Advice on cards for mining.

[bolapara]

- Cheap generic case - just something that works for mounting a motherboard and PSU - $20

I wouldn't cheap out on the case.  A case that can evacuate a lot of heat should be considered a requirement.  I am reusing a high quality but very old case that was never designed for the heat generated by these types of cards at these loads and am having issues getting the heat out of the case.  I would love to move to 3 cards but just cannot at this time until I solve my heat issues.

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[SgtSpike]

- Cheap generic case - just something that works for mounting a motherboard and PSU - $20

I wouldn't cheap out on the case.  A case that can evacuate a lot of heat should be considered a requirement.  I am reusing a high quality but very old case that was never designed for the heat generated by these types of cards at these loads and am having issues getting the heat out of the case.  I would love to move to 3 cards but just cannot at this time until I solve my heat issues.

Just run it open-sided.  Not as ideal as a high-flowing case, sure, but I just don't think that sort of expense is necessary for a degree or two of difference from running a cheapo case open sided.

[bolapara]

Just run it open-sided.  Not as ideal as a high-flowing case, sure, but I just don't think that sort of expense is necessary for a degree or two of difference from running a cheapo case open sided.

Fair point for those it works for but it isn't always an option for everyone.  I need to keep the sound to a minimum.

[Veldy]

My honest opinion?

Go for mining, not resale value.  If you sell it in the future, part it out, don't sell it as a whole rig.  You'll generally get more for it, especially if you have dual or triple high-end cards in it.  Not many people are willing to pay such a premium for cards they'll never make use of.

With that in mind, I would suggest the following changes:
- 1GB of DDR3 ram, the cheapest you can find.  Should be about $13 shipped.
- 250GB HDD, $39.
- Cheap generic case - just something that works for mounting a motherboard and PSU - $20
- Single core Sempron - $39
- Can't really argue with your choice of PSU - if you need a good one, you need a good one.
- Can't argue with the choice of motherboard.

With those changes, you'd save about $227.  Of course, maybe that's pocket change for you, I don't know.  But that's my suggestion.

Also, check out the link to the spreadsheet in my sig.  It'll help you figure out how much money you can expect to make (or lose) by building a rig and mining with it.  It's the Mine or Invest link.

Make sure the case is large enough to accept the VERY LONG VIDEO CARDS   Ventilation is also essential.

[Veldy]

Just run it open-sided.  Not as ideal as a high-flowing case, sure, but I just don't think that sort of expense is necessary for a degree or two of difference from running a cheapo case open sided.

Fair point for those it works for but it isn't always an option for everyone.  I need to keep the sound to a minimum.

Forget the 69xx series then ... loud monsters when the fan gets moving, even at 50%.

[allinvain]

Just run it open-sided.  Not as ideal as a high-flowing case, sure, but I just don't think that sort of expense is necessary for a degree or two of difference from running a cheapo case open sided.

Fair point for those it works for but it isn't always an option for everyone.  I need to keep the sound to a minimum.

Forget the 69xx series then ... loud monsters when the fan gets moving, even at 50%.

Yep, for the 6990s water cooling is the best solution IMHO. Or possibly an after market cooling solution like the one Arctic Cooling built for the 5970 - not sure if they updated it for the 6990. However with such an aftermarket cooling solution you'll be dumping heat inside the case so if you have good case airflow AND you only intend to put one card in the system (like a gaming rig) then it's all good.