Narrowing it down to these boards:

[DrPop]

Goal: Phenom II X6 1090T or 1100T O/Ced to at least 4GHz. Running (3) 5970 GPUs. After seeing it done, this is my goal. If it doesn't work - oh well, at least I tried. ;) I can't see where even Bulldozer's new CPU cores will get anywhere near GPU like credits, so I'm willing to take the plunge on a good AM3 setup that will last a while. I will piece this thing together over time as I get funds, and go to water cooling if necessary.
I need at least 3 PCI-e x16 slots available to double width GPU cards.

Cheap high-end "old tech" 790FX open box for $110:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131363
(definitely least expensive option for me, I could keep existing case, and clearly states "8+2 Phase Power Design" which JPM says I need!) :D Only drawback I can see, is it doesn't have latest things like SATAIII or USB 3. Would I even use them?
One last thing I like about this board is that it can split triple Crossfire at x16, x8, x8. Very cool.

Medium "new tech" 890FX open box for $129:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157208R
(This would require a new HAF-X case in the future for 3 GPUs, but I like the spacing between the first 2 GPUs running at x16 speed, and I could use 2GPUs for a long time with the HAF 932 while saving up $$$.)

High-end "new tech" 890FX Gigabyte "JPM favorite" for $179: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128441
(looks good, but expensive to me...4 PCI-e; 3 usable for double wide GPUs.)

One last option is a "mid new-tech" with the 890GX, open box for $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157188R
(Drawbacks? Less x16 lanes with the GX chipset, and Heat Sinks don't look quite as big. Pros - built in GPU, cheap way to get SATAIII, USB 3.0, has 8+2 Phase power, and would not need new case.)

At this point I'm leaning toward the $110 ASUS 790FX board or the $99 ASRock 890GX board, strictly due to price/feature.
Unless that extra $70 will get me something special with the newer 890FX chipset on that Gigabyte board.
What do ya'll think about these?

[Maxwell]

The second has an extra slot in between the first and second PCIe slots, allowing better cooling. I've got my 2x5870 next to each other, and 2x5970 with an extra slot in between. I love the extra slot - keeps 'em cooler, and doesn't require the fan to run so hard.

[DrPop]

The second has an extra slot in between the first and second PCIe slots...I love the extra slot...

D'oh! #-o I was afraid you'd say that! :D
Darn, that's the one option that requires I get another case down the road. Hmmm...well I will have to think about this for a bit before I pull the trigger.

[Fire$torm]

D'oh! #-o I was afraid you'd say that! :D
Darn, that's the one option that requires I get another case down the road. Hmmm...well I will have to think about this for a bit before I pull the trigger.

Well, since money is tight (Like when is it NOT :( ) you could always build an Open Frame and make it Seven-Of-Nine's bigger Sister. :)

[joker]

Well, since money is tight (Like when is it NOT ) you could always build an Open Frame and make it Seven-Of-Nine's bigger Sister.

What parts are bigger?!?!?! =P~

[DrPop]

What parts are bigger?!?!?! =P~

I can think of TWO nice size ones...but I might have to buy my wife a new dishwasher after she sees the stickers on the case!!! :D=))

[John P. Myers]

The biggest differences between the 890GX and 790GX is the 890GX has 2 additional PCIe 2.0 lanes. With the 890GX you get the SB850 southbridge with a NB-SB link of 2GB/sec (only 1GB/sec with 790GX and SB750). The SB850 also has an integrated internet address MAC. SB750 doesn't. SB850 also supports 2 more USB connections.

Also with the 890GX, you have a wider selection of CPUs to pick from.

But really, none of that matters all that much lol

The main reason for the Gigabyte board is the stability and lower electrical resistence across the board, better heatsinks/dissipation, as well as nifty OCing features. You don't really need USB 3.0 or SATA 3.0, etc. etc. for what we're doing. Save the money and go with the $99 board, or with the one Maxwell suggested that'll make you upgrade your case in the future :)

[DrPop]

Thanks JPM. I will send you a PM directly in a min. I really appreciate the knowledge!

[joker]

I can think of TWO nice size ones...but I might have to buy my wife a new dishwasher after she sees the stickers on the case!!!

And as we all know now, the dishwasher solves all marital problems! :P

[trigggl]

And as we all know now, the dishwasher solves all marital problems! :P

I wonder if an old dishwasher can be converted to a case. :-? You could fit a lot of boards in there. Some disassembly and fan hole cutting required.

[Dandasarge]

I wonder if an old dishwasher can be converted to a case. :-? You could fit a lot of boards in there. Some disassembly and fan hole cutting required.

They come preplumed for water cooling. why cut fan holes?

[DrPop]

Alright...dishwasher jokes and all (keep 'em coming, the wife LOVES them! =)):-bd ) the motherboard that was decided on... drum roll please... *CUT* JPM check your PM folder. You have to be the first to know! ;) :D

[Mike029]

Alright...dishwasher jokes and all (keep 'em coming, the wife LOVES them! =)):-bd ) the motherboard that was decided on... drum roll please... *CUT* JPM check your PM folder. You have to be the first to know! ;) :D
HUH? :-t I NEED TO KNOW NOW!!!!! :((
lol

[DrPop]

HUH? :-t I NEED TO KNOW NOW!!!!! :((
lol

Hahaha! All I can say at the moment is JPM should be grinning from ear to ear when he sees it. :D

[Shadow]

They come preplumed for water cooling. why cut fan holes?

Why mess with an old dishwasher when you can use a refrigerator? :D

[Mike029]

Why mess with an old dishwasher when you can use a refrigerator? :D

Now there's an idea. =D>

[joker]

Why mess with an old dishwasher when you can use a refrigerator?

Because chicks dig dishwashers!! :D

[DrPop]

Hahaha! Well, at least mine digs it whenever I wash the dishes for her, at least. ;)

[Maxwell]

Hahaha! Well, at least mine digs it whenever I wash the dishes for her, at least. ;)
Valentine's Day (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SP101A9825S2431795801P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=L1) is coming up here in a couple days...

[joker]

Valentine's Day is coming up here in a couple days...

Maybe I will have to find some good deals on dishwashers and post them in the "deals" thread. :p

[John P. Myers]

Maybe I will have to find some good deals on dishwashers and post them in the "deals" thread. :p

Ok Ok! I read the PM! Now spill the beans!

Just a hint, i dunno if Maxwell remembers this or not, but this board is THE board i was gonna use in the Maxwell Spanker build. Think hard! You might figure it out :p
Only difference is he's getting it for like $60 less than i was going to *jealous*

[Maxwell]

Just a hint, i dunno if Maxwell remembers this or not, but this board is THE board i was gonna use in the Maxwell Spanker build. Think hard! You might figure it out :p
Only difference is he's getting it for like $60 less than i was going to *jealous*
Without spending more time than my beered-up brain is willing to invest on a Saturday night, I can't remember the board. All I remember is you saying things about Fiji and New Zealand (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Islands_%28GPU_family%29) and whatnot...

[joker]

Have another beer Max! I shall do so as well. :cool:

[DrPop]

Hahaha...ah, well, it will probably be a while until I can really flush out the build, but I'm trying to lay the best foundation for the rig this time.
CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1100T (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103913&cm_re=amd_x6-_-19-103-913-_-Product)

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD7 (http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3567#ov)

HDD: WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s (will upgrade OS drive to SSD in future and this will become data drive)

RAM: 8GB DDR3 1600 Kingston HyperX (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104239&cm_re=8GB_DDR3_Hyperx_1600-_-20-104-239-_-Product)

GPU: Gigabyte HD 5870 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125316&cm_re=gigabyte_5870-_-14-125-316-_-Product)

PSU: Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015&cm_re=antec_650w-_-17-371-015-_-Product)
(part of the reason this will take a while is that I will upgrade the PSU when I get the first HD 5970, so this PSU will go to Kat along with the HD 5870.)

In the future, as many HD 5970s as can run will be added, and the HD 5870 will be passed down to Kat. ;)

Well, that's the plan, gentlemen. Now just to let all the pieces arrive!

[Shadow]

Check this thing out:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6792254&CatId=4068

I don't know if it's a pc builder's dream or nightmare. But it's got me curious.

[joker]

HDD: WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s

Just my 2 cents, I have 5 of the WD Black drives in a couple of different sizes, and I have found them to be very fast and tough and they are 6.0Gb/s. Just a thought... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136795&cm_re=wd_black_500gb-_-22-136-795-_-Product

[DrPop]

Just my 2 cents, I have 5 of the WD Black drives in a couple of different sizes, and I have found them to be very fast and tough and they are 6.0Gb/s. Just a thought... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136795&cm_re=wd_black_500gb-_-22-136-795-_-Product

Thanks, man. You are right, I'm sure the black edition is better than the one I have - but I already have this WD 500GB drive from the first build up, so I was planning on using it until I could afford a good SSD to install the OS on. =:)

[joker]

I see now says the blind man as he reaches for his hammer and......saw.

[Maxwell]

I see now says the blind man as he reaches for his hammer and......saw.
Wow. Just, wow. I'm not sure if I want to high five you for the classic, or die a little inside from the non-originality. ;)

I think you can do better, joker. What else you got?

[joker]

Suddenly I heard a tapping, as though someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. Was that you tapping Max? :p

[Maxwell]

Suddenly I heard a tapping, as though someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. Was that you tapping Max? :p
Quoth the Maxwell, "Nevermore."

[Fire$torm]

I see now says the blind man as he reaches for his hammer and......saw.

Err, hmmm........
I know that as "I see said the blind man to his deaf wife as he picked up his hammer and saw."

[Maxwell]

Err, hmmm........
I know that as "I see said the blind man to his deaf wife as he picked up his hammer and saw."
Which is why the blind man is now serving life without the possibility of parole...

[joker]

And things are even worse....
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

[Fire$torm]

And things are even worse....
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

Well then.......



Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
Or close the wall up with our English dead.
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility:
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage;
Then lend the eye a terrible aspect....

So "Cry Havoc and let slip the dogs of war...."

[DrPop]

Check this thing out:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6792254&CatId=4068

I don't know if it's a pc builder's dream or nightmare. But it's got me curious.

@ Shadow: Man, that thing is insane. If only I had that kind of dough to be doing this with...ah, well, if I did, I'd be looking at leasing options on a Dell mini Cray server or something! :D But, yeah, what a sweet board. You could have 2 8 core CPUs and 4 double width GPUs on that sucker. Probably need two 1200W PSUs for it though. I wouldn't even want to see the electric bill for that sucker in full dress! [..]

[Harley]

In the future, as many HD 5970s as can run will be added, and the HD 5870 will be passed down to Kat. ;)

Well, that's the plan, gentlemen. Now just to let all the pieces arrive!



If you plan on doing any OC'ing stick with 2 5970's. I don't know of any PSU's that could handle 3 plus CPU, drives and fans. The OC'd 5970's draw about 400+ watts apiece, depending on how far you push the OC. Thats 1200 watts on 3 cards alone! I've read about people adding a second PSU. However every article I've seen warns against it. They all talk about voltage variances between PSU's. Seems that the difference could fry your system (cards and MB). They say the only safe things to run from a second PSU are parts that are not connected the MB like extra fans. I don't know enough about how it all works so I leave well enough alone.

If you don't OC you can get away with 3.

[Fire$torm]

If you plan on doing any OC'ing stick with 2 5970's. I don't know of any PSU's that could handle 3 plus CPU, drives and fans. The OC'd 5970's draw about 400+ watts apiece, depending on how far you push the OC. Thats 1200 watts on 3 cards alone! I've read about people adding a second PSU. However every article I've seen warns against it. They all talk about voltage variances between PSU's. Seems that the difference could fry your system (cards and MB). They say the only safe things to run from a second PSU are parts that are not connected the MB like extra fans. I don't know enough about how it all works so I leave well enough alone.

If you don't OC you can get away with 3.

The voltage issue you refer to is a condition known as a "Ground Loop" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_loop_%28electricity%29) and can be a cause for concern. Also, there is an issue with how PSUs in tandem are turned on, which is related to the ground loop problem.

In the ATX specifications the PSU is activated using pins 15 (Ground) and 16 (Power On) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_supply_unit_(computer)#Wiring_diagrams) of the main MB power connector, which are tied to a TTL Pull Up circuit inside the PSU and is the circuit that actually turns on the PSU. The problem is that the power-on signal comes directly from the MB so when activating two PSUs with pins 15 & 16 a ground loop can occur on the MB leading to a toasted system. The reason this does NOT happen between the power output cables from a PSU is that the PSU is designed to prevent it.

The good news is that this auxiliary PSU, The ePOWER EP-450CD 450W (http://setiusa.free-dc.org/vbforum/showthread.php?752-For-those-needing-more-power-for-cheap!&p=6967&viewfull=1#post6967), is activated by one of the system PSU's 12V molex connectors. And since PSUs are internally protected form ground loops you avoid frying your system.

If DrPop wanted to run 3 High End cards, I would recommend using one ePower unit for the second card and one for the third card. This would increase the "Mean Time Before Failure" of all the PSUs.

References:
Wikipedia: Power supply unit (computer) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_supply_unit_%28computer%29)
ATX12V Power Supply Design Guide v2.2 (PDF Document) (http://www.formfactors.org/developer%5Cspecs%5CATX12V_PSDG_2_2_public_br2.pdf )

Note: FormFactors.org has a great list of design specs in PDF format. Take a look at this (http://www.formfactors.org/devlist.asp?FFID=-1&CatID=-1) list and this (http://www.formfactors.org/Archive.asp) one.

[Harley]

The voltage issue you refer to is a condition known as a "Ground Loop" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_loop_%28electricity%29) and can be a cause for concern. Also, there is an issue with how PSUs in tandem are turned on, which is related to the ground loop problem.

In the ATX specifications the PSU is activated using pins 15 (Ground) and 16 (Power On) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_supply_unit_(computer)#Wiring_diagrams) of the main MB power connector, which are tied to a TTL Pull Up circuit inside the PSU and is the circuit that actually turns on the PSU. The problem is that the power-on signal comes directly from the MB so when activating two PSUs with pins 15 & 16 a ground loop can occur on the MB leading to a toasted system. The reason this does NOT happen between the power output cables from a PSU is that the PSU is designed to prevent it.

The good news is that this auxiliary PSU, The ePOWER EP-450CD 450W (http://setiusa.free-dc.org/vbforum/showthread.php?752-For-those-needing-more-power-for-cheap!&p=6967&viewfull=1#post6967), is activated by one of the system PSU's 12V molex connectors. And since PSUs are internally protected form ground loops you avoid frying your system.

If DrPop wanted to run 3 High End cards, I would recommend using one ePower unit for the second card and one for the third card. This would increase the "Mean Time Before Failure" of all the PSUs.

References:
Wikipedia: Power supply unit (computer) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_supply_unit_%28computer%29)
ATX12V Power Supply Design Guide v2.2 (PDF Document) (http://www.formfactors.org/developer%5Cspecs%5CATX12V_PSDG_2_2_public_br2.pdf )

Note: FormFactors.org has a great list of design specs in PDF format. Take a look at this (http://www.formfactors.org/devlist.asp?FFID=-1&CatID=-1) list and this (http://www.formfactors.org/Archive.asp) one.




Thanks FS, that's great info! I had pretty much given up on running a third card in my box. Every article I read, they talked about different ways of connecting 2 PSU's. Some were using a jumper or a switch between those pins and others even mentioned splicing wires between the the 2 PSU's. Its now time to start planning the upgrades! :-?

A big thanks to JPM for the original post. :-bd I really have to start reading all posts!