Computer Build 1
08.02.06 - 07:53pm
Normally I try to not write plugs for my own services and whatnot but computer hardware is my second love and I hope some of my readers feel the same way. Technically this was my second build for a client but this is the first one that I have decided to document to an extent.
Components
The original design specifications called for a near-silent computer that could function as both an HTPC(home theater PC) and a good general computer. Since an HTPC was the most stringent requirement I decided to build this system around as many silent components as possible. To start I selected the Antec Sonata II in a glossy black which is a perfect case for any solution. With only a single variable speed 120mm fan along with an Antec SmartPower 450 watt powersupply this was a good choice to try and keep the acoustics down. The decision between AMD and Intel came down to price and upgradeability. Anyone will tell you the PC market is currently in a grey area between generations, you have the old Netburst and K8 chips being phased out while the new Core 2 Duo and soon K8L chips entering the market. Since early adoption of technology is usually a bad choice I decided to play it safe and pick up a Pentium D with a Gigabyte DS3 965P board. The DS3 offers a great mix between performance, price, and features. The most important feature was the ability to support both Core 2 Duo and Netburst processors which makes this a solid platform for a few years. I selected a Thermaltake Ultra-90 to cool the processor as the stock Intel heatsink is something best reserved to the trashcan. Two gigs of G.Skill DDR2-667 along with a 320GB Seagate 7200.10 gave the system enough memory and storage space. I selected a passively cooled x1600 to try and avoid the whine of a GPU fan which turned out to be a rather good choice as the system is nearly silent. A powercolor Theater 550 Pro along with an Audigy 2 ZS were chosen to help create the most realistic TV and movie watching experience.
Impression
When I finished assembling the PC and fired it up for the first time I wasn’t sure if it was on or not. I only realized it was on when the monitor came up with the bios boot screen. Even under full-load the system stays very quiet with a single 90mm fan cooling the heatsink and a 120mm exhaust fan. I was very impressed with the Seagate 7200.10 as it stayed relatively cool while not even emiting a whisper even while accessing the drive. The biggest suprise of all had to be the video card, while temperatures crept into the 50 Celsius range at idle, the silence was golden. The system does a great job handling all CPU intensive tasks and it even fairs pretty well while gaming but since that wasn’t the primary purpose that is to be expected. As per the owners request I implemented a moderate overclock to 3.6GHz from 2.66Ghz which was rock solid stable at the default core voltage. For those people that need a silent combination of parts while staying within the low to midrange budget I would have no qualms about reccomending any of these parts. I hope the owner enjoys it as much as I enjoyed building it. The pictures just don’t do the case justice as I was forced to use my phone.
Hrm, I will need to teach you my ways of cable management. Is it just me or is the P180 identical to the Sonata? Anyways that is a solid chip from the looks of your overclocking ventures.
Just kidding on the P180, it’s a Sonata II and there isn’t a whole lot of cable management that can be performed due to the fact that the sidepanel is riveted to the case. Would be nice to sleeve the PSU w/ some black heatshrink but that is beyond the purpose of this PC.
Enjoyed reading this. Hardware is a great love of mine also and ever since I clocked my celeron 466 @ 583 i’ve been a big fan on making “smart” choices given the options in the current computer market. It’s not exactly easy to figure out because you have to take alot of factors into consideration.