The Project - A Sequel [Archive]

Fire$torm

04-23-11, 06:00 PM

Like Johnny 5 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_5) I need input.

I sent out a couple of PMs earlier and could still use more help. So here goes....

Code Name: Project-002

Hardware
MB: GigaByte GA-P55-UD6 (http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3158#ov) - Courtesy of Beerdrinker ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^

CPU: ??? ($$$)

RAM: Corsair TR3X6G1600C9 - 6GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145222) or Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 6GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226177)

HDD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 500GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181)

GPU: ??? ($$$)

Csae: Custom (by yours truly). Either an open case made from 1/4" copper tubing or a full tower from one of the local pre-owned resellers which I will mod like crazy.

I will be looking for used items as long the price is substantially lower.

Core i3 vs. Core i5.

For crunching which series gives the best bang/$?

I've been informed that there is no clear cut distinction between the two and what I've read so far hasn't shed a whole lot of light on the matter. Also note that the quad cores are way outside my budget so I will not consider any of those for this system.

I have in my searches found a new i5-655K (unlocked multiplier) for around $110 w/o HS. Is it worth the money?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

BTW: Because of this new build I will eventually (Not today) have to give up one or two of the "Team Systems" currently in my possession. I will post it in the "Giveaway" thread when this project nears completion.

joker

04-23-11, 06:18 PM

BTW: Because of this new build I will eventually (Not today) have to give up one or two of the "Team Systems" currently in my possession. I will post it in the "Giveaway" thread when this project nears completion.

NOT SEVEN!! :-o:-o:-o ;)

Fire$torm

04-23-11, 07:01 PM

Mike029

04-23-11, 07:07 PM

Errr, hmmmm.... HELL NO!

Whew!!! Thought you were breaking up with her already. The honeymoon is over!!! Crunch or be replaced. :rolleyes:

DrPop

04-24-11, 03:08 AM

I would go HERE (http://www.anandtech.com/bench/CPU/2)and on the right under CPU Product Benchmarks, put the lower end one you're looking at on the top, and the higher end one you're looking at on the bottom, and click View Comparison.
Note the MULTI-threaded benchmarks toward the middle and bottom of the list, as that is where the difference will be with BOINC. There may not be much difference in single-threaded apps, but running Multi-threaded apps like BOINC, (look at the R10 Multi-threaded benchmark for instance), there will be a very large difference.

So, my vote would be on the i5, but that's just because. Obviously, you can only do what you can do...which is what I'm finding out due to R.L. ;)

JerWA

04-24-11, 04:38 AM

The problem with most benchmark charts like that is they don't take overclocking into account. Not an issue if you don't plan to overclock of course, but if you're budget shopping then overclocking should be something you're at least considering.

PS: There are very few multi-threaded apps in BOINC. AQUA is the only one I know of off the top of my head, but I think one other project was playing with them as well?

Multi-threaded benchmarks are an easier way of gauging the "total" capability of a processor though, so still useful for getting an idea of how two would compare when running BOINC apps. Like "is the fast 2 core better than the slow 4 core."

It's just that BOINC is typically just running multiple instances of a single threaded app, not running an actual multi-threaded app. Though, really when you get down to it, all of them are multi-threaded but the vast majority are single process but that's a whole different rabbit hole.

Anywho, point being, most of the apps are going to limit themselves to a single core (logical or physical), so per-core performance matters. But, since it's unlikely that a) you'll be shopping two procs so far apart in capabilities that fewer faster cores will be able to compete with more slower cores in terms of BOINC, and b) running apps that are 100% efficient, more cores still wins the day (even if they're "fake" like with hyper-threading).

Beerdrinker

04-24-11, 04:46 AM

I would say: Go with whatever CPU you can afford. That´s how I do it. It´s better with a working computer, instead of getting all worked up over a CPU one gotta save for...

I am really looking forward to your build!

Fire$torm

04-28-11, 09:46 PM

Update:

After doing some thinking and clearing out the grey matter smoke I came to the conclusion that I did not want to spend time and energy modding a case. In the end it will cost the same as a half decent new case. Started looking for cheap cases and discovered these two Thermaltake cases.

Thermaltake V4 Black Edition VM30001W2Z (http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1390&ID=1967)
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/ProductHtml/image/VM30001W2Z/FrontTop.jpg

Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z. (http://thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1390&ID=1913#Tab1)
http://thermaltakeusa.com/Upload/Product/Product/1913/Photos/c14c4886-843e-4eae-895c-4a7638f86fa8/_MG_8005.jpg.jpg

The V4 I can get at Micro Center for $39.99 before rebate or for the same price I can get the V3 from NewEgg with promo code EMCKFHB37 and free shipping before rebate. I'm leaning towards the V3 since I won't be doing water cooling.

I will have some additional stuff ready to go on eBay soon. So I should have more cash when that's all said and done.
I will hold of on a HDD since I have a usable PATA drive that Maxwell sent me awhile back. I might try using a USB setup with Dotsch/UX and avoid the HDD altogether.

I had a line on a Sapphire 4850 x2 but that is up in the air at the moment.

This thing we do is never as easy as it should/could be......

DrPop

04-29-11, 02:25 AM

Yeah, I've been giving your latest build some thought as well.
I came to the conclusion that you might be best off getting the cheapest used CPU you can for that socket - whatever it is, even a small dual core one. The reason I'm saying this, is that a LOT of enthusiasts will adopt the 2nd gen i7 "sandy bridge" CPUs over the next 6 months, and you will probably be able to pick up a SWEET deal on a very high -end i7 CPU at that time on Ebay. ;)

So, spending very little on a CPU now, will enable you to get a BIG GPU on line for the credits, and then we can all help pitch in a little for BIG i7 CPU later down the road when they get "cheap" on the used market. :D

If you're looking at those cases - please take a look at the Cooler Master Elite 430 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227&Tpk=elite%20430) as well. I looked at all those for my Bro when we built up his rig recently. He could not fit a big case where he's putting the rig, but wanted room for 2 big GPUs in it. This one fits the bill nicely, because the way it's laid out inside is accommodating for the full length dual GPUs - even a 5970 will fit in there, and the case is not that big!
We got his for $39 at Fry's. Just a thought.

EDIT - I should make myself more clear. What I mean is, take a look at the side shots on the Thermaltake cases, down in the bottom right inside, where you put the HDDs. Notice how that area is straight in line with the back of the upper bays, where you put the DVD ROM. Now, take a look at the side view of the Cooler Master Elite 430. Notice how the bottom right bracket area for the HDDs cuts in, toward the front of the case, and doesn't stick out as far. This allows additional room for the GPUs. That was the deciding factor for us, after looking at all the cases in this size / price range, because you can literally throw any GPU at that case and it will fit. Also, the 120MM fan slot in the side is spot on, right over the GPUs (I think both brands do this well, though.)
Not saying the TT cases aren't any good - they make good stuff. Just thinking in terms of long-term flexibility for GPU crunching.

JerWA

04-29-11, 03:10 AM

Fire$torm

04-29-11, 03:49 AM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147023

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147144

Just some thoughts. Both 4 eggs, with several hundred reviews.

Edit: Or maybe the baby HAF? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

Or this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133181
Expensive, but big mail-in rebate puts it back down in the $50 crowd.

Thx for the suggestions.
I was looking at the baby HAF because I really like it. Just cannot justify the price. Still need to buy CPU, PSU and RAM. So I to skimp where I can.
The Rosewill Blackstone is oooogly..... The Destroyer is nice, The TT Armor looks cool though the Baby HAF beats it in style. Still they all are more than budget allows. That might change if the 4850 x2 falls through. The problem there is I'm not sure how long it will take to get my money back..... :mad: :mad: :mad:

Dandasarge

04-29-11, 08:41 AM

Just to put my 2c. You can always upgrade your CPU later for crunching the cheapish one will do. You wont win at PrimeB but you can certainly use that money for other parts. I will say that a fast duel would be better for every day things but if you want a chance at the big AQUA credits 4 core's will be required.

I also have a hard time with expensive cases, the 2 you show look pretty descent, but you want the biggest space for the dollar. You will have a hard time with any new video cards in a small case, its possible but you will be running warmer.

I did some Excel work and the 80% PSU's are worth it for 100 bucks :) look into the 1000w that DrPop is running if you don't have one.

Good ram is important if your going to be doing any over clocking. It took me a long time not to skimp on the ram but it made so many less errors in the long run. How many times have you seen ram stability issues?

JerWA

04-29-11, 11:43 AM

I used to do cheap cases too. The HAF 922 I'm using now is the most expensive I've used on a system by a healthy margin. Unfortunately, I'm never going back lol. It's so nice having room, and places to hide cables, and not getting cut every time I put my hand in the case.

Maingear started making a 180mm self contained water cooler. I don't think there's any way to buy one by itself yet (or maybe ever). But if they do go on sale, my 2600k system is totally going in a Silverstone Fortress and I'm gonna put the 180mm water cooler on the inside fan. Should be sweet.

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/28091-silverstone-fortress-ft02-mid-tower-case-review.html

http://www.maingear.com/epic/index.php

Fire$torm

05-03-11, 01:52 AM

Update:

First: With some help from DrPop last Saturday ^:)^ to fill the shortfall in my checking account (Thanks to that screwball on eBay), this is now on its way to my house.

Cooler Master HAF 912 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&Tpk=haf%20912)
http://static.scan.co.uk/Images/Products/1318569-a.jpg

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know I said I couldn't justify buying it but with the help from DP and the rebate being offered for it, well I just HAD to get it :P

Second: Do to a unforeseen circumstance, DrPop's brother had his 4870 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103061&cm_re=4870PE5512-_-14-103-061-_-Product) go toes up on him while flashing its BIOS. Being unable to revive the card, he has decided, thanks to DP, to send it to me. If I can successfully play Dr. Frankenstein then that card will become part of the new build. So thank you DrPop and DrPop's Brother.

Third: Today while checking my eBay auctions, I discovered that Mr. Screwball had decided this morning to refund my money for the 4850 x2 he never sent. He also never sent any replies to my emails nor an apology after issuing the refund. (The words I want use here would get me permanently band from this forum).
So with that and a touch of finagling (ex. Hiya Sis....) I had enough for.....

Antec Neo Eco 620C (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031&cm_re=neo_eco-_-17-371-031-_-Product)
http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/17-371-031-TS?$S300W$

Deciding factors, its an Antec, it had a rebate offer and its an Antec. Hopefully if it can handle the extra load I will transfer one of my 4850s to the new build. My room has been getting mighty warm lately and its only the 2nd of May! :(

So now the list looks like this:

MB: GigaByte GA-P55-UD6 (http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3158#ov) (In Transit from Beerdrinker)
CPU: ???
PSU: Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031&cm_re=antec_neo-_-17-371-031-_-Product) (Ordered)
RAM: CORSAIR XMS 4GB (2 x 2GB) CMX4GX3M2A1333C8 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145299) (Need to Acquire)
HDD: Maxtor DiamondMax D540X 40GB (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=4D040H2-R&cat=HDD&cpc=JAD) (From Maxwell)
GPU: ATI HD 4870 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103061&cm_re=4870PE5512-_-14-103-061-_-Product) (From DrPop's Brother) / ATI HD 4850 (Transferring from Desktop, Maybe)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233) (In Transit)

Beerdrinker

05-03-11, 09:35 AM

Update from my part:

You can now write board in transit also. Went to the postoffice this afternoon. Postage were around 33$ which I am happy to donate for the good of the team!! :cool:

Fire$torm

05-03-11, 11:11 AM

Update from my part:

You can now write board in transit also. Went to the postoffice this afternoon. Postage were around 33$ which I am happy to donate for the good of the team!! :cool:

^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^

Thank you Beer. I am shocked that shipping would cost that much for a MB. That is just insane.

DrPop

05-03-11, 12:28 PM

... shipping would cost that much...That is just insane.

As we discovered when trying to figure out how to get you my full HAF, LOL! ;)

Mike029

05-03-11, 03:51 PM

Update from my part:

You can now write board in transit also. Went to the postoffice this afternoon. Postage were around 33$ which I am happy to donate for the good of the team!! :cool:

It was about half that when I sent you the 2 boards but remember where Beer is sending it from. :p Long distance for sure. Great job putting this all together.

Fire$torm

05-03-11, 05:04 PM

It was about half that when I sent you the 2 boards but remember where Beer is sending it from. :p Long distance for sure. Great job putting this all together.

Oh I understand the distance thing but it just seems like Corporate Piracy to me. Well, who am i kidding? IT IS PIRACY. :ar! :(

As to Project-002, that is sooo true, everyone that is helping deserves a huge round of applause. You guys are simply AMAZING!!! ^:)^

Fire$torm

05-03-11, 05:51 PM

I did some Excel work and the 80% PSU's are worth it for 100 bucks :) look into the 1000w that DrPop is running if you don't have one.

Good ram is important if your going to be doing any over clocking. It took me a long time not to skimp on the ram but it made so many less errors in the long run. How many times have you seen ram stability issues?

Sorry. Somehow I missed this post. Oooops :P

For the PSU there is a plan. As I posted before I'm getting the Antec 620C for now. At some point in the future it will be replaced with a 750-850 unit. Then the antec will replace the POS Tuniq in my server/cruncher. And finally I might use the Tuniq in Seven-Of-Nine. I cannot bring myself to give the Tuniq away because I do not wish to push this POS on someone else.

Now onto the memory. The few times I have OC RAM I have never had a problem because I have always installed Corsair XMS RAM in all my main system builds. Me thinks Corsair RAM rocks!!!

Fire$torm

05-13-11, 06:18 PM

joker

05-13-11, 06:42 PM

Just don't short yourself on the beer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fire$torm

05-13-11, 06:45 PM

Just don't short yourself on the beer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beeeeeeeeeer.

Beerdrinker

05-14-11, 04:30 AM

Update:
The gift from Denmark has arrived!!!!!!!!! So THANK YOU BEERDRINKER :D

For the CPU I think I will go Quad-Core. On eBay, the difference in average price between i5 Duals and Quads is less then double and I've seen some i5-750 go for less than $140. I may have to cut way back on cigs to get it but it would be worth it.

Once again. I am happy to donate that board to a good home. Hope it works out for you, because I have never had it plugged in..

Looking forward to further progress!

Fire$torm

05-19-11, 09:04 PM

Update:

Like I told joker, Its Christmas in May!!! His 5830 arrived today! The pic doesn't do the Zalman cooler justice. The red anodizing is much more vibrant in reality.

The second pic is the HAF-912 with the Gigabyte board from Beerdrinker. You cannot see it in the pic but I have relocated the front 120mm fan to the top back corner of the case. I will be adding 2x XIGMATEK XSF-F1252 120mm (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233084) fans to the front and might add a XIGMATEK XLF-F1454 140mm (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233036) fan to the front drive bay.

(Click to enlarge)
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8883/the5830verysmall.jpg (http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/882/the5830.jpg)

(Click to enlarge)
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/8418/haf912verysmall.jpg (http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/729/haf912.jpg)

So the plan for the GPUs will be to install the 5830 in my i7 desktop with one of my 8800GTs from my Phenom box. My desktop's original 4850 then takes over the slot vacated by the 8800. The two remaining 4850s from my desktop go into the new build.

Last bit for this post. It looks like I may have a Core i5 750 in about a week. :D

joker

05-19-11, 09:11 PM

I sent that to you??? Dang it! I thought I sent that to Kat. ;):p:))

Dandasarge

05-19-11, 09:15 PM

Holly Cow its coming together! No one (not that they would have) told me that 5830 had a Zalmen cooler on it. Dose it work well?

joker

05-19-11, 09:18 PM

Holly Cow its coming together! No one (not that they would have) told me that 5830 had a Zalmen cooler on it. Dose it work well?

It keeps the temps down. I have never pushed it as far as OCing. We shall see that F$ does with it. ;)

Dandasarge

05-19-11, 09:20 PM

It keeps the temps down. I have never pushed it as far as OCing. We shall see that F$ does with it. ;)

They look like they take 2 slots, do they?

Fire$torm

05-19-11, 09:31 PM

They look like they take 2 slots, do they?

More like 2.25 slots......

joker

05-19-11, 09:41 PM

More like 2.25 slots......

I always like to hear about how big "it" is! :D

Dandasarge

05-19-11, 09:55 PM

Joker i'm sure you take up about 2.25 expansion slots

Fire$torm

05-19-11, 10:01 PM

Maxwell

05-19-11, 10:15 PM

I always like to hear about how big "it" is! :D
Then 2.25 is not the number you want to hear...

Fire$torm

05-19-11, 10:24 PM

I always like to hear about how big "it" is! :D

Then 2.25 is not the number you want to hear...

THAT depends entirely on the unit of measurement in question..........

Dandasarge

05-19-11, 10:25 PM

THAT depends entirely on the unit of measurement in question..........

It was defined as slots :)

Maxwell

05-19-11, 10:27 PM

It was defined as slots :)
I'm not sure I want to stick something in that quarter slot...

joker

05-19-11, 10:27 PM

Just tell me im BIG darn it!!!

Maxwell

05-19-11, 10:29 PM

Just tell me im BIG darn it!!!
Last night's South Park: http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s15e04-tmi

DrPop

05-20-11, 12:24 AM

OK, this pic is for DrPop. I wonder if he will recognize its significance.....

(Click to enlarge)
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1346/4850trioasmall.jpg (http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/1566/4850trio.jpg)

Indeed! Brotha...you did some engineering with that piece! Good on you...and good for the team. Glad it could be used for something, LOL! ;)

Mike029

05-21-11, 11:49 AM

OK, this pic is for DrPop. I wonder if he will recognize its significance.....

(Click to enlarge)
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1346/4850trioasmall.jpg (http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/1566/4850trio.jpg)

Are those 2 agp cards running alongside a pci-e card?

Dandasarge

05-21-11, 11:53 AM

No those are 1 slot PCI-E cards

Mike029

05-21-11, 12:04 PM

What cards? Nice setup F$

Fire$torm

05-21-11, 12:08 PM

Are those 2 agp cards running alongside a pci-e card?

Nope. All three cards are HD 4850s in PCIe slots. The top card has the Cooler assembly from the bricked 4870 that I received from DrPop's brother. I had to do some modding of the 4870's copper plates it used for heatsinks to get them to fit on my 4850.

Dandasarge

05-21-11, 12:08 PM

What cards? Nice setup F$

I'm going to guess at 4850's

Fire$torm

05-21-11, 12:09 PM

I'm going to guess at 4850's

Good guess :D

Mike029

05-21-11, 12:23 PM

Wow, I'm even more impressed now than before. (*)

DrPop

05-21-11, 12:23 PM

Nope. All three cards are HD 4850s in PCIe slots. The top card has the Cooler assembly from the bricked 4870 that I received from DrPop's brother. I had to do some modding of the 4870's copper plates it used for heatsinks to get them to fit on my 4850.

And...you did a fabulous job on the backyard tech engineering position as usual! If I am not mistaken, that card is now running the coolest temps of the three, even though it is in the top slot! ;)

Fire$torm

05-21-11, 01:37 PM

And...you did a fabulous job on the backyard tech engineering position as usual! If I am not mistaken, that card is now running the coolest temps of the three, even though it is in the top slot! ;)

\m/ :-bd \m/

Fire$torm

05-24-11, 12:33 AM

Big Update.

I have acquired, thanks to a loan from friends n' family like DrPop, an Intel Core i7 860 for this build. It should ship out on Thursday and be at my stoop by the following Tuesday/Wednesday.

So This puppy will soon be ready to Rock n' Roll, baby!!!

joker

05-24-11, 12:36 AM

About time! :p

Mike029

05-24-11, 07:40 AM

rgathright

05-24-11, 07:52 AM

Big Update.
an Intel Core i7 860 for this build. It should ship out on Thursday and be at my stoop by the following Tuesday/Wednesday.

So This puppy will soon be ready to Rock n' Roll, baby!!!

Should be fun to see what this machine can do!

Beerdrinker

05-24-11, 11:58 AM

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to the complete build!!

Fire$torm

05-27-11, 10:58 PM

Hardware Update

This build keeps morphing bit by bit. So I might christen this puppy Morpheus. Then again, maybe not. Anyhow, here is the list.

MB: GigaByte GA-P55-UD6 (http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3158#ov) (Received from Beerdrinker)
CPU: Intel Core i7 860 (http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=41316) (Received)
Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 plus (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0315397) (Need to Acquire)
PSU: Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031&cm_re=antec_neo-_-17-371-031-_-Product) (Received)
RAM: CORSAIR XMS 4GB (2 x 2GB) CMX4GX3M2A1333C8 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145299) (Need to Acquire)
HDD: Maxtor DiamondMax D540X 40GB (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=4D040H2-R&cat=HDD&cpc=JAD) (From Maxwell)
GPU: ATI HD 4850 (Transferring 2 from Desktop)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233) (Received)
Case Fan: Scythe SY1225SL12H 120mm "Slipstream" (x3) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185059) (Need to Acquire)

Fire$torm

06-02-11, 02:53 AM

Hardware Update

MB: GigaByte GA-P55-UD6 (http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3158#ov) (Received from Beerdrinker)
CPU: Intel Core i7 860 (http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=41316) (Received)
Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 plus (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0315397) (Received)
PSU: Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031&cm_re=antec_neo-_-17-371-031-_-Product) (Received)
RAM: CORSAIR XMS 4GB (2 x 2GB) CMX4GX3M2A1333C8 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145299) (Need to Acquire)
HDD: WD WD5002ABYS 500GB SATA II (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136294&cm_re=WD5002ABYS-_-22-136-294-_-Product) (Pulled from my Dell 730x)
GPUs: ATI HD 5830 (From joker) & nVidia 8800GT
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233) (Received)
Case Fan: Scythe SY1225SL12H 120mm "Slipstream" (x3) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185059) (Need to Acquire)

Busy day today. While running errands I made it to Micro Center and bought the Hyper 212 Cooler. Temporarily used the RAM from my server so I could fire this puppy up. Yipeeeee it boots #:-s Installed Win7 Home Premium x64 and have spent most of the evening installing software and configuring/tweaking/disabling stuff.

And this system now formally known as............ Odin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin) (Going to my Scandinavian roots).

@Mike029: As you can see in the pic below you can do a "North-South Install of this cooler. There is the chance of clearance issues with things like RAM. But in my setup I am using only 2 sticks which are installed in the White slots so no worries there.

BTW: The cooler is not copper or coppered colored. I think that coloring in the pic was a reflection of the wood paneling in the room.

(Click to enlarge)
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/2792/hyper212small.jpg (http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/3899/hyper212z.jpg)

Mike029

06-06-11, 09:08 AM

Looks sweet. I see what you mean. I have it set like that in one of my boxes. Blowing the hot air up and out. Great pics. Odin better get crunchin. :))

Fire$torm

06-12-11, 11:39 AM

.......Like WoW! When did this "Adventure" first begin? Oh never mind that. This is the last update post because It.....Is.....Finished!!!!

Before I go any further, I once again want to thank EVERYONE that helped get Odin up and running.

Much Gratitude to the following **== :
Beerdrinker
Joker
DrPop
My Uncle

And all who provided advice, encouragement and support.

For the heck of it here are the primary part suppliers: NewEgg, Micro Center and Tech For Less.

And as usual, the pics \m/ (Click the images to enlarge)

http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/6962/odindesktopsmall.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5540/odindesktop.jpg)

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8521/thestackasmall.jpg (http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8521/thestackasmall.jpg)

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7498/fansasmall.jpg (http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/6144/fansav.jpg)

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/7305/finishedasmall.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8366/finishedas.jpg)

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2253/cableroutingasmall.jpg (http://img863.imageshack.us/img863/6506/cableroutinga.jpg)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1326/backsidesmall.jpg (http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1184/backsidej.jpg)

The final parts list looks like this:

MB: GigaByte GA-P55-UD6 (http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3158#ov)
CPU: Intel Core i7 860 (http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=41316)
Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 plus (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0315397)
PSU: Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031&cm_re=antec_neo-_-17-371-031-_-Product)
RAM: CORSAIR XMS 4GB (2 x 2GB) CMZ4GX3M2A1600C9B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233173&cm_re=corsair_vengeance_4gb-_-20-233-173-_-Product)
HDD: WD WD5002ABYS 500GB SATA II (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136294&cm_re=WD5002ABYS-_-22-136-294-_-Product)
GPUs: ATI HD 5830 (From joker) & nVidia 8800GT
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233)
Case Fan: XIGMATEK XSF-F1252 (x2) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233084&cm_re=xigmatek_120mm-_-35-233-084-_-Product) and Enermx UC-12EB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999099&cm_re=enermax_120mm-_-11-999-099-_-Product)

More stones for Team SETI.USA **== **== **==

With mounds and mounds of Gratitude,
F$

John P. Myers

06-12-11, 11:56 AM

Very very nice! Though i have to admit, my favorite part is the Lightning and Odin wallpaper in the first pic (i'm a huge Final Fantasy fan).

YoDude9999

06-12-11, 02:43 PM

Very nice indeed. Maybe we should start a thread on who has built the most elegant looking system. None of mine would rate, that's for sure. I just stuff everything in the case any ol' way it fits and call 'er done.

Fire$torm

06-13-11, 04:55 PM

Crud, I didn't notice that I listed the wrong GPUs. Odin has 2x 4850s. I put the 5830 & 8800GT in my 730x desktop.

Beerdrinker

06-13-11, 04:58 PM

AWESOME build there my friend.

Congratulations on the new pc!

DrPop

06-13-11, 04:58 PM

Well done, Sir! Thanks for all your hard work, the team will benefit greatly as always. :)

rgathright

06-13-11, 05:02 PM

Nice work sir!

I love that big box fan you have in the picture! :-B

Fire$torm

06-13-11, 07:44 PM

Nice work sir!

I love that big box fan you have in the picture! :-B

Hahaha. I need it there because the heat generated from those two boxes sorta lingers since where they are kept, right next to a cloths storage cabinet to the left and the house water heater to the right, doesn't have a lot of air flow. I only need to run that fan on low.

YoDude9999

06-13-11, 08:55 PM

Hahaha. I need it there because the heat generated from those two boxes sorta lingers since where they are kept, right next to a cloths storage cabinet to the left and the house water heater to the right, doesn't have a lot of air flow. I only need to run that fan on low.

Hey...if you have them THAT close to the water heater, water cool them, plumb them into the water heater and turn the water heater off. You'd still always have hot water! J/K LOL

After thinking about that statement for a moment, it actually doesn't sound like a bad idea. At 60c a graphics card is generating 140f temps. That is hot enough for you to not want to keep your hands in it for more than a few seconds (10 or so). That is plenty hot for the average person. At 82c (180f), the temp is now scalding hot and you definitely don't want to put your hand in it at all. Siphoning off that heat and storing it in a tank for later use could save a person a bit of money over time by reducing your gas or electric bill.

There are already systems in place with proven results with solar water heating. Controlling the water flow, temp, pump and any valves that are required would be a simple breeze for any computer to control with perhaps a dash of added hardware for interfacing to the rest of the system.

Though using heat generated from graphics cards may take longer to heat the water in a full size water heater, the heat they are generating now is just going off into the air and useful for nothing except for making you run your AC to help stay comfortable.

Why not store that heat away and use it again at a later time? I know from living in an RV for over 5 years, that a person can have hot water every day from just the pilot light of the water heater itself. It takes most of the night to heat a cold 10 gallon water heater with just the pilot light, but in the morning there's enough hot water to get a shower and do a couple dishes.

Oh NO! Help me, I think I've gone SANE!

I do see one drawback however, in that, the line pressure of a typical household is much higher than that of what a water cooled computer would be, which could very likely be the obstacle that makes the whole idea a no go :(

OH NO, I AM SANE! I just realized that with a heat exchanger, one could use the very low pressures of the computer water system to transfer the heat to a high pressure water system and they would be isolated from each other thus avoiding the pressure differential problem. I am a self proclaimed genius!

Fire$torm

06-14-11, 02:29 AM

LOL, your sanity is hysterical......

In general terms, a whole house energy reclamation system is long over due. Sure the initial cost is higher, but long term, the savings and reduction of the environmental impact would more than justify the higher cost to build it.

Shadow

06-15-11, 03:34 PM

Hey...if you have them THAT close to the water heater, water cool them, plumb them into the water heater and turn the water heater off. You'd still always have hot water! J/K LOL

After thinking about that statement for a moment, it actually doesn't sound like a bad idea. At 60c a graphics card is generating 140f temps. That is hot enough for you to not want to keep your hands in it for more than a few seconds (10 or so). That is plenty hot for the average person. At 82c (180f), the temp is now scalding hot and you definitely don't want to put your hand in it at all. Siphoning off that heat and storing it in a tank for later use could save a person a bit of money over time by reducing your gas or electric bill.

There are already systems in place with proven results with solar water heating. Controlling the water flow, temp, pump and any valves that are required would be a simple breeze for any computer to control with perhaps a dash of added hardware for interfacing to the rest of the system.

Though using heat generated from graphics cards may take longer to heat the water in a full size water heater, the heat they are generating now is just going off into the air and useful for nothing except for making you run your AC to help stay comfortable.

Why not store that heat away and use it again at a later time? I know from living in an RV for over 5 years, that a person can have hot water every day from just the pilot light of the water heater itself. It takes most of the night to heat a cold 10 gallon water heater with just the pilot light, but in the morning there's enough hot water to get a shower and do a couple dishes.

Oh NO! Help me, I think I've gone SANE!

I do see one drawback however, in that, the line pressure of a typical household is much higher than that of what a water cooled computer would be, which could very likely be the obstacle that makes the whole idea a no go :(

OH NO, I AM SANE! I just realized that with a heat exchanger, one could use the very low pressures of the computer water system to transfer the heat to a high pressure water system and they would be isolated from each other thus avoiding the pressure differential problem. I am a self proclaimed genius!

Suddenly I see a whole new series of jokes from Jeff Foxworthy. "You might be a {high-tech} redneck if..."

DrPop

06-15-11, 11:39 PM

Actually, I've been talking to my Dad about this the last couple weeks. My folks are still in Alaska, and after the last oil price spike like 3 years ago or whenever it was, they got one of those outdoor "giant wood stove" contraptions as big as a small utility shed, that you throw a ton of wood in, and it smolders in there for days...the hot water pipes run to and from it, through insulation sleeves and into the house where it flows through baseboard style radiators with fins and heats the whole house. Not only that, but they have it hooked up to a certain kind of hot water heater with a heat exchanger built in. There is some kind of circuitry that kicks the hot water heater itself off and on based on the temp of the water flowing into the house from that outdoor wood stove. The system is really stable, there is something insane like between 100 to 200 gallons of water in the whole thing.

Now, if you just replaced the "wood stove" with computers . . . primarily GPUs, now we're talking! ;) I did the math. To equal the Wattage output of a new electric tankless "on demand" hot water heater, you would need at least 5 rigs with (2) GTX 590's in each one...or some equivalent of 10 DUAL GPU boards...or 20 normal GPUs. Certainly doable, but when I get the money for that size of a place to live, and that utility bill per month...well, ya'll be the first to hear about it! :D hehe... :p

YoDude9999

06-16-11, 01:49 AM

Now, if you just replaced the "wood stove" with computers . . . primarily GPUs, now we're talking! I did the math. To equal the Wattage output of a new electric tankless "on demand" hot water heater, you would need at least 5 rigs with (2) GTX 590's in each one...or some equivalent of 10 DUAL GPU boards...or 20 normal GPUs. Certainly doable, but when I get the money for that size of a place to live, and that utility bill per month...well, ya'll be the first to hear about it! hehe...

BUT....You are speaking of a full house water heater used under everyday circumstances, yes?

And I wasn't talking about using GPUs to REPLACE the heat generated by a water, only to enhance it some by storing the GPU heat for later use. The water heater can still run normally as use requires, but during those time when everyone is at work, school or whatever, while the GPUs are running they could be heating the water also, thus saving on the gas/electric bill. After all, the heat generated by GPUs IS electricity spent already, why let it go to waste if it can be stored away?

Say for instance, one was to connect just a 10 gallon, "under sink" water heater to a GPU fed water system, having that 10 gallons already heated and ready for use would be great for lowering the electric/gas bill as most people only do dishes once or twice a day. Thus saving on the demand of the, "regular" water heater to supply the necessary hot water.

I think some experimentation should be done.....Does anyone think this is a BAD idea?

DrPop

06-16-11, 11:27 AM

Right, I agree with you. The math I did was if you wanted to completely eliminate the old, and use computers to heat the house with a radiant floor heating / hot water combo system. That would be pretty sweet. But, very expensive and unnecessary for most folks.

What you propose is a very good intro level solution. Try making a small-ish hot water system that is axillary to the main system. If you coupled that system with an on-demand tankless system to pick up the slack - say when someone actually takes a shower...I'll bet that would be the only time it would ever turn on. Dishes, laundry, etc - when not done at the same time, would all be covered by your aux system. :cool:
Cool stuff to think about...