garage/F@H system build

[jfenwick]

Comp will be on in the garage 24/7 so figured it should be a F@H pig as well.

Summary:

Primary needs:
- basic office stuff
- internet
- graphics design (photoshop, autocad) hobby stuff, not professional
- F@H: would like to kick some arse if possible

Secondary needs:
- Gaming: dota, CSS, Star craft, etc...nothing too demanding at this point

Limitations:
- Temperature extremes: 32C to -30C exposed to outdoor ambient temperatures in Ontario, Canada.
- Limited ventilation, because of the temperature fluxes and general dirty conditions (metal shavings, sawdust) don't want that much air flowing through the system, it will probably be built into a cupboard or something.
- $$$, would like to keep this cheap and affordable as it's not a key system in the house.


Current resources (I know its not all compatible):
- NEW ATI X1950GT
- bunch of AMD Socket A mobos and cpus (GPU: AGP)
- 2GB Ballistix RAM PC6400
- Multiple HDDs
- half a dozen cases

Anyways, if my goal is a folding pig but can't afford a quad figured I'd go down the GPU road. Should I stick with the 1950 and get a mobo/cpu or should i sell it and pick up a used 3850 or 3870 to use the GPU2 client? How much of an increase is the GPU to GPU2 client?

Or, should i string together 2 or 3 old AMD socket A systems?

Anyways, thanks for the input, a little new to the folding scene and don't know the intricacies yet.

[edit]BTW, I do realize the socket A option kills the gaming option[/edit]

[jfenwick]

Ok, no feedback yet....here is what I' leaning towards, sell the x1950 and get:

mobo: Gigabyte GA-P31-S3G - $65
cpu: E2160 - $65
Vid: HD3850 - $115
cas: have one
psu: have one
ram: have one
dvd: have one
HDD: have one

This way I can run the GPU2 client instead of GPU1.

Look good as a folding system? upgradeable to quad later if $$$ presents its self.

[carnageX]

Just have to make sure your PSU is sufficient for the 3850. Seems pretty good, though. You can always OC the CPU.

[ricanflow]

Nvidia cards are salughtering ati cards in folding at home, id suggest an 8800gs instead.

[jfenwick]

Originally Posted by ricanflow

Nvidia cards are salughtering ati cards in folding at home, id suggest an 8800gs instead.

Ok...I must be blind, reading their webpage I thought only ATI cards were supported?

Do I just use the same GPU2 client?

[edit]I would for sure OC the CPU, hence the 2160[/edit]

[vernong1992]

Ya you would use the GPU2 Client which supports nVidia cards that are g80 or higher, maybe switch the 8800gts g80 for the HD 3850 in your main rig or buy a cheap 8800gs for your folding rig

[jfenwick]

Or....knowing that now I can just switch the 8800gt out of my HTPC and put the 1950 in it instead. lol, glad I asked instead of just assuming.

[ricanflow]

Originally Posted by jfenwick

Ok...I must be blind, reading their webpage I thought only ATI cards were supported?

Do I just use the same GPU2 client?

[edit]I would for sure OC the CPU, hence the 2160[/edit]

Its not the same client, its a different client.

If you need help getting setup, feel free to shoot me a pm.