Hey Lemmy, I need some recommendations for a CPU-intensive slightly mobile rig. I run a lot of engineering simulations and I need a computer that I can move between my home and work on a semi-frequent basis. I’m looking for something more powerful than a laptop and I’ll have monitors/peripherals at both locations. Maybe a mini-ITX in an HTPC style case? The sims don’t really make use of GPU, so integrated graphics is just fine. They multi-thread a bit, but there are still single-core bottlenecks in the process, so highest single-core performance is probably pretty important. It’s also got to handle 128GB of DDR5 and a M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD.
A lot of the faster CPUs seem to need some serious cooling (100W+ TDP!) and I’d rather not have a jet engine roaring constantly since this thing will be sitting right on the desk next to me eating 100% CPU most of the time. Are there small form factor cases that can support water cooling? When Intel says a CPU has a processor base power of 125W, but a Max Turbo Power of 253W, does that imply that the 253W can’t be sustained even with enough cooling?
Great point, it’s not so clear cut of a lead. 14900K wins in price, but I haven’t factored in the cost of the mobo that might even out the total cost.
A case like Silverstone Alta G1M would let me fit a 360mm water cooler in there, but the build is starting to get larger and larger :P A lower TDP would need smaller coolers and fit smaller cases like you said.
I can fabricate a handle for it, and I’m considering perhaps smaller cases that I could stuff a 360mm cooler into where a GPU would be. e.g. Mechanic Master C30pro (aside from the glass…). As long as the case can handle a long enough GPU, it would fit a 360mm radiator (~400mm long) and I could bolt it to the side panel and cut some ventilation. Sadly many of the cases out there seem to be tempered glass side panels… can’t cut/drill that!