looking to build cheap & QUIET pc - will this work?

[Lorin]

I'm looking to upgrade my computer for UNDER $500. The things I'm
keeping from the old system are the 2 optical drives, OS & data. I do
mostly number crunching so don't need gaming capabilities, but I do
want (in order):
1. reliable
2. quiet (not necessarily silent)
3. fast

I've done some research and thought the following might do the trick.

Case: Antec SLK2650-BQE

MOBO+CPU Bundle: Asus K8N-VM - GeForce 6100 w/Audio, Video, LAN,
SATA-RAID, DDR400 with AMD Athlon64 3000+ (2.0GHz) Socket 754

Memory: Samsung 512MB (pc-3200) DDR400

HD: Samsung SpinPoint P 160 GB - 7200RPM, 8MB Cache, SATA150


Questions: I think this will be fast enough for me, since I'm used to a
PIII-750. But will it be quiet and reliable? I've heard that the
case/PSU makes the biggest difference, is that true, and if so is this
case really quiet? If I find that the CPU fans (for example) are too
noisy, is it relatively easy to replace them with a quieter cooling
system?
Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Mike T.]

I'm looking to upgrade my computer for UNDER $500. The things I'm
keeping from the old system are the 2 optical drives, OS & data. I do
mostly number crunching so don't need gaming capabilities, but I do
want (in order):
1. reliable
2. quiet (not necessarily silent)
3. fast

I've done some research and thought the following might do the trick.

Case: Antec SLK2650-BQE

MOBO+CPU Bundle: Asus K8N-VM - GeForce 6100 w/Audio, Video, LAN,
SATA-RAID, DDR400 with AMD Athlon64 3000+ (2.0GHz) Socket 754

Memory: Samsung 512MB (pc-3200) DDR400

HD: Samsung SpinPoint P 160 GB - 7200RPM, 8MB Cache, SATA150


Questions: I think this will be fast enough for me, since I'm used to a
PIII-750. But will it be quiet and reliable? I've heard that the
case/PSU makes the biggest difference, is that true, and if so is this
case really quiet? If I find that the CPU fans (for example) are too
noisy, is it relatively easy to replace them with a quieter cooling
system?
Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

That looks pretty good. You might want to consider buying a quiet CPU
cooler though. You can replace it later, but it's easier to not have to
replace it. You might try something like the Thermaltake TR2TT A4014 TR2
M14 SE (K8)

Antec makes some pretty nice cases. But if the power supply drives you
nuts, try a Seasonic SS series power supply next. -Dave

 

[Terry]

I'm looking to upgrade my computer for UNDER $500. The things I'm
keeping from the old system are the 2 optical drives, OS & data. I do
mostly number crunching so don't need gaming capabilities, but I do
want (in order):
1. reliable
2. quiet (not necessarily silent)
3. fast

I've done some research and thought the following might do the trick.

Case: Antec SLK2650-BQE

MOBO+CPU Bundle: Asus K8N-VM - GeForce 6100 w/Audio, Video, LAN,
SATA-RAID, DDR400 with AMD Athlon64 3000+ (2.0GHz) Socket 754

Asus K8N-VM is socket 939.

You mgiht consider the K8N-VM CSM. It's only a few dollars more, and
includes dual monitor capability and a firewire interface. If you use
your computer to make a living, once you've experience dual monitors,
you'll never go back.

Memory: Samsung 512MB (pc-3200) DDR400

If you're doing number crunching, is this enough? Depends on what
you're doing, of course. Large simulations or optical design programs
or even Matlab can use memory in large quantities. Of course, if
you're used to 256 MB on that PIII, then this is plenty.

HD: Samsung SpinPoint P 160 GB - 7200RPM, 8MB Cache, SATA150


Questions: I think this will be fast enough for me, since I'm used to a
PIII-750. But will it be quiet and reliable? I've heard that the
case/PSU makes the biggest difference, is that true, and if so is this
case really quiet?

Yes, it will be quiet and reliable. The Asus boards are generally
reliable.

In my experience, the case makes relatively little difference. For
quiet, the first thing to pay attention to is fans. After that, disk
drives. Some cases have rubber mounting for disk drives that can make
a difference (the Antec Sonata is one that I know does). And a case
(like this one) that has provision for 120 mm rather than 80 mm case
fan will help.

If I find that the CPU fans (for example) are too
noisy, is it relatively easy to replace them with a quieter cooling
system?

Depends what you mean by "relatively". In my opinion, changing a CPU
fan is not realively easy, but many on this group would disagree. It
doesn't really matter though, as I think it will be quiet enough for
you. The Asus A8N motherboard includes Q-Fan, which lowers the CPU fan
speed depending on the CPU temperature. I have a similar system built
with the K8N-VM CSV and a 3200+ CPU, and I never hear the CPU fan. In
facit I never hear the PS fan or case fan, either. I can hear the hard
drives if I listen for it. The case is on the floor under my desk.

However, I have a Antec True Power supply, with a single 120 mm fan
rather than the Smart Power supply in this case with two push-pull 80
mm fans. I don't know which of these would be quieter, probably the
True Power. But the True Power supply also has fan-only connectors. I
connect my case fan to this, and the power supply will control the
speed of the case fan at the same time it controls the speed of it's
own fan. I do not think the Smart Power supply has fan-only
connectors.

So I think the only area that even raises a question in your system is
the case fan. This case has an included exhaust 120 mm fan, which
might be quiet enough. If not, you will need to get a quieter fan, or
a temperature controlled fan, or switch to a True Power supply (or
other supply that can control the case fan). This asus motherboard
only has Qfan 1, so it only controls the CPU fan speed, not the case
fan speed. Changing a case fan or the power supply is very easy.

This is all based on your statement that you want quiet, not silent.
Silent PCs take a lot of effort, and are not worth the trouble unless
you have a special need (some audio recording situations, the case is
right next to your ear, etc.). But quiet is easily achievable today.

If you have any budget left, I would spend money first on upgrading to
1 GB of RAM, and then a faster CPU. But it all depends on what kind of
number crunching you are doing.

HTH,

Terry

 

[Lorin]

Thank you very much Mike T and Terry, for great things to consider.

Terry: I'm not sure why you say Asus K8N-VM is socket 939, that's
certainly not what Asus says:
http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=14&l3=0&model=952&modelmenu=1

I appreciate what you are saying about having dual monitor capability
and more RAM but I need to keep costs down. As noted, it will still
seem fast compared to my PIII with 256 MB.


Now this illustrates my newbie-ness, but when you order a Mobo and CPU
separately does one or the other come with a CPU cooling, and if so is
it usually pre-installed?

 

[Fishface]

However, I have a Antec True Power supply, with a single
120 mm fan rather than the Smart Power supply in this case
with two push-pull 80 mm fans. I don't know which of these
would be quieter, probably the True Power.

I have the Antec 350w PS with the two 80mm fans that came with
my SLK1650 case. It is very quiet. I have the 120mm case fan
set to run on 7v and it cools adequately. I have blocked the hole
on the side because it was noisy and to promote airflow from the
front past the drives. Both those cases are on the small side for a
full size ATX board, but that board is tiny!
_____

I bought an Antec SLK2650-BQE case 18 months ago for my
sister and it had the 20 pin supply. There may still be some older
cases around, so make sure you get the 20+4 pin connector. I
didn't care much for the door and I thought the plastic was too
glossy. The SLK1650 has a more matte finish. In addition to
the better power supplies, the slightly more expensive Antec
cases have air filters on the front, which seems like a great idea
if they work!

All Socket 754 CPUs are not created equal. Some are older and
use the 0.13 µm process and some are newer and use 0.09 µm.
I would be sure to get the newer one, but if it's a special package
price it likely includes the older one. If you are not overclocking,
it might not matter much-- but I do, and it would!

 

[Dale Brisket]

Thank you very much Mike T and Terry, for great things to consider.

Terry: I'm not sure why you say Asus K8N-VM is socket 939, that's
certainly not what Asus says:
http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=14&l3=0&model=952&modelmenu=1

I appreciate what you are saying about having dual monitor capability
and more RAM but I need to keep costs down. As noted, it will still
seem fast compared to my PIII with 256 MB.


Now this illustrates my newbie-ness, but when you order a Mobo and CPU
separately does one or the other come with a CPU cooling, and if so is
it usually pre-installed?

I think he meant the A8N-VM CSM. I have this board, it is Socket 939, and
has *everything*. Excellent value.

 

[Dave]

Now this illustrates my newbie-ness, but when you order a Mobo and CPU
separately does one or the other come with a CPU cooling, and if so is
it usually pre-installed?

No. Neither comes with a CPU cooler, unless you buy a boxed RETAIL version
of the CPU. The OEM version of the CPU often costs less. But for saving a
little money, you have to purchase the CPU cooler separately, and sometimes
you get a shorter warranty on the CPU. Still, if you are trying to build
quiet, you can use the money you save on the OEM version of the CPU to
purchase a quieter CPU cooler. Sometimes the quiet CPU coolers actually
cool better than the included retail boxed cooling solutions anyway.

Oh, even if you buy the retail boxed version of the CPU that includes the
CPU cooler, (heatsink and fan), you still need to install the CPU cooler.
It doesn't come preinstalled, because it (the CPU heatsink, with the fan on
top of it) attaches to the MOTHERBOARD. So if it was preinstalled, you'd
have to -uninstall- it anyway, to set the CPU on the mainboard.

The good news is, CPU coolers are easy to install, unless you want to change
the thermal paste (many people do). If you use the included thermal pad
(will work well, usually), the CPU cooler is not that hard to install:
(after CPU is installed on mainboard)
1) Remove plastic protector from bottom of CPU heatsink
2) (sometimes) Remove paper cover from thermal pad on bottom of CPU
heatsink
3) Set heatsink on top of CPU
4) Attach CPU heatsink hooks to mainboard. These might be spring-loaded,
or tighten down with a screw of some type. Expect this connection to be
firm.
5) Plug CPU cooling fan into the proper connector on the mainboard. It
will be fairly obvious where this plugs in, and it will be labeled anyway.
Do not forget this step, your your CPU is toast, literally.

That's the typical procedure. Takes about a minute or so, if you've done it
before. No problem. -Dave

 

[Lorin]

I am SO glad I asked - and you answered! I can just see me thinking
"well they didn't include it must not need it". What a mistake that
would have been. Thanks.

 

[Lorin]

I am SO glad I asked - and you answered! I can just see me thinking
"well they didn't include it must not need it". What a mistake that
would have been. Thanks.

Now I'm wondering - I see the suppliers also sell chipset coolers. Will
I need that also? Or that extra cooling for overclocking (which I don't
plan to do)?

 

[Shinnokxz]

Now I'm wondering - I see the suppliers also sell chipset coolers. Will
I need that also? Or that extra cooling for overclocking (which I don't
plan to do)?

Sorry I haven't read the full thread here but I think I can answer this.
Most mobos already come with a heatsink on the northbridge (the thing
that gets hot in the chipset) and it suffices even for overclockers. For
most hardcore gaming motherboards there are heat pipes that actually go
from the heatsink to an opening in the I/O plate on the back of the machine.

Though throw caution when buying a mobo, because some do put fans on
their north bridge chipset heatsink and most people claim they are
fairly loud due to their small size.

 

[Fitz]

I've read through your thread, and about the only option that hasn't been
mentioned to you is a retailer such as Mwave. The motherboard and processor
you specified, plus 512 MB of Corsair PC3200 (vs Samsung) is $253.00,
assembled. Meaning only that they will install the CPU, heatsink, fan and
memory on the motherboard and make sure it is operational. It is sent to you
ready to be mounted in the case. The installation and "testing" adds $9.00
to the cost, and there would be a shipping fee. I've ordered from Mwave
regularly and have been very satisfied with their service. I've never had
them do assembly for me, but they do offer it.

Fitz

 

[Terry]

Terry: I'm not sure why you say Asus K8N-VM is socket 939, that's
certainly not what Asus says:
http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=14&l3=0&model=952&modelmenu=1

Sorry, I was confusing it with the A8N-VM.

I appreciate what you are saying about having dual monitor capability
and more RAM but I need to keep costs down. As noted, it will still
seem fast compared to my PIII with 256 MB.


Now this illustrates my newbie-ness, but when you order a Mobo and CPU
separately does one or the other come with a CPU cooling, and if so is
it usually pre-installed?

Retail CPUs come with heatsink and fan, already assembled. OEM CPUs
don't.

Someone else suggested purchasing assembly, and I second that. MWave
is good, so is JNC Computers (http://www.jncs.com). That way you know
that the components work, and all you have to do is put the case
together.

Terry

 

[Mike T.]

I am SO glad I asked - and you answered! I can just see me thinking
"well they didn't include it must not need it". What a mistake that
would have been. Thanks.

Now I'm wondering - I see the suppliers also sell chipset coolers. Will
I need that also? Or that extra cooling for overclocking (which I don't
plan to do)?

All motherboards come with an appropriate cooling solution for the chipset,
pre-installed. In some cases, computer modders like to replace it though.
You can't blame the computer vendors for selling what many of their
customers want. But there is NO NEED to purchase any kind of cooling for
the chipset. -Dave

 

[Fishface]

I have blocked the hole on the side because it was noisy and to

promote airflow from the front past the drives.

Upon closer examination, I'm sorry to report that I am not actually
getting much airflow past the hard drive due to the fact that the
large video card prevents me from putting the hard drive in front
of the air holes. The case is small in depth and the hard drive
overlaps the full-size ATX motherboard in the case. I probably
won't be buying any more of these cases, opting next time for a
deeper one.

 

[Squigmont]

I've read through your thread, and about the only option that hasn't been
mentioned to you is a retailer such as Mwave. The motherboard and
processor you specified, plus 512 MB of Corsair PC3200 (vs Samsung) is
$253.00, assembled. Meaning only that they will install the CPU, heatsink,
fan and memory on the motherboard and make sure it is operational. It is
sent to you ready to be mounted in the case. The installation and
"testing" adds $9.00 to the cost, and there would be a shipping fee. I've
ordered from Mwave regularly and have been very satisfied with their
service. I've never had them do assembly for me, but they do offer it.

Same here. I've been ordering from Mwave for years and have never had a
problem. Same with Newegg and eWiz. If it were me, I would stay as far away
as possible from TigerDirect.