Quote from: smoki on June 13, 2011, 02:02:14 AM

I'd add:
- RAM - only use one stick to save a few Watts, even if going for 2GB. One 2GB stick uses the same amount of power as a 1GB stick
- CPU - downclock and undervolt it to save power. Pretty much all CPUs should run at 1-1.5 GHz and =< 1V. Also, if using a multi-core CPU, disable all but one core. And if using a hyperthreading-enabled CPU, disable that too.
- Video cards - downclock the memory to save power and possibly improve performance (depending on model of card and operating system). On a 1GB video card you can save some 20-30W per card, depending on original and final memory clock. To hit optimal performance, you will have to experiment, as the sweet spot can be anywhere in the 180-400 MHz range
- PSU - ignore the total wattage and focus on just the 12V rail. Single 12V rail is the better design for mining, as opposed to multiple 12V rails

Quote from: sang on June 13, 2011, 01:55:24 AM

I would emphasize that CPU speed really doesn't matter. My main mining rig is running an Athlon X2 4200 @ 1ghz to save on power.

Also that the most important thing with power supplies is the amount of wattage/amperage available on the 12v rail(s). Do not just simply look at the overall power (ex: 600watts) written on the front of the box. I have a 400w Enermax that puts out more 12v power then some 700w PSU's i've seen on Newegg.

Quote from: Basiley on June 13, 2011, 02:14:51 AM

basicly its okay.
but hardly 58x0 is max "cost/effective", cuz 69x0 already cost as much[you can get 6950 for ~$250 today] and do more MH/s, but they more "power/effective", a bit. actually its more noticeable in BitCoin-unrelated GPGPU workload, like [Huge-HR/DR]image-processing or AV/match crunching.

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