Not-So-Mini Build: Core i7-2700k - GA-H61N-USB3 - 16GB

[macs_forever]

macs_forever's Not-So-Mini Build: Core i7-2700k - GA-H61N-USB3 - 16GB RAM​

Apple OS X Lion from the Apple Store
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/os-x-lion/id444303913?mt=12

Case: Lian Li PC-TU200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112348

PSU: FSP 450W Micro-ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104132

MoBo: GA-H61N-USB3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128526

CPU: i7-2700k
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115095

RAM: CORSAIR 16GB DDR3 1333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233270

Disk: Hitachi 2TB with 64MB cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145473


Already Owned

DVD: Lite-ON DVD+DL

GPU: MSI Radeon HD 5770
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037YSSXW/

Asus 25.5" Monitor

Apple mouse and keyboard


MultiBeast Settings

*NOTE* The USB 3.0 didn't work. Don't use it with this board. *NOTE*

Comments

I wanted a portable build that I could haul on an airplane. It also had to be able to handle some very heavy business related loads. Being able to play WarCraft II on occasion with my son was a bonus.

I stayed with the stock intel cooler since there is little room for anything else in the case. Used a Micro-ATX power supply that came with a std ATX adapter to buy a little room in the case. 450w was the largest I could find that was produced by a company that I trusted. This case has the uncommon advantage of 2 PCIe slot holes, allowing the use of a 2-slot GPU. For now, I down-clocked the CPU to 3.4GHz to keep the core temps under 50c. I removed the 4 disk SATA backplane and mounted the 2TB drive in its place. If I need more space, I will likely use an external eSATA "drive toaster" to easily swap drives on and off the system.

I am very satisfied with the build for now. I might re-introduce the 4-drive SATA backplane at some point in the future if I upgrade to a MB that supports more drives. I am seriously considering adding 1 more drive and connecting the DVD through the internal USB header with a few adapters. I don't use the DVD very often.

Everything is working, including sleep. I will add the MultiBeast settings once I find a place to store the screen-shot on the internet.

EDIT: Added MultiBeast settings

 

[replicant]

Everything is working, including sleep. I will add the MultiBeast settings once I find a place to store the screen-shot on the internet.

dropbox.com,
google drive,
ms skydrive,
droplr.com,
flickr.com

i'd keep going, but out of those, i'm sure you can find one that is convenient for you. i'd love to see the multibeast settings

 

[emilyhex]

Hey macs, congrats on the build. I have the same board but with a i3 and I'm pretty happy. But I had a problem with my Lite-on DVD writer. It seems like several ppl also had the problem (not just with Lite-ons) where it starts up in once in a while even when there isn't a disk in. Also, it wouldn't eject a couple times.

Have you had any problems with yours? I eventually bought a Sony Optiarc and that runs without a hiccup.

 

[denisberea]

Nice! I like the case and the small scale of this Congrats!

 

[macs_forever]

replicant:

Thanks! I'll see what I can do tonight.


denisberea:

Thanks! I built a micro-ATX earlier that this replaces but I have to admit, I love this little thing. I go on the road for months at a time. This will allow me to bring server level horsepower with me on the plane. I'll hook it to the hotel TV and carry a wireless keyboard and mouse.

emilyhex:

I've noticed the drive spinning up once in a while. Haven't had any eject problems yet. I'm switching it over to a laptop drive model DS-8A8SH with a mount that will also hold a 2nd 3.5" drive.

I'll be driving the DVD and 1 hard disk off of the unused USB header with the following adapters:

USB Header adapter:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815201028

2 USB to SATA/eSATA adapters:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812226047

StarTech SLIMCDFDCAGE Slim Optical & 3.5in Hard Drive Mounting Bracket for 5.25in Front Bay
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817998058

This will give me:

• 1 native SATA 2TB drive[/*:m:iiica58c]
• 1 native SATA reserved for SSD[/*:m:iiica58c]
• 1 USB<->SATA DVD drive[/*:m:iiica58c]
• 1 USB<->SATA 2TB drive[/*:m:iiica58c]

Now... I'm not sure the 450w power supply can drive all this! Can I use something like a killawatt meter to figure out what kind of headroom I have?


ALL:

I ordered a Zalman low profile CPU cooler (ZALMAN CNPS8900 Extreme 110mm Ultra Quiet Slim CPU Cooler)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118127

I ordered this because the CPU temps were in the 50s C. Now, I'm noticing the temps at 3.5GHz is down to 42C! I guess the CPU cooler took a little time to seat well. I'll likely still install the ZALMAN so I can up the GHz a little.

 

[emilyhex]

Here is a nifty little calculator for PSUs: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

I have a 200W currently driving the following:
i3-2105
mini-ITX mobo
8 GB DDR3 1333 RAM
120 GB SSD
DVD drive
80 mm case fan

No problems thus far

 

[macs_forever]

Here is a nifty little calculator for PSUs: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

I have a 200W currently driving the following:
i3-2105
mini-ITX mobo
8 GB DDR3 1333 RAM
120 GB SSD
DVD drive
80 mm case fan

No problems thus far

Hey! Thank you! With everything added together, it says I have about 100 watts to spare on my 450w power supply. I included 8 USB 2.0 devices, an SSD, 2 drives and the DVD player. Good info.

 

[macs_forever]

Fixed the MultiBeast settings image... again

 

[macs_forever]

Big problem... The Zalman heatsink looks like it will block my 1 and only PCIe slot. No dice!

 

[denisberea]

Can you put some images of the system and the case? I want to make an idea. Thank you