I currently run 4 standalone desktops and 1 laptop 24/7 for F@H. I want to build on this but don't want to build any more PCs so I was thinking about running new builds bare on a wooden frame, both to get more for my money and save on space.
Depending on cash, I was looking at ordering the following for when I get back from Egypt (may cut it down to 2 units depending on cash flow). I will build more units onto this as and when funds are available.
Each unit will consist of:
Motherboard - I chose the P5LD2-VM because it is small, supports dual core and has onboard GFX.
CPU - I chose the 920 because the dual cores will give me 2 clients for each unit, meaning I get more in the same space plus use less leccy. I chose P4s due to past success with QMDs, I may change my mind if the new QMDs are going to be less profitable, pointswise.
1GB RAM - I chose the OcUK value RAM because it is cheap
HDD - I chose the 40GB Maxtor because I won't need much storage as these will be dedicated folders (for the time being).
PSU - I already have a relatively new 400W PSU lying around so I only need the 2. I was going to get a 680W and run two units from that but I couldn't find an ATX power splitter anywhere. I went back and had a look and the 2 370Ws were roughly the same price as the 680W.
Windows - I chose Windows as I have tried working with various Linux distros but can't get the hang of them and don't really have the time or patience to learn how to get it working properly
(for the same reason, I won't be able to run the farm diskless).
If anyone has any suggestions for alternative ideas then I would welcome any advice you can offer. Also, suggestions for a theme for naming the units would be appreciated - bearing in mind that the farm will keep growing (hopefully).
Stan
Depending on cash, I was looking at ordering the following for when I get back from Egypt (may cut it down to 2 units depending on cash flow). I will build more units onto this as and when funds are available.
Each unit will consist of:
Motherboard - I chose the P5LD2-VM because it is small, supports dual core and has onboard GFX.
CPU - I chose the 920 because the dual cores will give me 2 clients for each unit, meaning I get more in the same space plus use less leccy. I chose P4s due to past success with QMDs, I may change my mind if the new QMDs are going to be less profitable, pointswise.
1GB RAM - I chose the OcUK value RAM because it is cheap
HDD - I chose the 40GB Maxtor because I won't need much storage as these will be dedicated folders (for the time being).
PSU - I already have a relatively new 400W PSU lying around so I only need the 2. I was going to get a 680W and run two units from that but I couldn't find an ATX power splitter anywhere. I went back and had a look and the 2 370Ws were roughly the same price as the 680W.
Windows - I chose Windows as I have tried working with various Linux distros but can't get the hang of them and don't really have the time or patience to learn how to get it working properly
(for the same reason, I won't be able to run the farm diskless).If anyone has any suggestions for alternative ideas then I would welcome any advice you can offer. Also, suggestions for a theme for naming the units would be appreciated - bearing in mind that the farm will keep growing (hopefully).
Stan
