Building a Computational Computer

jfishjosh · May 7, 2009

Hey all, I need some help. I poked around on newegg for a while looking for parts. I want to build a computational computer. It will have linux (likely Fedora) and graphics aren’t really important. I just wanted something w/ quad core (so I can run simulations to specific cores and have 4 going at once).

Here are the parts I have… can you tell me if they’d work together and if there is something I'm missing. I'm really worried about getting a part and then it won't work together. Also, suggestions on how to actually get everything to work together (I'm fairly new and it's disappointing that I don't know this stuff. Do I plug it all together then just put in the install CD... it probably isn't that easy...)

HEC 6AR6BB2F Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case X-Power 585W Power Supply - Retail
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK
AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor Model HDZ940XCGIBOX
BIOSTAR TA790GX XE AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

All these parts come to $398 on newegg (thank you combo deals!) Also, suggestions on a cheap, but functional dvd writer for this compy.

Proximon · May 7, 2009

Your PSU choice needs to be changed. Regardless of the usage of the machine, you want a quality unit that won't blow up, will run cool, and will keep the electrical bill down:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005

Match that up with whatever case you like. I recommend Antec or Cooler Master.

Just grab any SATA DVD burner, preferably 22X... they are all much the same these days.

jfishjosh · May 7, 2009

So something like this:

Western Digital Caviar SE WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK
Antec Sonata Elite Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Antec earthwatts EA380 380W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.0 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor Model HDZ940XCGIBOX
BIOSTAR TA790GX XE AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

Total: 458.94

Proximon · May 7, 2009

I would not recommend the AAJS HD. They run a bit hot. I would spend a bit more on the AAKS model. Cooler and faster:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074

The Sonata is a great case. It happens to also come with a quality 500W PSU.... so go with the less expensive deal. Whichever that is. You don't need the 500W but there's nothing wrong with it if it costs the same or less.

Looks like a good build, but I'm not sure you need a 790GX. 780G might serve just as well... but the Biostar is a good price.

jfishjosh · May 7, 2009

What about the AALS? It's twice as big and twice the cache. It has really good reviews and a good price (combo w/ the case).

jfishjosh · May 7, 2009

Up-to-date list.

Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK
AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor Model HDZ940XCGIBOX
BIOSTAR TA790GX XE AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

Total: $458.95

Also, I really appreciate the input. Thanks a bunch!

Proximon · May 7, 2009

Sure AALS is a great choice.

jfishjosh · May 7, 2009

The case only supports ATX but the motherboard is micro-ATX... suggestions?

mansalim · May 7, 2009

i think it would fit you micro-ATX. Unless it doesnt have specific mounting holes.
This should do the bidding too, Coolermaster NV690

jfishjosh · May 7, 2009

This case is cheap... is it any good?

Rosewill Wind Ryder RZLS142A-P BK Dual 120mm Cooling Fans and Mesh Design Front Panel Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

mansalim · May 7, 2009

according to the reviews, it is great. i dont have any personal experience with that case. but rosewill make good products.

jfishjosh · May 7, 2009

So hopefully this is a functional, capable system...

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK
Rosewill RG430-2 430W 80Plus Certified,ATX12V v2.3/EPS12V v2.91, Active-PFC Power Supply, UL,FCC,CE,TUV,ROHS
Rosewill Wind Ryder RZLS142A-P BK Dual 120mm Cooling Fans and Mesh Design Front Panel Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor Model HDZ940XCGIBOX
BIOSTAR TA790GX XE AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

Total: $433.94
(totally free shipping, $70 instant savings, $65 combo savings)

batuchka · May 7, 2009

I still think any Antec case with Earthwatts 430/500 is good to go for a long time I have yet to come across an ATX casing w/o standoffs for an mATX mobo to be honest hehe

mansalim · May 7, 2009

that should be good.. you really dont want to add any graphic card? a cheap one is enough. they can free up your CPU so technically it would go faster.
radeon 3450 its only 30

mansalim · May 7, 2009

better safe than sorry..

Kill@dor · May 7, 2009

Very cool set up there...but what kind of CPU cooler are you going to use... I would suggest Zalman or Noctua ^_^

mansalim · May 7, 2009

^
seconded.. Zalman is very quiet and Noctua give the best bang for the buck.

jfishjosh · May 7, 2009

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK
Antec NSK6580 Black/ Silver 0.8mm cold-rolled steel construction ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 430W Power Supply
AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor Model HDZ940XCGIBOX
BIOSTAR TA790GX XE AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

Suggestions on a specific CPU cooler? Cheapest possible that is compatible.

Total: $468.91
(free shipping, $50 instant savings, $50 comb savings!)

batuchka · May 7, 2009

Well for me i'd go strictly IGP and only fork out green for at least a HD4670 No OC just use stock cooler

mansalim · May 7, 2009

yeah no OC stock cooler is super fine

Kill@dor · May 7, 2009

Since he is going to use it moderately, that might be smart. Also, he could probably get a stock cpu fan too...probably not going to OC.

jfishjosh · May 7, 2009

Yeah. No plans to OC.

mansalim · May 7, 2009

Rosewill RCX-Z1 for only 12.
just a suggestion. it use ball bearing

jfishjosh · May 7, 2009

That's not bad, at least to play it safe.

Kill@dor · May 7, 2009

Thats a good one. Cheap and might get a little loud on windows load...but since everything will be default it should be very quiet using apps ^_^

Building a Computational Computer

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