LTC Rig - 4 x 7970 - Thoughts? Criticisms? Please have a look.

[xwebnetwork]

Okay, so my buddy (thedonvon) and I have been exploring different routes to take on our venture to mine some serious LTC. Here is the build he came up with which I think is a serious contender and a very strong build overall.

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811322062
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817494006
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313342
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157336   <--- This should allow 4 cards without the need for risers.
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116889
GPUs: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150586

Total Price: $2380 sans the rebates

Now, quick question for those who have something similar. What is the most efficient way to run these cards? In CF or standalone? Any particular tweaks we should know about?

Thank you in advance!

[MysticalCockFungus]

Looks good, bit pricey though, I would try sourcing it second hand if i where u, oh and make sure u underclock the crap out of the Mem Freq on the cards, that should save u a fair bit of electricity.


Oh and for a rig, u dont really need a case, I would just sit it on a table top, u probs get cooler temps that way too.

[shep80]

I don't think you will be able to fit four cards in that case given the PCIe spacing

[thedonvon]

I was looking to put it in a case because i dont have a spot to just leave everything out on a table.  Any suggestions on what to use for a case so everything can be kept neatly together?

[xwebnetwork]

Also, regarding the pricing, the cards each have a $30 MIR, so that's $120 there and then we could resell the Bioshock/Crysis coupons to recoup some additional costs.

[xwebnetwork]

O yeah, that case has 7 slots on the back, just 1 short. We'd need one with at least 8 obviously.

[yochdog]

Risers are cheap.  GPU's are expensive. 

The former will allow for MUCH better heat dissipation which will extend the life of the latter. 

[efx]

op:Excessively costly motherboard and CPU for some mildly lacking firmware.
---
Cases are a waste of time, look at how google runs their machines. It doesn't have to be sitting on a table to be cooled properly, I suggest following tacotime's builds...far more effective. Small fans and enclosures just raise hardware temps across the board.

 ^Risers really are a must, I've tried packing gpus together in a case and it's just not a good idea.   


Good luck and also look at 7950s.