Search found 213 matches

by ist.martin
Fri Sep 06, 2013 10:54 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer)...
Replies: 18
Views: 8273

Re: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer).

Got it. Will pick up the 212 EVO. I just ordered everything.

Thanks for all the help.
by ist.martin
Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:06 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer)...
Replies: 18
Views: 8273

Re: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer).

Thanks. I've been wondering about that - starting with the stock cooler and going from there. Is it worthwhile, or even possible, to upgrade the fan on the stock cooler in order to improve acoustics?
by ist.martin
Thu Sep 05, 2013 2:01 pm
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer)...
Replies: 18
Views: 8273

Re: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer).

This thread has been very helpful so far, I have learned from it. So I thought I'd ask for one more piece of advice. (I managed to hold off building this over the summer in an attempt to force my kids outdoors more. It worked. Now time to get them their computer.) I have decided on, from NCIX in Van...
by ist.martin
Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:28 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer)...
Replies: 18
Views: 8273

Re: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer).

2Gb VRAM is only useful when gaming at more than 1080p. The class of GPU we're talking about is hardly enough to power 1080p on full-full settings, so do not bother on upping the VRAM. So imho i'd spend the 30$ to get a more powerful card instead of just more RAM. One exception: Your kids are going...
by ist.martin
Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:47 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer)...
Replies: 18
Views: 8273

Re: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer).

Thanks a lot CA_Steve. That is very helpful. It sounds like the Seasonic G450 is fine for any card I choose, and the Solo should be good too. ~ $200 card prices at NCIX, which should all be OK with a G450, but I'll need to get length specs for the SOLO: GTX 660 2GB $210 7850 2GB $195 7790 2GB $180 6...
by ist.martin
Sun Jun 02, 2013 9:40 pm
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer)...
Replies: 18
Views: 8273

Re: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer).

Thanks for the help. I don't think they were gaming at 1080p, because they had a 4670, but I know that they would like to. The case is a first generation SOLO - I need to see if it will fit a current model Powercolor 7850 - thanks, I hadn't thought of that. I will go quad core i5 and the MB you ment...
by ist.martin
Sat Jun 01, 2013 2:19 pm
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer)...
Replies: 18
Views: 8273

Thoughts on kids gaming PC (being built by a non-gamer)...

My kids circa 2008 PC has recently stopped working (either the PS, MB or HD died, I am not sure). Given that they appeared to be gaming at 100% CPU, I think it's time for a new system. Right now, I am thinking of buying: i3-3220 cpu ASUS P8H77-M/CSM mb Seasonic G Series 450W ps Powercolor Radeon HD ...
by ist.martin
Thu Apr 18, 2013 10:41 am
Forum: Quiet Prebuilt, SFF and Barebones Systems
Topic: Akasa Euler Fanless case
Replies: 142
Views: 161801

Re: Akasa Euler Fanless case

I'm at 47-50* after an hour of very light usage - 3% CPU, with a cooler ambient than 23*.
by ist.martin
Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:23 am
Forum: Quiet Prebuilt, SFF and Barebones Systems
Topic: Akasa Euler Fanless case
Replies: 142
Views: 161801

Re: Akasa Euler Fanless case

Just wanted to let You know, I recently build over 50 systems using Akasa Euler. None of the problems reported in this thread appeared. No problems with alignment whatsoever. Used Dq77kb and Dh61Ag boards. Had two pcs. of early revisions of the case (You can tell the difference by number of the hol...
by ist.martin
Wed Mar 13, 2013 8:46 am
Forum: Quiet Prebuilt, SFF and Barebones Systems
Topic: Akasa Euler Fanless case
Replies: 142
Views: 161801

Re: Akasa Euler Fanless case

When I use the Intel Desktop Utilities to look at temps, it says that the Voltage Regulator is what is measuring so high, and that my Processor Temperature is about 8* lower. Were your VR temps quite high? I just when in to tighten the screws. The 4 around the CPU/heatsink were very tight, but curio...
by ist.martin
Tue Mar 12, 2013 9:12 am
Forum: Quiet Prebuilt, SFF and Barebones Systems
Topic: Akasa Euler Fanless case
Replies: 142
Views: 161801

Re: Akasa Euler Fanless case

A couple of things: I bought the SPCR test Euler from Mike, and installed a DQ77KB with an i3-3225, 15GB of ram and a plextor SSD with Windows 8 Pro. Since the DQ77KB only has 4 USB ports, and the Euler adds none, I thought I'd free myself some ports by installing an Intel Advanced-N 6235 mini PCIe ...
by ist.martin
Sat Mar 02, 2013 6:34 pm
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Intel Next Unit of Computing Kit DC3217BY
Replies: 36
Views: 44366

Re: Intel Next Unit of Computing Kit DC3217BY

Some more information: I've been looking into the Celeron 847 version of this - http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=1220133138T&vpn=BOXDCCP847DYE - for a VortexBox music server. But I'd like to get a single 3.5" HDD and a full-size optical drive in with it. I just discovered that Asus has a Ce...
by ist.martin
Fri Mar 01, 2013 3:14 pm
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Ultimate VortexBox case? ITX, 5.5" full-size optical, 1 3.5"
Replies: 2
Views: 7580

Re: Ultimate VortexBox case? ITX, 5.5" full-size optical, 1

Can anyone ID this case: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/networking-and-wi-fi/network-attached-storage-nas/vortexbox-nas-appliance-710154/review It's the one they used when they sold their own box. I like the looks ... but am wondering what the specs are. Anyone know what case it is? Questio...
by ist.martin
Fri Mar 01, 2013 2:28 pm
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Ultimate VortexBox case? ITX, 5.5" full-size optical, 1 3.5"
Replies: 2
Views: 7580

Ultimate VortexBox case? ITX, 5.5" full-size optical, 1 3.5"

I'd like to start digitizing my many CD's. After googling 'headless CD ripper" I came across VortexBox. It seems to offer exactly what I want - effortless ripping and organizing -> just insert CD and walk away. I'd like to build one in the smallest low power box that still has room for a full size o...
by ist.martin
Tue Feb 12, 2013 10:34 am
Forum: Quiet Prebuilt, SFF and Barebones Systems
Topic: Akasa Euler Fanless case
Replies: 142
Views: 161801

Re: Akasa Euler Fanless case

75*75 to 100*100 adapters are cheap and simple. It can go either way, if u know what I mean. Basically a square plate slightly bigger than 100 square with a rim, and 2 set of 4 holes - for 75 and for 100. Try a search for VESA adapter. Thanks. I found this at NCIX: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=44022
by ist.martin
Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:57 pm
Forum: Quiet Prebuilt, SFF and Barebones Systems
Topic: Akasa Euler Fanless case
Replies: 142
Views: 161801

Re: Akasa Euler Fanless case

Yikes. I just measured my Samsung monitor, and it too has 75x75 VESA holes. So I am interested in adaptors too. Anyone?
by ist.martin
Fri Jan 11, 2013 12:01 pm
Forum: Quiet Prebuilt, SFF and Barebones Systems
Topic: Akasa Euler Fanless case
Replies: 142
Views: 161801

Re: Akasa Euler Fanless case

Aluminum - thanks for the feedback. I am now leaning toward the DQ77KB with an i3-3225 (55W TDP and HD 4000 graphics at a reasonably low price point). It seems that there are other MB makers coming on board very soon with thin mini-itx: ECS - http://www.techpowerup.com/177535/ECS-Reveals-Full-Produc...
by ist.martin
Fri Jan 11, 2013 9:27 am
Forum: Quiet Prebuilt, SFF and Barebones Systems
Topic: Akasa Euler Fanless case
Replies: 142
Views: 161801

G860 DH61AG vs G2120 DQ77KB

I am going to build a Euler system in the next week or so. I am trying to decide between DQ77KB + G2120 ($240) or DH61AG + G860 ($185). My main concern with the DQ77KB path is the scattered reports of poor reliability - including the SPCR copy! With the G860 I wonder if there is a problem with it be...
by ist.martin
Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:32 pm
Forum: Quiet Prebuilt, SFF and Barebones Systems
Topic: Akasa Euler Fanless case
Replies: 142
Views: 161801

Re: Showed up at US vendor

Aluminum wrote:$90, a little cheaper than Akasa guessed it would be stateside

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/akeufacaform.html
$115 with the power adapter.
by ist.martin
Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:47 pm
Forum: Quiet Prebuilt, SFF and Barebones Systems
Topic: Akasa Euler Fanless case
Replies: 142
Views: 161801

Re: Akasa Euler Fanless case

Ice Tea wrote:My Akasa Euler and DQ77KB arrived yesterday.............

...
Where did you get it from? Mike -what are you doing with the SPCR copy? ... I am interested.

Ian
by ist.martin
Thu Nov 22, 2012 10:41 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Options for basic VESA mount system?
Replies: 3
Views: 2860

Options for basic VESA mount system?

Hi all: I'm trying to get my head around the current options for a simple VESA mount system. All I need is a MB, simple CPU ($55 Celeron G555 class) 8GB RAM and a single SSD to house Win7 and data. I am happy with a USB WiFi (eg Asus USB-N13). I was going to go with an Antec ISK110, Intel DH77DF, G5...
by ist.martin
Fri Aug 24, 2012 12:44 pm
Forum: General Gallery
Topic: Antec Isk-110
Replies: 10
Views: 17926

Re: Antec Isk-110

Is that the stock fan that comes with the Kozuti? I.e., did you just replace the stock cooler with a stock Kozuti, and leave everything else the same? How do you configure the fan to make it inaudible?

Thanks.
by ist.martin
Mon Jul 23, 2012 8:31 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Intel DH77DF, finally a silent system
Replies: 6
Views: 8543

Re: Intel DH77DF, finally a silent system

Thank you for posting this. It seems to me that 'totally silent' 'low budget' systems like yours are the exception. Most of the silent systems here require expensive cases, coolers and power supplies. Yours looks like the kind of system that could be built with an i3-2100 for well under $500.

Cheers.
by ist.martin
Sat Jun 23, 2012 10:02 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: VESA mountable system with good SSD cooling?
Replies: 5
Views: 2925

Re: VESA mountable system with good SSD cooling?

OK. Thanks. I think this is what I will go with. The back of my monitor is cool, so it shouldn't add to the problem. Right after boot, by HDD temp shows ambient temps. It ratchets up to 47* over about 35 minutes. Would a modern SSD, such as a Micron C4 or a Samsung 830 be 'safe' to operate at 45* in...
by ist.martin
Sat Jun 23, 2012 6:21 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: VESA mountable system with good SSD cooling?
Replies: 5
Views: 2925

Re: VESA mountable system with good SSD cooling?

SSDs overheating? That's a new one on me :?: Over hard drives overheating? I'm sure a spinning hard drive would have cooked much earlier. I've had 4 SSDs flake out on me over the past 5 years. I'm sure the temps are a problem. Speedfan is giving me a consistent 47* for my current 0 dB setup with no...
by ist.martin
Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:31 pm
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: VESA mountable system with good SSD cooling?
Replies: 5
Views: 2925

VESA mountable system with good SSD cooling?

I would like to build a small, quiet, cheap for general purpose usage. (No gaming but will do the occasional cpu intensive transcoding and audio processing). In a perfect world, I would VESA mount the system to the back of my monitor to save space and block the last remnants of noise. My first cut a...
by ist.martin
Mon Jun 18, 2012 1:46 pm
Forum: Deals, Vendors and Classifieds
Topic: Scythe e-Otonashi VIA EPIA-M10000 Win98 System - GONE
Replies: 0
Views: 2511

Scythe e-Otonashi VIA EPIA-M10000 Win98 System - GONE

This has been spoken for. Someone is coming by tonight to pick it up. Yes you too can own a piece of SPCR history. I am giving away they system that Mike reviewed here: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article143-page1.html I bought it from Mike in 2004 and used it for 3 years. It has a 2 GB SSD in it...
by ist.martin
Mon Jun 04, 2012 3:17 pm
Forum: Video Cards & Monitors
Topic: Quietest card for sim racing 1920x1200?
Replies: 4
Views: 3292

Re: Quietest card for sim racing 1920x1200?

OK. I'll stick with single monitor for now. Right now I have a 1920x1200 but may move up to 2560x1440 sometime. Games I plan to try out: iRacing, Netkar Pro, rFactor, Forza, Simbin titles, DIRT titles. Given the current power of IGP, is it possible to use onboard graphics with an i3-2100 and basical...
by ist.martin
Tue May 22, 2012 10:58 am
Forum: Video Cards & Monitors
Topic: Which GTX560 Ti is the most quiet?
Replies: 27
Views: 22055

Re: Which GTX560 Ti is the most quiet?

Any updates to this thread? Has anyone found an inaudible 560 Ti solution?
by ist.martin
Tue May 22, 2012 10:41 am
Forum: Video Cards & Monitors
Topic: Quietest card for sim racing 1920x1200?
Replies: 4
Views: 3292

Quietest card for sim racing 1920x1200?

I have never done any gaming before, because I always found the user interface and responsiveness drove me nuts within minutes. But now, I'd like to start playing sim racing games on my PC. I have a single 1920x1200 monitor. Is there a 'silent at idle' video card that would play these games smoothly...