Fanless powerful PC

[AUDIODIDAKT]

Hi Jack,

Offcourse you are right about less is better.
But I think the Gigabyte EG45M-UD2H is a pretty slim build for a beast.

Here is another one, if I could only replace all other not used ports with SataII ports, for more music drives connections!

[Jack]

Hello Mani
I've just had a look at your Zalman case, very pretty, I understand now!
Mine's just a regular micro-atx black cube, hidden from view.
Regards
'Enlightened' Jack

[Telstar]

But I hadn't actually intended to underclock - it seemed the bios did this by default. In any event, there is no issue. Thanks for pointing this out.

Incidentally, underclocking the CPU (in my case by 20%) seemed to have little effect on how XXHE performs. The soundcard/interface/DAC drivers seem to have a bigger impact...

Mani.

This happens when EIST is active (default) in bios. I have disabled it so it stays at full speed (I needed this to test for stability and decided to keep it). At first i thought that this could cause latency.

From realtemp screen, the cpu is both undermultiplied (6x instead of 8x) and underclocked (2 ghz instead of 3 ghz). The vcore is likely also reduced.
This explains your excellent temps (I still dont know which heatsink you use).

Intel did a very good job of energy saving. I wonder if and how this impact in audio performance - I think that in a highlevel system as yours you MAY perceive some differences if you disable the energy saving features of your cpu. You  may then decide to underclock in a fixed way (easier is by reducing the multiplier, IF is allowed, reducing the bandwith otherwise, but this will reduce the memory frequency which is not generally desirable)

There are two entries in the gigabyte bios for these:
C1E and EIST. IIRC I have disabled both. But i plan to reduce the vcore manually.

Anyway, hardware optimization for music playback is completely different as doing it to overclock and bench ))

[Telstar]

Hello Mani
I'm intrigued as to why you have gone for such a 'complicated' mobo.

As Roy and Mani replied, I also have chosen this motherboard for several reasons:

1) possibility to undervolt the cpu
2) m-ATX size
3) stable, more than similar boards from ASUS for instance
4) integrated videocard that RUNS PRETTY COOL. Almost all other m-atx boards that i have looked at had much higher temps.
5) TI firewire chipset onboard. Save space and money to buy one if a firewire dac is to be used
6) 2oz copper tracks
7) well regulated PSU rails
8 ) lots of features can be disabled in bios

Lastly, the intel videocard is powerful enough that i can play a video or even blue-ray if i wished. This leaves open a HT option, even i'm not using it.

[AUDIODIDAKT]

Telstar your the Man
It was your topic afterall

[Jack]

Hello Telstar
Now I'm really intrigued, why do you underpower the cpu?
Thanks
Jack

[Telstar]

Hello Telstar
Now I'm really intrigued, why do you underpower the cpu?
Thanks
Jack

I dont underpower the cpu, meaning that the frequency is always at 2.6ghz and that the drawn power varies with the usage. I suggest you to get Everest ultimate and monitor cpu vcore, cpu W and cpu current (A).

I want to undervolt it of 0.1-0.2V (from 1.1v to 0.9v) to reduce the temperature (should lower at least 10°C this way). Just that.
I prefer to be in control and this board let me do it.

I haven't had the time to do it. I suggest OCCT, in particular the PSU test to stress the cpu which uses linpak (in <10min you can go to 80°C if you are fanless).
I have two 5V and 3V curves to post, one with the mATX psu that came with my case and the second with the Winmate, but I plan to redo the test after I undervolt.

[Jack]

Hello again
I've not had any heat issues with this setup. Peter never really puts it under that much pressure! It's been on for nearly 18 months non stop hidden out of the way. If it gets no music after an hour it hibernates. Since installing the SSD's it's ready to play again in a few seconds. For the first 12 months it had to put up with the heat from a Raptor in there too!
Later
Jack

[AUDIODIDAKT]

Telstar,

Did you use 1 or 2 winmates in your setup.
2x 130W winmate is already on its way to Holland !
Was thinking of using 1x130W for mobo and cpu and 1x130W for hdd's and remote control unit
with a lite-on 210W ac/dc adapter from ebay.

Should work fine.....

Roy

[Telstar]

Telstar,

Did you use 1 or 2 winmates in your setup.
2x 130W winmate is already on its way to Holland !
Was thinking of using 1x130W for mobo and cpu and 1x130W for hdd's and remote control unit
with a lite-on 210W ac/dc adapter from ebay.

Should work fine.....

Roy

One is enough. The lite-on must be very good. I have only 2 hdds + SSD.
For your setup i think you did right to take 2.