View Full Version : Building a quiet PC
Hi Guys,
I'm currently in the process of purchasing components to build myself a quiet (perhaps silent?) PC based around the AOpen 915GM motherboard and Pentium M chip.
So far I have ordered:
-AOpen i915GM-HFS motherboard.
-Zalman Ultra Quiet 400W ZM400B-APS PSU.
-Gigabyte GV-NX66T256D Fanless 128MB 6600GT.
-Samsung SP120 250GB HDD
Yet to order:
-Case
-Memory (the board can take up to 2MB of DDR2 533MHz)
-Processor (I'm looking at the 533MHz FSB Pentium Ms, perhaps the 750 or 760)
-Monitor (17 or 19in LCD - I have a Iiyama ProLite E431S on my current setup, and I've been very impressed).
-Keyboard/mouse/speakers
Any recommendations/thoughts?
Case: Antec Aria, ultra quiet case with damped panels. It that's too small, try the P180. See here. (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Antec_Cases.html)
CPU: You can look around for a 533 FSB, but I can't track one down. However, see here (http://www.pcpro.co.uk/custompc-reviews/74265/aopen-i915gmmhfs.html), where they happily overclocked a 1.6Ghz 400FSB:
However, there's a set of jumpers next to the CPU socket for manually switching between 100MHz and 133MHz FSB. Using these in conjunction with the Windows utility, the 1.6GHz Pentium M CPU happily overclocked to 2.4GHz (15 x 160MHz) from its default 1.6GHz (16 x 100MHz). At 2.4GHz, the Pentium M proved to be one of the fastest processors on the planet, rivalling a high-end Athlon 64, which consumes more power and produces more waste heat. In fact, the Media Benchmark score of 1.40 is the same as that of an Athlon 64 4000+, which costs £174 more. The average frame rate of 67.1fps in Far Cry at 1,280 x 1,024 with 2x AA and 2x AF also puts most other CPUs in the shade.
Not that I've been looking you understand. :O
Drop a note and let me know what you get.
ORAC,
tahnks for the case suggestion. I think there is an inconsistency in labelling the Pentium Ms. I've seen then described as "133MHz FSB (533MHz effective)"
Have a look here under Pentium M:
Intel Processor list (http://www.intel.com/products/processor_number/info.htm#pm)
Let me amend that, could find the 533FSB, see here (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Intel_Pentium_4_Mobile.html), but couldn't find the 400FSB to overclock.
Using the codes in the Intel table, I can find 1.8Ghz (745) and other 100 (400) FSB which should overclock nicely, however, they all say they are socket 478, not 479, which need an adapter (http://techreport.com/reviews/2005q3/asus-ct479/index.x?pg=1).
Might have to go for a 133(533)FSB socket 479 CPU after all.
Gonzo
18th Oct 2005, 19:56
Well, in case anyone's interested....
Final Spec:
-Antec SuperLANboy case
-AOpen 915GM-HFS mobo
-Pentium M 750 (1.86GHz)
-1GB Corsair DDR2 Dual Channel RAM
-Zalman Ultra Quiet 400W PSU.
-Gigabyte Fanless 128MB 6600GT.
-Samsung SP120 250GB HDD
-Samsung SM913 19in LCD
Virtually silent. Small case. Goes like **** off a shovel. Well happy! :ok:
amanoffewwords
18th Oct 2005, 20:25
Samsung SM913 19in LCD
Just bought the Samsung Syncmaster 913n - similar spec to yours - what a joy compared to my old (but beloved) 17" Phillips CTR.
Good idea going for a quiet spec - that's my plan in 2006 - fed up with the constant whirring.....
amofw
Gonzo
18th Oct 2005, 21:59
Yep, great monitor. I'm really impressed with the Antec SuperLANBoy case. Two quiet 120mm fans, and really light. I've bought another one to transplant my Athlon 64 setup into.
zoink
19th Oct 2005, 12:10
Final Spec:
-Antec SuperLANboy case
-AOpen 915GM-HFS mobo
-Pentium M 750 (1.86GHz)
-1GB Corsair DDR2 Dual Channel RAM
-Zalman Ultra Quiet 400W PSU.
-Gigabyte Fanless 128MB 6600GT.
-Samsung SP120 250GB HDD
-Samsung SM913 19in LCD
Hey Gonzo
Would you have a cost for getting all that kit together?
Gonzo
19th Oct 2005, 14:14
-Antec SuperLANboy case £60
-AOpen 915GM-HFS mobo £195
-Pentium M 750 (1.86GHz) £170
-1GB Corsair DDR2 Dual Channel RAM £100 (special offer @ Overclockers)
-Zalman Ultra Quiet 400W PSU. £70
-Gigabyte Fanless 128MB 6600GT. £130
-Samsung SP120 250GB HDD £85
-Samsung SM913 19in LCD £190
Approx total: £1,000. Not cheap, but silent and fast.
Lost_luggage34
19th Oct 2005, 15:11
Nice spec Gonzo .... drool.
I know it's not the done thing to ask but any clues as to where you purchased the bits ? Just curious - PM if you wish due to advertising etc.
Now where's my credit card ....... :=
Gonzo
19th Oct 2005, 15:40
Check your PMs!
Of course, one needs to add the cost of an OS, mouse and keyboard.