really now with 5years warranty! great experience with them even the technical support. you can check your HDD online even if the your store says out of warranty, if it says in online it still is, you can return still it. just contact customer support.
OS - hmm.. if you dont mind the price, by all means buy the XP pro edition, you get all the features that you'll ever need.
there are lots of disabled features in XP home, but i think its just the NetWorking that stands out. Other disabled features are in programming, servers and hosting webpages anyway.
http://www.microsoft.com/w
buy 1 or 2 xp Pro only. the rest home edition. dont forget to ask how much is the upgrade XP pro edition.
XP Pro is recommended but not a requirement.
but for internet cafes... hmm
if you plan to use XP Home on an internet cafe, I suggest you review their EULA.
"5. NO RENTAL/COMMERCIAL HOSTING. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial hosting services with the Software."
Just ask if its legal to use Home edition in internet cafes.
Are you sure you can afford that with $700? I doubt so if you are on other country. Also, I insist: Don't buy XP Pro. It doesn't make sense to put that extra money there. You will gain no benefits and you will lose money you can invest on a better VGA, and $50 make the difference between a 6600GT and a non-GT one.
If you don't believe me, take a look at this link Jerry_Panq provided: http://www.microsoft.com/w
SLI is a technology developed by nVidia that allows you to put 2 VGAs (of the same model -6600 GT and up-) to gain some extra performance. It doesn't make sense unless you are a marketing-droid or a serious overclocker. ASUS is better than MSI, by the way.
Some advice: Don't buy an incredible processor if you have a crappy VGA. Gamers look for good framerates and nice image quality, which is provided by a good VGA, and not by a good processor. With the Sempron you will be OK (get a 64-bit edition if you want some future compatibility). Get the Athlon 64 AFTER you know you can afford a 6600GT at least, not before.
Those VGAs you just mentioned are simply crap. Get a Geforce 6600 Non-GT (128mb/128 bit) at least. Don't get a 6600 with more than 128 mb, as it doesn't make a difference in performance, but it does in price.
Assuming you want to be "legal" you'll have to use XP Pro -- per the EULA quoted above (unless the EULA for your country is different). However, you're buying enough systems you may be able to get a quantity discount, or may be able to purchase commercial PC's that already incorporate a significant discount.
Obviously you do NOT need an SLI capability at your price range. You need to get quotes in YOUR country to really determine what you can afford -- we're all just "guessing" when we suggest things based on what we can buy in the US. I think you've got a good enough handle on what the important characteristics are so you can make a reasoned, informed judgment here.
I took a quick look at both the Professional and Home editions of Windows XP EULAs, and they both say this:
"You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product."
http://www.microsoft.com/w
http://www.microsoft.com/w
It seems this point is not related to use, but to internet hosting services.
Anyway, I've used XP Home on many cyber cafes and it's perfectly legal (or so I've been told). If you are in doubt, ask Microsoft. Also, you can buy a single CD and many licenses (only CD Key), and make multiple copies of the Windows XP CD (Yes, you can do that) for making deployment easier.
I am not so sure about those makes but personally I would suggest this manufacturer :
http://www.iiyama.com/
Between the 2 CPU's you have chosen I would definitely go with the P4.
I currently have a CS:S server setup along with sharing/hosting my files and it's running a P4. If you were to go with an AMD I would find an Athlon that I would choose to go over the P4.
I had a fileserver with an Athlon in it and that thing swapped and moved files pretty quick.
Perhaps you can maybe find a Pentium D you can throw in there if you're looking to host lots of slots for your servers. Also XP home would serve just fine for your needs, although if you can get a hold of Windows Server/Small Business Server I would recommend that as well. It works great for managing connections/remote/file hosting better than Windows XP does.
right now, mitech, neither would be the best option. Go with Vista instead.
Both are going out of support soon, with the release of Windows 7 most likely.
If you want legal advice about use of Windows versions in a commercial setting, contact Microsoft. They'll also be able to inform you about volume licensing as well as having the expertise to tell you which version (not all of which are available retail, some are sold exclusively under volume licenses) is the best option for your requirements.
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by: gecko_au2003Posted on 2006-01-07 at 05:26:20ID: 15636857
Personally I would say P4 Prescott and xp pro ( Just because xp pro is more geared towards networking and such like ).