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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Customized Systemax Computer Setup.

Software and compatibility

  • Owners suggest using LGA 775 boards for compatibility with Windows XP and 7, with a preference for DDR3 over DDR2 for improved performance.

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  • Photoshop CS5 64-bit is recommended to take full advantage of extra memory capacity in a system.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Active cooling solutions are recommended for nF4 SLI/CK804 chipsets to manage heat effectively, as passive options like Zalman ZM-47J may not suffice.

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  • Upgrading to a motherboard with more SATA ports is recommended over using Molex to SATA adapters to avoid data loss from overheating.

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Features and functionality

  • Dell systems from the same era are noted for using standard parts and fittings, making them a viable option for compatible components.

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  • Systemax setups typically use off-the-shelf components, allowing for easy swaps and upgrades without proprietary limitations.

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  • It's suggested to use an SSD as a "work in progress" drive for faster saving and opening of large PSD files.

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Build quality

  • Users highlight the need to swap out Deer-manufactured PSUs from the capacitor plague era, suggesting potential reliability issues.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Bent CPU pins can be straightened using a mechanical pencil; ensure all pins are aligned by viewing from each side.

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  • Swapping motherboards may require custom wiring for front panel headers if the original setup is proprietary.

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  • Users report that a SSD used as Photoshop's scratch drive should be regularly cleaned out to maintain optimal performance.

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Comparisons

  • Pentium 4 CPUs are generally adequate for Windows XP gaming; however, some users suggest upgrading the GPU for better performance.

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  • An AMD Phenom II X6 is noted to perform better in multithreaded applications like Photoshop compared to an Intel i5 2500, offering a cost-effective alternative.

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User experience

  • A graphic designer working with multiple RAW files and layers may find 8GB of RAM insufficient, indicating a need for additional memory.

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Use cases and applications

  • Two monitors are recommended for graphic design work, with ATI cards being noted for better triple monitor support compared to NVIDIA.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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alexsabatino

This is the setup I use for my computer.

I use this customized hybrid setup with a Systemax tower model SYX-P67A-C43, and my generic USB Microsoft keyboard, and my Logitech wireless mouse model M325. I use this setup for everything on my computer, from gaming to music.

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