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SFF Professional CGI Workstation

Talking about SO-DIMMs, are there not 8GB un-buffered, non-ECC modules more readily (and cheaply) available?
 
What is recommended inside the Silverstone SG07: Water or Air cooling?

I have seen several air cooling products being praised, but I have also heard much about the heat problems of the SFF enclosures.

What about noise? An air cooling solution usually uses an extra fan, while a water cooling setup can be mounted under the existing Air Penetrator fan. Are the water cooling solutions more quiet? Do water pumps make noise?

What about the risks of travelling with the machine? Can knocks damage certain types of coolers? Or are they all very robust?
 
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AXP 140 RT... it's the recommended heatsink of the SG07 by silverstone. You can even remove the fan it comes with any use the massive AP181 on top to cool the entire mobo, much less just the CPU :D
 
jeremyshaw said:
AXP 140 RT... it's the recommended heatsink of the SG07 by silverstone. You can even remove the fan it comes with any use the massive AP181 on top to cool the entire mobo, much less just the CPU :D
Click to expand...

Silverstone SG07 Q&A: How do I choose the right CPU cooler for my SG07?
Silverstone website said:
The 120mm fan installed on top of the [Thermalright AXP-140] CPU cooler is for reference only, it is not required for safe operation as SG07’s included AP181 on top of the case can provide enough cooling to support CPU up to 95W power level.
Click to expand...

I take it this means that the 95W TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the Intel i7 2600 processor will be adequately cooled by a fanless AXP-140 RT and the SG07's main chassis fan even under heavy load?

OK, so the AXP-140 it gets a thumbs-up from Silverstone, but is it recommended above water cooling? For instance, the Antec Kuhler 620 goes for just a bit more than the Thermalright AXP-140 RT; but which is a better solution if they both fit the SG07 and can both benefit from the AP fan?

The comparative reviews I've seen so far compares various water coolers with other water coolers and ditto for air, so I have not yet come to clearly understand the operational effectiveness of Air vs Water.

As for the Thermalright AXP-140 RT, especially fanless, I really like that there are no moving parts to it... really simple to maintain.

As for a water cooler, if the benefits outweigh that of air cooling, I'm willing to spend a little extra and face more complexity if they are also known to be robust.
 
SaladDressing said:
Silverstone SG07 Q&A: How do I choose the right CPU cooler for my SG07?


I take it this means that the 95W TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the Intel i7 2600 processor will be adequately cooled by a fanless AXP-140 RT and the SG07's main chassis fan even under heavy load?

OK, so the AXP-140 it gets a thumbs-up from Silverstone, but is it recommended above water cooling? For instance, the Antec Kuhler 620 goes for just a bit more than the Thermalright AXP-140 RT; but which is a better solution if they both fit the SG07 and can both benefit from the AP fan?

The comparative reviews I've seen so far compares various water coolers with other water coolers and ditto for air, so I have not yet come to clearly understand the operational effectiveness of Air vs Water.

As for the Thermalright AXP-140 RT, especially fanless, I really like that there are no moving parts to it... really simple to maintain.

As for a water cooler, if the benefits outweigh that of air cooling, I'm willing to spend a little extra and face more complexity if they are also known to be robust.
Click to expand...

The all in one prepackaged water coolers like the H50, Kuhler, etc are barely competing with the low-mid gamut of top end heatsinks. In addition, if you are traveling frequently, I'd recommend a non water based setup - especially if you expect the air pressure to change frequently, it's just how I view it. If you are still intent on using watercooling, how it this:

heatpipes are actually hollow tubes with a small amount of water in them - that's why orientation of the heatpipes matter in vertical cases matter.

As for the 95W TDP, yes, the AXP140-rt is capable of keeping an i7 2600k cool in combination with the AP181. Also, the LGA1156 45nm quads puched out a fair bit more heat than their Sandy Bridge replacements (personal experience going from an X3440 to an i5 2500k to an i7 2600k).
 
Anyone know what the comparison between the Thermalright AXP-140 and the Silverstone NT06 evolution is? The latter is also recommended for the SG07 and it seems like it can be used fanlessly, with only the SG07 AP fan helping it.
 
NT06 barely competes vs the stock Intel LGA775 copper core cooler.... and that's with a 120mm fan on the nt06. I only know from my experience in hunting down a heatsink for my old SG02.
 
jeremyshaw said:
The all in one prepackaged water coolers like the H50, Kuhler, etc are barely competing with the low-mid gamut of top end heatsinks. In addition, if you are traveling frequently, I'd recommend a non water based setup - especially if you expect the air pressure to change frequently, it's just how I view it.
Click to expand...
Thanks! The travelling issue is one of the recurring reasons why I'm seriously considering air cooling. With a heatsink there's peace of mind.

I'm only interested in water cooling to learn if it's a must-have. It is not. I'm going with air cooling.
 
jeremyshaw said:
NT06 barely competes vs the stock Intel LGA775 copper core cooler.... and that's with a 120mm fan on the nt06. I only know from my experience in hunting down a heatsink for my old SG02.
Click to expand...

The review I read showed the fanless NT06 perform like that vs the stock cooler. But perhaps other tests were done. :confused:

EDIT: after reading further reviews of the NT06... the Thermalright AXP-140 seems the way to go.
 
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Considering a Thermalright AXP-140 is being installed:

Do the RAM modules need heat shields / sinks or can they be bare?

Also, should I try to get low profile RAM or is normal height fine?
 
normal RAM is fine. DDR3 doesn't need ramsinks, unless if you are overclocking the RAM to insane levels or have DDR.. uhhh... 1 ram :p
 
Here's the revised component list:
  • Case : Silverstone SG07 mini-ITX case (with Silverstone 600W PSU)
  • Motherboard : Intel H67CF, LGA1155, mini-ITX
  • CPU : Intel i7-2600, LGA1155, 3.4GHz
  • CPU cooler : Thermalright AXP-140 RT
  • RAM : 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333MHz, 240-pin, non-ECC (Apacer? Samsung?)
  • Optical Drive : slim internal BluRay / DVD (LG CH10LS20? Silverstone TOB01?)
  • Mass Storage : Intel 320 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
  • Graphics : ATI FirePro V4800 Graphics Card (16.8cm long)
I'm busy sourcing these items. Some of them are proving hard to get and very expensive.

For instance the LG CH10LS20 slim Blu-Ray drive is not available in South Africa and I can't find any others readily available (also searched for Panasonic and Teac). :( I'm actually considering the Silverstone TOB01 even though the price is quite high (although it seems to include Blu-Ray software). EDIT: If the price of a Blu-Ray drive strains my budget too much, I'll install a slim DVD drive.

For Wi-Fi connectivity, a USB antennae dongle will do.

The ATI FirePro V4800 is on special order and expected in another week or so.

CPU, motherboard, RAM, heatsink and SSD seem to be in stock with local suppliers. :)

I'm still not 100% sure if the processor position on the H67CF board is fine for mounting the AXP-140 inside the SG07 enclosure. Can anyone confirm this? Or should I look for another motherboard?

Anything on my list that's missing or suspect?
 
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I've been trying to source a 12.7mm, SATA, Blu-Ray drive. I have found a supplier but now there are decisions to make.

Again, keep in mind this goes into the Silverstone SG07 case. :)

I can get:
  • Sony BC-5600S slot load
  • Panasonic UJ-240 tray load
  • HP LG CT21L tray load

My question is: Should I go for the slot or tray loader?

Any specific brand / model to recommend or avoid?
 
More powerful igp. Chance of getting z68 itx board later on, only 20usd price difference.
Posted via Mobile Device
 
jeremyshaw said:
More powerful igp. Chance of getting z68 itx board later on, only 20usd price difference.
Posted via Mobile Device
Click to expand...
Thanks for the quick reply!

Can the i7 2600K be overclocked in the H67 boards, or is that one of the reasons people are looking forward to the Z68?
 
no overclocking in the H series, so that's why everyone's looking for the Z68's :)
 
Machupo said:
no overclocking in the H series, so that's why everyone's looking for the Z68's :)
Click to expand...
Thanks for confirming that! :)

I'll keep watching the Z68's. I'll source the other items of my system first (graphics, case, CPU, etc.) and leave the motherboard and RAM until last and see if the timing with the release of any Z68 mini-ITX boards is fortuitous. If not, I'll go with H67 and revisit the Z68 six months to a year down the road.

Just heard today that 19 May 2011 is the ETA on the HP ATI FirePro V4800 graphics accelerator I ordered 20 April (no stock at the time, so on back-order it went).

I've also decided to give the stock Intel i7 cooler a chance before splashing out on the Thermalright AXP-140. That's unless I end up with a Z68, overclock, and need much better cooling. There is of course that thing inside me which wants a massive heatsink sitting under a massive fan, but once the rig is closed up I won't see it, and if the stock heatsink does the job... don't fix it.
 
Since I'm paying quite a premium on shipping to South Africa, I decided to invest more and get a BD-writer while I'm at it (and BD-R discs are becoming more affordable nowadays).

So I have a Panasonic UJ-235A slim slot-loading CD-DVD-BD writer on order! The slimline SATA-to-SATA cable was requested with that.

ETA is 27 May 2011. I'll let you guys know how that goes. :)
 
After being comfortable with my mini-ITX workstation plans, and happy with my parts-list and my progress with sourcing stuff, last night out of the blue the following popped into my mind after having read it 10 days ago:
Machupo said:
Or you could get a custom case built. That would be the surefire way to solve this.
Click to expand...

Suddenly I was relieved, happy and terrified at the same time! :cool::D:eek:

If I build a custom case, there's a chance I can go micro-ATX and get the RAM suited to Workstation needs while still having a tiny case that will easily travel. And since I do not have to cater for all the possible accessories available on the market which a person may want to cram into a case but focusing instead on my own setup, there's the real hope that this custom box can be compact enough.

So I opened my 3D modeler, blocked out the basic components of a micro-ATX rig according to component sizes from the Internet and played around with layout using my knowledge gleaned from [H] regarding spacing, wiring and airflow over the past month or more.

At 01h30 this morning I turned in, happy to have succeeded in creating an inner volume of 34cm x 25cm x 13cm = 11Liters, well within the limits of carry-on luggage with lots of room to spare containing the following:
  • micro-ATX motherboard
  • standard ATX PSU
  • GPU (full height)
  • slim optical drive
  • 1 x 2.5" SSD
  • 1 x 2.5" HDD
  • Thermalright AXP-140 CPU cooler

Just how practical the layout is, remains to be worked out.

My approach is:
  • buy all the computer components
  • measure them and model them in 3D
  • build an open temporary rig (so I can use the workstation while building the case)
  • build the custom case
  • transfer rig into custom case

I'll be sharing my progress in this thread.

I have a good friend who runs an industrial design company who can help me with design, materials and manufacture.
 
I used the online Babel3D model translation service to go from Sketchup to OBJ format.

Imported an Asus Gene micro-ATX model in OBJ format into Rhino3D, resized to scale, and dropped it into my layout. :cool:

I'll see what other Sketchup goodies I can get to get this project off to a flying start!

As soon as I have some time, I'll post a render or two.
 
Got the HP ATI FirePro V4800 today from the supplier.

Snapped these 2 pics with my iPhone...

5739188649_4dc1e855cc.jpg


5739738192_1ed74409f6.jpg
 
What ATX PSU is best for a compact custom build: modular or standard?

Cable management is very important to me and I would like to eliminate cables that are not powering anything and which will not be needed in the future.

Also, how do I shorten the cables to only the required length? I have tools and can solder. Any other special tools needed?

Your advice will be greatly valued. :)
 
If you check my thread you can see where I removed and cut nearly all the cables on my SeaSonic PSU.

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1573670.

Since that post I also shortened the 24 pin connector,shortened the 4 pin connector and removed one of the PCIe connectors.

All I did was put the PSU in the case, check for needed length and since my PSU goes in last, I made sure there was enough length to pull it out then disconnect everything. Or, long enough to connect everything before installing it. I suspect I removed over half of what was there.

One suggestion-make sure the PSU works before cutting it up! Cuz once you open it the warranty is gone. Install it in your current build, or another computer and run some sort of load testing program for a day. I put mine in an existing PC and loaded it up. Then I felt comfortable voiding my warranty.
 
wwischerath said:
If you check my thread you can see where I removed and cut nearly all the cables on my SeaSonic PSU.
Click to expand...
Thanks wwischerath! Nice thread you have there!!

Sound advice you gave about first testing the PSU.

Wouldn't a modular PSU make it easier to get rid of unwanted cables (just don't plug them in) and then just shorten those that are needed, without voiding a warranty (no need to open PSU)?

Or are there disadvantages to modular supplies that make them less suitable for compact rigs?
 
Due to the additional plug requirements of modular psus, they have some additional length (which is what you dont want in a compact rig).

I have had a lot of success with the nexus compact 6000 (r3?, dont have it right here). It is probably the shortest quality atx psu you're going to find. At 630w it can handle pretty much any single gpu compact build.
 
I chose the modded route due to less cost. Silverstone makes a Modular PSU and a short cable kit. But getting those would have nearly doubled the cost of my PSU. And in the Q07 case the added length of the connectors would have negated a lot of the advantage. If you are using a longer/deeper case (the Q07 is only 8.19 inches deep, or 208mm for those metric inclined) then modular would be WAY easier.
 
Regarding the PSU: I've decided to use a modular ATX power supply. The Nexus RX-5300 or RX-6300 has my interest, especially because of the silence.

Moving on...

Where do I find a USB3 front panel hub to mount into my custom case?

The micro-ATX motherboard I'm considering does not have USB3 onboard and I'd like to add it via an expansion card, if possible, but I'd like to also access the USB3 ports on the front of the case for convenience... at least 2 ports, but 3 or 4 would be ideal.

Any advice with this?
 
I found this SIIG SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Bay Hub+Host Kit.

ju-h40411-s1.gif


This kind of thing would do the job. Just a bit pricey.

The other option is to get the StarTech 2 port PCI Express SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Card - 1 Internal 1 External expansion card and run a cable to a USB3 hub of my choosing which I can strip and mount.

PEXUSB3S11.small.jpg
 
Personallty I would go with a micro atx 24gb max or a shuttle with i7 capabilities itx 16gb of ram max. Thinking of doing this right now for my home workstation/gaming rig for maya.
 
donta1979 said:
Personallty I would go with a micro atx 24gb max or a shuttle with i7 capabilities itx 16gb of ram max. Thinking of doing this right now for my home workstation/gaming rig for maya.
Click to expand...

I'm looking at the MSI X58M micro-ATX board with 24GB RAM.
 
Can you guys recommend the Corsair HX650 modular PSU for quiet running under half load?

Any other recommendations in that league?

Nexus can ship me the RX-6300 since there's no reseller in South Africa, but the problem is warranty and returns in the event of a problem. Return shipping to the Netherlands at my expense is then the only option.
 
Below are renders showing my first micro-ATX case design (24.4cm x 24.4cm mobo size). See specs below the images. This is just a concept, although it is done to perfectly scaled components which were sourced from Sketchup (that's why some of them look rough). Internal support structures have not been worked out yet, so the box's dimensions will likely change slightly to make space for practical stuff. That's if I decide to go with this layout.

This is NOT a gamer's case! :p There's no space for a full length GPU card. It does handle full height cards up to about 19cm length max. This case has been sized to handle the HP ATI FirePro V4800 GPU card which I'll be using for professional work. The hope is that this will be a highly portable full-featured workstation with good cooling and fairly silent.

Comments, criticisms and suggestions are very welcome. :)

I called it "fasetti" because (thanks to some alternate thinking by my wife) the case is faceted to minimize volume and do something different.

5758896089_40043ee67c.jpg

Silverstone cases for scale reference. All of them are micro-ATX except the SG07 which is mini-ITX. The luggage in the background is sized to carry-on maximum dimensions.

5758931245_9614f17bf3.jpg

Side view showing dual 140mm fans.

5759453542_a16d5c6c64.jpg

Front view showing vertically mounted slim optical (Blu-Ray). These renders do not show USB ports, although I want to put some in.

5758943355_4991f0289c.jpg

View showing top exhaust. The Thermaltake AXP-140 heatsink visible through the grille is without mounted fan... cooled by case fan.


Fasetti micro-ATX enclosure specs
boxed volume = 14.7Liters (15cm wide x 28cm deep x 35cm high)
actual volume = 12.75Liters
case material: 2mm aluminium sheeting
case cooling: 2 x 14cm fans with 100mm space for a CPU heatsink
PSU: standard ATX PSU (maximum 16cm length)
mass storage: 2 x 2.5" drives
optical storage: 12.7mm slim optical drive slot-in

The PSU intake is underneath the box (the images do not yet include legs for standing and creating an air intake space) and the exhaust is in the rear. This means the PSU cooling is separate from the rest of the enclosure.

CPU & motherboard cooling is via two 140mm fans venting air from outside the case directly onto the CPU heatsink and other motherboard components, with the second fan focusing heavily on the RAM area. Warm air is vented out the top grille.

The GPU gets cool air through the bottom panel vent without any additional fans.
 
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