DFI LANParty MI P55-T36 Intel P55 Mini ITX Motherboard

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abrakadabra
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DFI LANParty MI P55-T36 Intel P55 Mini ITX Motherboard

Post by abrakadabra » Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:07 pm

I think I found my new Mini ITX motherboard.

It's $135 on Newegg.

It's a high end motherboard for the 1156 socket.

The only problem is that there are not so many low power Intel processors.
But today I read news about new Xeon processors due in March 2010, and among them 2 40W ones:
energy efficient L5630 (2.13 GHz, 40W), and L5609 (1.86 GHz, 40W)

I don't know how its hardware works with Linux Ubuntu:
More information on the DFI website.

CPU

* LGA 1156 socket for:
- Intel® Core i5/i7 Lynnfield processors
* Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology

Chipset

* Intel® P55 Express chipset

System Memory

* Two 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets
* Supports DDR3 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz
* Supports up to 8GB system memory
* Delivers up to 21Gb/s bandwidth at 1333MHz
* Supports dual channel (128-bit wide) memory interface
* Supports non-ECC unbuffered DIMMs

Expansion Slots

* 1 PCI Express (Gen 2) x16 slot

BIOS

* AMI BIOS
* 32Mbit SPI flash BIOS
* CMOS Reloaded

Audio

* Realtek ALC885 High Definition audio CODEC
* 8-channel audio output
* DAC SNR/ADC SNR of 106dB/101dB
* Full-rate lossless content protection technology
* Optical S/PDIF-out and coaxial RCA S/PDIF-out interfaces

LAN

* Intel 82578DC Gigabit Ethernet PHY
* Fully compliant to IEEE 802.3 (10BASE-T), 802.3u (100BASE-TX) and 802.3ab (1000BASE-T) standards

Serial ATA

* Supports up to 3 SATA devices
- Intel Matrix Storage technology
- SATA speed up to 3Gb/s
- RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1 and RAID 5
* Supports 1 Power eSATA device

Rear Panel I/O Ports

* 1 mini-DIN-6 PS/2 mouse port
* 1 mini-DIN-6 PS/2 keyboard port
* 1 Clear CMOS switch
* 1 coaxial RCA S/PDIF-out port
* 1 optical S/PDIF-out port
* 1 Power eSATA port
* 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (one shared with Power eSATA)
* 1 RJ45 LAN port
* Center/subwoofer, rear R/L and side R/L jacks
* Line-in, line-out (front R/L) and mic-in jacks

Internal I/O

* 2 connectors for 4 additional external USB 2.0 ports
* 1 front audio connector
* 1 CD-in connector
* 1 S/PDIF connector
* 1 IrDA connector
* 3 Serial ATA connectors
* 1 24-pin ATX power connector
* 1 8-pin 12V power connector
* 1 front panel connector
* 2 fan connectors
* 1 download flash BIOS connector
* 1 diagnostic LED

Power Management

* ACPI and OS Directed Power Management
* ACPI STR (Suspend to RAM) function
* Wake-On-PS/2 KB/Mouse
* Wake-On-USB KB
* Wake-On-LAN
* RTC timer to power-on the system
* AC power failure recovery

Hardware Monitor

* Monitors CPU/chipset/PWM temperature and overheat alarm
* Monitors CPU/DRAM/VTT/CPU_PLL/+3.3/+5/+12/+5VSB/Vbat voltages
* Monitors the speed of the cooling fans
* CPU Overheat Protection function monitors CPU temperature and fan during system boot-up - automatic shutdown upon system overheat

abrakadabra
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Post by abrakadabra » Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:14 pm

Reviews:

Motherboards for overclockers and enthusiasts are usually written in the format ATX. However, recently the market has several solutions in a more compact form factor micro-ATX, with impressive functionality and a set of overclocking options. But the company DFI decided to go even further and announced the release of functional motherboard LANParty MI P55-T36, performed in altogether too minimalist format mini-ITX.

Despite its small size (17 x 17 cm), motherboard DFI LANParty MI P55-T36 on the functionality in a little more bulky than the yield model. It is based on Intel P55 chipset and has two slots for DIMM modules with support for dual-channel DDR3 1333, as well as expansion slot PCIe x16. Addition, there is a high-quality sound chip Creative X-Fi and power supply system with the function of the digital pulse-width modulation (PWM).

Note that the DFI LANParty MI P55-T36 has become the world's first overclocking motherboard that was made in such a compact form factor as the mini-ITX. Among other things, it was Clear CMOS button and port Power eSATA, but the price and terms of marketing this exciting product is not yet known.

abrakadabra
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Post by abrakadabra » Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:20 pm

It doesn't have a graphic chip and wireless, but this way I can select a card that I really like comparing its performance/compatibility/price/silence ratio.

abrakadabra
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Post by abrakadabra » Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:23 pm


mentawl
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Post by mentawl » Wed Dec 16, 2009 6:44 am

Gotta love when people don't understand how much current an i5/i7 draws and melt things, huh?

That said, nice looking board - I do wish it had PWM cooling of some sort, for the abovementioned reason - even at stock those things are gonna get pretty warm under load.

Parappaman
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Post by Parappaman » Wed Dec 16, 2009 10:32 am

Have you ever checked ACTUAL power consumption on an i5 750 at default and once undervolted? In the first case they use as much power as a Q8x00, in the latter it uses lower power than a Q8x00s. They are really very much energy efficient, and the dual cores are coming for an even lower power draw.

abrakadabra
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Post by abrakadabra » Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:56 am

mentawl wrote:
That said, nice looking board - I do wish it had PWM cooling of some sort, for the abovementioned reason - even at stock those things are gonna get pretty warm under load.
I think there is no space there even for a tiny radiator - everything will be covered by the CPU cooler. I will just put a big fan on the rear panel of the case.

I'll keep an eye on the energy efficient L5630 40W processor.
I imagine it can cost $200-300, that's a lot.
I even don't know if it's for the correct socket.

Image

smilingcrow
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Post by smilingcrow » Wed Dec 16, 2009 7:00 pm

abrakadabra wrote:I even don't know if it's for the correct socket.
They are for the dual socket LGA1366 platform. It’s the first time I’ve seen 32nm Quad cores mentioned at all and it seems strange if they turn out to be Xeon only.

yuu
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Post by yuu » Thu Dec 17, 2009 4:04 am

I imagine it could cost 500-800$, and that's a lot.
Last edited by yuu on Thu Dec 17, 2009 8:58 am, edited 1 time in total.

Moogles
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Post by Moogles » Thu Dec 17, 2009 8:31 am

Love it.

Too bad there's no case for it though. Maybe Lian-Li's Q8 if it ever gets released.

abrakadabra
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Post by abrakadabra » Thu Dec 17, 2009 1:25 pm

smilingcrow wrote: They are for the dual socket LGA1366 platform.
Why do you think so?
What about one of the current Xeons?
Intel® Xeon® Processor L3426 (8M Cache, 1.86 GHz)
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=43 ... odes=SLBN3

It uses the socket LGA1156 and costs ~ $300.
I expect that the new L type 32nm Xeons will be similar to it. I'll wait until March when they'll be introduced.

There is an error in the table: L5609 is 1.86 GHz, similar to L3426.

smilingcrow
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Post by smilingcrow » Thu Dec 17, 2009 4:01 pm

abrakadabra wrote:Why do you think so?
What about one of the current Xeons?
Intel® Xeon® Processor L3426 (8M Cache, 1.86 GHz)
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=43 ... odes=SLBN3

It uses the socket LGA1156 and costs ~ $300.
I expect that the new L type 32nm Xeons will be similar to it. I'll wait until March when they'll be introduced.
If you read the leaks that mention these CPUs they clearly state that they are dual socket. The nomenclature also gives them away:

x55xx = LGA1366 Dual Socket @ 45nm
Therefore x56xx = the same socket @ 32nm

The only 32nm exception is the W3680 which should be for single socket LGA1366 as the W35xx is single socket LGA1366 @ 45nm.

In other words there are no cheap 32nm 4 or 6 core Xeons listed there judging from pricing for the equivalent 45nm versions where applicable.
The W3680 is an upgrade for the W3580 which has a $1,000 list and the standard voltage quads start at 2.4GHz which are expensive at 45nm.

hans007
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Post by hans007 » Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:19 am

superbiiz is carrying it already.

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-MIP55T3


there is a $10 off code somewhere on the internet and 5% through bing cashback as well. REINDEER10 which is 10 off 75 (expiring 12/21)

abrakadabra
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Post by abrakadabra » Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:06 am

Currently, there is only one energy efficient processor for the LGA1156 socket:
http://ark.intel.com/SSPECQDF.aspx

Most of them are 95W, it's not the best choice for a silent computer.
However, more are coming next year.

I read messages like this here and there:
More to that, Intel also plans to release special energy-efficient LGA1156 processors, so this platform has every chance to become the ultimate favorite for those who care about their electrical bills.

Hotrod_NM
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Post by Hotrod_NM » Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:04 pm

Over the last few days I have assembled the following machine, and I think you would be surprised about just how quiet it is...

Silverstone SG-06 Mini-ITX case (300w PS)
P55-T36 MB
i7 860 proc
4GB OCZ DDR3-1600 (2x2GB)
1 x 80GB Intel X-25M SSD (G2)
1x 320GB WD 2.5" 7200rpm HDD
HIS ATI 5770 video card
Scythe Big Shuriken CPU Cooler
Noctua 1300RPM 120mm cooling fan (front of case)

With no O/C, but with Intel's turbo on, it idles around 35C. Under Load it sees around 58-60C. Not exactly an ice box, but no issues from the heat either. Ambient is around 22C

O/C to 3.5GHZ with no turbo (stock voltage), it is around 40C and 65C, respectively. Will do Prime95 on all 8 threads for longer than I have been willing to let it run with no issues.

Memory runs at 1600MHZ, 7-7-7-24-1T at 1.66v. If you O/C the proc, then the memory will only run at 1333, 7-7-7-24. This might be an error on my part though, as I am still learning the ins and outs of the i5/i7 BIOS settings.

Obviously, as an HTPC, you would not need the video card I am using, so I would guess it could be a few deg cooler with a lesser card. Using an i5 750 would also save some energy I think.

Just wanted to pass some info along.

abrakadabra
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Post by abrakadabra » Wed Dec 23, 2009 12:59 am

There are rumors that DFI stops producing motherboards.
http://www.semiaccurate.com/2009/12/21/ ... mer-mobos/
IT IS OUR really sad duty to inform you about rumors that DFI will be leaving the consumer motherboard business in January. The company is not going away, and will be refocusing on the industrial PC business.

Our sources say that it is selling off remaining consumer inventory and will not be replenishing it. In a word, this sucks, DFI was one of the most innovative companies out there and always had something cool to show off.

We hear that one of the major causes was that it was a relatively small player in the high end business, and because of that frequently got shafted on allocation. You would think that the chipset vendors would have realized that any firm doing innovative things was worth supporting, but that doesn't seem to have been the case.

If all this is true, get your DFI boards while you can. Lets hope someone comes in at the last minute and changes things to prevent another Abit. DFI was one of the last interesting small players out there, and if these rumors are true it will be a shame to see it go away.
[/quote]

sclawson
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Post by sclawson » Wed Dec 23, 2009 9:47 am

Guys, hope this isn't a dumb question but will this board support the Intel Xeon L3426? It's a socket LGA1156 chip, but I'm not clear on whether all LGA1156 motherboards will support all LGA1156 chips.

If this board could run L3426, I'd like to grab one for the new desktop rig I'm building. Could someone help me out ASAP? Thank you much, all.

Oh, and Happy Holidays! :D

abrakadabra
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Post by abrakadabra » Wed Dec 23, 2009 11:59 am

I think it should work. It seems to be the only energy-efficient processor for the socket 1156.

The processor can work with the P55 chip, which this motherboard uses.
http://en.inpai.com.cn/doc/enshowcont.asp?id=7169
Quad-core Xeon L3426 clocks at 1.83GHz and has 8MB of L3 cache.It supports hyper threading ,Turbo Boost and dual channel DDR3 memory with LGA1156 interface.Although it is a server processor, it can partially run on parts of P55 chip-based motherboards,like MSI P55-GD65/P55-CD53.
If I understand correctly, any processor for the socket 1156 must work in the 1156 motherboard.

You can try to send an e-mail to DFI.

P.S. DFI tells that the rumors about quitting the motherboard market were bogus.

rusi
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Post by rusi » Wed Dec 23, 2009 12:46 pm

Hotrod_NM wrote:Over the last few days I have assembled the following machine, and I think you would be surprised about just how quiet it is...

Silverstone SG-06 Mini-ITX case (300w PS)
P55-T36 MB
i7 860 proc
4GB OCZ DDR3-1600 (2x2GB)
1 x 80GB Intel X-25M SSD (G2)
1x 320GB WD 2.5" 7200rpm HDD
HIS ATI 5770 video card
Scythe Big Shuriken CPU Cooler
Noctua 1300RPM 120mm cooling fan (front of case)

With no O/C, but with Intel's turbo on, it idles around 35C. Under Load it sees around 58-60C. Not exactly an ice box, but no issues from the heat either. Ambient is around 22C

O/C to 3.5GHZ with no turbo (stock voltage), it is around 40C and 65C, respectively. Will do Prime95 on all 8 threads for longer than I have been willing to let it run with no issues.

Memory runs at 1600MHZ, 7-7-7-24-1T at 1.66v. If you O/C the proc, then the memory will only run at 1333, 7-7-7-24. This might be an error on my part though, as I am still learning the ins and outs of the i5/i7 BIOS settings.

Obviously, as an HTPC, you would not need the video card I am using, so I would guess it could be a few deg cooler with a lesser card. Using an i5 750 would also save some energy I think.

Just wanted to pass some info along.
Hotrod

I am interested in the same build but with the core i5 and have some questions for you:

1. Does the stock cooler fit well with some room to spare?
2. What length SATA cables would be appropriate. I plan on using a std 3.5" HDD and a slim OD
3. How does the system run with full load (including the video card). Are you facing any power issues from the 300W PSU?

I think I will just disable turbo for now and then OC when the new 450W PSU comes out.

Any other tips would be highly appreciated. If you can post pictures then that would be great too.

Kate
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Post by Kate » Wed Dec 23, 2009 3:02 pm

Hello!


You know... Pardon me my ignorance....

Recently I've seen that people are buying this smaller ITX form factor, and even peoplpe who choose micro atx instead of the regular ATX.

Even me, when I went out to buy components for my HTPC I also choose Micro-Atx, first because it was cheaper, and second because I could not find any htpc solution in the standart atx form factor.

So my question is... doesnt a larger, beefer motherboard has to ability to better "cool" itself?

I know the advantage of having smaller motherboard is to be able to use smaller casing, but doesnt that affect heat performance?

Anyways, pardon me my ignorancy, but I wish to understand why there is this trend about the ITX format.


Thank you!

rusi
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Post by rusi » Wed Dec 23, 2009 4:14 pm

Kate wrote:Hello!


You know... Pardon me my ignorance....

Recently I've seen that people are buying this smaller ITX form factor, and even peoplpe who choose micro atx instead of the regular ATX.

Even me, when I went out to buy components for my HTPC I also choose Micro-Atx, first because it was cheaper, and second because I could not find any htpc solution in the standart atx form factor.

So my question is... doesnt a larger, beefer motherboard has to ability to better "cool" itself?

I know the advantage of having smaller motherboard is to be able to use smaller casing, but doesnt that affect heat performance?

Anyways, pardon me my ignorancy, but I wish to understand why there is this trend about the ITX format.


Thank you!
Micro-ATX is the new ATX and mini-ITX is the new micro-ATX. I think the average user usually wants a mainstream CPU with a single powerful GPU, a single optical drive and a few USB ports. A mini-ITX is enough for this.

A full/mid tower with space for 4 to 15 drives is an overkill. With proper air flow/vents you can cool SFF cases reasonably. I am planning to put a core i5 along with a GTS 250 inside the SG05 which I think is a sweet case.

abrakadabra
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Post by abrakadabra » Wed Dec 23, 2009 4:21 pm

Here are my reasons:
* I can mount the motherboard horizontally and install a big cooler. It just feels more reliable when a huge radiator sits on the bottom instead of hanging from the vertically mounted motherboard.

* I don't need numerous slots for adapters nowadays. Before, I had to install a serial and printer ports adapter, a video adapter, an audio adapter, etc... The featured board has a slot for a video adapter, but others have integrated video. I can select a nice video adapter cooled by only a radiator without a pesky, noisy fan.

* It has a lot of USB and SATA connectors, enough for all my devices. 3 SATA: 1 SSD disk for the OS and programs, 1 regular HDD for movies, etc, 1 slim DVD drive. 1 Wi-Fi USB connected to an external or internal USB.

* There is only 1 motherboard chipset nowadays. No need for a big board.

* 2 memory slots are more than enough for me.

* I just don't like my current computer. It's too big, too noisy.

ronanp311
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Post by ronanp311 » Sun Mar 21, 2010 5:32 am

Hotrod_NM wrote:Over the last few days I have assembled the following machine, and I think you would be surprised about just how quiet it is...

Silverstone SG-06 Mini-ITX case (300w PS)
P55-T36 MB
i7 860 proc
4GB OCZ DDR3-1600 (2x2GB)
1 x 80GB Intel X-25M SSD (G2)
1x 320GB WD 2.5" 7200rpm HDD
HIS ATI 5770 video card
Scythe Big Shuriken CPU Cooler
Noctua 1300RPM 120mm cooling fan (front of case)

With no O/C, but with Intel's turbo on, it idles around 35C. Under Load it sees around 58-60C. Not exactly an ice box, but no issues from the heat either. Ambient is around 22C

O/C to 3.5GHZ with no turbo (stock voltage), it is around 40C and 65C, respectively. Will do Prime95 on all 8 threads for longer than I have been willing to let it run with no issues.

Memory runs at 1600MHZ, 7-7-7-24-1T at 1.66v. If you O/C the proc, then the memory will only run at 1333, 7-7-7-24. This might be an error on my part though, as I am still learning the ins and outs of the i5/i7 BIOS settings.

Obviously, as an HTPC, you would not need the video card I am using, so I would guess it could be a few deg cooler with a lesser card. Using an i5 750 would also save some energy I think.

Just wanted to pass some info along.
Very interesting config, I'm surprised the case has enough space to take both the Shuriken and the 5770 ! How thick is the 5770 you have? Is the edge of the Shuriken close to it?

Cheers

ronanp311
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Post by ronanp311 » Fri Apr 16, 2010 11:08 am

ronanp311 wrote: Very interesting config, I'm surprised the case has enough space to take both the Shuriken and the 5770 ! How thick is the 5770 you have? Is the edge of the Shuriken close to it?

Cheers
Having assembled a similar configuration I can confirm that the case has enough space to hold both a Big Shuriken and a nig 5750 graphics card, in my case namely the PowerColor 5750 Go!Green which has a large dissipator.

ces
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Post by ces » Fri Apr 16, 2010 11:56 am

Parappaman wrote:Have you ever checked ACTUAL power consumption on an i5 750 at default and once undervolted? In the first case they use as much power as a Q8x00, in the latter it uses lower power than a Q8x00s. They are really very much energy efficient, and the dual cores are coming for an even lower power draw.
That is at idle though, isn't it?

ces
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Post by ces » Fri Apr 16, 2010 12:00 pm

abrakadabra wrote:There are rumors that DFI stops producing motherboards.
http://www.semiaccurate.com/2009/12/21/ ... mer-mobos/
IT IS OUR really sad duty to inform you about rumors that DFI will be leaving the consumer motherboard business in January. The company is not going away, and will be refocusing on the industrial PC business.

Our sources say that it is selling off remaining consumer inventory and will not be replenishing it. In a word, this sucks, DFI was one of the most innovative companies out there and always had something cool to show off.

We hear that one of the major causes was that it was a relatively small player in the high end business, and because of that frequently got shafted on allocation. You would think that the chipset vendors would have realized that any firm doing innovative things was worth supporting, but that doesn't seem to have been the case.

If all this is true, get your DFI boards while you can. Lets hope someone comes in at the last minute and changes things to prevent another Abit. DFI was one of the last interesting small players out there, and if these rumors are true it will be a shame to see it go away.
[/quote]

Have you seen this?
Gigabyte H55N-USB3 Mini-ITX by end of April
viewtopic.php?t=58341

lklundin
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Post by lklundin » Fri Jun 11, 2010 6:22 am

I recently built myself a nice work-station using this board with an i5-670.
(It is not a gaming rig, as an applied mathematician I don't (yet) use the GPU for much, so don't be surprised at the choice of graphics card).

Depending on load it is either inaudible or very quiet (fan between 450 and 650 RPM).

I improvised some PWM cooling and have temperaure increases up to about 40C at total (over)load.

In addition to the DFI MI P55-T36 and i5-670, here are the main components:

Silverstone Petit SST-PT09B
Intel Postville 80GB SATA SSD 2,5"
HyperX KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX ( 2 x 2 GB )
Point of View NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 64 Bit PCIe 2.0 x16 (G98) 512MB
Thermalright AXP-140
Thermalright HR-09 type 4
Scythe Slip Stream SM1425SL 12LM-P fan

I have a web-page with the details and photos.
Since this is my first post here I cannot post the URL:

eso dot org slash tilde llundin slash sff.

Perhaps it can be useful to someone.

Any advice on (additional) overclocking would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Jay_S
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Post by Jay_S » Fri Jun 11, 2010 9:35 am

lklundin wrote:I recently built myself a nice work-station using this board...
GREAT WRITEUP, and welcome to SPCR!

(direct link to lklundin's write-up: http://www.eso.org/~llundin/sff/)

[off-topic]
One of my best friends did the bulk of his doctoral work at ESO roughly 6 years ago (his major focus is on star cluster morphology and evolution). He's bounced around as a post doc (UCL, Cambridge and Exeter), but he and his wife have recently been offered positions back in/around Munich. I'm not a fan of Garching in general, but the Eso campus there is very nice. Munich's Augustiner brew house is possibly my favorite in the world - dunkel wisse ist wunderbar! So I'm glad they're moving back to Munich!

nutball
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Post by nutball » Fri Jun 11, 2010 10:13 am

Jay_S wrote:[off-topic]One of my best friends did the bulk of his doctoral work at ESO roughly 6 years ago (his major focus is on star cluster morphology and evolution). He's bounced around as a post doc (UCL, Cambridge and Exeter),
With a track-record like that he's probably readily identifiable :D Given the time-scale and locations I may well have met this person... did he work with Matthew?
but he and his wife have recently been offered positions back in/around Munich. I'm not a fan of Garching in general, but the Eso campus there is very nice. Munich's Augustiner brew house is possibly my favorite in the world - dunkel wisse ist wunderbar! So I'm glad they're moving back to Munich!
Last time I was in Garching (1997) it was some flash buildings in the middle of some ploughed fields. I hear that the U-Bahn does all the way these days, so to speak. I had to get out and walk.

Spent a couple of nights in the Augustiner translating the drunken-German-English of my host to the drunken-Japanese-English of some people we met. Excellent fun. There's a lot to be said for the inherent error-tolerance of the English language and the exposure to English-spoken-badly-in-many-whacky-accents of growing up in the UK.

Anyway, that's enough OT for one thread :)

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GT 240 w. GDDR5 upgrade

Post by lklundin » Wed Nov 03, 2010 12:40 pm

Jay_S wrote:
lklundin wrote:I recently built myself a nice work-station using this board...
...

(direct link to lklundin's write-up: http://www.eso.org/~llundin/sff/)
Just in case anyone is still following this thread:

I upgraded the above work-station with a Sparkle Calibre X240G card
- using a modified heat-pipe cooler and no fan for the GPU.

Although it can hardly be used for any serious gaming, it does manage about 65 frames/second
in WQHD (2560 x 1440) with video effects set to 'high' in Nexuiz (v. 2.5.2, the version with Ubuntu 10.04).

The above site has been updated with details on how the upgrade was done and with a couple of GPU benchmarks.

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