Best build for $1500 to $2000

J

jtr8178

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 21, 2008
Messages
266
I've got up to $2,000 to spend on a rig for F@H, and my employer is OK with me using their power. I plan to stack this bad boy in our server room and just let it fold. Redundant power, seperate HVAC system, etc... I have rack space and shelf space to put it in.

My biggest problem is that I have basically zero free time to configure/tweak/OC this machine.

Since I really don't care how many watts this thing draws, what is the best way to go? I can go over the $2k budget if needed, but I figured I should draw the line somewhere.

If someone here likes to build these things and is trustworthy, I would have no problem shipping components to them to have it built and running smooth.

Instead of spending hours doing research, I thought I would open it up to some of the experts on here. Thanks!
 
jtr8178 said:
I've got up to $2,000 to spend on a rig for F@H, and my employer is OK with me using their power. I plan to stack this bad boy in our server room and just let it fold. Redundant power, seperate HVAC system, etc... I have rack space and shelf space to put it in.

My biggest problem is that I have basically zero free time to configure/tweak/OC this machine.

Since I really don't care how many watts this thing draws, what is the best way to go? I can go over the $2k budget if needed, but I figured I should draw the line somewhere.

If someone here likes to build these things and is trustworthy, I would have no problem shipping components to them to have it built and running smooth.

Instead of spending hours doing research, I thought I would open it up to some of the experts on here. Thanks!
Click to expand...

4p board=650
http://www.wiredzone.com/Supermicro-H8QGi+-F-Motherboard-SWTX-w--Quad-1944-pin-S-G34~10020000~0.htm
212+ evo $31, 1 per cpu
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master...qid=1351221705&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=212++evo
ram-gkill ddr usually about 35/kit, need 2x kit per cpu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231427
1200w psu $220
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-Series-Fu...UTF8&qid=1351221648&sr=8-1&keywords=ocz+1250w
processors: from $125-$500/chip, you can do 1,2 or 3 at a time, as well as all 4.
check the fs/t section.(I am selling some dodecas)
Cheap drive 60$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145526

No case, I don't use one...you will want some air flow around the mobo.

If you don't mind letting someone in remotely someone will tweak it for you if you get it up and running...

You can do the above in a 2p config to start with a case for under 2k. I believe a HAF 922 with mods will do it.
 
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I think that outsourcing the build only makes sense if done locally (shipping assembled system == too much risk IMHO).

Where are you located?
 
If you can get the machine assembled and running with internet access it can be configured remotely by one of our team.
 
I'm sending the 4P Mafia limo out to pick you up. Meet us at irc and we can talk there. Trust me, I got a lot of 4P help on irc. :D

Server: irc.dp.cx
Port: 6667
Channel: #HardOCP
 
Don't barebones kits come on sale every once and a while. Barebones server and ram for 1200 and then some cheap 61xx chips (best for the left over money) its in a closet so putting it in a rack seems to make sense... I like random builds as much as the next, but he probably has some requirement to make it look like it should be there. Spotswoods case is great for me but if I had a server room with extra capacity I would use the space that's made for it.
 
^^+1. I was able to purchase some 2U barebones from SM on the 'bay for $900. This gives you MB (compatible with OCNG BIOS), cooling (fans and HS), PSU (dual redundant 1400W), cheap video, optical drive, rackmounts and a case that looks like it belongs in a rack :)
Only need to add RAM, any old HDD and CPUs.
Since this will be in a server area the sound from the built-in screaming fans should not matter and the passive HS should be fine with the dedicated HVAC.
Or, if there is room above the chassis, take off the top and add the Musk-ified CM 212s to reduce the noise........ by a ton! :eek:
 
tjmagneto said:
I'm sending the 4P Mafia limo out to pick you up. Meet us at irc and we can talk there. Trust me, I got a lot of 4P help on irc. :D

Server: irc.dp.cx
Port: 6667
Channel: #HardOCP
Click to expand...

Please, we have a jet:rolleyes:

:p
 
I would go for MB, ram, power supply now:

MB = $650 - $750 ( GL - Gi depending on options )
RAM = $250 ( G.Skill DDR3-1333 CL7 )
PSU = $200 ( single 12v rail 85 amp or higher )

Get 2 6128 crapBay CPUs to start of. OC'ed 10% to 15% is enough to to 8101. About $200 for the pair.

Check for the For Sale section here often. A good set of CPU can be found here.
 
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