Build Advice Media server and a folding rig - Advice please!

I had an idea earlier.

I'd quite like a folding rig, if I can afford it, and I'd quite like a media server.

I was thinking that maybe I could combine the 2 into 1 machine.

I'm not wanting to put in 3 GPUs for folding, just a couple. I wouldn't want it to get too hot or noisy.

Would I be expecting too much to try for a uATX form factor media server/folding machine?

Is it even possible?

EDIT: Need help and opinions ASAP!

EDIT Again: Nevermind

 

It'll work, because all that'll happen is that when you're using the media player you won't be folding and when the PC's idle you'll be folding...simples I had a set up a bit like that about 4 years ago.

 

I reckon I could do it for not a lot of money too. If I can get the money together I'll give this a try

 

Hot and noisy will be unavoidable as you have to remove the heat from loaded components somehow. Unless you have a huge WC radiator and slow fans, there's not really much of an alternative. Normal heatsinks will require some significant airflow.

 

I'm not looking for blistering ppd.

Too be honest I've had a look around and there aren't many uATX boards that have 2 appropriately placed PCI-E slots.

Maybe it's better then to do it with just a single GPU. That way I wouldn't have to look for a very specific board and a watercooling loop. My GTS 450 is OC'd and running on full load but only hitting around 50C which I'm very pleased with.

 

If I were to make go on with this build (2 GPU's, 450's probably at best) what power PSU would I require as a minimum?

 

Any thing thats got 2 gpu rails, about 600w and upwards should get you what you need. For a single GPU you could drop to about 450w quite easily.

 

550W? If I go for some low power components somewhere else (got my eye on a modular 550W PSU in the market place)

 

If you're running a single gpu it'll more than enough.

 

Running 2 GPU's hopefully but as said it best they would be GTS 450's, basically anything with a single 6 pin connector, I'll probably start off with a couple of 9600GT's or GSO's

 

That GTS450 sounds good - where did you get it

 

Okay need some quick help.

I'm going forward with this project however I have a decision to make.

Do I go for a Dual Opteron SLi capable board similar to what Bennieboyuk is doing (see folding threads) which is on here or do I go for a LGA775 board that fingers is selling.

I've had an offer provisionally accepted for the Opteron Board for £87, what do you think?

 

Anyone? Really would like some opinions here.

 

I would go 775 purely based on ease of maintenance and parts availability, coolers etc. I don't know much about the opteron set up, but what about graphics card drivers etc. Like I say i would take the easy option.

 

I've already gone for the difficult option for reasons known not even by me! IF worse comes to worse and it doesn't quite work out I'll sell on the bay.

I do fancy a challenge and it would be nice to eventually be able to back up everything I have at the moment.