Budget AMD cruncher new build, final check with you guys!

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brandon402

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Jul 2, 2012
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I participate in volunteer grid computing on WorldCommunityGrid.org, so with this build I'm trying to get as many cores working as inexpensively as possible. I have spent the last few evenings picking parts and revising my list, I'd just like to run it by you guys before ordering. I am open to any suggestions, or if you think it looks good let me know that too. Thanks!

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2jUZo
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2jUZo/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2jUZo/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($139.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($92.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($35.44 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 6450 1GB Video Card ($36.97 @ OutletPC)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $478.33
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-13 21:30 EST-0500)

 
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Sangeet Khatri
Nice choice with the Arc Midi. It is an awesome case, better than both Corsair 200R and Bitfenix Shinobi. Go for it.

Since you just want to run a monitor using the Graphics card, hence any graphics card would do just fine. Since you are not gaming, I don't see why would you need a better graphics card. For just running monitors, the 5450 is good enough. But you are free to choose whatever you like. If you are comfortable with the 6450, then go for that. But, 5450 and 6450 are equivalent for anyone who isn't gaming.

Anyways have fun :)
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brandon402

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Jul 2, 2012
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Thanks Tradesman1!

My first build was based on i7-3770 (total around $1,000) in January of this year. I made that for 3D modeling/rendering. A few months ago I started on WCG, and now I'm using all my extra computer power for it. The i7 desktop works like an 8 core because of hyperthreading, then I have a dual core laptop and a dual core Android phone. Once I add the 8 core AMD I'll have 20 cores crunching! :)
 
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Sangeet Khatri

Sangeet Khatri

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May 26, 2013
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Nice build. Just change the Case to something else like Bitfenix Shinobi. Corsair 200R is said to have HDD heating issues, which may cause damage to the HDD. Hence it is recommended to use another case instead.

Bitfenix Shinobi Window is a pretty nice case :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Case: BitFenix Shinobi Window ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $54.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-13 23:59 EST-0500)

This is the only change that I would suggest. Other than that, you are good to go.
 
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Sangeet Khatri

Sangeet Khatri

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Annyways, if you just want to run as much cores as possible, then any case with good airflow would do, so with just a few changes, this build does the same just for a little bit cheaper. Only for $435. So, just have a look at this build too.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($139.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($92.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital RE3 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($32.94 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 5450 1GB Video Card ($19.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $435.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-14 00:15 EST-0500)
 
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Sangeet Khatri

Sangeet Khatri

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I am not saying that 200R has problems, it is the reviews which are saying that. Anandtech's review of the 200r says that the HDD is overheating and the HDD bay is a haet trapper which is why I suggested the change of chassis. Take a look at Anandtech's Corsair 200R review conclusion page at http://www.anandtech.com/show/6515/corsair-carbide-200r-case-review-how-low-can-you-go/7

It says :

Unfortunately things start to fall apart when we get to the drive cage. I hate to nitpick on a single issue like this, but the pursuit of a toolless design has resulted in what could conceivably become a serious hot spot. We're talking about an SSD reaching temperatures of close to 40C in a mid tower; that's within spec, but what happens when you start adding more drives? The cage traps heat, is staggeringly difficult to use, and is even actually a little fragile.
Click to expand...

Hence, this was the reason why I suggested that. Nothing in it for me. :)
 
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brandon402

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Thanks for trying to help me, Sangeet! I would use the G Skill Sniper memory you listed (and save $4) but they're sold out. So I'll have to go with the G Skill Ripjaws. Also I think I'll stick with the 6450 video card for around $40, instead of buying the 5450 for $20. I noticed the FX-8320 actually says on the side of the box (Use with Radeon 6000 graphics for a great experience) or something like that.

I have really been looking at cases the last few days trying to find one I like. My narrow list included the Corsair 200R and Rosewill Challenger. I like cases that have a front,rear, and top fan pre-installed. I think I might "splurge" though, and go with a Fractal Design Arc Midi for a couple of reasons http://us.ncix.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=78227&vpn=FD-CA-ARC-R2-BL-W&manufacture=Fractal%20Design&promoid=1223

I already own the Arc Mini (micro-atx) and love the case, plus the Arc Midi comes with three 140mm fans pre-installed (front, rear, top) plus I have another 140mm laying around I was going to put in my Mini if I installed a graphics card, and most other cases don't have mounts for 140, usually just 120mm fans.

 
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Sangeet Khatri

Sangeet Khatri

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May 26, 2013
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Nice choice with the Arc Midi. It is an awesome case, better than both Corsair 200R and Bitfenix Shinobi. Go for it.

Since you just want to run a monitor using the Graphics card, hence any graphics card would do just fine. Since you are not gaming, I don't see why would you need a better graphics card. For just running monitors, the 5450 is good enough. But you are free to choose whatever you like. If you are comfortable with the 6450, then go for that. But, 5450 and 6450 are equivalent for anyone who isn't gaming.

Anyways have fun :)
 
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