Silent, low power to replace ageing C2D machine

Scottland · 12 Jan 2011 at 15:35

Hi there,

I'm after something to upgrade and replace my ageing C2D E6300 @ 3.1GHz based machine.

I'm after something faster, so maybe an i5 based system? But main priority is that it runs quiet and uses low power.

I already have a passive Geforce 9400 which'll do me for graphics, unless I can get something better built in without spending extra.

What silent PSU would be sufficient to power it? The rest of the system will be 8gb RAM and 2 hard drives, so it shouldn't need to be that beefy...

Thoughts?

Thanks

cmndr_andi · 12 Jan 2011 at 16:36

One of the new sandy bridge CPUs would be my recommendation, they are very fast - plus they are also cool running and have low power usage (considering their performance).

You could get a passive CPU cooler (thermalright HR-02) and a passive PSU (like the seasonic X-400), and this will keep yours system very quiet. That said, you would want a case with a few low-speed fans to ensure the heatsinks get sufficient airflow.

You could also investigate a pico PSU - as your power needs are going to be rather low.

As for which CPU to get - the i5 2300 would work fine. However, I would suggest the i5 2500K - it has a higher clockspeed of 3.3GHz and the Intel graphics processor onboard is actually pretty good. Hence you wouldn't need to run the Gefore 9400 - which should save power and aid case airflow.

Scottland · 12 Jan 2011 at 16:43

Don't really want to fork out on a £120 PSU, so I could see how loud I found my current one with a passive CPU also.

Will look at some reviews for that thermalright, my last 2 CPU coolers have been thermalright and they've been pretty good.

What advantages are there with a P67 board, over a H67 one? I won't be gaming so I don't think I'll see any benefit?

cmndr_andi · 12 Jan 2011 at 16:48

The H67 allows you to use the graphics chip that is built on the CPU. It also allows you to use the new Intel Quick Sync Technology - which is very cool if you are transcoding h.264 video. However, H67 does not allow overclocking or multi-GPU arrangements.

The P67 does not allow you to use the in-built graphics or the Quick Sync. But it does allow overclocking and multi-GPU arrangements.

For your uses it sounds like H67 is the best option. Though, if you do want to overclock and use your 9400 card - then P67 would make sense.

Scottland · 12 Jan 2011 at 16:54

Ok thanks for clarifying, ta.

Marine-RX179 · 12 Jan 2011 at 16:56

If you are only after something that's fast in everyday application, and you don't really use application that benefit from having Quad-core, it might worth waiting for the Sandybridge i3's launch next month (lower power consumption, cooler running and hopefully be at under £100), and pair that up with a H67 board.

Some info for reference:
http://www.overclock3d.net/articles/cpu_mainboard/sandy_bridge_and_p67_prices_revealed/1

Scottland · 12 Jan 2011 at 17:01

Ah, yeah the i3 might be enough actually - plus lower TDP. I'm not planning on buying until next month anyway so I'll see what happens.

cmndr_andi · 12 Jan 2011 at 17:09

Nice link Marine

Looks like the Core i5 2500T is a chip to keep an eye on if you are doing multi-threaded work. SB quad core, stock 2.3GHZ, turbos up to 3.3GHz and a TDP of 45W

Redmint · 12 Jan 2011 at 17:19

Yep the 'T' chips are certainly impressive performance/watt.

ubermoose · 14 Jan 2011 at 17:32

I've been looking around for an i5 2500t for a planned mini-itx/pico psu/1 fan system.

Can't find any info at all about them. Are they going to be hard to get hold of? So far even google is turning blank.

jamesfreddie · 19 Jan 2011 at 18:35

Sandy Bridge But wait for the "T" CPU's