Build questions: Time to harrass every folder we have!

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

Hey guys, I have a build question for 3.

I am considering building a computer I'll OC, but use for nothing other than folding and school / work related content (word processing, internet, IMing, maybe video like movies, but no gaming).

I want to use this as a folding computer as well that'll run 24/7.

Question is, what can I build that is silent, cheap, and able to run vista w/o a hiccup?

I don't have a set price, but cheaper is better. I need a mobo, psu, case, everything other than monitors & a keyboard. I will probably need a KVM switch though.

I'm thinking either a cheap dualcore or q6600 (not sure yet), I want to OC them on air, but quiet air. Not looking for anything insane (3.8ghz to 4.0 ghz on e7200 or 3.0 to 3.2 ghz on q6600).

So...

e7200 or q6600? (maybe even a slower dual core?)
2 or 4 gigs? (I could pull 4 gigs from my current rig, i don't need 8 gigs, eh? lol)
microATX or ATX? (I don't really care as long as it allows for a decent OC)
heatsink? (tuniq? Arctic cooling freezer pro?)
HDD? (I have some old 36 gig raptors,4, but i don't want raid; I'll add some 750s later for backup to my quad set up)
Case? (lian li possibly? Maybe a tiny microatx case if i go that route)
PSU? (I'd only run an 8800gts max in this thing if I upgrade my good card and drop it in this computer for folding)
dvd drive? (might get a sata drive if the case would be cramped)

What do you guys think?

I could do SMP on at least one core (I need at least one core free at all times for work related stuff, slowdown sucks!) and run a GPU2 Client or just a gpu client. Keep in mind, must be decently cheap and quiet. Not looking to drop 800 bucks.

[[XC] 4X4N]

I'd say go with Q6600, 8800GT, 4GB ram for vista, 2GB for XP, Xigmatek S1283 for HSF, Antec Earthwatts 500 PSU. Any hard drive will work. You pick the motherboard and case.

Also, sent you a pm. I may have some stuff for you.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I was thinking.... what about this?

Open Box: ASUS P5N-D LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard $102
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131232R

e7200 $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115052

Case: NO IDEA, would have to fit an enermax galaxy 1000watt (no lights, no bling) & quiet, good cooling

8800gts: $120 after MIR
http://fxvideocards.com/ZOTAC-GeForce-8800-GTS-G92-512MB-ZT-88SES2P-FSP-256-bit-GDDR3-PCI-Express-2.0-x16-HDCP-Ready-SLI-ZOTAC-Video-Card-p-16280.html

$352 TOTAL, still need a case & must consider shipping.

I might also need a heatsink.... This might be the cheapest way & having 2 cards would let me not only game (not that I need to on it), but fold w/ three 8800gts's, two of them 24/7.

[MikeB12]

the $$$ add up quick don't they.. my budget build always start out with a $5-600 budget. then when it's said and done $900-1000.... never fails...

I always started with the basics...
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3586/25306801mo6.jpg


but you're right. a cheaper dual core,
even amd... with 2 8800gt's would be a nice folder now days.
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6408/80103483ef1.jpg

[SparkyJJO]

My recommendations:
of your CPU list, Q6600 so you can do SMP and that one GPU client with the 8800GTS you have currently.
2 gigs should do just fine.
I like the space ATX gives, but either would work fine, there are good overclocking boards in both camps. ATX is usually cheaper though and if you are putting a gfx card in it then there is no need for onboard anyway.
TRUE or I think it is a xigmatech are good heatsinks. Not sure how that new cooler master V8 stacks up.
Just a basic hard drive. For what it sounds like you are doing you won't need much space.
Case, well, you could get lian li but if it is mostly for crunching it doesn't have to be something more expensive like that. A cooler master centurion 5 is pretty cheap and has good airflow (you may want to upgrade the stock rear fan though to something a bit more powerful, it is very quiet but doesn't move a whole lot of air).
Enhance, Antec Earthwatts, or Corsair VX series for the PSUs IMO. A good 450W would suffice probably, or to be safe get a 500-550W unit.
Any old DVD drive should work. Not a big deal here really, a good drive can be had for $30.

That's my opinions, hope they are helpful in some way :)
*edit* Mike's idea might be even better!

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

@ SparkyJJO, I've had a few issues w/ SMP not saving EVER, c + ctrl, or even just shutting windows down to force the program to save.... neither works. I can't leave my quad on all the time.

@MikeB, I was also thinking, I have a microATX AM2 board, albeit... its crappy, a CHEAP foxconn.

AMD PLAN!

5400+ = $87 @ the egg
8800gts = $120 @ fxvideocards (cheaper than most 8800gt out there, and if it OC's better than my xfx, i'll switch them out)
Coolermaster Centurion 5 = $50 @ the egg
Ram = Free (G Skill 2x2gig ddr2 1000, won't oc well at all)
PSU = FREE (1000watt enermax, own it)
CD Drive = FREE (I have about 6 lying around, lol,own it)
HDD = Free (either 320 gig seagate OR 36 gig raptor, own both)
Xigmatek S1283 heatsink = 40
----------------------------
$297 + shipping
I'm a little worried that the brisbane won't hold water to the e7200, especially since it'll do 3.8ghz + typically. As well, I wouldn't do SLI normally but... this seems to be the first time its VERY affordable for me & would let me have three GPU2 clients running, two 24/7. I own most of the other components, so that saves me a good bit. I'm also actually using this computer instead of just letting it fold and do nothing else. That's why I'm concerned. I also can't OC on my current mobo and I'd like to if I could.;)

The other plan is intel

e7200 = 130 @ the egg
750i sli = $102 @ the egg
Xigmatek S1283 heatsink = 40 @ the egg
8800gts = $120 @ fxvideocards
Coolermaster Centurion 5 = $50 @ the egg
---------
=$442 + 150 for another 8800gts and that comes to $592. NOT BAD FOR 600 bucks eh?

The only difference is the cost of the mobo, but its MUCH faster. I can also do SLI, and in effect, have 2 GPU2 clients running 24/7 (being redundant, I know)

The more I think about it, I'm not really that big of an SMP fan. I just seem to have bad luck with it. A GPU client seems more up my alley b/c they just seem to work well for me, as well, my cpu won't take a hit and that REALLY helps when it comes to using simple word processing programs, internet, pdf, spread sheets, and video at the same time.

I'm not trying to say anyone here has bad ideas, not in the slightest. I'm just trying to figure out how I can be the most productive while still having a computer that is "useful" in another sense. I probably should have emphasized that more and that's my fault.:doh:

[SparkyJJO]

I install SMP, configure it to always turn on advanced methods and 5 minute checkpoints, then I run it with -forceasm and -advmethods flags. That seems to work for me, has across 4 different platforms now.

If you are planning on running GPU2 clients, I don't think the CPU is as much of an issue with that (especially in vista) as the client doesn't need much CPU power.

[jcool]

By all means go for a Q6600. It will allow you to run one core for GFX folding, two cores for SMP folding and one for your work.
I wouldn't put it on a µATX board though, since they usually have weaker PWM. If you do want a small board, get the G33-DS2R. It's small, realiable, energy-efficient and can hold a quad at 3,2Ghz if you add some heatsinks to the mosfets.
4GB ram isn't needed for folding, but since you're doing a lot of stuff at the same time, 4GB could come in handy (especially if you want to do video editing).
HDD is of no real importance for folding, but it may be for your work.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I install SMP, configure it to always turn on advanced methods and 5 minute checkpoints, then I run it with -forceasm and -advmethods flags. That seems to work for me, has across 4 different platforms now.

If you are planning on running GPU2 clients, I don't think the CPU is as much of an issue with that (especially in vista) as the client doesn't need much CPU power.

Thats what I'm thinking. I might go SLI regaurdless since it would let me do some NICE gaming at 1920x1200 AND a lot of folding 95% of the time. I game, but not as often as I'd like, so at least the cards would be put to good use and let me not have to buy another rig for quite a while, as well, I have enough monitors to use all the ports.

I could always run a single SMP client and leave one core available.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

By all means go for a Q6600. It will allow you to run one core for GFX folding, two cores for SMP folding and one for your work.
I wouldn't put it on a µATX board though, since they usually have weaker PWM. If you do want a small board, get the G33-DS2R. It's small, realiable, energy-efficient and can hold a quad at 3,2Ghz if you add some heatsinks to the mosfets.
4GB ram isn't needed for folding, but since you're doing a lot of stuff at the same time, 4GB could come in handy (especially if you want to do video editing).
HDD is of no real importance for folding, but it may be for your work.

I'll be using vista, so I won't need a core for GPU folding.

I'd use 4 gigs b/c i own the kit. No need to buy more ram.

I guess my dilemma is this. If I do a dedicated F@H server, I might as well just buy an 8800gt 256mb and let it run.

I have enough parts to build a fairly high end computer for very little money (600 for an SLI set up is pretty damn good imho), but at the same time, the computer will be used for other things, not just folding. On top of that, the computer will be in my room and two quads will put out a lot of heat and I'd rather have a dual that can run cooler, but basically have faster cores.

I guess my idea has somewhat changed. I need a decent cpu and want to OC a 45nm, but the primary folding will be GPU since for me, its easy. On top of that, a dual core could be cooled by something fairly quiet, even that massive scythe heatsink that's larger than a 12oz can (I can't recall the name, its in the review section) and it would be awesomelly (yes, my word :D) quiet. The 8800gts is quieter than a single slot, but runs about 61% to keep it cool, and thats kinda loud. I'd probably have to reconsider what would be a true silent PC.

Sorry for changing the idea guys.:nuts: SUPER QUIET PC, Cheap, vista friendly, good folder, GO! LOL. I might spend more than just 15 minutes looking at this from a power point of view and actually figure out what would truely make it silent, but decently powerful & folding friendly.:comp10:

[jcool]

If you're afraid of the heat dump to your room it's not a good idea to let your G80 card fold in the first place, as it drains even more than a Q6600@3,2Ghz ;)
Also if you want a silent rig, get an aftermarket cooler for the GFX card. A Thermalright HR-03 or Accelero S1 will be fine.
I just prefer Quads to duos in the sense of being rather future-proof, but I also like 45nm chips. If you're "only" aiming for around 3,2Ghz you could always get a small 45nm quad like the Q9300 or 9450 or the xeon equivalents. Lots of crunching power at low power drain (~80W at 3,2gigs running boinc). The Q6600 only makes sense if you're planning on 3,6ghz since the cheaper 45nm quads won't hit that due to fsb limitations.
Of course the Duo is cheaper, but a quad just is the better folder/multitasker.

[Kingcarcas]

Wow, i'm always shocked to see peoples idea of "budget" have better parts than my main PC :shocked: I would say 1GB would even be fine, but 2GB is dirt cheap now, E72/7300 or AMD X2 (I know there was a good OCing mATX Gigabyte board for Intel CPUs, forgot sorry) regular HDD as i've heard Raptors are pretty loud. Set it up for GPU2 that's the future, less headaches, more horsepower than SMP. 4-500W Antec, FSP, Silverstone will be fine, there are plenty for about $40-70.

[MikeB12]

the 65w X2 would run vista fine, run fine at stock vcore on the stock cooler... and it would run both 8800gt's at full ppd on vista...

plus if you're concerned about power, why oc the cpu with +vcore for a computer that only needs to do basic stuff. the 8800gt's will be the power hogs and the ppd producers (10k ppd)...

the cpu just needs to run vista and do basic user tasks. my x2 6000@ stock 3ghz gets a 5.9 in vista rating. I'm sure a x2 5400 200x14*2800mhz can be turned up to 210-215x14 on stock volts.... which will be 3ghz... that's the stock vcore fsb range on my x2 6000 and x2 4600....

[SparkyJJO]

Well if you want silent I know watercooling can get you that... :wasntme:
Somehow I'll bet that is out of your budget though :p:

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

If you're afraid of the heat dump to your room it's not a good idea to let your G80 card fold in the first place, as it drains even more than a Q6600@3,2Ghz ;)
Also if you want a silent rig, get an aftermarket cooler for the GFX card. A Thermalright HR-03 or Accelero S1 will be fine.
I just prefer Quads to duos in the sense of being rather future-proof, but I also like 45nm chips. If you're "only" aiming for around 3,2Ghz you could always get a small 45nm quad like the Q9300 or 9450 or the xeon equivalents. Lots of crunching power at low power drain (~80W at 3,2gigs running boinc). The Q6600 only makes sense if you're planning on 3,6ghz since the cheaper 45nm quads won't hit that due to fsb limitations.
Of course the Duo is cheaper, but a quad just is the better folder/multitasker.

I was looking into that. The HR-03 is VERY nice. I have an accelero x2 on my x1900xtx and its absolutely silent. The q9300 is sort of out of my price range. A q6600 @ 210 is pushing it.

Wow, i'm always shocked to see peoples idea of "budget" have better parts than my main PC :shocked: I would say 1GB would even be fine, but 2GB is dirt cheap now, E72/7300 or AMD X2 (I know there was a good OCing mATX Gigabyte board for Intel CPUs, forgot sorry) regular HDD as i've heard Raptors are pretty loud. Set it up for GPU2 that's the future, less headaches, more horsepower than SMP. 4-500W Antec, FSP, Silverstone will be fine, there are plenty for about $40-70.

Your statement got me thinking. If I got an SLI board, why not just throw that board in my main rig for gaming? :rolleyes: That's the most logical answer. Then I'd have an SLI set up that would hold me for a very long time, although the micro-stutter would probably get on my nerves. No real need though and it would get expensive quickly. I'd rather spend the cash later on for a nehalem.

the 65w X2 would run vista fine, run fine at stock vcore on the stock cooler... and it would run both 8800gt's at full ppd on vista...

plus if you're concerned about power, why oc the cpu with +vcore for a computer that only needs to do basic stuff. the 8800gt's will be the power hogs and the ppd producers (10k ppd)...

the cpu just needs to run vista and do basic user tasks. my x2 6000@ stock 3ghz gets a 5.9 in vista rating. I'm sure a x2 5400 200x14*2800mhz can be turned up to 210-215x14 on stock volts.... which will be 3ghz... that's the stock vcore fsb range on my x2 6000 and x2 4600....

Maybe the best plan is to get the 5400+ like you said and throw it in my current computer. I could skimp on the case and just buy an 80+ PSU that would run 1 card. So I guess that would be
4800+ for $60 (should be fast enough, probably OC it to 2.8ghz on stock volts)
8800gts for $120
SeaSonic SS-400ES ATX12V V2.2 (400 watts) for $55 (current PSU does not have pci-e)
ARCTIC COOLING ACCELS1 for $30

$265 before shipping costs.

I have xp on the computer right now. I have a gig and a half in there right now and that's more than fine for what I need. Question would be, is xp always going to be limited w/ a GPU client that it requires one core to be used? This is a REAL let down if they don't fix this. 2.5ghz would be fast enough for xp, very fast. Heck, w/ an 8800gts in there, it would be a 2nd gaming PC for VERY cheap.

I was thinking, why have two gaming rigs? That's not economically friendly. Maybe this would be a better set up...

8800gt 256 for $100, 70 after MIR.
4800+ for $60
ARCTIC COOLING ACCELS1 for $30

The 8800gt has a two molex to one PCI-e cable. That should provide enough power that way, right? my PSU:
(http://www.antec.com/specs/true550_spe.html)
+5V -5V +12V -12V +3.3V +5V
40A* 0.5A 30A* 1.0A 32A* 2A

That comes to 160 bucks w/ MIR. Maybe the BEST way?

[jcool]

Yeah well, you wanted a good folder. A quad is a good folder.. a dualie, not so much.

Oh and don't think you can play any current game with a crippled 256MB Vid card these days. For folding it might be ok, but forget about gaming.

[MikeB12]

actually that's how I'm running my new 8800gt, on the 2 molex conversion. the pcie on my TT 430 wouldn't fit for some reason. the plastic didn't line up right and I didn't feel like forcing it..

if you can believe it in my sig, I have a oc'ed Q6600 and a 8800gt running on a tt430.... lol http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153023
I didn't think it was gonna work, but it does... so much for all the yahoo's that say it's not enough psu... and the air coming out of the psu fan is barely warm... so it's not over loading even with 2 smp's and a gpu2 running...

btw, I plan n putting another one in my other ded uqad, the last rig in my sig. replace the 8400gs.
and it's on a antec ew 430, which is $30 after mir btw http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006
the earthwatt series is supposedly made by seasonic..

[SparkyJJO]

That TT PSU only has 18A on the 12V rail. Amazing. Well I suppose that fold6 should easily be able to handle an 8800 if it is only a single core A64 and has 20A available for 12V. Hmmm......

[MikeB12]

this is what that thermaltake 430 is in... (and actually I like the antec ew 430 better)
*Q6600@3.4ghz | GA-P35-DS3L | 2x1GB Xtreem | Gigabyte 256mb 8800GT | TT 430w | Raidimax 802BP | Scythe Mugen | 2-120mm fans | 60gb Maxtor ide | Samsung DVDRW
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153023
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/5079/51253660if1.jpg

I'm not rec this to anyone as a good setup. just saying it works... no matter what other users say... the proof is in the ss...
I had people tell me it would never even power up... you're stupid, blah, blah, blah... you know the typical flaming...
but there you have it... 100% tdp folding on a tt430. bada bing bada boom...
I installed Vista64 on Thurs and it has been folding 24/7 since (except when a thunderstorm blinked my power and all my rigs shutdown fri night for about 30 minutes), no reboots or shutdowns otherwise since thurs afternoon. so over 72hrs at 100% tdp so far. and the psu air isn't warm.. so obviously it is handling it.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

Yep, my friend's q6600 & radeon 4850 (not sure of the power draw from that card) boots like a champ. We did not OC it yet and he might not, but it runs fine for him.

[Kingcarcas]

What if you just upgraded your rig to a GTX280?(6-7K PPD)You might end up kicking yourself later if you spend so much on a dedicated machine instead of making your own more powerful :shrug: That's what i do, something new goes into my rig, leftovers go to the family PC. :up: I could have a 3rd PC folding but i don't pay the electricity so i could get in trouble :rofl:


^ 4850 is 110W TDP.

[SparkyJJO]

The earthwatts should save a little in electricity cost considering it is 80+ while the TT is only rated at >65% so probably averaging 70% efficient. Not sure how much though. FWIW the only high efficiency unit I have in my whole farm is my PC, all the others are older so 65-75% efficient units with no PFC. I don't pay electricity though! Next summer once I graduate from college I will be, so when that happens we'll have to see how much I'm spending on electricity and whether or not I have to shut some stuff down. Perhaps by that point though I could consolidate all my crunchers into one or two newer systems.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

The earthwatts should save a little in electricity cost considering it is 80+ while the TT is only rated at >65% so probably averaging 70% efficient. Not sure how much though. FWIW the only high efficiency unit I have in my whole farm is my PC, all the others are older so 65-75% efficient units with no PFC. I don't pay electricity though! Next summer once I graduate from college I will be, so when that happens we'll have to see how much I'm spending on electricity and whether or not I have to shut some stuff down. Perhaps by that point though I could consolidate all my crunchers into one or two newer systems.

Thats my idea. Its more efficient to have a quad w/ 4 9800gx2's than to have multiple PCs honestly. The power draw would be a lot less having less ram, mobos, cpus, etc to power.

[WhiteFireDragon]

sorry, i have not read every post in this thread yet, only your first one. for crunching and non gaming rig that will have the option for a folding GPU later on, here is what i would get and i'll briefly why:

- q6600 $210 much more efficient for folding than a dual core since it uses 4 threads instead of two, meaning double the crunch power. OC to 3ghz is almost guaranteed with any batch q6600.

- P5E-VM HDMI $130 OC's very well, mATX form, good onboard video (but will no be able to 3D render great) with HDMI for movies but still has the option of adding a GPU in the PCIe slot later on

- 2x1 gb ddr2 800mhz $30 memory is dirt cheap now, especially with rebate. you wont be benchmarking for trying for world records or anything, so an OC or anything above 800mhz will not be noticed

- 430w earthwatts $30 you only really need the 380watts version, but 430 is a safeguard. also the 430w right now is only $30 after rebate. has high efficiency so less power consumption, your system would only consume about 250watts of power max if you were to game at 100% load on a 8800gt so nothing bigger is needed. also pretty silent PSU, i have one and it's inaudiable over my CPU fan

- 80gb HD $40 this is all you really need, any HD will work so buy one that fits the budget

- AC freezer pro $30 not a huge OC so this is all you really need, i'm actually folding on stock fan for a q6600 OC'ed to 3ghz and temps are fine

- any case that fits your budge because it just holds all you hardware, nothing special

- DVD burner $30 they're about all the same nowadays

that's about a $500 system after a few rebates but without the case yet. if you want to add a 8800gt later for gaming/folding, add about $130 to that

[jcool]

^ 4850 is 110W TDP.

Or so they say.. ATIs TDP ratings are plain BS these days, the 4850 draws around 150W max no OC, the 4870 is close to 200W. Measured it myself :rolleyes:
NVs are pretty accurate though (180W for the GTX 260 and 236 for the 280, actually I couldn't reach more than 220W for the 280 even when running FURmark)

[SparkyJJO]

Or so they say.. ATIs TDP ratings are plain BS these days, the 4850 draws around 150W max no OC, the 4870 is close to 200W. Measured it myself :rolleyes:
NVs are pretty accurate though (180W for the GTX 260 and 236 for the 280, actually I couldn't reach more than 220W for the 280 even when running FURmark)

Curious, how did you measure it? I never know the best way to go about doing that, short of sticking an ammeter in line with the PCIe cable, somehow, but with 3 wires plus power also from the board it seems like that wouldn't work out too well.

[jcool]

Simple, I got several test rigs whose power drain I know in every condition (idle/load etc). I measure the whole system's drain without GFX (or with a 2W draining 13 yr old PCI :D ), then I know how much each GFX card drains under what condition.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

- q6600 $210 much more efficient for folding than a dual core since it uses 4 threads instead of two, meaning double the crunch power. OC to 3ghz is almost guaranteed with any batch q6600.

- P5E-VM HDMI $130 OC's very well, mATX form, good onboard video (but will no be able to 3D render great) with HDMI for movies but still has the option of adding a GPU in the PCIe slot later on

- 430w earthwatts $30 you only really need the 380watts version, but 430 is a safeguard. also the 430w right now is only $30 after rebate. has high efficiency so less power consumption, your system would only consume about 250watts of power max if you were to game at 100% load on a 8800gt so nothing bigger is needed. also pretty silent PSU, i have one and it's inaudiable over my CPU fan

- AC freezer pro $30 not a huge OC so this is all you really need, i'm actually folding on stock fan for a q6600 OC'ed to 3ghz and temps are fine

- any case that fits your budge because it just holds all you hardware, nothing special

that's about a $500 system after a few rebates but without the case yet. if you want to add a 8800gt later for gaming/folding, add about $130 to that

I negated things I already own (ram, etc), so that's $400 + case + video card.

Newegg seems to be out of the 8800gt 256 cards, but fxvideocards still have the 8800gts for 120. I might consider the scythe orochi and a large cheap case for quiet operation; that's another 70 + 100 for a case that big. Gets into big bucks quickly.

Maybe I'll just get another card to fold on in my current rig, LOL.

[SocketMan]

;)Or so they say.. ATIs TDP ratings are plain BS these days, the 4850 draws around 150W max no OC, the 4870 is close to 200W. Measured it myself :rolleyes:
NVs are pretty accurate though (180W for the GTX 260 and 236 for the 280, actually I couldn't reach more than 220W for the 280 even when running FURmark)


I am running 4850 and 3870 in the DFI-cfx3200-m2/g with an opteron 1210
@ 3100. Don't know how accurate my GB Odin PS is but at full (load 2 cards folding mode )it says ~ 270 w,idle at 110w.
No Cool&Quite.
3870 brings more ppd and uses less juice than 4850.


Edit**

I forgot the case:

check out Antec 300 for ~55 it's hard to beat...

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29812&vpn=THREE%20HUNDRED&manufacture=ANTEC&promoid=1046

[MikeB12]

I like the bottom mount psu on that case. wish I would have checked that one out on my last budget cruncher build..
but I ended up with some raidimax's that mir's and free shipping from ne... just due to deal grabbing...


I like that antec 300 alot better..

[SparkyJJO]

I still like my cases....:D
generic picture, not the actual thing but you get the idea!
http://www.moveout.com/_art/moving-boxes-kitchen.jpg

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

Thats a really nice case for air cooling. A lot cheaper than the p180 mini. I'd rather have the p180, but 160 is a lot for a microatx only case.

Btw guys, i ended up getting a free card (8800gt 256mb, i posted a thread about this), so I won't be building a new rig for a little while. Thanks though, when I get some cash, I'll use this thread as a template. :up:

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I've been talking to Mikeb12 about this topic and I think I'll have a few extra bucks (about $200, no more) to drop on upgrading one of my folders. After dropping my 8800gt in there, the poor 650 watt PSU squeals while folding. I think I'm really killing it. It also dumps hot air and I need something more efficient. The case its in has no air flow. A 40mm rear fan won't cut it, so I need to upgrade that too. I also want to upgrade the CPU so that I can fold on it, but the mobo has no OCing options, so I'm stuck w/ ntune and can only adjust the HTT.

I was thinking about this case: $52
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147038
http://www.rosewill.com/RosewillPhoto/R5601-BK-640.jpg
http://www.rosewill.com/RosewillPhoto/11-147-038-09.jpg
I want a case that'll do these things..
1. Not be a POS and cheap. If I can use it in a future build, excellent.
2. No lights. I will leave this one going 24/7 and I need to sleep.
3. Good air flow
4. Holds atx. i have a microATX board, but if I upgrade, I don't want to be stuck w/ that form factor.
5. Holds more than one hdd. I'll probably drop a few extra HDDs (4 on top of the single i have now) as backup in a raid config, really for expandability.

This case seems to have good airflow, appears to be solid, has no lights and is not "butt ugly" as OJ would say.

This PSU: Antec earthwatts 380 watt.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005
http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/17-371-005-04.jpg

I need a PSU that'll do these things;
1. 80% efficiency. Thats the most important.
2. Cheap, but good quality
3. Has all the connections I need (PCI-e, etc)
4. Will handle an X2, up to 5 hdds, 8800gt. (PSU calc says that 100% load will hit 356watts, and this psu has good amperage per rail)

Cheapest 80+ PSU I could find.

This cpu: Athlon 64 X2 5400+ (not too sure)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103235
http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/19-103-235-01.jpg

I have no idea honestly. I've never folded w/ an AM2 processor. I'll be running vista on the pc, so I won't have a core taken up dealing w/ GPU folding.

I need some advice on what to get (trying to keep it cheap). I can only OC via ntune (no bios features on this mobo), so I won't be pushing the cpu's limits. I'm guessing i can OC anything 100mhz on stock voltage.

I do want something that is:
65 watt / nm
dual core

That's $194 w/ shipping. If I can get a "slower" cpu and not take a massive hit w/ folding, I'd rather save 20 bucks since my AM2 mobo is a dead end street.

[MikeB12]

the 430w EW is cheaper after rebate (ends 7/31)... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006
antec is pretty good about rebates, I'm using a 430ew in my last rig in my sig, think I paid $30 for it after mir...
that's the pc that's folding for xs right now...

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

NICE call. I didn't see that one. At least antec makes good on their rebates. That'll let me run at least 5 hdds and even a beefier gpu in the future. :up:

[Kingcarcas]

I like this Rosewill (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147042) and the all black one, Coolermaster has some sweet cases for $50 as well.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I saw that one. It has a backlit on button. I am a pansy and need darkness for sleep. That's why i picked the original rosewill. If you see a case w/o lights, lemme know. :up:

[WhiteFireDragon]

NICE call. I didn't see that one. At least antec makes good on their rebates. That'll let me run at least 5 hdds and even a beefier gpu in the future. :up:

i suggested the 430w earthwatts a while ago and why it's good. too bad you missed it...

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

i suggested the 430w earthwatts a while ago and why it's good. too bad you missed it...

I just noticed that sorry. I didn't actually review the thread, its been a while.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I found this pedestal server for $53, but it has free shipping. Makes it cheaper than the rosewill case. Looks to have good airflow. Also eatx, so video card length is not an issue.

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/11-128-033-02.jpg
http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/11-128-033-08.jpg

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

Any idea about which processor?

[jcool]

Get a 45nm X2 that is reasonably cheap (oh forgot, they are all cheap ^^) and OC the :banana::banana::banana::banana: out of it :D

[MikeB12]

this one is not bad for a budget build... only $40 and free shipping
no lights, normal psu placement, 120mm front/rear fan, std drive bays, meshed front... basic case.
cheap price and free shipping make it kinda attractive for a salvage build..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147114

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

Do you guys think this is too small?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147086
http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/11-147-086-14.jpg
http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/11-147-086-09.jpg

$34 w/ free shipping. Lets me do something w/ another 20 bucks. Looks decent for an air cooled case and it is small.

[MikeB12]

I saw those too... only reason I didn't post it is because I thought the psu under the drive cage might be a problem for long video cards.. but I don't know, that's just me guessing..

here's the list I sorted before...
Computer Cases (x) >
Useful Links : Free Shipping (x) >
Price : $25 - $50 (x) >
Type : ATX Mid Tower (x)
(1-12 of 12 Results)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000090007%204808%204025%201054808287&bop=And&Order=PRICE

[Kingcarcas]

Try to get tool-less, from now on i'm going tool-less cases and modular PSUs :D

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I found these stats that mikeb12 posted on another forum...

x2 6000
2651 Avg. Time / Frame : 19mn 25s - 1305.27 ppd
2652 Avg. Time / Frame : 15mn 55s - 1038.61 ppd
2653 Avg. Time / Frame : 19mn 18s - 1313.16 ppd

x2 4600
2651 Avg. Time / Frame : 26mn 39s - 950.99 ppd
2653 Avg. Time / Frame : 26mn 21s - 961.82 ppd

There is about a 400 ppd different in a 2.4ghz and 3.0 ghz X2. I don't think its worth spending an extra 22 bucks for 200 mhz. I can probably get that back from a 2.6 ghz through OCing just the HTT? I can save some money for other things. That cheap case ($34), the psu (65 - 30 = 35), and the cpu (5000+ for 66) puts the cost at 165 bucks, 135 after MIR. Not bad for upgrading something to a very vista ready machine that'll fold well.

So guys, 2.6ghz will be enough?

[Kingcarcas]

Don't even worry about that, you'll get that back from the GPU :up:

[MikeB12]

I found these stats that mikeb12 posted on another forum...

x2 6000
2651 Avg. Time / Frame : 19mn 25s - 1305.27 ppd
2652 Avg. Time / Frame : 15mn 55s - 1038.61 ppd
2653 Avg. Time / Frame : 19mn 18s - 1313.16 ppd

x2 4600
2651 Avg. Time / Frame : 26mn 39s - 950.99 ppd
2653 Avg. Time / Frame : 26mn 21s - 961.82 ppd

There is about a 400 ppd different in a 2.4ghz and 3.0 ghz X2. I don't think its worth spending an extra 22 bucks for 200 mhz. I can probably get that back from a 2.6 ghz through OCing just the HTT? I can save some money for other things. That cheap case ($34), the psu (65 - 30 = 35), and the cpu (5000+ for 66) puts the cost at 165 bucks, 135 after MIR. Not bad for upgrading something to a very vista ready machine that'll fold well.

So guys, 2.6ghz will be enough?

yep... those are quite old though... the 2665 wu's do a little less.. I was still folding on the x2 4600 until last week in linux and it would turn about 1100ppd... but that was because it was getting the dual core becnhed 2605's and turning pretty good.. those are the 2 machines I told you about in PM... I gave the x2 6000 pc to my brother in Dec/Jan I think, but you can still have the x2 4600 if you want it... $30... it'll do about 215x12 on stock vcore... 220 is is unstable.. I never tried anymore because the cheap mobo had no vcore adjustment.. just fsb...

in windows, I think you could turn about 1000 smp ppd with a dual core 3ghz X2 on a 2665 smp, with a gpu in Vista... that's just a edumacated guess though, not a hard calc..



edit: I still have some fahmon data on that 4600 I unplugged for ppower conservation last week after I got all my gpu's up on my quads...
this is fairly recent, but it was from linux mepis smp... not windows...

Project : 2605
Core : SMP Gromacs
Frames : 100
Credit : 1760

-- X2 4600 - 2580mhz - mepis --
Min. Time / Frame : 22mn 24s - 1131.43 ppd
Avg. Time / Frame : 22mn 27s - 1128.91 ppd



Project : 2665
Core : SMP Gromacs
Frames : 100
Credit : 1920

-- X2 4600 - 2580mhz - mepis --
Min. Time / Frame : 29mn 11s - 947.39 ppd
Avg. Time / Frame : 29mn 11s - 947.39 ppd

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

Don't even worry about that, you'll get that back from the GPU :up:

I was hoping to pull about 1000ppd on the AM2 so that I had a chance to beat Mak2000 in our race to 250K. ;)