My virtual 2008 Anitec 'Stealth' build ...

[ist.martin]

I plan to have Anitec build me a system that I specify from their stock items - http://www.anitec.ca/pc_builder/. Anitec is a local PC builder here in Vancouver, who has sold an SPCR-designed 'Stealth' model in the past.

Since they don't currently have a Stealth model available, I thought I'd specify one, with the latest and greatest parts, and see where I end up.

I have been exhaustively reading the forums here the past few days, and it seems that there are really just two 'concensus' builds at this moment, for a general system with light gaming:

i.Intel e7200 w either P35 + 3450 discrete graphics, or G45
ii. AMD 4850e w GA-MA78GM-S2H, using onboard 780G

I have been wrestling with this choice. I plan to use the system to rip my 1200 CD + 800 LP music collection to digital (FLAC + MP3). I am leaning towards the C2D solution, as I believe it will be much faster when ripping and converting music. I intend to store the music on external eSATA drives (WD GP 750 GB), software mirrored.

I have gone with a microATX form, simply because the Antec NSK3480 seems to be the best all-in-one case/PS unit I can find, from a silencing perspective.

Common components

Antec NSK 3480 w EarthWatts 380W PS - $100
Corsair 2 GB XMS2 800mhz RAM - $65
WD Caviar SE16 640GB HD, WD6400AAKS - $80
Pioneer DVR-216D DVD+- - $36 (for superior EAC performance)

Installation - $40

($321 of common parts)

1. Intel

C2D e7200 cpu - $140
Asus P5Q-EM mb - $140 (with energy-saving processor)
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Heatsink/fan - $28 (fan upgrade required?)
Xigmatek bolt-on kit for S1283/LGA775 - $12
Scythe Slipstream 800 rpm case fan - $10

($320 for Intel parts)

1.2 Intel with discrete graphics

Asus P5K-SE mb - $100 (full ATX)
Antek NSK4480B w stock 380W Earthwatts PS - (-$10)
Asus Radeon 3450 discrete GPU - $43

(cost ~ the same, but will run hotter, so may need more cooling?)


2. AMD
AMD Athlon X2 4850e cpu - $90
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H mb with 780G - $90
Thermalright Ultra-90 CPU cooler - $20
Scythe Kama Flex 92mm 1600 CPU fan - $10
Scythe Slipstream 120mm 800 rpm case fan - $10

($220 for AMD parts)


So the total, assembled, is $640 for an Intel e7200 system, or $540 for an AMD 4850e system.

The system will be mostly for my kids use (boys, 10 and 12) who currently play a lot of online games. But their friends are starting to get into pc-based games, which I know nothing about. I want them to start running ALICE. I am neither a tinkerer nor an upgrader. I tend to buy my systems, and leave them be for 5+ years until I get another.

Do you think these systems will be able to hit the 20-22dB mark? Do I need anything else in the way of cooling parts? Anything else?

Hopefully this will inspire Anitec to offer another Stealth model - this time they could go the more powerful C2D route, and at a price point $200 lower than last year (without OS).

[[F]bernZ]

I actually asked them a while ago and they said that they'd be having another stealth build coming up soon... worth the wait, perhaps?

I'd go for the AMD system myself. Replace the Ultra-90 with a Scythe Ninja 2, & change the board to a M3A78-EM (GM-S2H has issues with the northbridge heatsink, and last time I checked, Anitec still has rev 1.0 in stock and not 1.1)

You can also consider running a 3450 in Hybrid Crossfire (you'd need Vista to reap the benefits) to get better performance when gaming.

[ist.martin]

Mike's review of an Asus 780G board is lukewarm at best. If you search the forums you also find posts like this:

viewtopic.php?t=49340&highlight=m3a78

DanielG:

"DO NOT ever, ever buy an Asus M3A-78 EMH HDMI. It's a bad motherboard. It has a poorly written BIOS, which cases CPU overheat and thermal throtling problems with some CPUs ( Athlon X2 5xxx, 6xxx and Phenoms). It also has a very small southbridge (SB700) heatsink, which is causing severe overheating problems in my PC. Networking is the most affected. Not good for a low airflow silent case.

If anyone wants a AMD 780G motherboard, should buy a Gigabyte instead."

Which makes me very leary of going the Asus route. I'm starting to wonder if 780G is too bleeding edge for someone like myself. I want the system to work, be rock solid and and last for years.

What would be the lastest motherboard for a 4850e that is considered absolutely rock solid?

[[F]bernZ]

The EMH didn't have the best reviews.. I've used numerous M3A78-EM machines and they've been nothing but good to me.

Fan control works perfectly fine, layout of the board is fairly good. None of the heatsinks were too warm.. I haven't run into the same problems that Mike has with regards to the M3A78PRO. Keep in mind, I'm talking about the M3A78-EM here which can be found @ anitec here.

http://www.anitec.ca/product/11524/asus ... et_am2%2b/

Its a fairly good board, IMO.