mITX for programming only

[cd_rom]

I like to build a PC just dedicates for programming, fast CPU is desirable. Here is what I have in mind. I like it as cheap as possible as I got a main rig already, budget about £400. This one is like back up.

I heard the new Hitachi Deskstar 1TB platter is pretty fast and bang for buck. It costs £50 from kikatech so I will probably get that. Unless there is a better one and im happy with 500GB.



Total from image: £384.

[DDY]

You could go for the Sugo SG05 with the 300W PSU instead and save £20, link

The 300W power supply is plenty enough for a i5 2400 system using onboard graphics.

[scaryjim]

What kind of programming? Probably won't make any difference, but worth asking in case there's something specific that'll help

[cd_rom]

Just normal programming really like Java, C++, GUI. Some projects I need to compile load of files is all.

I intend to put my spare AMD 4850HD graphic in it to make use of dual monitors. If the 300W can take up the power consumption from both CPU and GPU then I would buy it in a heart beat.

[DDY]

Refering to my Sugo SG06 gaming build (specs to the left), the most power I managed to pull from the wall was 244W, more figures here.

300W will easily manage a i5 2400 and HD 4850, the only thing to note is the PSU fan will get noisier, although not too much according to this review.

[mikerr]

No SSD ?

[cd_rom]

Thanks guys for useful feedback.

@mikerr: Can't afford another SSD!

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Have you considered the Lian Li Q07??

[cd_rom]

No, I haven't but it looks pretty nice an cheap too. If it can house the components then I think I will get it.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

It will house your parts fine. Only thing is you need to get a shorter PSU like an XFX PRO 450W. Also make sure you get a PSU which has a ball bearing fan as is this is less likely to wear out after a few years.

[huwwatkins]

They also do a bigger version, the Q-08 I think if you think you might need room for more drives later on. Also takes a standard atx psu.

[cd_rom]

Ah, I think I will just stick with the SG05. I cant find the Hard drive I want any more. What should I pick instead? WD 500GB Spinpoint F3 is out of stock from Scan.

[peterb]

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/640gb...rpm-32mb-cache

or

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500gb...16mb-cache-8ms

[DDY]

I wouldn't normally recommend a 2.5" HDD over a 3.5" but in the case of the SG05; the removable 3.5" bay blocks a bit of the front fan, this isn't a big problem but it gives the 2.5" option (which doesn't encroach on the fan) a cooling advantage. Although 3.5" drives are generally faster than 2.5", 7200rpm 2.5" HDDs are still pretty fast.

HDD prices have rocketed recently, a month ago I would have recommended the 2.5" 500GB WD Black for £50 but now it looks like £50 can only get you the 320GB now!

Also, since you're not going for an SSD, you can further reduce the price by another £20 by choosing an H61 motherboard, I say this because unlike H67 motherboards, H61 doesn't have AHCI which SSDs make good use of.

[Pob255]

You could get the 1tb version instead http://www.scan.co.uk/products/1tb-s...cache-89ms-ncq

If all your doing with the graphics card is powering a 2nd monitor then getting a cheap low end one would be good, I got one of these http://www.scan.co.uk/products/512mb...-dl-dvi-i-hdmi for the otherhalf's pc which is fine.
Lower power draw and less heat to deal with.

[cd_rom]

Thanks for HD links.

I heard the news about how the flood effects WD production but price for HDs now is just shocking!

I will get the Caviar Black 640GB and go for this mITX-61 motherboard.

That mITX motherboard has integrated onboard graphic card but I dont know how it deals with 2x23'' (1920x1080) monitor. If it lags then I probably will buy a cheap low heat dedicated graphic card.

I will be running linux on this PC so I dont think a SSD is necessary as everything is relative fast to me in linux from my experience with my main PC.