8 core ready system

[knight_2k1]

I am new to these forums and any suggestions for my system are appreciated.

My goals in building this machine were:
Minimize the cost
Maximize the potential for upgrades
Run at least 1 sata raid 5 array

Already have:
MOBO: ASUS L1N64 WS
CPU: 2 AMD 2210 opteron socket F (4x4 with quad core opterons should be possible, these are temporary)
MEM: 4X1 GB PC 5400 667 unbuffered
PSU: 600W OCZ GameXstream
case: thermaltake armor full (silver)
monitor: dell ultrasharp 207w
HDD: 36 or 74 GB 10K rpm WD Raptor
Raid: onboard raid 5, 4 SATA maxtor maxline pro 500GB

Need help with:
opteron in 4x4 - I realize this is not an officially recommended setup, but I got a great deal on the opterons and I've been reading about how they should work with the L1N64. Also allows for cheaper, unbuffered ram. Does anyone have firsthand experience with this setup?

video card - I'm not a gamer. I just want best bang for my buck. Considerations are 2 dvi ports, hdcp, quiet operation, heat minimization. I'm thinking a 7900GT?

cpu cooling - apparently finding opteron coolers is a challenge. Thoughts on using 940 coolers? I saw one site suggest the scythe katana. Help with mounting would be great.

Raid array - can the maxtors hold up? I already have them, just have never run them with raid. Should I run special cooling?

Software - Haven't done my homework here. What OS do I need to run to take advantage of dual processors?

Feel free to suggest other add-ons ie fan controllers which reduce heat and noise.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[Mr.Ferrari]

I would get a Corsair HX 520W just because its quieter and better suited to your power needs. More so then that 600w ocz.

I would go with some DDR2 800 myself, Corsair XMS 5-5-5 kit.

If your not a gamer then look at the 7600GT or 8600GT. I know alot of them come with passive cooling mechanisms.

Correct me if im wrong, since this is a 2P setup, XP or Vista should work fine. I don't think you have a need for a server OS here.

Honestly though, 4X4 was a flop. It draws way too much juice and runs very hot. And its performance does not make up for this. A quad core kentsfield from intel will out perform it and be more efficient. Heck, if you wait until July 22nd, you can get the Q6600 for $266.

Im not a big fan of maxtor's reliability, but go ahead and try them out.

[knight_2k1]

Core 4x4 may have been a commercial flop, but two processors allow for 12 sata drives and 4 pci-e slots. Theoretically it will allow 8 cores as well.

It is the capacity that I liked rather than raw performance. The 1207 socket is supposed to support future developments as well.

I also got the mobo and 2 processors for $450 canadian with taxes and delivery while the suggested price for the Q6600 processor alone is $851 US.
See http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10...-core_pricing/

Anyone else have opinions on this issue?

[Mr.Ferrari]

The price is something near $530 US..with it becoming $266 in two months.

If your looking for a multi core, why not do a proper workstation build? Go with a nice Tyan or Supermicro board, and pop in two opterons or intel woodcrests if you want the performance advantage. Quantity is definately there with F for sure, but quality is definately lacking. Future K10 based processors will be on a totally new chipset, and most on DDR3. Just saying. You definately got one heck of a deal on the processor mobo combo though, and that alone would probably make it worth if I was in your situation. Just giving my opinion is all.

I personally like a dedicated Raid card if im going for multi raid setups, although I would try onboard first. Good luck on the build, sorry I couldn't give you any specific advice as I dont have a 4x4 setup myself.

[knight_2k1]

Thanks for your advice Mr. Ferrari.
I'm sure I'll go for a full workstation setup in future. I just couldn't pass up those prices.

I am considering a raid card, but I'll try the on board stuff first.

Any thoughts out there on CPU cooling for 2 opterons? It looks like the sockets are fairly close together.