how to build cheap boxen?

C

Camaroz06

Gawd
Joined
Jan 26, 2007
Messages
642
Hello All,
I have 2 8800gtx cards laying around, some memory, and will have an extra PSU once I get an RMA back. I was wondering how to build another folding computer on the cheap. I do not need an SLI board in order to use more than one card correct? I am trying to scour the sale board for some cheap parts but have come up empty. Anyways, I need another CPU along with mobo, is AMD the cheaper route?

What do you guys do to keep the costs down? The OS itself seems to be a big cost when building multiple machines. I was reading that you can indeed use linux and GPU2 together but also read that ppd is decreased when going the linux route. Is that true? Also I have a older dell with 250w PSU I was thinking of throwing a GT240 in there and calling it a day.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Eddie
 
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You could get a cheap AMD Athlon II 620 (quad for $99) and then buy an AM3 board like this one for $99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130249, of course you'll need a couple of sticks of DDR3 to go this route. I say go this route because the cpu will do nicely with the new SMP2. You could go with a cheap core2 like the E1500 and get an intel board with multiple PCI-E, but you won't get much production out of the cpu.

If you check the FS/FT I see Win 7 selling for less than $100 all the time.

If you are going to go linux then you'll have to get with Tobit or someone like him with good experience.
 
Keep your eyes on the F/S forums, or make a wtb thread.

I say go intel and get as much proc as you can afford.... but s775 has a bunch of head room for later upgrades and deals can be found on ddr2.

To get an os.... <cough>Ebay</cough>
 
Running GPU clients under WINE may hurt PPD a bit, but a new OS license can put a bigger dent into your wallet. Linux is definitely an option if you can't afford any new licenses.
 
There's a copy of Win 7 Home premium on the FS/FT right now for $25.........
 
If you have a Micro Center near by...Q8200 I believe is $129 and the Q9550 I believe is $169. Pair the cpu with the Foxconn Digital Life ELA P45 board (s775) for $74.99 at NE that has 3 PCIe slots.

AMD boards and cpus are pretty cheap, you'll easily find 2-3 PCIe slots on the board as well. You'd get better PPD off a C2Q than an Athlon X4 or Phenom II X4 but if you don't have the $ or a Micro Center nearby, AMD isn't really a bad choice either.

OS just grab Ubuntu and use that until you can get a Windows install.
 
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