Building my own computer...

[DukeofSerbia]

DVD
There is no difference between NEC ND-4570A and Pioneer DVR-111DBK. Both models use the newest NEC chip D63645AGM. And NEC has the best chips without any doubt in PC-DVD market. The main difference between this and older NEC chip is that the new chip obviously better read CDs and DVDs. And if is possible when you buying DVD-recorder ask dealer if he can put new flash in device.

Characteristics of writing: DVD+/-R 16x, DVD+RW 8x, DVD-RW 6x, DVD+/-R DL 8x, DVD-RAM 5x, CD-R 48x and CD-RW 32x

Both models cost the same in Serbia - some 35* euros. In Britain, they have, I am sure, lower price.

Hard disk
Because you will buy AM2 platform for AMD, your choice have to be SATA II. AM2 MBs (and also the new Intel platforms – Intel MBs even don’t have one ATA) has only one ATA connector (that will use for DVD-recorder) and six SATA II connectors. In May, in most popular Serbian computer’s magazine (in English “World of Computers”) was large tests of 250 GB SATA II models. The winner of test is Samsung SP2504C. This Samsung has standard 8 MB of cache, 7200 RPM and support for NCQ and capacity of 232,88 GB when is formatted. It wiped out competition (Maxtor, Hitachi and Seagate – WD was second) in coping small files from and on hard disk and was second in erasing files just a little behind WD. Quick Bench 1.1 also confirmed that Samsung SP2504C read the fastest and has the fastest Random access time and Random access speed. Plus the level of noise is absolutely the lowest in Samsung model. And price is average.

Find some alternative sources of information in the net or computer magazines to see what model is best. If you find conformation that Samsung SP2504C is like I wrote, then buy its. The main problem is that company may have (example) good 160 GB or 200 GB model, but 250 GB or 320 GB model is not good.

I don’t know about warranty polices in UK, but in Serbia most retailers give 2 or 3 years of warranty on hard disks.

If you have money, my advice is the next: buy two hard disks! I have to admit that I don’t know is it possible that SATA disk use SATA II interface. I have to check this. If it is possible then you buy two hard disks:

1. WD 360GD Raptor (36 GB, SATA, 10 000 RPM – price in Serbia is around 110-130* euros and warranty is five years!)
2. Samsung SP2504C (in Serbia price is aroun 90* euros and warranty is three year)

On WD Raptor install Windows XP (and don’t forget Vista when come – hardware killer OS) and only system and most common programs for use. For everything else use disk of 250 GB. You will see difference in speed.

* VAT is included

Thanks.

How do you know all this stuff?

Don't ask how. One of the my best friend in my town is computer dealer (actually, firm is own by his father), so I have pieces of information from first hand. And his firm is also linked with greatest Serbian wholesalers and reatilers. And I read many computer magazines... And experience... And...