Motherboard, CPU Cooler, And Memory
Motherboard: DFI LANParty Jr X58-T3H6
The Core i7 CPU limits us to the Intel X58 chipset, and the Micro-ATX form factor further restricts our choices.
Read Customer Reviews of DFI's LANParty Jr X58-T3H6
In the end, only one X58 Micro-ATX motherboard stood out as an obvious selection: DFI’s LANParty Jr X58-T3H6. Since we wanted the option of putting two graphics cards in the system, the LANParty Jr. was a great choice, offering both CrossFire as well as SLI compatibility. DFI motherboards aren’t disappointing overclockers either, which is a plus. So, although it’s not a low-cost choice at $220, the LANParty Jr. is a good fit and will likely live up to its name in this portable LAN-party sized system.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight S1283
Read Customer Reviews of Xigmatek's Dark Knight S1283
We’ve been fans of Xigmatek’s coolers recently because they deliver good performance paired with a low price. The Dark Knight S1283 is no exception, providing excellent, quiet cooling to the LGA 1366 socket at a very reasonable $40 price point. As a bonus, this cooler comes with a retention bracket that takes some stress off of the motherboard.
Memory: 3 x 2 GB of G.Skill DDR3-1333 Triple-Channel Kit 10666CL7T 6GBPK
Read Customer Reviews of G.Skill's 6 GB DDR3-1333 Triple Channel Kit
We’ll use the 64-bit version of Vista as our operating system, which means we can use more than 3 GB of RAM without wasting it, and this is a good fit with the Core i7 processor and its triple-channel memory controller. G.Skill offers a cost-effective 6 GB triple-channel kit rated at 1,333 MHz with solid 7-8-8-19 timings. For $90, it’s an easy choice for our $1,300 system.
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I wonder why this system builder marathon was limited to Micro-ATX cases. Is there a general trend towards these things or what? I'm looking to build a whole new system soon and I can't see any reason to go Micro-ATX.
I don’t think it’s a trend, think of it as more of a challenge. Some people don’t want to have a giant full/mid tower sitting next to them.
Right, I don't mind that at all, so I'll stick to a normal case when assembling my next system. Thanks!
Nice challenge but what's the point when the system dies a couple of months down the line due to shorten life span of all components as a result of high temps. Then you spend another $1300?
I can't remember if it was this or one of the other SBM articles this month, but they mentioned something about these PCs being LAN boxes - if so heat is going to be even more of an issue (much higher ambient temps, cases right next to each other) so this system would be pretty unviable.
I know that my PC runs as much as 10 degress hotter in that environment - if it's in the low 90s on the CPU and at the limit of GPU stability already, another ten degrees will see it constantly throttling, making errors or shutting down.
Assuming that we were building a full ATX system, what would have been the motherboard of choice for this PC?
Can I also remind everyone that these articles are irrelevent on this side of the Atlantic? Intel and nVidia prices in particular are far, FAR lower in the US - such a system would be over 30% more over here! SLI GTX260 for £200 my arse!