Do I really NEED a fast computer?

[jmebonner]

K guys, I build computers frequently, not like some of you, but probably 10-15+ yearly. Thing is, I have no time for computer gaming, what gaming I do is on xbox. I don't rip, or encode dvds anymore. I run no programs that are real intense lik photoshop, quark, any of that stuff..., I rarely even burn a cd anymore, etc.etc. The only thing I like to have a lot of power for is for FAD, but that's not enough of a reason to keep upgrading.

I currently have a 2500+ o/ced to 3200, 512 MB of pc 3200, a7n8x dlx 1.06, 52x cdrw, radeon aiw 8500 64 mb, and a nice looking chenming case w/ window.

The case is too big, it doesn't fit on my desk like I want it to. It has gotten too loud (Actually it's the same volume, I'm just getting older .) It was way too many drive bays, I'm a one or two optical, one hdd and one floppy guy.

I'm thinking about maybe going to a small form factor computer or using the parts I have laying around to build about a 1 Ghz computer and getting rid of this setup.

The only catch in the whole deal is that I'm on #MB cable and don't want to sacrafice ANY speed as far as that goes.

Thought, opinions, snide remarks ?

[HeadBand]

if you don't really need to sell the system for the extra cash.. i would just keep it...mabey get a smaller case and if you really need to get a matx board

[jmebonner]

Nah, don't really NEED to, but could always use the $$ for something else I don't need, like tools, or xbox games

[teengeek88]

if ur looking for performance i wouldnt get a small form factor pc (aka cube pc) i would go with a mATX board and a minitower or possibly a "desktop" << kinda old school lol >>

[Mickwish]

Go for a SFF case and board. Shuttle make SFF's that take P4's or XP CPU's, now. Pretty small, looks neat, and has all the trimmin's. More SFF cases and mobos comin' out all the time now.

Sounds to me like you don't need 3+GHz of power, so why not spend more on a nice case that is small but stylish? You don't really sacrifice anything except the ability to o'clock and change hardware easily. If they aren't key factors, go SFF.

Cheers
Mick

[jmebonner]

Mick, don't try to pull that on me, buddy. I'm wise enough to know that you just want me to reduce power b/c I'm catching you in the stats over there at XPC If I do downsize, I'll be recruiting some other computers to make up for it

[jmichna]

Assuming "#MB" cable is 3MB, even a modest pc will keep up with tcp/ip traffic. IMO, the major downside to a small form factor is they are usually more difficult to ventilate and cool effectively. In your situation, expandability will not be a concern.

I suggest you would be better off with a larger form factor and case, and go with more passive cooling. A case that can take 120mm intake/exhuast fans can move a very large amount of air with relatively silent low rpm 120mm fans.

Zalman would be a good source for quiet CPU, chipset, video coolers, and even quiet power supplies.

You could run your current CPU at default speeds, or even under clock it to accomodate a more quiet but less efficient HS/Fan combo... if required.

One last consideration... sleeve bearing fans tend to run more quietly than ball bearing fans (but unless top quality, like Papst) the sleeve-bearing fans will wear, and need to be replaced more often than ball-bearing fans.

[Mickwish]

He got me!!

One can try, can't one?

Cheers
Mick

[jmebonner]

LOL Mick


could you gimme a linky for a case like you mean, jmichna?

thx

[jmichna]

Originally posted by jmebonner
LOL Mick


could you gimme a linky for a case like you mean, jmichna?

thx

I happen to like the Lite-On FS020 case (a entry level server/workstation case). It's big, but takes a single 120mm intake bottom/front and can take two 120mm top/rear exhaust fans.

Link for FS-020: http://www.liteonenclosure.com/products/fs020/fs020.htm

I'm pretty sure www.outsideloop.com carries the FS-020... I'm sure there must be other places, too... and perhaps for a better price.