I've recently completed my 4P build using a combination of 2nd hand and new gear. Processor : - 4 X Opteron 6128HE (32 cores in all @ 2000MHz) - 2nd hand Memory : - 16 X 1GB Kingston CL9 ECC - 2nd hand CPU cooler : - 4 X Supermicro passive coolers - 2nd hand PSU : - Novatech 750W Pwer Station Black Edition - already owned Mobo : - Supermicro MBD-H8QGi+-F - new Onboard Graphics : - Matrox G200 Case :- Xigmatek Elysium - new Hard Drive : - 80Gig SATA then changed for 60GB OCZ Agility 3 SSD - new Additional fans : - 4 X 92mm added to CPU coolers (2 new, 2 from my spares) Mobo : - Purchased through Supermicro UK dealer network (delivered within a week from USA) as online retailer unable to source within a reasonable time. This is the 1U board with 6 sata ports and seems the board of choice for a 4P build. Even the retail version only comes with a driver disk (No sata cables or manual ) Case : - Chosen for its size and looks Only 2 of the many stand offs on the mobo tray were in the correct place for this board. I had to drill and tap (4BA) 6 new holes to ensure the mobo was secure. I also had to cut away a small portion at the back of the case to gain access to all the IO ports I wanted to use. Even with such a huge mobo fitted, there is room in the roof for large dia. case fans. Excellent cooling out of the box - 2 X 120mm inlet, 1 X 200mm inlet, 1 X 140mm exhaust. Processor cooling : - I fitted 92mm case fans to the passive coolers with blutak, and then, as the mobo was to be used in the vertical plane, I added cable ties as extra security. Hard drive :- I transfered a 80GB drive from another build but for some reason it decided to play up causing no end of problems and many Linux installs Eventually decided to change it for a new 60GB SSD. PSU : - I have had this PSU in my 3930K since new and found it to be excellent value - decided to use it in the new build to save myself £150 Software : - I've tried many distros for this build but settled on Linux Mint 12 as I like the Gnome 2 desktop but wanted an up to date kernel. For now just using psensor to monitor processor temps as unable to get SuperDoctor II running in Linux. I want to remotely monitor the machine but that will have to wait for the future when I have more time. Folding performance : - It seems 8101s are the only game in town at present for bigadv. Deadlines are tough and points are rubbish compared to 6903/6904s. 8101 gives approx 161K PPD, TPF 22:35, 440watts from the wall, CPU temps 36/37/34/44 DegC. Conclusion : - My first multi CPU build which was not without its problems but satisfying none the less Sorry about the poor quality photos
Don't suppose you could PM me the details about how to source and the price of that board. I was looking at another 4P board but this one looks a better size to actual fit inside a case
I would have to say, ditto on that. Would love to know your sources for the equipment. Also, if possible, some pictures of what you had to modify on the case. For remotely monitoring the temps you could possibly do the following: Install Apache 2 Install phpsysinfo I use phpsysinfo to monitor my server: http://scorpuk.plus.com:7325/phpsysinfo/index.php?disp=dynamic For Apache you could set a forwarding port on your router to this specific computer so that its not available to anyone else but yourself. I.e. Forward port 1234 to port 80 on 192.168.1.1 or something like that. Should be an option in your router somewhere. Anywho good luck.
PM sent. Look very carefully at the picture of the rear of the case to see the visible mods. Added mesh and see network socket below VGA lead (I'm only using the bottom one). Thanks for the advice
Nice job Gives me food for thought for the second 4P machine (but that won't be any time soon though!)
Just cut the first two PCI slot covers in way of the network sockets. With the board installed only the lower socket is useable (which is OK for me). The framework for the PCI slots is in the way of the upper network socket. (I didn't want to cut through that).
I understood that the reason people have been going for the Supermicro board is it's ability to overclock once you'd flashed the bios - http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1677395 Are you going to?
No, I'm very happy with the points and the power consumption. The thought of ruining such an expensive board makes my blood run cold
Hmm might go for these for HS/Fan, if and when I do go for it. Hmm. I think I need to do some weekend working this month and next.
£240 for 4 CPU coolers is a bit rich for me I don't know whether anyone has used these ? For sure, populating your board with memory will be interesting with those in place