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Need some SN85G4V2 advice

D

Duncan3

n00b
Joined
Jul 2, 2004
Messages
7
Heya folders :cool:

So, first off this will be a server + devel machine for getting work done, reliability is critical. It will be running Windows 2003 Enterprise Server (32bit for now, but 64bit later), with server functions and all the devel tools known to man. I dont upgrade often (using a Duron 700 now), so this will probably be my main work/server machine for 3-4 years. No mods or overclocking will be done.

Here is my proposed spec:

  • Shuttle SN85G4V2
  • Athlon 64 3200+
  • 2GB DDR (brand suggestions?) for VirtualPC'ing XP/98/Linux/FBSD
  • WD Raptor SATA 74GB x 2 in RAID1 (no more backups)
  • ATI X800 Pro - for BrookGPU devel, more speed, but only 24bit, and for Lineage 2 (gotta have _some_ fun)
  • and my current Pioneer DVR-A07 burner
My main concerns after reliability are of course heat and enough wattage. The CPU and the GPU will be pegged high all the time since I do Folding@home devel (fold faster!!!). But even when it's not, it's a server for web/CVS/FTP, so I don't need too much heat burning out the drives too fast even with the RAID1.

I'll just remove the 6-in-1 reader unless they come out with an "L" model shortly, I dont have a digital camera anyway. As far as I've read, I'll only need an extra SATA cable, but all other cables should be included. The V2 should have fixed all the issues that the earlier model had. Installs require the 6-in-1 removed, and a floppy in with the SATA drivers (what idiot decided that was a smart plan), but otherwise should be smooth in theory.

Am I missing anything? Pools of molten metal in my future? Which RAM will be good and solid?
 
On this box go with the Corsair XMS/Pro (either or) as Corsair and Shuttle equals love at first site. :) Kingston HyperX works well, but the XMS series I believe appears on Shuttles approved vendor list. Also, with memory latency being what it is on an Athlon64 platfrom, I think that CAS2.5 is sufficient as I cannot get my box to boot with CAS2 settings. There are several others over at SFFTECH that have similar issues with being able to get CAS2 based memory on the SN85 platform to run anything lower and 2.5. Drop by the forums at SFFTECH Forums . Ah its late and I am off to bed.

-E
 
I'd go for a 6800GT. It's cheaper than the X800 Pro and faster too. Plus it has full 32-bit preciscion and shader model 3.0.
 
Also, don't think that RAID1 saves you from backups. It will protect you if your drive dies, but what about if you lose your XPC or get infected with a virus?

RAID1 is more useful in a server environment.

I'd recommend you get one Raptor and get an external FireWire drive to do backups. A 250GB drive + a FireWire enclosure isn't too expensive, and you can make 4+ backups (just use the XP Pro backup software - it's pretty good) on it. That way, you can get back that document you wish you hadn't deleted.

Everything else looks good. I want to buy a system pretty similar to your system myself.
 
Thanks for the pointers...

Hrm, yes 2 CMX1024-3200 do look good, only a 50% markup. They only have one item on the 1GB dimm approved list, and horror stories aboud, so that rather concerns me.

The 6800GT would pretty much melt due to the power requirement I'd put on the poor system, and that's a wee bit of heat. But you're right, for BrookGPU the 32bits are superior but slower. If only they weren't a personal global warming device.

As for the RAID1, I still do cross-backups of my day to day files on my PC and Mac (eliminating my Linux box here, the PC will take over all it's server functions), so I'm not worried about losing a file I delete, but I am sick of drives wearing out. I've upgraded my CPU only twice in a very long time, but I'm on about my 6th HD. RAID1 _does_ save me from having to backup all my large data files and databases manually, since it is a backup. If anything I'd maybe drop down to slower but larger (and less reliable) drives, and just toss them out every few months.
 
They really aren't that bad. According to the THG charts, it's about 18W higher than the Radeon 9800XT.

NVIDIA's theoretical maximum is 110W, or about 9.2A of the 16A available from the Shuttle's power supply. That's for the Ultra, too - the GT is lower.
 
Do you know if those video cards will work since they have a recommendation for a 300w power supply? I am interested in putting something simular together minus a HD and plus a Athlon 64 3700+ but am afraid that the vid cards power consumption might cause stability issues. I see the above post info about the 6800 Ultra but what about the ATI X800's? Anyone try this yet?
 
Crasher said:
Do you know if those video cards will work since they have a recommendation for a 300w power supply? I am interested in putting something simular together minus a HD and plus a Athlon 64 3700+ but am afraid that the vid cards power consumption might cause stability issues. I see the above post info about the 6800 Ultra but what about the ATI X800's? Anyone try this yet?
Click to expand...

I woudn't worry about it. The new Shuttle systems have a very strong +12V rail. It's 16A, the same as a 350W Antec. The +12V rail is what powers cards with Molex connectors (including the Radeon X800 series and GeForce 6800 series).

THG's test system drew 198W (from the PSU, not the wall) with a 6800 Ultra, so you should be fine.
 
I picked up a 6800GT OC for my v1 Shuttle. Been running for a couple of hours so far without issue. I looped benchmarks to get the operating temp up and it has worked out well thus far. Will keep you posted.

-E
 
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