New build for folding (mainly)

[Gellidius]

A couple of weeks ago i started a thread about a new build i'm planning; but i had forgotten to take into account the main task the pc will be used for: FOLDING!

So, here i go again asking what you guys think of this new build!
Do you see problems anywhere? any advice? PSU ok?

MoBo: Asus Rampage Formula X48
CPU: Intel Q6600
GPU: BFG GTX260 OCX Maxcore (315 Watts approx.)
CPU cooler: OCZ Vendetta 2 with Xigmatek crossbow
Ram: Corsair DDR2 (3-4GB)
HDD: 1 x WD Caviar black 640GB (maybe a second one later on.)
OR: 1 WD Caviar black 1TB
PSU: Corsair HX 620


Already have:

Optical: Plextor PX760A
Monitor: 20" CRT
Case: Lian-Li PC-A17

[chrisk]

Your build is similar to mine and you are good. I am not familiar with that case and HSF though.

I think 4GB of ram will be the way to go. 3GB probably means you are not pairing up your ram so yoi will want 2 or 4GB...for the cost 4GB is the way to go. If you have a 64-bit OS then its a no brainer.

That video card will be good for folding...I believe the BFG Maxcores have 216 shaders which helps with folding. I used Rivatuner to overclock the shaders on my vanilla GTX 260 (Core 216) to increase my folding power.

Hope you fold with us and if so welcome to the team!

[3.0charlie]

Everything looks fine, though I would use some Mushkin Ram instead of the Corsair. Brand preference.

Also, one heck of a jump from your signature rig!

[Chilly]

The build looks great. I'm assuming that this is going to be your main gaming rig, with folding/crunching taking up all the idle power? If so, it should serve you well, just remember to match your memory(2x2GB, 4x1GB, 2x1GB, 4x2GB, etc) to obtain the most power out of it. Mismatched memory does not work well at all IMO, its i7 where strange values like 3GB and 6GB come into play, not S775.

Of you have any other questions, feel free to ask, we'll be sure to help you add your machine to our crunching madness!

Don't forget, its Rosetta@Home for your CPU's, F@H for your GPU's.

[geokilla]

I'd change things up to save some money on the build. If your build is solely for folding, I'd make the following changes.

ASUS P5Q Pro or Gigabyte Equivalent
3 or 4 9600GSO (96 shader varients, 384/768MB models)

For sure you'll get more PPD doing that than running just the Q6600 and a GTX260. Also, if you didn't know, the new Forceware drivers lets you run GPU folding with little to no CPU required to feed the GPUs.

[LCB001]

Looks like a great build, lot of Folding power. That GTX260 should get you an easy 5000+ to 8000+ ppd depending on WU plus what you get from the quad.

Welcome to the Best Team in Folding ...

[Gellidius]

All the parts have been ordered and i expect to get this rig working in about 1.5-2 weeks from now; here they are:

MoBo: Asus Rampage Formula
GPU: BFG GTX280OC
CPU: Intel Q6600
RAM: Kingston KVR800 - 2GB
CPU cooler/crossbow: Zalman
HDD: WD caviar black 640
WD caviar 320 (IDE)
PSU: PC Power & Cooling silencer 750
Case: Lian Li PC-A17

All comments and critics welcome; it may not be too late for some changes!

[Chilly]

Looks like it will be a great build, good choices all around. Your going to LOVE the quality of the Lian-Li case, once you go Lian-Li, SilverStone, or any of the other high end case makers, you won't want to settle for anything less. I can't wait to see it set up, and shown off!

[geokilla]

Read my post. Like I said, if it's a sole folding rig, you could do better by spending the exact same or less amount of money.

Why not get the GTX285 instead of the GTX280? What's the price difference between the two?

[SugarJ]

Originally Posted by geokilla

Why not get the GTX285 instead of the GTX280? What's the price difference between the two?

About $250. New 285's are about $600, 280's can now be found for $350 after rebate. That's a big price difference for 15% improvement.