Quad Core Rig

[jgm]

Hi,
I'm looking to build out a quad-core rig to run as a high-end desktop (linux as base OS with some serious compilation and a fair few VMs, probably running in parallel) but am out of touch with the best components at the moment. My current plan is as follows:

• Case: Antec P182
• CPU: Corsair 620W modular
• Motherboard: Abit IP-35
• CPU: Q6600
• Memory: 2 x 2GB Corsair PC2-5400
• HDD: 3 x 750GB WD Caviar SE16
• Graphics: 320MB BFG 8800GTS

But I have a few questions on the above, namely:

• Is it worth picking up the IP-35 Pro instead of the normal board? I didn't see much in terms of difference between the two, especially considering the price differential
• Is that memory suitable for the CPU? I want to get 2GB sticks so that I can upgrade later if required
• I don't need a mega graphics card and think that the 8800GTS may be overkill, is there something a bit cheaper (£100-150) that someone can recommend?
• I have no idea about a decent cooler for the CPU, any suggestions?

I'm not going to even attempt to overclock the system so overclockability is of no real interest to me.

Many thanks in advance for any suggestions and advice.

[staffsMike]

I built almost the same PC last month lol.

The IP-35pro is mainly for overclocking and has eSATA ports.

The memory is perfectly stable ( i used the same ram but 4x1GB)

The 8800GTS is a gaming card... if you aren't gaming or using high end home 3D packages it is severe overkill)

For £100 you could get the ati x1950pro ( i think im right in saying ati are better for linux drivers)

but if your gfx needs are limited to desktop appilcations and movies then you would be fine with an 8500GT or whatever ATi's equivalent is 2400xt or something like that I think.

The HSF i used was the scythe ninja rev B, i've used it in two systems built into antec p182's now and its lovely and quiet (silent) and sits perfectly between the 182's fans so that its cooled from 3 directions lol

[Biscuit]

...ATi's equivalent is 2400xt or something like that I think.

I was under the impression ATIs linux drivers where poor

[joshwa]

If you're not overclocking, then why not just use the Intel Heatsink / Fan you get with the retail chip?

[CrazyMonkey]

ATI's Linux drivers are incredibly poor, ATI supposedly support Linux with driver packages but these drivers are a load of crap.

Nvidia's community based Linux drivers are alot better.

[jgm]

If you're not overclocking, then why not just use the Intel Heatsink / Fan you get with the retail chip?

Sorry, yeah forgot to mention that I'm planning on leaving the computer on 24/7 so I assumed that the standard HSF would be too noisy. If not then yep that would be an option.

Cheers,
Jim.

[jgm]

The IP-35pro is mainly for overclocking and has eSATA ports.

Great, I'll stick with the standard motherboard then.

The memory is perfectly stable ( i used the same ram but 4x1GB)

Cool, I figure that I may upgrade to 8GB one day so I'm considering the 2GB sticks an investment.

The 8800GTS is a gaming card... if you aren't gaming or using high end home 3D packages it is severe overkill)

Changed plans to get an 8500GT instead. As I won't be playing games I just don't have the requirement for anything beefy.

Thanks for the info.

Cheers,
Jim.

[staffsMike]

you're right about the the stock HSF it will ruin the antec p182 get something like the scythe ninja it's lovely in that case honestly.

i've got the gainward 8500GT silentFX running in a p182 and its fantastic. It's passive (double width) but stays around the mid 40 degrees which is really good.

[Thorsson]

If you're not OC'ing then probably the 520W PSU is enough.

You don't mention DVD, but the ASUS 1814 SATA drive is very quiet on reads.

I'd also recommend getting a different HSF than the stock offering. There are lots of good ones, but the Ninja was designed to go with passive cooling, so even the lowest speed fan makes it good for cooling and no discernable noise.

[jgm]

If you're not OC'ing then probably the 520W PSU is enough.

You don't mention DVD, but the ASUS 1814 SATA drive is very quiet on reads.

I'd also recommend getting a different HSF than the stock offering. There are lots of good ones, but the Ninja was designed to go with passive cooling, so even the lowest speed fan makes it good for cooling and no discernable noise.

Thanks for the info, I went for the above recommendations.