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Note: The computer industry moves very quickly, so the majority of this information will most likely be out of date by tomorrow. I keep it around for my own historical reference, and also the slight chance that it may help out someone like you somewhere, somehow.
I was excited about the nForce motherboard, but the reviews indicate that this is a first good attempt, but waiting for their second offering might be a good idea.
The new VIA KT266A chipset has been getting good reviews [accelenation, AMDWorld], but it was only available on prototype motherboards at the time of this analysis.
Here are some positive forum comments of the KG7.
[H]ard|OCP review of ABIT KG7.
Remember to flash with the 4J Bios moded for ACPI disable.
Paul's Unofficial ABIT KG7-RAID & KR7-RAID FAQ
The new Alpha PAL 8045 compares very nicely with the top shelf Swiftech MC462-A, but is cheaper. Overclockers.com also digs it. They have another page of data that report reasonable C/W even with a slower, quieter fan. Quiet overclockedness is good.
| Fan | Dimensions (HxLxW mm) | Voltage V | Current A | RPM | CFM | dBA | $Price |
| DELTA FFB0812SHE | 80x80x38 | 12 | 0.87 | 4900 | 68.5 | 48.5 | 18.99 |
| PANAFLO FBA-08A12H | 80x80x25 | 12 | 0.25 | 2950 | 39.6 | 32 | 13.99 |
| SUNON KD1208PTB1-6 | 80x80x25 | 12 | [0.22] | 3200 | 42 | 36.5 | 8.99 |
| Enermax Thermal Controlled Fan | 80x80x25 | 12 | 0.23 | 1800-3100 | 22-40 | 18-34 | 10.99 |
Fan Performance provides additional fan benchmarks.
The Enermax Thermal Controlled Fan seemed like a good idea, but unfortunately it is geared too hot.
I have chosen the more powerful fan with the intention of dialing down the volume with a rheostat. Apparently blowing is quieter than sucking, but C/W drops about .02. For an idea of how dB is percieved, here is a nice article from Papst PLC.
These venders did not make the cut, but since I researched them, they are listed as well.
Plycon Computers seems to have lots of data, lots of options, and good prices. I hope their service matches their site.
iComPZ sells the PAL 8045 for $38.95 without a fan.
2CoolTek sells the PAL 8045 for $50 with a fan $40 without.
Outside Loop Computers sells the PAL 8045 for an expensive $64.
[23nov2002 update] I purchased 2 Papst 80 x 25, 3 Pin, 26.5 CFM @ 19 dBA, 2050 RPM, Fans for $19.99 each from Plycon Computers today.
[26dec2001 update] The memory I got from The Overclockerz Store turned out to be defective. Diagnosing such problems with all new equipment sucks hugely, and I was forced to run out to Fry's for cheap-o memory to do so. Luckily, the cheap memory seems to be overclockable, and The Overclockerz Store processed my return.
The Antec SX cases are popular in the AMDMB Forum and Maximum3D. I'd prefer the black SX1040B, but I could not find it in stock. The only difference between the Antec SX1030 and SX1040 is the power supplies: 300W PP303XP vs. 400W PP412X, respectively. These power supplies are probably adequate, but upgrading to Enermax is not too costly. See the power supply analysis below.
The Antec SX830 and SX840 Workstation cases are the same size as the SX1030 and SX1040 SOHO File Server cases, but they have less drive bays (and bay cooling) and shift the cooling from back to front.
The Lian Li cases are sexy and light. But the extra cost for something that might end up running in a closet is a bit silly. Maybe for the game machine I make later.
I'm just sick of low end cases, so I will pass on the Enlight 7237.
The FC version of the Enermax EG465P-VE provides motherboard controlled sleeping, not something very useful for 24/7 servers.
[26dec2001 update] After the fact, Jack has informed me that Enermax is not, in fact, the best power supply to purchase. He had a heck of a time getting his rig up, and discovered he was pretty much pushing his Enermax to the limit. I have had a CD player fry, so I am a bit leary myself. Jack recommends PC Power and Cooling now, so perhaps my next purchase will include one of their more expensive units.
[22apr2002 update] The Enermax power supply finally kicked the bucket. I ordered a PC Power and Cooling Silencer 400 ATX for $169.15 today.
I chose the Western Digital drive simply because it was so cheap. I hope the rebate doesn't screw me, however.
Storage Review has great analysis of hard drives.
The 5W rheostats are for fan rate control to tune fan dbA vs. cooling overclockability. One of these rheostats can control at most 2 Panaflo L1A series fans. I am going to rig one rheostat up to the Delta HSF to dial it down without compromising stability or lifespan of the Athlon, because this will undoubtedly be the loudest component of my computer. I will of course wire a second one to the 120mm case fans. For calculating what power/resistance rheostat to use, here are some equations that may be useful.
And remember, you can always find newer, better prices using Price Watch. Make sure that you verify your venders using ResellerRatings.