CPU cruncher revisited

The original goal was an i5 cruncher for $500 (1/2 the cost of an i7M mac mini), with a similar footprint.

The best I/we could do is ~$650, and that is with questionable cooling for the CPU. FAIL.

Okay, fair enough. Maybe the form factor is the problem. Assuming an I7 desktop, with the same poor form factor, this is what that looks like for $715:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Pu...umber=28838348

Now, the challenge is, can something be built better for less money? Assume the same CPU and HD. A different form factor for the mobo and therefore case, and therefore CPU HS/Fan (or even something like a corsair Hydro). The only GPU requirement is to also fit a single 7970 or 680.

Same memory, but $10 cheaper buying 2 singles: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...20231488-L017C $60 with promo code EMCJJNA89

Antec 300 ATX case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc..._-11129042-L0H $30 after rebate plus promo code EMCJJNA32. I have one of these cases and they're pretty decent.

750W PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...17139006-L010A $60, same as the PSU you already selected, but more free wattage with promo code EMCJJNA35

Wireless card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...33166054-L015C $15 with promo code EMCJJNA75

Those must be purchased by Sunday night at midnight for this price. Also free shipping on all above items.

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157303 $70

Corsair H60 - new updated version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835181030 $60 after rebate.

Overall this saves $5, but you get proper cooling and have space for 2 GTX680s/7970s, with more PSU wattage to power it all.

Thanks and done! I added windows. Originally, the idea was for a purely CPU cruncher, so I was just going to run linux. But now that I am going to spread out my GPUs, windows will come in handy. And there was a $20 promo code for it.

I personally don't like the ASUSRock line of Motherboards, I've yet to get one that would OC Properly, for me anyway so I stay away from them. I need to Upgrade a lot of my Box's too the CPU's that is so watch with interest anybody Upgrading theirs, I know Z does a good job at that, Upgrading that is. I just don't know how much longer I want to run BOINC so keep procrastinating about doing it. If I do it then drop out of BOINC It'll just be a big waste of money for me ... :-L

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Originally Posted by STE\/E

I personally don't like the ASUSRock line of Motherboards, I've yet to get one that would OC Properly, for me anyway so I stay away from them.

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Well, since Z was going for the 3770 instead of the 3770K, a highly overclockable board wasn't really required. Helped keep things cheap. I didn't think of this until i read your reply, but now that Z has a more spacious setup with nearly unlimited cooling options, maybe the 3770K makes sense now? Or screw it all and go with a 6-core since the mini-ITX limitations are gone?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by John P. Myers

Well, since Z was going for the 3770 instead of the 3770K, a highly overclockable board wasn't really required. Helped keep things cheap. I didn't think of this until i read your reply, but now that Z has a more spacious setup with nearly unlimited cooling options, maybe the 3770K makes sense now? Or screw it all and go with a 6-core since the mini-ITX limitations are gone?

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Was thinking the same thing, for $20 more he can get the K Model ... It's Z's money so let's spend it ... :D

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Originally Posted by STE\/E

Was thinking the same thing, for $20 more he can get the K Model ... It's Z's money so let's spend it ... :D

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Hmmm. I am thinking I may have screwed up. What is the difference i7-3770 and i7-3770k? I thought the k meant you can't fiddle with all the advanced OC stuff, but you could still OC with simple multiplier. But my BIOS won't let me go over x39. I can't tell if that is because of a BIOS limitation, or the CPU limitation. Or maybe I just can't figure out this BIOS?

Aside from that, everything is working great so far.

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Originally Posted by zombie67

Hmmm. I am thinking I may have screwed up. What is the difference i7-3770 and i7-3770k? I thought the k meant you can't fiddle with all the advanced OC stuff, but you could still OC with simple multiplier. But my BIOS won't let me go over x39. I can't tell if that is because of a BIOS limitation, or the CPU limitation. Or maybe I just can't figure out this BIOS?

Aside from that, everything is working great so far.

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Sorry Z but K = Unlocked = Ability for true OC.

Otherwise you are stuck with increasing Bus speed but that method has severe limitations.

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Originally Posted by Fire$torm

Sorry Z but K = Unlocked = Ability for true OC.

Otherwise you are stuck with increasing Bus speed but that method has severe limitations.

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Ditto k=Unlocked

@Z: http://www.legitreviews.com/news/14635/

"The Enhanced Fan Mount is also X/Y axis adjustable, providing the best component and PCI-E compatibility"