Any comments on this encoding build?

[HXee]

This build is mainly intended for encoding x264 and Xvid, though there might be some light gaming as well (don't care about maxing resolutions out or anything; think along the lines of WoW); I also intend to start experimenting with overclocking as well (for better encoding times). The goal is to keep it under $1,500. Here's what I got so far:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=11941727&WishListTitle=Rig01

Really, the only thing I'm still iffy about is the mobo (I've been told it's overpriced for a P45).

[jman98]

I can't help with Intel specific issues as I keep up with AMD CPUs. I believe that only by supporting AMD and helping them to stay in business do we all benefit. An Intel only world benefits no one. But Intel does make better CPUs these days, so not a bad choice.

It's fine for Xvid and X.264. That should be OK. Can't comment on the pricing and game issues as I just don't know.

[rallynavvie]

Everything looks great. You could save a little more by going with the Q6700 instead of the Yorkfield chip since the extra bus and cache doesn't really help with encoding. Since you're under your budget it may not matter anyway.

[poisondeathray]

Everything looks great. You could save a little more by going with the Q6700 instead of the Yorkfield chip since the extra bus and cache doesn't really help with encoding. Since you're under your budget it may not matter anyway.

I would keep the Yorkfield chip if you can afford it, because SSE4 does help with encoding right now and probably even more so in the future. You mentioned XviD, but DivX is 30-40% faster with SSE4.

Not to mention 45nm quads are cooler and draw less power.

[rallynavvie]

Not to mention 45nm quads are cooler and draw less power.

Actually both of those are 95W thermal spec. My 45nm quads run 80W thermal spec though

[poisondeathray]

Not to mention 45nm quads are cooler and draw less power.

Actually both of those are 95W thermal spec. My 45nm quads run 80W thermal spec though

Yes. But theoretical "thermal spec" doesn't mean much. Measure it from the wall you will find the true power draw surprising.

Have a look at actual power consumption of some systems benchmarked on review sites. For example the "extreme" series quads with unlocked multis have 135W "thermal spec", compared to "95W thermal spec" of "normal quads." But a similarly clocked quad of the same generation has EXACTLY the same power draw.

Of course it depends on many other factors in your systems, whether you overclock, overvolt, components etc...

BTW nice harpers

[budz]

If you're looking to overclock that Yorkfield cpu then buy a better heatsink fan than the one you chose. I've had those push pin heatsink fans which are a pain in the ass. They sometimes can easily be popped off the mobo by just movement of the computer case. I once had to reinstall a relative's heatsink fan because it popped off from their kid moving the computer from one room to another. The heatsink fan was a socket 775 with those push pins.

Here's some suggestions for heatsink fans.

Thermalright True
http://www.petrastechshop.com/thtrblexhecp.html

Enzotech Extreme X
http://www.enzotechnology.com/extreme_x.htm

The Enzotech Extreme X is out of stock at many online retailers such as Petra's Tech Shop, SVC.com & FrozenCPU.com. I have the Enzotech that brought my overclocked E6400 temp by 5c. It comes with a 120mm Delta fan. You can always use another brand 120mm fan. I use a scythe s-flex fan.

The Thermalright True is very popular among overclockers but many lap their cpu's and True to achieve lower cpu temps. You'll have to buy a 120mm fan since it doesn't come with one.

Both of these heatsink fans require it being installed before the mobo is installed in the case. I personally prefer these types of heatsink fans that the push pin type. Just my 2 cents!

Enzotech Extreme X is instock at xoxide.com
http://www.xoxide.com/enzotech-ultra-x-120.html