SPCR

My current specs are listed in my sig so I won't relist.

I'm looking ahead to getting back into the workplace shortly and this has made me think about possible upgrades to get me running a bit nippier. I use the machine for graphic design work including web development and feel it could be both better and quieter.

Here is my current plan - I'd be grateful for any recommendations on where I might get better value/performance.

* Formac 2010 Platinum monitor
* ATI Gfx so I can run F@H on the GPU - prob a 256mb MSI RX1650PRO
* Additional 2x512mb to make it up to 2gb RAM
* Athlon64 X2 4800
* Noctua NH-U12F - fanless if possible but with an orange nexus if needs be.
* Additional orange nexus to replace stock case fan.
* Seasonic S-12 430W PSU

Should add that I'm running Win2k (behind the times like that lol!) but would consider moving to XP if there were any real speed benefits to be had.

Folding@home recommends a X1900 series gpu with 512mb of ram to run fast. I fear that the x1600 will not be as fast as you hope it will be.

Hmmm - I'm not seeing any fanless options for the 1900 series so far. I'd rather have low to moderate performance and no fan to be honest.

I don't really play games so I don't need top end performance there either - just feel that a boost over the onboard GFX plus the option to work through a few extra WUs would be worth the upgrade.

You can get X1950 passive. I don't know about UK availability, though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814131052

EDIT: Also kind of interesting is power consumption of the SCS3 relative to another X1950 Pro. I suspect Gigabyte has undervolted the GPU in order to reduce temps.

http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardw ... pro/9.html