First, I'd like to say that I've built a considerable number of PCs before (including the 3 currently running), so I do have some background knowledge in PC building. But the last I've built was 2 years ago, and I haven't been keeping in touch with the tech till now (I just found out its possible to have 2 graphic cards!).
I've now got tons of cash to splash around, and I want to build the fastest PC possible (box only)
Okay, maybe not tons of cash, but a considerable amount.
Here are the guidelines of what I'm thinking of:
1. NO dual graphics. Tech is too new for me, and it'll blow the budget without too significant performace increase. Plus, don't need all that graphic processing. Won't budge from this decision.
2. Must run RAID 0.
3. Must be able to run 24/7, with occational full CPU load for up to 48 hours non stop. (cooling is the concern here)
4. Need to be upgradeable (extra RAM slots, extra SATA slots, don't want an extra AGP tho.)
5. Must last for 3-4 years.
6. Performance comes first, noise second, cost last. But even then, I want some value for money, I don't mind paying 50% more, but I'd want a significant increase in performance.
Most of these should be standard in most computers, but better to state them first.
The current config on the drawing board:
AMD 939 3500 (might go to 3700, but not any higher. Will overclock this if neded, but thats a different topic altogether)
Gigabyte’s GA-K8NF-9
2x GEIL 512MB DDR400 CL2.5
Asus 256mb Radeon AX800 PRO w/VIVO
2x Maxtor 200gb SATA
LG DVD-RW 16x
What is missing:
PSU
Case
Soundcard
Not sure if I'm missing anything else.
Explanation:
Soundcard: I'm thinking of extracting my Audigy2 Platinum from my other comp, so its not really missing.
Maxtor HDD: I've read a review in a mag, and it says that the Maxtor is surperior over Seagate by a fraction. Can't remember what about it thats superior, will dig up the mag and post here again. Also, dual HDD for RAID 0.
Only 1gb RAM: 1gb sticks are still too expensive. Will add more RAM when the price of 1gb sticks drops. QUESTION: Will performace increase if I have 1.5gb RAM, but its not running dual channel? Also, heard that GEIL is better than Corsair. Not sure about that.
Graphics: Asus might not be the best for this card, will need some feedback, and will consult more sources about the best available.
Needs:
Casing: I can't find a suitable casing. I want 5 x 5.25' bays, or 6 if thats possible. I'm currently looking at some LianLi and Thermaltake casings, and an iCute casing. I need something that has good heat management (a side fan is compulsory). Size doesn't matter, but since I need that amount of 5.25' bays, we're looking at the biggest around. I know this won't come in cheap, and am prepared to pay for it.
PSU: Hopefully comes with the casing, but if it doesn't, here's what I need. I'll need at least 400W, and preferably something quiet.
Cooling: I'm looking at watercooling, but I'll probably have to hold that off for a couple of years (never maybe).
CPU:
Being an AMD system, the stock HSF is definately gonna be chucked away (more likely reused elsewhere). For now, I'm probably going to buy Thermalright SP-97 heatsink, and attach a Thermaltake UFO on that. Thats probably it, unless someone can recommend a better heatsink and/or fan. And also have some test results to back it up.
VGA:
Probably will change to Arctic Cooling VGA Silencer ATI 4, Rev2 (is there another revision?). I haven't looked at many others, and this is the best so far. I need something that doesn't cause the bottom (and preferably also the top) slots unuseable.
HDD:
I won't be installing these in a hurry, but I'm considering the options first. CoolerMaster CoolDrive 5 seems like a good solution, a little pricey though.
Chipset:
Haven't had problems with chipset temperatures before, so I'm not looking into anything.
Will use Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste on all applicable cooling products.
More explanations:
Seems like I'm blowing away quite a bundle on cooling, but I feel that it is important to do so since my comp is going to be heavily taxed, and I hope I don't have to buy a new comp for another 3-4 years. What this comp is going to be used for, you'd probably be able to guess from what I've already said. If not, don't worry about its use.
I've done quite abit of research, but before I run out in a hurry to buy the set, I'd like to have some ideas on improving what I've curently got. Basically brand changes, or cooling items. Or if there's something I've missed completely. I always miss something (or feel that I do) and probably will have to come back here with another post to add to this already lengthy post.
Post if you think something else will work better, or if this is the best configuration I can get.
I've now got tons of cash to splash around, and I want to build the fastest PC possible (box only)
Okay, maybe not tons of cash, but a considerable amount.
Here are the guidelines of what I'm thinking of:
1. NO dual graphics. Tech is too new for me, and it'll blow the budget without too significant performace increase. Plus, don't need all that graphic processing. Won't budge from this decision.
2. Must run RAID 0.
3. Must be able to run 24/7, with occational full CPU load for up to 48 hours non stop. (cooling is the concern here)
4. Need to be upgradeable (extra RAM slots, extra SATA slots, don't want an extra AGP tho.)
5. Must last for 3-4 years.
6. Performance comes first, noise second, cost last. But even then, I want some value for money, I don't mind paying 50% more, but I'd want a significant increase in performance.
Most of these should be standard in most computers, but better to state them first.
The current config on the drawing board:
AMD 939 3500 (might go to 3700, but not any higher. Will overclock this if neded, but thats a different topic altogether)
Gigabyte’s GA-K8NF-9
2x GEIL 512MB DDR400 CL2.5
Asus 256mb Radeon AX800 PRO w/VIVO
2x Maxtor 200gb SATA
LG DVD-RW 16x
What is missing:
PSU
Case
Soundcard
Not sure if I'm missing anything else.
Explanation:
Soundcard: I'm thinking of extracting my Audigy2 Platinum from my other comp, so its not really missing.
Maxtor HDD: I've read a review in a mag, and it says that the Maxtor is surperior over Seagate by a fraction. Can't remember what about it thats superior, will dig up the mag and post here again. Also, dual HDD for RAID 0.
Only 1gb RAM: 1gb sticks are still too expensive. Will add more RAM when the price of 1gb sticks drops. QUESTION: Will performace increase if I have 1.5gb RAM, but its not running dual channel? Also, heard that GEIL is better than Corsair. Not sure about that.
Graphics: Asus might not be the best for this card, will need some feedback, and will consult more sources about the best available.
Needs:
Casing: I can't find a suitable casing. I want 5 x 5.25' bays, or 6 if thats possible. I'm currently looking at some LianLi and Thermaltake casings, and an iCute casing. I need something that has good heat management (a side fan is compulsory). Size doesn't matter, but since I need that amount of 5.25' bays, we're looking at the biggest around. I know this won't come in cheap, and am prepared to pay for it.
PSU: Hopefully comes with the casing, but if it doesn't, here's what I need. I'll need at least 400W, and preferably something quiet.
Cooling: I'm looking at watercooling, but I'll probably have to hold that off for a couple of years (never maybe).
CPU:
Being an AMD system, the stock HSF is definately gonna be chucked away (more likely reused elsewhere). For now, I'm probably going to buy Thermalright SP-97 heatsink, and attach a Thermaltake UFO on that. Thats probably it, unless someone can recommend a better heatsink and/or fan. And also have some test results to back it up.
VGA:
Probably will change to Arctic Cooling VGA Silencer ATI 4, Rev2 (is there another revision?). I haven't looked at many others, and this is the best so far. I need something that doesn't cause the bottom (and preferably also the top) slots unuseable.
HDD:
I won't be installing these in a hurry, but I'm considering the options first. CoolerMaster CoolDrive 5 seems like a good solution, a little pricey though.
Chipset:
Haven't had problems with chipset temperatures before, so I'm not looking into anything.
Will use Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste on all applicable cooling products.
More explanations:
Seems like I'm blowing away quite a bundle on cooling, but I feel that it is important to do so since my comp is going to be heavily taxed, and I hope I don't have to buy a new comp for another 3-4 years. What this comp is going to be used for, you'd probably be able to guess from what I've already said. If not, don't worry about its use.
I've done quite abit of research, but before I run out in a hurry to buy the set, I'd like to have some ideas on improving what I've curently got. Basically brand changes, or cooling items. Or if there's something I've missed completely. I always miss something (or feel that I do) and probably will have to come back here with another post to add to this already lengthy post.
Post if you think something else will work better, or if this is the best configuration I can get.