Questions on a development/encoding/gaming build

Nice Marmot · Post by **Nice Marmot** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 6:19 pm

Hello,

I'm putting together a new build for software development (Java, C/C++/C#, Delphi), video encoding (MS-DVR commercial removal, compression/re-encoding), and gaming. It will be a fairly robust system, and is based on a lot of the recommended parts here, but I'm hoping for some community feedback or warning about particular gotchas (case/mobo/psu cable length issues, etc.).

Here's what I've planned so far:

Case: Antec P182B (possibly P183 if they start shipping soon)
PSU: Corsair 520-HX
Mobo: Asus P5Q Pro
CPU: Core 2 Quad Q9450
CPU heat sink: Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme
RAM: Mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800
GPU: Asus ENGTX260
HDD: VelociRaptor 150 (primary), Samsung F1 1TB (data)
DVD: Samsung SH-S223Q

Other: AverTV Combo PCI-e (probably), SoundBlaster / other dedicated sound card (maybe)

OSes: Vista Home Premium 64bit, Ubuntu 8.10

I'm sure making a machine like this "inaudible" would be more work than I'm willing/able to do, so I'm shooting more for "quiet". After a previous system with dual 15K SCSI drives, a loud GPU, and a mobo fan anything would be an improvement, but I'd really like to maintain a peaceful environment for work.

After reading so many articles and post here, I feel pretty confident about most parts. The biggest question is GPU. I'm not much of a parts modder, so I was glad to see the positive review of the ENGTX260. But if it makes more sense to go with a different card + an Accelero cooler, please let me know.

Many thanks,

N.M.

FartingBob · Post by **FartingBob** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 3:44 am

The Q9550 is phasing out the Q9450, over here at least its practically the same price, no reason not to go for it.
If you wanted to save some money you can get one of the lower wattage versions of the modu82. That system by my reckoning will struggle to hit 300w with everything under load.
The 425 or 525 (if you think you might go SLI later or just want more headroom) will be plenty.

The ATI 4850 is the GTX260's competitor and they are very close to eachother in most games. The 4850 is generally a bit cheaper but not much. However it should be noted that the accelero fits the 4850 but not the 260. So if you really want quiet then id go for the 4850 with the S1. Mine runs passive in a Antec SOLO and runs 40c cooler than the stock cooler, so providing you have intake fans pointing at the card you shouldnt need a fan.

All the other parts seem ideal for your needs.
What fan are you using for your case/CPU?

Elvellon · Post by **Elvellon** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 3:50 am

FartingBob wrote:The ATI 4850 is the GTX260's competitor and they are very close to eachother in most games.

Thought it was 4850 ~ 9800 GTX, 4870 ~ GTX260?

Ch0z3n · Post by **Ch0z3n** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 8:48 am

I think you are right, all the comparisons are 4850 vs 9800gtx vs 9800gtx+ usually with the 9800gtx+ coming out slightly ahead though it is also slightly more expensive.

Nice Marmot · Post by **Nice Marmot** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:26 pm

Thanks for the heads-up about the Q9550, it does seem to be replacing the 9450.

The GTX260 does match up with the 4870, looking at Anandtech.

For fans, I'll have a Nexus 120 that I'll use as the exhaust fan, and will have the unmodded PSU fan venting the lower chamber. I do need to decide on a fan for the CPU cooler, maybe the Scythe Kama Flow?

For the PSU, 625 is a lot more headroom than I'd need. The Corsair 520-HX for $20 less. That a better choice?

Nice Marmot · Post by **Nice Marmot** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:12 pm

Pulling the trigger on this tomorrow, one bump for any last minute comments.

thejamppa · Post by **thejamppa** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:31 am

TRUE is good heatsink but do consider also TR HR-01+ if available... In either you will not be disapointed of the performance. good luck with your build!

Strid · Post by **Strid** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:42 am

thejamppa wrote:TRUE is good heatsink but do consider also TR HR-01+ if available... In either you will not be disapointed of the performance. good luck with your build!

Agreed. I think it goes like this: If you want a fanned CPU cooler, go with TRUE -- if you want a fanless CPU cooler, go with HR-01. That being said, I can't see any of the two letting you down -- fan or no fan.