Buying a new PC... anything I should look for in regards to BitCoin mining?

[jsttn]

Hey all,

My PC is on its last legs and I am getting a new one. I am using it for personal mostly (emails, browsing, coding etc.) but I want to some mining when I'm not using it. I understand I won't be raking in the coins, but I figured why not play with a great new technology? Is their anything I should look for when PC shopping? Thanks.

[XX55XX]

Get an AMD card. That is the key to this puzzle. Everything else, component-wise, doesn't matter. I have an Nvidia card, and it mines at least three times more slowly than its comparable AMD counterpart.

[chihlidog]

AMD 58xx, 5970, 68xx or 69xx are the cards you want specifically for mining. Any of them with the arguable exception of the 5830 will serve you well for gaming too.

[SlipperySlope]

Desktop computers are dropping in popularity compared with the iPad, netbooks, laptops and smartphones.  But one real advantage of the desktop, i.e. tower configuration is that multiple full size monitors are supported.

The AMD GPU cards that are great for bitcoin mining also support up to six monitors - the eyefinity feature.
http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/amd-eyefinity-technology/Pages/eyefinity.aspx

I'll hang on to one or more of my Radeon HD 5770 cards to use for multiple monitors, after bitcoin mining becomes unprofitable at my electricity rates.

[jsttn]

How about the graphics chip in the new iMacs?

[Yatta99]

Aside for making sure that you get a good ATI card, don't forget that you need a beefy power supply as well. Many desktops cut corners by putting in a wimpy PSU (anywhere from 200w to 400w typically). That's fine when you're using a $50 Nvidia card that gets its power from the PCI-e slot. But the better cards need their own dedicated connection directly to the power supply (and the real bad ass cards need multiple power connectors each). No connection, no power. Probably figure about 500w if you're running one or two low to mid range cards like a 5770. Anything else and you're looking at anywhere from 650w to 1200w. Read reviews, ask advice, and DON'T SKIMP on the power supply.

No Power = No Hashes = No Bitcoins

[fitty]

Hey all,

My PC is on its last legs and I am getting a new one. I am using it for personal mostly (emails, browsing, coding etc.) but I want to some mining when I'm not using it. I understand I won't be raking in the coins, but I figured why not play with a great new technology? Is their anything I should look for when PC shopping? Thanks.

5830/5850/5870 can't really buy them new at a good price anymore.

Leaves you with 5770, 6850, 6870, 6950, 6970, 6990. Then it just comes down to budget.

[rograz]

5830/5850/5870 can't really buy them new at a good price anymore.

Unless you live in Europe >_>