Introduction
Over half a lifetime, most people will see their share of ups and downs and I am no different. Overall I would consider myself fortunate. I do think that diseases like the various forms of cancer & tumors, Alzheimer's, ALS and AIDS, are some of the greatest challenges we face today, and I believe research is the only way we will beat them. This is what attracted me so to folding. I realize that the benefit of folding-based research is still up for debate but this is a simple, easy way to contribute. So, with that in mind:
This build is dedicated to friends and family that left us far too soon:
Susana, who never met her grandson.
and Spartacus, an amazing, gentle soul.
Meet this build's namesake:
The Goal
After reading derickwm's excellent guide to building a 4P rig, one of these beasts seemed an ideal candidate for an updated file & media server in addition to being a 24/7 folder. Here's a rundown on the hardware:
CPU: 4x AMD Opteron 6180 SE.
Memory: 4x G.SKILL Ripjaws X series 4 x 2GB.
Optical: Pioneer BDR-2207 blu-ray burner
Power: Corsair AX1200
Video: on-board
Mouse and keyboard: old Dell PS/2 style
Because this was going to end up in a case sooner or later--more on that in a minute--and because I ended up grabbing 4 6180 SE's off of eBay which will run hotter (and in theory have a higher overclock), I decided to go with a water cooled solution:
Rad: Swiftech MCR-420 + 8 AP-15's in push-pull.
Res: Bitspower Z-Multi 150 inline.
Pump: Swiftech MCP35X + heatsink.
Tubing: PrimoFlex PRO 3/8"ID
Fittings: Mostly Bitspower matte black compression + a few Koolance quick-disconnects.
My original plan was to stick this in a case, but finding a good home for a SWTX motherboard + cooling + power + storage in something that is not a rack-mount is a real challenge. I looked over a number of case mods but in the end decided I still wouldn't have enough room for the current incarnation let alone room for expansion. For now, Rich Chomiczewski aka "Spotswood" is working on a custom double-deck tech tray with the MB on top and space below for the cooling and storage gear. Long term, word is that CL is working on a SWTX solution for the end of this year. The tray will then become the perfect place to assemble and test future builds.
It's Here!
Questions, comments, and feedback are welcome!
Part 2: Unboxing and Preping the Cooling Gear
Part 3: Testing the Cooling Gear
Part 4: Assembling the 'Uber Tray'
Part 5: Putting It All Together
Part 6: BIOS Update and Overclocking
Part 7: Overclocking Blues
Part 8: Motherboard Cooling V2
Edited by TooManyToys NotEnoughTime - 8/26/12 at 11:18am



















