High-end Quad core 2 X Opteron 275 Workstation: FT/FS

[HardBall]

I have decided to try to trade/sell the current main machine that I have, the main reason is that I won't be needing it in the next 2/3-3/4 of a year; and if you want some details, you can see this thread from the last couple of weeks:
http://episteme.arstechnica.com/grou...m/275001298731
Thanks for reading; and if you feel this is a worthy machine, please give it a bump.

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====== FINAL PRICE DROP ======
Entire system:
$1825 picked up / $1885 shipped
Core system: Case, PSU, CPUs, Mobo, RAM, and all HSFs
$1675 picked up / $1725 shipped.
PRICES NEGOTIABLE

Prices on such high end components don't really get much better than this.

And I will kill this FS/FT on or about Wed this week; so if you have any interest at all; and want to negotiate, tell me NOW!!
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This is one of the most powerful personal system that can be built out there:
ScreenShot in x86_64 Fedora

...


The specs of the system are:
-- 2 X Dual Core Opteron 275; 2.2GHz stock, 1MB cache per core.
together to from the basis of a 4-way workstation;
-- 4.0 GB ECC Registered DDR400 (PC3200)
4 X 1GB sticks;
-- Antec True550 EPS 12V
such as here: http://www.amamax.com/antrepatx55p.html
It will run fine even with higher specs; I had this system with 2 X Opt 275 + 5 GB RAM + 7800GTX OC + 3 X 7200rpm HDDs at one point, and 100% stable.
-- Asus K8N-DL
Here is a review: http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=asusnf4p...ge=2&cookie%5Ftest=1

• -- NV Nforce4 Professional 2200 chipset
• -- 6 DDR memory slots (4 occupied, 2 free); total 12.8 GByte/s memory bandwidth.
• -- NUMA support; total support for 24.0 GB of ECC-Reg RAM
• -- IOMMU remapping (allowing OS to see betwen the 3rd and 4th GB of RAM, usually reserved for ISA/PCI devices)
• -- Broadcom Gbit Ethernet
• -- NV RAID, 4 X native chipset SATA, RAID 10 and RAID 01
• -- Silicon Image SATA RAD; 4 additional channels of SATA capable of RAID 5, 10, and 01.
• -- 1 X PCIe X16
• -- 1 X PCIe X1
• -- 2 X PCI
• -- this is one of the few Dual socket Opteron boards that have some OC features;
• -- will do 2.45GHz at stock voltage of 1.35V with clockgen, passed 3DMark05 and such; and since I use Linux 95% of time, I didn't really care that much about Windows OC;
• -- I have never raised the Vcore above 1.35V of stock. K8N-DL allows over volt to 1.4; and further raising voltage would require some mod.

-- Leadtek GF6800 w/ 256MB PCIe
similar to this one: http://www.shopping.com/xPF-VGA_LEAD...800TDH_256M_RT
-- 2 X Zalman CNP9500 LED
here is a review: http://overclockpc.org/informes/peri...cnps9500culed/


-- 2 X Thermaltake Venus's http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835106034
The reason why I have two sets of CPU HSFs is that I was planning on upgrading the cooling on the Opterons for the summer; since I don't have A/C in my room, the ambient temperature can be pretty high in central Illinois, and I bought the new 9500s. So if you buy the rig, you can have the option of getting just the Venuses (which are adequate), or if you want the Zalmans, then both sets are yours. And since all four should fit any S754/939/940 mobo, they often come in handy.
Two CNP9500 will fit on this very mobo, as I have done so in my pics.
And an aquaintence from 2cpu.com has already done so, as well:
http://waffles.gotdns.com:81/Computer%20Gallery/index.p...an%209500%20install/
-- 160GB Hitachi 7200rpm SATA
-- 80GB Seagate (I think, not entirely sure about the brand, if you are concerned, I can go home and look) 7200rpm SATA
-- 20GB Deskstar, PATA
-- Sony CDRW
-- Sony DVD-ROM
-- FDD


-- SB Live!
-- Wireless Card 802.11b(uses Aethros driver in linux, not sure about brand)
I mainly used this to administrate the wireless network at my house; for work there is Gbit Ethernet onboard.
-- Case : X-superalien

http://store.myaopen.com/asxsupbralca.html

• -The color is Black
• -The entire case has 6 X 80mm case fans, and one 120mm case fan, so cooled extremely well
• -The 120mm fan is installed with an additional HDD cage at the top: http://www.xoxide.com/thermaltake-icage-module.html
• -The case now can acommodate a total of 9 X HDDs, in addition to the two Optical drives and one FDD alread there.

-- and a few other parts not really worth mentioning.

-- All of the driver and utilities disks that came with the original components will be included.
-- All accessories also included upon request.
-- Games that came with the graphics card: Prince of Persia: Two Thrones; Splinter Cell ; also included
-- Will also include Rome: Total War (retail with box) in the package.



******************************************************************************
My primary intention is to trade this for a high end laptop; since I know that not two many have that much disposable cash. While I would have been looking for a another laptop sometime during the summer anyway; this will kill two birds with one stone, and save me some additional time. These are the approximate specs of the laptop, I will be somewhat flexible about the specs, if a reasonable deal comes along, so please don't hesitate to ask.

I'm also interested in offers of a laptop less than my specs + some cash

Specs that I really care about;
And this machine will primarily be used for work purposes;

• In good working condition with no issues.
• Extended Warranty (at least 3 yrs total); and transferable.
• Warranty including agreement that allows user to change Mem modules (unless it already has 2GB of RAM), and HDD without voiding warranty
  (shouldn't be a problem with the majority of OEMs)
• Screen resolution: looking for 1680X1050 or higher;
  -- could go as low as 1440X900 or 1400X1050
• Dual Core CPU: Intel Core Duo or equivalent,
  -- also Athlon64 X2 (I only know of one model with that)
• Discrete Graphics with discrete VRAM
  -- looking for something along the lines of X1400/X700/Go6600/Go7400 or higher
  -- basically something that will be able to run Vista without being bogged down by the bloated GUI
• Mini-PCI Wireless 802.11b/g (most recent laptops should have that)
• CDRW / DVD-ROM
• At least 2 X USB 2.0 ports
• Reasonably good brand with good support, such as:
  --IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad
  --Sony Vaio
  --Fujitsu Lifebook
  --Acer Ferrari
  --HP nx or nw series
  --Gateway m465 or m685
  --Dell Precision/Lattitude
  --Sager notebook
  --Falcon NW
  --number of others... ...

Things I somewhat care about:

• I would like to have CPU freq of 2.0GHz; but not necessarily so;
• Better graphics is always a plus, for the occassional game, but it's a secondary consideration;
• SATA HDD, or at least SATA capable laptop would be a big plus;
• DVD RW would also be nice;
• Extra battery that would fit into modular bay, would be a big plus also;
• Overall decent battery life;
• Compact Flash slot;

Things I DON'T really concern over:

• Amount of Memory, as long as it's user upgradable under warranty;
• Speed or size of HDD, again, as long as it's user upgradable and SATA capable;
• Blue tooth; never used it before, and probably never will;
• size and weight, very flexible; and since one of the main concerns is Screen Resolution, most of those probably will come in relatively large formfactors.
• Software; I don't use MS office, and run most of my programs through Linux or Cygwin; so the majority of the programs would be pretty useless for me.

It doesn't need to be a notebook fitting exact description, just something close to it; then we can talk. If you don't have a notebook that is close to this description; please still feel free to ask me; since I'm always open ears to reasonable offers. All reasonable offers will be seriously considered; and I don't really need the laptop to be the exact same value as my workstation, for the deal to proceed.

If there is really a truly exceptional laptop in durability, quality and features, I may also be willing to throw my current main laptop (Gateway 7405GX; Mobile A64 3200+, 1.25GB, MR9600, 80GB HDD) in the deal; it still has almost 20 months of BB warranty left.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I'm not primarily looking to sell these; but if someone would like to buy outright:

WAS:
[strike]$2100 with the plain 2x Venus HSFs -- shipped
$2180 with the 2x Zalman HSFs (Venuses will come in the package also) -- shipped[/strike]
NEW PRICES:
--$2075 shipped, with everything included
--$1950 picked up in person
--Barebone: Case, PSU, CPUs, Mobo, RAM, all HSFs $1875 shipped / $1750 picked up.
--Other combos may be negotiated.
Prices on such high end components don't really get much better than this.
Freebies on Monitors still apply

I also have a Dell UltraSharp 1704FPT (1280X1024) SXGA LCD display, which I can include in the package for an extra $150 (extra shipping also need to be added) --- SPECIAL DEAL STILL APPLIES
I also have a copy of retail XP professional, for an extra $75, if you need.
-- be fore warned This is a 32 bit version of XP Pro, and should only be able to see ~3GB or so of address space on any machine due to IOMMU constraints in the 4GB max address space under a 32 bit OS; if you want to use the machine to full potential, you will be better off with a 64bit version of Win XP, Win Vista, or 64bit distro of Linux.

I will also be open to selling most of the machine, but leaving certain components such as HDD or Video card out, if you have your own; price will be reduced accordingly; just let me know, and we will work out a deal. I intend to keep the core/bare-bone of the system (Case, PSU, Mobo, CPUs, RAM) together.

If you want to drive here, and do an exchange and pick up, (I live in Champaign, IL about 2 hrs south of Chicago), I will cut the price by $100, since that would save me the trouble of shipping and packing, etc. Another benefit is that you can have the retail boxes that came with most of the components, making it easier for you to sell these parts in the future, if you so choose. I can ship the boxes to anyone willing to pay extra shipping cost.

I also have a 17' and a 19' CRT monitor, the 19' has some scratches on the anti-reflective film (so, it's not suitable for use if facing some light source; otherwise, it works perfectly fine). If you are coming to pick up, you can have one of them for free; I was going to ask people if they would want them in the listing, just for the price of shipping.

AT this point, it's very unlikely that I will part it out piece by piece, simply because of time issue. If this does not sell here and elsewhere, I will try an auction site. I may part it out at some future time, when my schedule is less busy, if the machine is still with me at that time.

##########################################################################

This machine will basically handle any professional or user task out there, and will handle it with ease; and it would also make an excellent server of any variety. It can also be converted into a powerful game server, with decent ability play on itself. And it will still be among the highest of the high end of an personal system for quite a while longer. While I realize that not many people will have the disposable finances to spend, that's why I'm primarily looking to trade.



Thanks to those who convinced me of trading/selling this in the previous thread; which I have come to realize as a good decision, rather than letting it sit for a long period of time. I have already listed this on arstechnica, and 2cpu.com. I will also list this on craigslist, in the next several days. When that happens, I will post here to let you know. I will also have a few pictures up this weekend.

If and when I do reach a deal with someone; please allow for 7-10 days from that point on; to get all of the files off this computer (I would need to transfer these onto my laptop, and copy onto DVDs bit by bit; there is a lot of stuff); and there are a few of my friends who have used this machine remotely in the past; so I want to give them a little time to get their files off the computer, once I'm certain about trading/selling it.

If you have any questions about the details an specs of the machine, please post here, so that I can answer the question once and for all; I don't really care if you negotiate with me in the thread, so long it's within reasonable limits. If you want to contact me, please either post here, or email me; I prefer not to use PM. I may also give my phone here if appropriate.

you can log on remotely, and test out the system; just email me at the following address; and I will give you instructions.
email chenli(DOT)21(AT)gmail(DOT)com
My references are under HardBall in Beerology.
http://www.beerology.com/ars/view.cfm?id=3211

Thanks for looking
--HB

[Flash!]

Bump for more computer than I'd even know what to do with. The processors alone are more worth more than $1200, good deal for a sweet computer.

[HardBall]

Originally Posted by Flash!

Bump for more computer than I'd even know what to do with. The processors alone are more worth more than $1200, good deal for a sweet computer.

Hey, thanks for the encouragement, bump.

[dAEDaLus]

Bump for a Tempting offer, but then I'd have to get another laptop!

[HardBall]

Originally Posted by dAEDaLus

Bump for a Tempting offer, but then I'd have to get another laptop!

Thanks for looking, and if you still have any interest at all, let me know what you have; we may be able to work out a deal together;

like I said, I can possibly work out a deal of sending you the workstation and one of tow laptops that I have; if you have an exceptional machine to offer.

[HardBall]

The first round of pictures are up now:


































I will post more pictures per request.

Please let me know what other parts of the system you would like to see; and I will oblige as soon as I am able to.

[HardBall]

Linux/Unix/Cygwin users:

You can test out my system remotely if you would like; just email me at the address provided: chenli.21@gmail.com ; and I will set up a temp account for you on my machine, and email back the info to you, so you can remotely log on.

You don't really need to be seriously considering buying it to do that; just that you are curious about how it works, performs. Just don't download or upload huge files ( > 50MB).

Let me know.

[HardBall]

Bump.

[GZS]

Just shot you a PM.

[HardBall]

Originally Posted by GZS

Just shot you a PM.

YGPM back

[HardBall]

Ttt

[boomheadshot45]

nice.. if i had the money i would jump on it like a hoboe on a ham sandwhich Lol!

[HardBall]

Originally Posted by boomheadshot45

nice.. if i had the money i would jump on it like a hoboe on a ham sandwhich Lol!

Thanks for the complements;

Like I said, I also accept trades, if you are interested, there is always someway to work out a deal.

[HardBall]

In hopes of moving things along, from now until Tuesday 11:59pm (almost Wed midnight); which will make this a complete system of a high-end workstation. Responses are always welcomed; please don't be afraid to post any reasonable offer.

If anyone would trade a laptop with at least the following list of requirements:

• In good working condition with no issues.
• Extended Warranty (at least 3 yrs total); and transferable.
• Warranty including agreement that allows user to change Mem modules (unless it already has 2GB of RAM), and HDD without voiding warranty
  (shouldn't be a problem with the majority of OEMs)
• Screen resolution: looking for 1680X1050 or higher;
  -- could go as low as 1440X900 or 1400X1050
• Dual Core CPU: Intel Core Duo or equivalent,
  -- also Athlon64 X2 (I only know of one model with that)
• Discrete Graphics with discrete VRAM
  -- looking for something along the lines of X1400/X700/Go6600/Go7400 or higher
  -- basically something that will be able to run Vista without being bogged down by the bloated GUI
• Mini-PCI Wireless 802.11b/g (most recent laptops should have that)
• CDRW / DVD-ROM
• At least 2 X USB 2.0 ports
• Reasonably good brand with good support, such as:
  --IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad
  --Sony Vaio
  --Fujitsu Lifebook
  --Acer Ferrari
  --HP nx or nw series
  --Gateway m465 or m685
  --Dell Precision/Lattitude
  --Sager notebook
  --Falcon NW
  --number of others... ...

Or if anyone would purchase the system at the given price;

I will throw in the Dell UltraSharp 1704FTP LCD monitor FOR FREE --SHIPPED
Of course, if you pick up, you can also get a CRT for free (you pay shipping if not local), so you would have a dual monitor setup with a high end workstation.

I will post the pictures of the DELL LCD later.

[HardBall]

New pictures are up;

For the Dell UltraSharp LCD



The adjustable height stand, and the USB ports:





The machine, and components in the dark, glowing from all of the LED fans.