How much memory for a barebones cruncher?

[magman]

I'm working on the specifications for some new barebones crunchers and I'm not sure what the optimum memory should be for them, so I thought I'd ask some advice from my teammates.

I'm currently looking at a Intel Q6600 in a Gigabyte MATX board that I'm planning to remote-boot into Linux, probably Ubuntu using LTSP, and run the Linux Native SMP client. What I'm trying to figure out is whether to spec. 1 Gig or 2 Gig of memory for the cruncher, is it worth spending the extra money to go for 2 Gig, or will 1 Gig be sufficient?

This gets a bit more significant when you consider that I might be buying 4 of these babies. It might be the difference between upgrading one of my other crunchers or not (E6300 to Q6600).

 

[magman]

OK Guys, I'll go with the consensus and stick with 2 Gig in the specification.

Next question is though, what size PSU will I get away with. The CPU has a TDP of 105W and as I'm not going to be running disks or fancy graphics cards, I wonder what I can get away with?

Ideally, I would like to go for an efficient PSU, possibly something to the 80+ spec. with Active PFC, given that they will be running 24x7. I would also be tempted by a modular PSU, as a barebones system will only need the main motherboard power connectors.

I suspect I could get even away with a couple of good quality 600W supplies and some creative cabling.

Last but no means least are some heatsink recommendations. I'm planning to overclock the Q6600's, so I suspect that the stock heatsinks won't let me get the best results. Any suggestions on what works well with these processors? I'm currently leaning towards a Scythe Andy or Zalman 9500-AT.

 

[magman]

Thanks Biffa,

I've picked up on most of these, though I'm tempted to spend a bit more money in the PSU, I've had my fingers burnt with cheaper PSU's on barebones crunchers before. I can get a good price on the Corsair MM520 from an OcUK competitor, were I get a staff discount, that gives me a branded PSU that is modular and has a longer warranty, so I suspect I'll go this route. There may even be a percentage point or two benefit in the efficiency of the Corsair PSU, which will help with the running costs and help to pay back the extra purchase costs.

In terms of heatsinks, I am planning to rack mount the boards, so a lower profile heatsink is to be preferred if possible, the Scythe Andy scores well here in performance against size. As with all things, its working out the best compromise that makes this kind of thing more interesting.

One further point though, would adding a graphics card make that much difference in performance over the onboard graphics with this G

 

[magman]

Thanks for the input guys.

I think I will go for the Corsair PSU, especially as can get it for a reasonable price.

I'd spotted the Gigabyte board a few weeks ago myself (I've been keeping an eye on MATX Socket 775 boards that are reasonable overclockers). I can again get these for a good price from another supplier, so these are a bit of a no-brainer. I've also spotted from some forums that this board has some issues with dividers, hence the choice of PC8500 memory as well. It looks like I will have to run some tests with them with graphics cards when I get them as well (Obviously, I'll post the results on here when I've had the time to run the tests).

I think I'll go for the Scythe Andy for the barebones crunchers, though I am looking at a Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme for upgrading one of my cased systems from a E6300 to a Q6600 (the 6300 is going to be re-used in my new media PC, that's also part of this upgrade cycle).

Almost time to flash the cash methinks, just some time to look at any other extras I might need (Arctic Silver, TIM Clean, ATI 1950 Pro, New DVD player, etc.)