The Asus M4A785TD-M EVO mATX motherboard is a very nice example of Asus’ professional class line of motherboards.  The motherboard is the heart of a computer system and the CPU the mind if you will. What sets this board apart from most every other make and model are the following:

• Great cost to performance & toughness ratio
• Solid Core Capacitors throughout board (tough)
• Very Powerful yet energy efficient
• Huge upgrade path for CPUs with “Buy Back” plan*
• Very strong integrated Video controller (2D & 3D)
• 3 year, full replacement warranty from Asus
• Exceptional tuning & optimization in Bios
• Integrated multi-display & HDMI
• Exceptional integrated HD Audio
• Completely Safe Overclocking for all AM2-3 CPUs

*I Buy Back working components when time to upgrade

The AMD Athlon II x4 620 Quad Core CPU is currently one of the best price to performance ratio CPU’s available. The “Athlon II” denotation indicates that this CPU is basically the Athlon core manufactured to 45nm size allowing the end user to safely Overclock within the thermal confines of the CPU cooler and air flow of the case as well as the environment the PC will be located in.  The 45nm size allows for reduced Energy consumption and cooler operation. I provide safe optimizations, thoroughly pretested. Advantages to this CPU are:

• This CPU / Motherboard combo is $100 less then the Intel combo of the the same performance class
• Great price to performance ratio for around $100
• 45nm die size for excellent thermal to power ratio
• combined with M4A785 = great energy efficiency
• 3 year full replacement warranty from AMD

In every system with a high performance CPU we use Heat Pipe coolers for best case thermal to performance ratio. Coolers such as the Skythe Mugan or CoolerMaster Gemini (shown here) produce water cooler level drop in full load temperatures and easily fit into the CoolerMaster or other full size cases. Both coolers produce excellent cooling in the 590 without the need for fans but in the case of more extreme overclocking, fans can be added. Benefits included:

• Much better thermal conductance & full load temps compared to stock cooler
• Quiet operation
• No fans required when mounted in CM 590 or 690 case
• 6 Copper Heatpipes and copper transfer plate
• Huge heat transfer fin density
• Cooler looking

One of the most misunderstood aspects of computing is memory choice. Rarely do Big names equip systems with optimal memory configurations and some even equip systems with combinations that loose 30% of the system’s possible performance.  In all new systems matched Pairs or Treos (depending on design) are absolutely mandatory.  Memory frequency and low clock latency are also very important. This system uses the new DDR3 class memory in a Dual Bank configuration so that 2 or 4 matched DIMMs (memory sticks shown on the right) are required. Next low latency is expressed as CAS or CL rating and is a reference basically to the number of clock cycles between Data packets held and released through the DIMMs.  The frequency is also difficult because the M4A785 series motherboards can support 1066, 1333 and 1600 MHz which in truth is actually only half of these. So two 533MHz DIMMs are expressed as 1066 and so on.  To make things more confusing, the higher the frequency, the higher the latency.  So I am suggesting we use the lower cost 1333 DIMMs with CL7 rating vs. 1600 DIMMs sporting CL9 rating.  Though the 1600 pair are faster the 2 clock cycle loss reduces performance enough to not warrant the much higher cost.  Diminishing returns in other words.

Advantages to this memory configuration are:

• 2 matched 2GB DIMMs for a total of 8GBs, ideal for Windows 7-64bit during heavy use
• 1600MHz with tight latency of CL7 for exceptional cost to speed ratio
• Lifetime warranty which really translates to about 5-7 years useful lifespan
• improved integrated Video performance due to great memory bus performance
• aluminum jacketed DIMMs for optimal memory chip temps even overclocked
• low cost to density to performance ratio

Hard Drives are an important aspect and also quite misunderstood as well.  Hard Drives come in several varieties. Big Player high volume units (slowest), Consumer grade (retail box, so so), File Server grade (best cost to performance to toughness ratio), Enterprise class File Server (Fastest, Toughest & most expensive).  Currently, I most often recommend Western Digital “Black” AALS drives or Seagate NS drives, both with the following:

• 32MB of I/O cache (on faster systems with Win7, a nice performance advantage is experienced)
• 1TB (Terabyte = 1000 gigabytes) of very fast storage, great for video, images & music
• 7200rpm Spindle Speed (minimum performance standard)
• File Server grade for higher MTBF rating (Meantime between Failure, i.e. longer expected life span)
• full 5 year warranties on this class of drive form WD or Seagate
• good cost to performance to warranty ratio
• We would use 2 of these, one in the system and one in the External BU drive housing

Most systems just come with basic DVD optical drives with some burning capability but I’d like to equip your system with the best BluRay Burner on the market which also happens to be the least expensive, go figure...  The LG 8x BluRay Burner is kind of a do it all optical drive with the following benefits:

• 25GB & 50GB BluRay 8x Burning capability / 2x Rewritable 25GB burning
• Full DVD / DVD-DL / CD / burning capabilities
• LightScribe capability (etch artwork & titles onto top of media, in drive)
• Low cost to functionality ratio (only a 1 year warranty though)
• really nice to have 25GB of space to burn your data to!

There so many cases to choose from with even more PSU (Power Supply) choices for any given system.

I have always utilized case/PSU combinations appropriate to the user but always of the highest quality possible.  The main two things a case must have are good to great air flow and a good PSU.  Due to Home Entertainment and need for multiple drives the CoolerMaster Centurion 590 or 690 are an excellent choice:

• Ideal air flow with the right choice of 6 - 120mm ball bearing fans
• Frees you to use full height Video Cards
• Allows use of large Heatpipe CPU HSF (Heatsink / Fan combo)
• Mixed with the OCZ 500watt 80+ PSU, very stable, long life.
• great cost to performance to longevity ratio*
• Reasonable 20” x 18” x 8” foot print
• Excellent upgradability in many ways including Water Cooling
• Very long expected lifespan, reasonable cost to replace
• Lowest Cost, best performance case available today!

Things to consider with this type of case:

• *MUST be plugged into a quality Surge Suppression power strip or UPS
• **Must be in a well ventilated area or in a cubby with open back & front
• Slightly noisier due to very effective fan array

There are so many keyboard and mouse combos we could choose or recommend but Microsoft’s Retail Wireless Laser Desktop 3000 is probably the most elegant and comfortable with ambidextrous mouse. Benefits are:

• very gentle touch keys (really saves your fingers once you get used to it)
• thin elegant design with a very slight ergonomic curve, very likable!
• AA Rechargeable batteries last very well in this unit, hint, hint...
• cost to performance to looks ratio is pretty good

Where to begin on this OS?!

Windows 7 - 64bit Home Premium or Ultimate would be my choice with Home Premium being more appropriate for your budget.  Windows 7 is such a joy to use once you get used to it. Under the hood Windows 7 sports an entirely new DNA denoted only slightly by very elegant user interface. Some very cool aspects are:

• Simple, Striking and Focused interface designed by Microsoft and part by me (the Mac-ish like launch system shown above from an actual Win7-64 Ultimate system)
• New DNA that hugely improves Security, Stability and Performance
• Amazing compatibility; most older Windows Software will work
• Windows Live update (in most cases instant driver installs without any disk required) and so much more, significantly reduces bulk in the OS...
• Faster Boot and Shutdown times
• Much More efficient management of power with new hardware (lowers energy costs)
• Every program looks and works better in Win7 the any previous OS
• Data Management System made possible by MS and designed by me...

John & Lisa  - Windows 7 House system Spec.

Hi John & Lisa,

It’s funny but the old Dell home system has bugged from day one, not because I didn’t get it for you but because there so much compromise in it.  So, to some extent, the following system specification has little compromise in it but it also has been crafted with your budget in mind.  I am using the very best components in class that I can.  The core of this system, though about $20 more then it’s lower level brethren runs around $94 instead of $74, not a big difference but the motherboard alone will save many times this on your annual electrical bill over any other comparable cores as an example

Doing a nice Family Home System these days is work of the heart.  The time necessary to produce such a system is huge so passion & inspiration are what carry me through on such a project.  I’ve done a number of these types of systems for clients over the years and both the clients and myself have enjoyed the results and I, the process and delivery hugely. Most every year one of my clients orders a Home Workstation / Entertainment PC for delivery around Christmas and I am honored to do one this year for you, John & Lisa and your family!  Please read this over carefully as it contains lots of inside information to better help you be a conscious part of this system choice.

It’s hard to put into words both how important it is today to have a large Widescreen Display as well as how incredible looking Windows 7 is with such a Display as the Hanns.G 28” HDMI display.

Once you look into displays bigger than 24” inches you start getting into rather uncomfortable costs but the Hanns.G 28” seems to be the exception to this at only $329.00 plus shipping.

A number of clients have been asking me about quality large widescreen displays to allow great work environment but also more enjoyable Home Entertainment experience. I got one of these in based on a high percentage of high praise by many online.  Normally I only recommend and resell 3 year warranty displays only.  Officially the Hanns.G 28” has a 3 year parts and labor warranty but the fine print reveals that the light generating core has only 1 year.  At first I thought this would be too great a downside but after getting one in for testing and seeing how good these were, I knew I could offset this by simply tightening display sleep times to allow greater off time.

Many other users reported wonderful experience and almost no failures.  I’ve had mine now for about 6 months and run it pretty hard, working long hours then playing movie after movie while I work in my lab assembling and repairing other systems...

Benefits this display has to offer are:

• Of over 1600 reviews 89% rated this display very highly!
• Lovely image quality made even better with Windows 7
• Flexible tuning and easy configuration
• Full HDMI support not only for HD display but also with HD Audio for an awesome audio and movie experience
• Best performance to cost ratio of any display in class
• Reasonable warranty to cost ratio
• Very low cost of $329 for a display in this category

Actual Windows 7 desktop

I’m recommending for Home Audio the incredible Logitech Z-5500 Surround HD Audio.

As far as sound quality and clarity at any volume goes, this system is truly a wonderful deal at $350.

Having said that, some might feel this is a bit high for a computer based audio system. From my viewpoint having owned a set of these for a number of years, all I can say is this Audio system never ceases to amaze me!

Out of nearly 1300 reviews of the Z-5500 Audio system, 96% gave very high rating!

Benefits include:

• Low cost for such quality sound system
• Makes movies jump out at you at times
• Sounds great at any volume
• Can use your own quality cabling if needed
• Has it’s own remote to manage volume
• Must have Home Entertainment Audio

Every Home Entertainment system should have a nice little WebCam to go along with Skype or other video conferencing systems.

This nice little Hercules Optical Glass WebCam is less than $30 but is better then most WebCam costing $80 or more. great for doing Face Time with Robin and others!

Benefits of this Cam are:

• Very Low Cost
• Optical Glass and manual focus produce a nice sharp video
• Built in Microphone
• LED lighting to light up face in low light condition
• Auto-white balance adjustment with additional manual adjustments
• 64bit driver auto-installs from Microsoft’s Live Update and works great!
• You can substitute a headset for private video conferences
• USB 2.0 connection

Having a USB Hub these days is pretty much mandatory what with all the plugging and unplugging we do, especially our young people.

The best USB Hub on the market has been for the last 5 years the CyberPower 7 port, Surge Supressed USB Hub.  I have so many of these being used for many years by many clients and not a single failure, not a single motherboard lost, not a single device lost... A great deal at under $40.

Benefits include:

• best Cost to Port to Durability ratio period
• Low Cost
• 7 Surge Suppressed USB 2.0 ports
• Weighted base for easy location stability
• Saves your Computer from one of the most common damages

Fans are part of what make this system particularly cool.

The CoolerMaster 590 & 690 cases both have six 120mm fan locations. While that may seem like a lot, these cases are designed very specifically to move air through the interior in such a fashion as to produce a nearly perfect computing environment temperature wise.

I install five very long life Enermax twister 120mm fans that are designed to last about 80,000 hours of continuous use and are pretty quiet.

Advantages of these fans are:

• Very Long Service Life
• Each fan is nearly silent though with 5 fans, there is small but noticeable noise
• Nice looking design with gentle blue LED lights to remind you not to block fan ports
• In the CoolerMaster 590 & 690 cases, these fans work marvelous
• Even with Heavy Computer use such as Games & HD Video core components run cool
• Allows use of large Passive CPU Coolers (Fan & Case combo)

• 1 - AMD Athlon II x4 620 2.6GHz Socket AM3 80W Quad-Core 45nm CPU
   
• 1 - ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Professional class Motherboard
   
• 1 - COOLERMASTER GeminII 6 heatpipe CPU cooler w/Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
   
• 2 - Patriot DDR3 1600 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3-1600 Low Latency, High Performance Memory
   
• 2 - Western Digital "Black" WD1001FALS 1TB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drives (1 for system, 1 for External Drive Case)
   
• 1 - Hanns.G HG 28” LCD Widescreen Display (Windows 7 looks so good on this display, so do movies)
   
• 1 - LG Black 8X Blu-ray Burner/Player for SATA connection
   
• 1 - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
   
• 1 - Microsoft Black USB Ergonomic Comfort Curve Keyboard (Fluid resistant) 3000 & optical mouse - OEM
   
• 1 - COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 or 690 ATX High Ventilation Computer Case
   
• 1 - OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W 80+ certified PSU
   
• 5 - 120mm Enermax Twister Bearing Blue LED Case Fans
   
• 1 - CyberPower USB 2.0 - 7port Surge Suppressed Hub (best USB Hub in world!)
   
• 1 - Hercules Deluxe Optical Glass USB WebCam (low cost, works well with Windows 7, great deal!)
   
• 1 - Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Surround HD Audio Speakers (positively amazing sound)
   
• 1 - EDIMAX EW-7128G PCI Wireless Card with Rosewill 8bdi High Gain antenna (designed for maximum connection stability)
   
• 1 - LINKSYS WRT54GL Router with DD-WRT Firmware for maximum flexibility & power

• My Total Parts Cost is:  $1949.00

• Shipping on these parts from 4 warehouses is: $82.00

• System Build Cost & Windows 7 Hm Premium 64 OEM install & update is:  $300.00

• Complete applications package, install & full configuration / optimization:  $300.00

• Delivery (includes fuel reimbursement), onsite setup and family introduction & training is:  $400.00

• Total System Cost is:  $3031.00 (to Start this project I would need a Deposit of $2331.00 ASAP to meet your deadline) 
   

• Note: Great quality stuff, especially when on sale may go out of stock so the above specs are subject to change but will be replaced with same performance components though possibly at a slightly higher cost.  We will not know if there are changes until the time of ordering. Generally I get notification on stock change within a couple of hours but sometimes not until the next day.

• Thanks so much!