advice on parts list - quiet pc for video

ekbe · Post by **ekbe** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 4:54 pm

Looking to build quiet PC that needs to be used for video editing, general use, internet etc

List So Far;
CASE: Antec SOLO
PSU: Seasonic S12II 430
MOTHERBOARD: GA-MA78GM-S2H
CPU: AMD X2 5000+
HDD: WD 320G 3200AAKS
RAM: 1GB Kingston DDR2 800 KVR800D2N5/1G (x4)
CASE FANS: 92mm Nexus Real Silent DF12009SL-3, 120mm Nexus Real Silent D12SL-12
MONITOR: Samsung 2243BW

I'm wondering whether the CPU Stock Cooler will be sufficient + quiet, or if need to use after market one + if so, would there be space limitations in this setup e.g. for a Scythe Mini Ninja

Also, whether undervolting the rear case stock 120mm Tri-Cool fan would be quiet enough

Is this setup likely to be quiet?
Any overheating issues likely?
Any suggestions/improvements welcome.

Michael Sandstrom · Post by **Michael Sandstrom** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 6:37 pm

You should have no problems building a cool and quiet computer with your configuration. I would use the 120mm Nexus undervolted as the only case fan. A front case fan is not necessary. I am running an old socket 754 in my Antec SOLO so I can't advise re the HSF.

ekbe · Post by **ekbe** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:03 pm

Thanks Michael, Will Do.
I'm hoping not to have to do anything fancy, as already experiencing budget blowout.

widowmaker · Post by **widowmaker** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:34 pm

I have an Athlon x2 6400+ and if I got the same boxed cooler as you then you definately need an after market solution. My stock Athlon cooler has 4 heatpipes in it curving out and back in from the base on either side. This thing runs hot especially if you don't turn on cool n quiet. You will think your computer's about to go airborn with the jet engine fan running at over 6k rpm. The 6400+ also runs 800mhz faster so it might just be my cpu. I've swapped out my stock cooler for a Thermalright Ultra 120 extreme with a 12cm Scythe kama and now it runs at less than 30C averaged core temps at 866rpm.

ekbe · Post by **ekbe** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:57 pm

I guess if this were the case for the 5000+ too, i would tend to go for a slower cpu for the moment.

widowmaker · Post by **widowmaker** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:26 pm

I'm curious to know what program you plan on using for video editing and encoding. I'm currently using virtualDub with the Xvid codec and I can't seem to get it to run on both cores. It's not multithreaded so I'm looking around for a multi core solution.

ekbe · Post by **ekbe** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:47 pm

widowmaker
I haven't really looked much at programs for video yet, as my current setup is just too slow, so i gave in pretty quick - this is the main reason for a new computer.

Best available CPU alternative seems to be 4200+, still 65W.

jammin · Post by **jammin** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:07 pm

I don't think you really have to tone down the CPU considering you will need to replace the stock cooling to achieve decent noise levels.

widowmaker mentions the Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme, which I imagine should fit into that setup without any problem. The Mini Ninja you mention shouldn't be a problem either.

The stock Tri-Cool fan really isn't quiet compared to something like a Nexus.
Again, as was mentioned, a front intake fan probably isn't necessary. I run a 92mm Nexus in the front intake of my SOLO at what I would guess is less than 7v (I haven't measured). That is only because I have two HDDs and a reasonably hot video card to contend with as well and it copes just fine.

toki_c · Post by **toki_c** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 5:28 am

If your main useage is video editing, you should consider an intel based solution because Penryn or even Conroe / Kentsfield are more energy efficient at full load. You should consider Kentsfield Q6600, one of, if not the best powerful but cheapest quad core out there. You won't got better than this one with the latest price drop.
Needless to say that with a Q6600 @ 3.0Ghz is a hell of powerful video editing central processor.

ekbe · Post by **ekbe** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 3:44 pm

New List:
CASE: Antec SOLO, + Rear Exhaust Case Fan - Nexus Real Silent 120mm D12SL-12
PSU: Seasonic S12II 430
MOTHERBOARD: GA-MA78GM-S2H
CPU: AMD X2 5000+
CPU COOLING: Scythe Mini Ninja + Nexus Real Silent Fan DF1209SL-3
HDD: WD 320G 3200AAKS
RAM: 1GB Kingston DDR2 800 KVR800D2N5/1G (x4)
MONITOR: Samsung 2243BW

toki_c
Sound good, but might have to be in the next upgrade - just not that flush right now

Plekto · Post by **Plekto** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:01 pm

If the case will fit it, there's absolutely no reason not to buy the full size Ninja. This is what the guys at Scythe told me as well. No, they aren't trying to make money - they get paid a fixed salary. The North American operations is basically 3-4 people in a small warehouse handling some local sales and shipping as required. Everything major happens back in Japan.

It runs much cooler and you can lower the fan speed at least a few volts as a result.

jammin · Post by **jammin** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:31 pm

I'd agree that there is no reason not to go with the full sized ninja.
I might be a little biased as I have one

ekbe · Post by **ekbe** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:34 pm

The full size ninja is not available in Australia.

ekbe · Post by **ekbe** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:53 pm

I Can get the Thermalright Ultra 120 extreme here, as suggested by widowmaker, but still unsure as to the fit with this Motherboard

jammin · Post by **jammin** » Thu May 01, 2008 6:43 am

The older GA-MA69GM-S2His on the Thermalright motherboard compatibility list for the Ultra Extreme and the layout for the GA-MA78GM-S2H is basically the same, so I reckon you're safe if you decide to go with that.

widowmaker · Post by **widowmaker** » Thu May 01, 2008 7:02 am

If you really want the ninja, you could always buy it online.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Sythe-ninja-rev-b-pl ... dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Scythe-SCNJ-1100P-NI ... dZViewItem

or from e-tailers
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s ... ure=SCYTHE

ekbe · Post by **ekbe** » Thu May 01, 2008 6:21 pm

Ok, I'm convinced - i'll get a taller heatsink!

Thermalright Ultra 120 extreme it is.
(easier to get)
with a second Nexus Real Silent 120mm D12SL-12.