GPU, RAM, and PSU

RAM: OCZ Reaper HPC 6 GB (3 x 2 GB) DDR3 1866

For this build, OCZ sent their 6 GB triple channel DDR3 1866 kit. These sticks of RAM feature a nickel plated copper heat pipe conduit (hence the HPC label) that dissipates heat from the modules. They're rated at 9-9-9-28 timings and should do well. The model number is OCZ3RPR1866C9LV6GK.

Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower XT 850W Spedo Edition

For a micro ATX build, space and airflow can quickly become issues. This is why a modular power supply such as Thermaltake's Toughpower XT 850W unit is a must. Not only will this supply plenty of power to all the system components with 62 amps on a single 12v rail, but it's modular design will save space, facilitate cable management and be less of an impediment to good air flow.

Additionally, this unit has a feature called FanDelayCool which continues to run the PSU fan after the computer is shut off to provide quicker cool down of hot system components. This will be especially beneficial in this application.

Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 4770

If I had more time, I would have tried to round up a multi-GPU set up since the X58 board has both SLI and Crossfire capabilities. However, time and resources were limited so I had to settle for what I had on hand. The 4770 does make a good card for an application like this though, due to its 40-nm process which requires less energy and produces less heat. It's also a shorter card, so fitting it into the Lanbox was not an issue.

Nevertheless, while nobody likes the guy who brings his power hungry machine to a LAN party and throws all the breakers with it, one of the focuses of this build remains performance, and I feel this card is the weakest point of the build so far.

I hope to offer a second part to this article which will feature a few case modifications, an improved CPU cooler, and hopefully a multi-GPU set up to see what sort of impact it has on other temperatures and overall performance, while not getting too power hungry (2x GTX 295s probably aren't too practical here). As another side note, the design of this card is such that it dumps its heat back into the case.

While I think sometimes people bash on such card cooling designs too much, a card with a rear exhaust would definitely be better in this specific application where the case has limited air flow due to its size.