Overclocking investigation system (Middle school) under US$1000

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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Sep 16, 2014
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One of my Middle School students wants to do a Science Fair project investigating price/performance/energy-use of Overclocked Intel CPUs and wants to build a modestly priced (under $1000) computer to do so, which the school may fund if it has other uses. She wants to overclock the three LGA 1150 CPUs (Pentium, i5, and i7) with different memory configurations and speeds. No actual applications other than benchmarks need to be run on the system.

My first cut at a system is this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-C14 CPU Cooler ($73.69 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($69.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial BX100 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Tower Case ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.75 @ OutletPC)
Total: $666.28
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-28 13:33 EST-0500

Budget remains for extra CPUs (I may loan her an i5 4690K which I plan to get for a system of mine) so remember that when making suggestions.

The G3258 is one of the CPUs and the unlocked i7 can be afforded.
I hope that the CPU cooler will do for 4.6ish GHz on an i7.
Motherboard seems good enough and cheap enough. (and she needs it for the i5/i7)
WiFi is a must so she can access the network at school. 'Unapproved' computers cannot use wired connections.
Not sure about the exact memory to do XMP work with. I plan to buy a 16Gb set of the same so she can investigate 1 x 4, 1 x 8, 2 x 4, and 2 x 8 memory configurations and their effect on performance.
SSD only will do. HDD can be added later.
The case is selected to fit the parts and the easy access with all the panels off. (and the price)
PSU is total overkill, but good and will allow the addition of a great GPU later if it needed to be used for Gaming or AutoCAD/3D design and rendering for our 3D printer lab.

Any comments, advice, or suggested improvements gratefully accepted.
 
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Thanks. We are building in the Core V1 at the moment and it seems that it will be OK. I'll keep an open mind on that. The bigger Core 21 looks great too.

I'm thinking that AutoCAD and the renderer will be using Direct X and I hope to use CUDA on a gaming GPU.

The G3258 will be for experimenting and use on another system (if it survives the experience). The 'final' system will use the i7.

 
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Prices fro RAM from 1600 to 2400 are just $3-4 apart .... if testing overclocking of memory is in the cards, you'll want Hynix modules if the goal is to show the most overclocking. These can be found in the Mushkin Redline series... with 10-12-12-28 timings at stock for 2400.
 
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I shy away from ITX builds (big hands) so I have no experience with that cooler. If budget allowed, I'd suggest a all in one water cooler from Swiftech as much for the educational value as the extra overclocks and elimination of RAM height concerns..... NOTE: I would suggest looking for sponsors from water cooling shops and vendors.... vendors like Mushkin who appeal to the extreme OC crowd may jump at the chance of some publicity .... if it doesn't violate the science fair rules, a poster board as part of the project display with names and logos of components usually attracts interest .... and they will usually give ya some badges to apply to the case and swag (hats, T shirts) for the show. If interested I can provide with some contacts, send me a PM

http://www.swiftech.com/
 
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Unfortunately, 'sponsorship' is not allowed. The judges are not even supposed to know who the competitors are. I really appreciate the offer though.

I could change the case up to the Thermaltake Core V21, which will handle almost any radiator. What cooler would you recommend? (Budget is a concern, some may come out of my hide) If we get a good bin, I hope for 4.7Ghz.

We'll start with the Pentium to minimize the cost of unfortunate errors.

ITX is a challenge which teaches good management habits and proper planning, something Middle School students need as much as they can get of.
 
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What sort of thermal load could the h220-x handle?

The ITX case will handle only a two sided 140mm radiator for a fluid cooler, but that won't handle enough energy. The Core V21 can handle up to a 240/280mm radiator.

Here's my modified build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Swiftech H220-X 55.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($139.00)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($116.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($92.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Thermaltake Core V21 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($64.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.75 @ OutletPC)
Total: $791.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-01 18:58 EST-0500
 
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More than any other All in one you could by :)

There's some good data here tho my wife says the author is an idiot:

http://www.overclock.net/t/1457426/radiator-size-estimator

I didn't create the data, I just assembled it ... Martin from martinsliquidlab was the source of most of it. he posts in the thread.

The H220-X is a 2 x 120mm, so looking say at the alphacool file which ya can download there, we can expect about:

100 watts of cooling at 1000 rpm
120 watts of cooling at 1250 rpm
135 watts of cooling at 1400 rpm
170 watts of cooling at 1800 rpm
200 watts of cooling at 2200 rpm

The radiator it is estimated will need to handle about 60% of the calculated system load. So at maximum speed of the H220-x fans, I'd expect a system load of 280 watts to produce a delta T of 10C (air => water). For an heavily overclocked 4790k (145 watts).... The Rad should handle about 87 watts, so I'd expect you to get by at about 800 rpm. keep in mind that the 60% number is based upon a full water cooling loop with multiple rads, reservoirs, lotsa tubing, MoBo surfaces and great case ventilation all of which help air cool all the parts within a case. My assumption is that 60% is prolly too low for an AIO and 80% would likely be a more accurate number.

With t he 240-X

135 watts of cooling at 1000 rpm
165 watts of cooling at 1250 rpm
185 watts of cooling at 1400 rpm
235 watts of cooling at 1800 rpm
280 watts of cooling at 2200 rpm


 
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It's the same price as the Kraken 61 tho it "blows it outta the water" (pun intended). In addition,

1. You can add additional water blocks ... RAM, MoBo, GFX card(s)
2. It is all copper, everything else has aluminum rads.
3. Mixed metals is a no-no in water cooling
4. You can replace the pump if it goes bad or if you somehow break the block
5. It has a reservoir

But none of that is the reason I suggested it in your case. I see other "science projects" in future.

A. Cooling efficiency project, varying fan speeds, pump speeds
B. Cooling efficiency project, different types of coolant ....

Add some "bling" to your science project ... add a reservoir and mayhems aurora

http://www.mayhems.co.uk/mayhems/index.php/products/specialist-coolants/mayhems-aurora

Then see how it compares to distilled water or other coolants
 
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Here's my revised build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-C14 CPU Cooler ($73.69 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97M OC Formula Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($121.91 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($75.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($149.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial BX100 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($181.44 @ Adorama)
Case: Thermaltake Core V21 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($54.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($66.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.75 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill N600PCE 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $882.61
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-08 13:31 EDT-0400

A better motherboard for over-clocking.
Looks like the G3258 will get all the data she needs, but another project can include i5 4690K, 4790K, and any new LGA1150 CPU.
G.Skill Trident memory (will eventually be split into two systems. I need 1 x 4, 2 x 4, 1 x 8, and 2 x 8 to check on performance (and I may try 1 x 8 + 1 x 4 just to see what happens))
She will be testing stock cooler, this premium air cooler, and a top-of-the line AOI with a 280mm radiator (which I believe will fit in the case).
I'm probably going to use the SSD myself in a new gaming build for me and may just use this system with i5 4690K, the air cooler, 8Gb and a GTX 970.
The PSU is good and should do the bizzo.

any additional comments or suggestions appreciated.
 
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It's the lower profile C14. I want to use it as a mid-good air system for future builds.

I know the 1 x 4 and 1 x 8 configurations will have issues. I want numbers. It may be that things are not as bad as we think.

Thanks for your thoughtful input. Are you OK with the Motherboard/case/PSU/memory type?
 
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Well... I'm not an micro ATX fan ... so it's hard for me to pick out an micro ATX case. I like cases with lotsa room for both my hands and air circulation. However, before ya pull the trigger, given your plans for dual builds, this case I think might be if interest..... build both systems in same box

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1nPVLuWFNo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CEB71nZRPQ

Given ya budget, I'd look at the new SSDs from Mushkin .... $20 savings
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/mushkin-eco2-cheap-ssd,28720.html
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226680

For the memory, I'd rather have Mushkin Redlines due to the Hynix modules and better CAS timings but in your case, more so because of the Hynix's extreme overclockability.... It's also low profile.
The 2x4GB set is $15 more though
The 2x8GB set is $18 cheaper
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/mushkin-memory-997083
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/mushkin-memory-997122

I'd go Mushkin for both sets, ya save $3, it's low profile so, unlike the Trident's, no cooler interference issues and you can overclock the bejeezes outta Hynix modules.... seen folks go up to 1.94 volts

Nothing wrong with the XFX XTR series .... for $3 more, Id rather have the Seasonic S12G but while I'd put the S12 on top, it's a very close win.

As for the MoBo, being a long time Asus user, when Asrock was spun off from Asus to address the 'builder" market (read low budget) I was not enthused. Had system come in with bad caps, cracked MoBos (thin PCB) and combined with the short 1-2 year warrantees they were not seen as a 'player' in the enthusiast market. After they were spun off from Asus, they began competing with Asus and to do that they had to increase quality, increase warrantees and increase performance. Today, they have some very well reviewed products on the market. I probably would have jumped in and done a few Asrock builds by now if not for some disastrous experiences with Asrock's parent company ..... Pegatron. I still don't have an answer to :

a) why Pegatron was handling the RMA on my Asus board, and
b) why it took over 3 months

That recent experience has left me a bit gunshy. And while that experience is purely anecdotal, I just haven't been able to push myself over the edge as yet.

If I was to do a micro ATX build, I'd prolly wanna do the MSI Z97M Gaming or Gigabyte Z97 MX Gaming 5 in that price range.... of the 3, the Gigabyte is the best buy

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128716
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130773
 
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Thank you, as always. I'll go with the Mushkin Redlines, I'm planning to stay with the Asrock OC Formula. The reviews seem decent, and, so far, I've had good experiences with them, the PSU will be a last-minute choice, good, gold, semi-modular or better, and tier 1 or 2, I'll check out the Mushkin SSD, I'm pretty set on the Core V21, I'll post a build log, so we can see how it goes. My other build log shows how the Core V1 is going; easier than the ML07 I used last time. You have convinced me to try the Swiftech 240X if it can fit in the case (220X if not) (I'm tempted to try something more extreme using one of my organic chemistry cold-bath liquid mixes which I can easily get to -75C safely)
 
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As to the psu ....

Gold = Meaningless ... unless you care about electric costs....

Gold = (325 watts / 90% efficiency) x 8 hours per day x 30.4 days per month x $0.10 per kw/hr / 1000 watts per kw = $8.78
Silver = (325 watts / 88% efficiency) x 8 hours per day x 30.4 days per month x $0.10 per kw/hr / 1000 watts per kw = $8.98

After 3 years ya save $7.20

Modular - is actually less desirable than semimodular
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/power-supplies-psu,8016.html

Tiers - I have yet to see a tier list I would call reliable.... tier rankings are oft applied across the board after testing just one or two units, not confirming whether or not they were even made by same OEM, on same platform.

Since you are doing overclocking experiment.... What I'd recommend is make sure that you get < 1% voltage variance on all rails under torture test loads and very low ripple (<50mv)

As for the coolant, make sure you stay above the dew point or you'll have condensation all over everything
 
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