rvalkass

Aug 11 2008, 06:01 PM

I'm looking at buying a new desktop PC before I head off to University (46 days and counting ). I'm spending around £700 and hopefully building it myself (I find them to be much more reliable and high quality, plus it's fun ).

So far, I've got the following spec:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pG5...C6AzjZAqwLfxgWA

I'm aiming for a fairly quiet machine, so my main concern at the moment is the graphics card. According to reviews, that card can make quite a bit of noise. I've looked at fanless ones (mainly ASUS), but most are double-width (taking up 2 slots for one card) and the lack of dedicated cooling could cause the rest of the system to run hotter, and therefore cause the remaining fans to run faster.

Any general recommendations? Any specific suggestions for a decent, quiet graphics card?

 

 

 

Reply

rayzoredge

Aug 11 2008, 09:07 PM

From your system specs and the video card that you selected, I'm guessing you want a very nice machine that can handle some gaming. The problem with anything that deals with gaming is heat, considering that GPUs have to work really hard to keep up the constant load. If you truly want a quiet PC, I recommend liquid cooling but ONLY because you want a quiet PC. I avoid it myself because I don't want to have to deal with the possibility of leaks, or having to change the liquid every 6 months to a year, or any other complications that always comes with newer things, but it has been done successfully many times, as proven by, well, everyone else.

I don't have a specific solution right now... but once I get a lot of things that I need done myself and have a bit more free time, and if anyone else hasn't provided anything, I'll let you know what I can come up with.

Reply

rayzoredge

Aug 12 2008, 03:13 PM

That's an interesting thing to see... a video card with just a heat sink.

The funny thing is that I just thought of one of my previous designs that included a VGA heat sink cooler by Zalman that could possibly do the trick with silent cooling while opting out of the possible mess that is liquid cooling. I'm not sure how you would incorporate it into your build, but if you need additional cooling, this cooler may do the trick and even comes with RAM heatsinks.

Watch that airflow.

As far as graphical capabilities go, the 8800GT would be a steal considering everyone is moving onto the 9000 and 200 series for NVIDIA and abandoning their older cards for newer ones. If you compare the benchmarks, the 8800GT is probably about 3 times faster than the 8600... and I've been seeing these cards for less than $100 USD. Then again, I don't know the noise levels of the fan on that thing, so maybe if you either keep the fan off and snag that Zalman cooler, you can get the performance of a proven higher-end GPU and the noise levels that you might be aiming for.

Personally, I can't see how anyone could be picky about noise by the decibel unless those occasional whirring sounds from noisy optical drives drive you nuts. Is it really worth the price tag and the considerations that you have to keep in mind when building a system? Am I missing something here?

Reply

onscreen

Aug 12 2008, 03:27 PM

Hmmm.. I would say opt for 9600GT instead if you can find a slient one. Try looking for Asus graphic card, if i remember correctly they have a slient model of 9600GT. Also do consider putting in a PCIE slot fan else you would get a heat pocket below the graphic card that would fry your graphics card memory.

Like what RayzorEdge said, the higher the GPU speed is the more heat it generates.

Update : i have gone through the list, its impressive Well picked parts. It should do you wonders. Any chance of changing the casing? If the budget isnt your limitation, i would go for Cooler Master 690 as it have huge internal space for good airflow and cable management.

my 2 cents!

Reply

rvalkass

Aug 12 2008, 07:22 PM

QUOTE(rayzoredge @ Aug 12 2008, 04:13 PM)

The funny thing is that I just thought of one of my previous designs that included a VGA heat sink cooler by Zalman that could possibly do the trick with silent cooling while opting out of the possible mess that is liquid cooling. I'm not sure how you would incorporate it into your build, but if you need additional cooling, this cooler may do the trick and even comes with RAM heatsinks.

I don't really want to start modifying my hardware like that. I like the security of the warranty, and changing the cooling system would probably void that

QUOTE(rayzoredge @ Aug 12 2008, 04:13 PM)

As far as graphical capabilities go, the 8800GT would be a steal considering everyone is moving onto the 9000 and 200 series for NVIDIA and abandoning their older cards for newer ones. If you compare the benchmarks, the 8800GT is probably about 3 times faster than the 8600... and I've been seeing these cards for less than $100 USD. Then again, I don't know the noise levels of the fan on that thing, so maybe if you either keep the fan off and snag that Zalman cooler, you can get the performance of a proven higher-end GPU and the noise levels that you might be aiming for.

The 8800GT is a very good card, but about twice as expensive over here (around £100 new). It seems there are a few available with larger, slower-spinning fans, so they are cooled well and are still comparatively quiet. It's also quite a long card, but looking at the motherboard, that shouldn't be a problem.

QUOTE(rayzoredge @ Aug 12 2008, 04:13 PM)

Personally, I can't see how anyone could be picky about noise by the decibel unless those occasional whirring sounds from noisy optical drives drive you nuts.

Actually, now you mention it, the whirring noise on the current desktop PC in my house sounds more like someone drilling into masonry when it spins up That really is quite annoying!

QUOTE(rayzoredge @ Aug 12 2008, 04:13 PM)

Is it really worth the price tag and the considerations that you have to keep in mind when building a system? Am I missing osmething here?

I'm gonna be using this PC at University, and the accommodation is not exactly spacious. I tend to leave my PC on all day, and in my accommodation that could get a bit annoying if it is too loud. If it comes down to it, I'd pick performance over a slight increase in noise - I'd rather have a louder PC that I can use than a quiet PC I can't. As far as the graphics card is concerned, it will likely be the noisiest component of the PC, so I want to do my best to minimise the noise from it.

QUOTE(onscreen @ Aug 12 2008, 04:27 PM)

Hmmm.. I would say opt for 9600GT instead if you can find a slient one. Try looking for Asus graphic card, if i remember correctly they have a slient model of 9600GT. Also do consider putting in a PCIE slot fan else you would get a heat pocket below the graphic card that would fry your graphics card memory.

If I do get a fanless graphics card then I will need to take a serious look at the airflow to make sure I don't start frying things.

QUOTE(onscreen @ Aug 12 2008, 04:27 PM)

Update : i have gone through the list, its impressive Well picked parts. It should do you wonders. Any chance of changing the casing? If the budget isnt your limitation, i would go for Cooler Master 690 as it have huge internal space for good airflow and cable management.

The Coolermaster 690 was a case I looked at to start with, and it is an excellent case, but I eventually decided I liked the gloss black and silver look of the Antec Solo more.

Reply

onscreen

Aug 12 2008, 07:35 PM

If so, i fully respect your choice on Antec Solo case. I have just did a quick search on the casing and found it impressive as well. Sadly it is hard to get my hands on the Antec casing here but from the reviews i read, many turns out positive with some-not-so-obvious flaws.

All the best, mate!

Reply

bluedragon

Aug 13 2008, 07:29 PM

Hi rvalkass,

Nice specs.
I would like to make some suggestions though. Judging by your config, I think you are planning to build a fast machine. I'll say, you should try to build a stable machine.

I am using Asus P5Q motherboard and I dont think its too great. The motherboard temp rises to 45 degree celcius with almost zero load. I'll suggest you go for an XFX 680i SLi motherboard.
You might think that P5Q has a PCI-Ex 2.0 and 680i doesn't but believe me, 680i SLi is a lot better and XFX has made that great motherboard.

I find a lot of small usefull things missing on an Asus motherboard. Like they don't allow jack retasking on their sound card. Its a simple feature but yet very useful at times.
You won't be getting a dual LAN port on normal Asus motherboard. 680i does have that, It even allows you to combine 2 different broadband to work as a single.

besides these small problems, there would be a bigger problem for you
Since you plan to run Linux on this machine , I couldn't configure slax to run properly on my machine. It doesn't recognize the sound card and the LAN.
Plus , I was not even able to see my harddrives. Although I was able to run a live version of Ubuntu on this machine but that too with some glitches. Sound was not working in that too.


lastly, For graphics card, I'd say you go for an 8800 series instead of 9600 series, since people generally don't see this but still, 9600 gt is a 256 bit architecture and 8800 is a 384 bit. It does make a difference when you use for gaming

Hope this helps

Reply

rvalkass

Aug 14 2008, 08:29 PM

QUOTE(bluedragon @ Aug 13 2008, 08:29 PM)

You won't be getting a dual LAN port on normal Asus motherboard. 680i does have that, It even allows you to combine 2 different broadband to work as a single.

I can't see myself ever actually needing 2 LAN ports - it's one of those features people always want, but never actually use

QUOTE(bluedragon @ Aug 13 2008, 08:29 PM)

Since you plan to run Linux on this machine , I couldn't configure slax to run properly on my machine. It doesn't recognize the sound card and the LAN.
Plus , I was not even able to see my harddrives. Although I was able to run a live version of Ubuntu on this machine but that too with some glitches. Sound was not working in that too.

I've generally considered ASUS to be fairly good in making their products work well with Linux, but you've made me look deeper into some reviews, and it appears that the P5Q series of boards are not particularly Linux-friendly (despite the fact they use Linux for the fast boot up feature). I've always liked ASUS stuff, so I'd rather stick with them if possible, but I shall certainly take a look at the board you suggested.

QUOTE(bluedragon @ Aug 13 2008, 08:29 PM)

lastly, For graphics card, I'd say you go for an 8800 series instead of 9600 series, since people generally don't see this but still, 9600 gt is a 256 bit architecture and 8800 is a 384 bit. It does make a difference when you use for gaming

I can get a 384MB 8800GS card for about the same price as the 9600GT I picked originally. Which one offers the best value for money, and best performance?

Reply

Latest Entries

bluedragon

Aug 27 2008, 01:33 PM

Just a friendly reminder. Take care with the power supply with this card. Although this looks like any other card but 8800 series is a power hungry series. Although you've chosen a 520W corsair but to be on the safe side try looking for something around 750watt or a 1000watt modular. That will make your system future safe. since in case you put up more drives you will need extra power.

as far as I know , the processor you've chosen E8500 is based on 45nm technology so it must be using around 100 watt approx or may be less
and the graphic card will use up around 200-300 watt when its working in full throttle.

So that works up to 300-400 watt on just two things. If you are planning to put up may be another 8800 series later in SLI or may be 3-4 drives later. 520 would be less for your purpose. Otherwise, It should work fine.

Reply

rvalkass

Aug 20 2008, 07:25 PM

QUOTE(bluedragon @ Aug 20 2008, 12:25 PM)

http://www.ncixus.com/products/26780/PVT88PYDF4/XFX/
here's a direct link for 8800 GT

Dont go for a GS version. Wait for price drop if you have to

This is one card thats worth every penny

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/141248

It's only a 256MB card though, and the Zotac has a higher core clock speed. However, I agree with you that many reviews say the 8800 series is better than the 9600 series, so I'll certainly look into the card I linked above. The prices of everything else have dropped, so I can afford that little bit extra on the graphics.

QUOTE(Stridr @ Aug 20 2008, 12:33 PM)

I really find that computer worth investing in, but personally I find DIY computers better.

I am building it myself, if that's what you mean by DIY. Hence all this discussion of the components

QUOTE(williamm @ Aug 20 2008, 03:59 PM)

I think you have a good computer going there, but i wouldn't play to much hard core games on that intel, It will most likely to over heat. If you clock it to much.

I'm probably not going to overclock the system - too much heat, and I'm aiming to be as quiet as possible. As for hard core games - I'm running Linux Depending on how far WINE gets with getting games to run, hard core games are not likely.

QUOTE(williamm @ Aug 20 2008, 03:59 PM)

Thats why i have a student computer that i built and then my gaming computer lol so much easier and don't have to worry so much about it. I think everything else is awesome though. I would go with the Nvida 8800 gt you will be amazed with it.That's the video card that i am working for right now. so that i can play crysis. I got that game for a graduation pressent and came to find that that i couldn't play it because of my video card. That sucks let me tell you lol.

I still have my laptop, but if I find that I don't really need it, then I may well sell it to another student

Reply

williamm

Aug 20 2008, 02:59 PM

I think you have a good computer going there, but i wouldn't play to much hard core games on that intel, It will most likely to over heat. If you clock it to much. Thats why i have a student computer that i built and then my gaming computer lol so much easier and don't have to worry so much about it. I think everything else is awesome though. I would go with the Nvida 8800 gt you will be amazed with it.That's the video card that i am working for right now. so that i can play crysis. I got that game for a graduation pressent and came to find that that i couldn't play it because of my video card. That sucks let me tell you lol.

Reply

Stridr

Aug 20 2008, 11:33 AM

I really find that computer worth investing in, but personally I find DIY computers better.

Reply

1. 8600gt cooler - 151.60 hr back. (2)
2. looking for new desktop pc - 1445.88 hr back. (1)
3. nvida fan 8600gt noise - 1815.33 hr back. (1)
4. how much fanless graphic card cost - 1885.23 hr back. (1)

1. My New Backup Solution - Kind of a review/advice (2)
2. Which Laptop Should I Buy? - Advice Needed (14)

   Hello I am about to buy a laptop. I need some expert's advice right now. Which company is good
   and reliable? The main question is this- I want a laptop which had a lot of RAM, good speed, a lot
   of hard disk space, good video and sound card, bluetooth and a biuld in webcam. The thing, I play
   Microsoft flight simulator (One of the slowest games you will find). It needs a lot of space, fast
   computer and a good video card. This is all that I know of it. Please advice me over this. Which is
   the best laptop for me? And please dont advice anything too expensive. I cant ...

3. I Need Keyboard Advice - Ergonomic keyboard for my Mom (8)

   My Mom really wants an ergonomic keyboard. Back in the day - as in, when Win98 was the latest OS -
   she had Microsoft's version. Piece of junk - we burned through two of those stupid things before
   we figured out how cruddy they are. I like Belkin's input devices. In fact, I'm using one
   of their ergonomic keyboards right now. It's a good model for the price (under 35 bucks online -
   can't remember exactly where, though). But, I want to see if anybody has any better
   recommendations before I make any suggestions to Mom. So...any ideas? /smile.gif" style...

4. Need External Dvd Burner Advice - (4)

   Ok, well i am planning on buying an external DVD Drive, and i found this
   http://www.amazon.com/Memorex-32023288-Dou...ectronics\ and i think this might be kool, because i
   am seeing an S-Video cord on the back of that thing, and i am thinking that maybe that will allow me
   to plug it into the back of my TV, or my DVD player and record what is on TV on to a DVD? i am
   wondering if anyone here on trap17 have this, or have used it, or have seen it in use and can vouch
   for what it can do... besides hook up to a computer by a USB or firewire and burn DVD's/CD's
   than...

5. Laptop Advice Needed - Around £1000 Budget. - (2)

   I have spent quite a while looking for a laptop on the net, i'm thinking of spending around
   £1000. It's a difficult decision to make as i have had no opportunuty to test any of the ones
   which interest me, i'm working only on manufacturers specifications. I need a laptop that is
   fairly portable I.E 15.4" TFT not 17" and would like somthing that i could use for a few games
   although i'm not a heavy gamer so an alienware laptop is not an option. QUOTE The laptops
   which i am considering are:- Samsung R55 - Intel Core Duo 1.66 Ghz - 15,4" WXGA Glar...

6. Need Some Hardware Advice On Digital Pens - (7)

   Ok so i use my laptop at school for all my notes in physics and biology but for my diagrams i am
   currently using either paint or Microsoft onenote's built in drawing tool, what i want is a
   digital pen for the diagrams, i have seen this one
   http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products...,categoryid=401 But it seems to me that you do your
   writing/diagramms then download it, but what i need is as i write the diagram comes up on the screen
   on Microsoft Onenote which is what i use for my notes. What can i use?...

7. Advise Me On New Laptop Purchase - Advice on which one and what spec. (5)

   Hey i'm getting a new laptop and i was wondering which one i should get. I hope this is the
   right place since this is the advice forum i thought this is the right place to put it. I have any
   $$$ amount for one, but nothing like 10,000 dollars. I'll spend a little more for something that
   is good and will last. I have never had a laptop. I have just always had desktops. Any advice
   would be great....

8. Xps Anyone? - Need advice on those Dell toys! (8)

   I have seen their specs, and they seem to be really good, but I was wondering, are they good for
   working too??? I would like to buy one of those, but I would run also stuff like AutoCad, Adobe and
   Macromedia stuff, and don't wanna find that there's a catch. /sad.gif"
   style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad.gif" /> Just by the specs, they seem
   to be able to launch anything!!! of course, their cost is almos the double a regular lap would be.
   What do you think???...

9. Need Advice. - Socket A and pretty decent or Socket 939 and poor specs? (3)

   I am building a computer soon, and I dont know which to go for. I am leaning torwards socket 939
   becuase I can upgrade to AMD 64 3X00 latter when I have more money, but that wont be for at least 6
   months. So, then I started thinking about getting a socket A computer that has an AMD XP 3000+. If I
   get the socket A, I can get a 128MB VC and a Gig of RAM, but if I get the 939 I will have to settle
   with intergrated video and 512MB of RAM for a while. I am asking you this, should I go for socket A
   or 939?...

10. Overclocking On A Laptop? - advice needed (4)

    I've got a Presario 2568 with a Radeon 9200 shared graphics card. now in the BIOS it says i can
    set the card to 128MB, but the manual and tech support say that that is not an option. as far as
    tehy're concerned , it isn't a bios option. but since it is, i would like to know whether or
    not it would do any good to set it at 128 instead of the default 64. would that count as
    overclocking, and overheat the chip? or would it simply be a waste of 64 mb memory?...