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Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
http://www.mediasmartserver.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5512		 Page 23 of 28
Author:  JazJon [ Tue Jul 05, 2011 4:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
Photon wrote:
I went with the Q9550S 2.83GHz Quad-core. It idles at 43-44º with the fans at their minimum of 1,231 RPM. After disabling "Override Fan speed settings" in the HP section of the BIOS I changed the fan speed settings so the fans start ramping up at 45º and hit max by 66º. For my Initial testing phase I set the Temperature Range setting to 10º because I wanted to see how cool the fans could keep it and the Arctic silver isn't broken in. As a result it actually reaches max fan at 55º at the moment. I'll probably change that to 20º.

I ran Orthos overnight with no problems. Orthos only maxes two of the 4 cores. The temp under that load maxed at 61º-62º with 75º intake air measured in front of the server. (Note my fans reached their 3052 max RPM at 55º due to my current temperature range setting of 10º) I ran prime95 small FFT briefly and it runs all 4 cores and takes the temp up into the low 70ºs and still no problems so I'm certain it will be fine in normal use. I'll run the blended test for a while then put it in service.

I'm using the G.SKILL 4GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) F2-6400CL5S-4GBPQ 5-5-5-15 timing. I manually set the 5-5-5-15 timing in the BIOS. I'm very happy with the these upgrades.


Interesting. I should have my new CPU in a few days. Should I buy Arctic Silver instead of using the thermal paste that comes with a new CPU? (or the other brand talked about on here, forgot which would have to look)

Also, for memory I ordered the ushkin Silverline 4GB 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2-6400) Desktop Memory 991762,

The timing says it's 5-5-5-18

The G.SKILL 4GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) F2-6400CL5S-4GBPQ is rated for 5-5-5-15.

Would it be worth returning the Mushkin 5-5-5-18 for the G.SKILL 5-5-5-15?

I'd hate knowing I settled for 2nd best :)

I'll have to think about changing fan speed settings. Most people seemed to just leave everything default except for enabling VT etc.

I also read a few threads where people replaced the fans with even quiter ones. That way if they do need to spin at higher RPM they remain extra quiet. (hopefully with nearly the same air flow/CFM)
Author:  Photon [ Tue Jul 05, 2011 9:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
JazJon wrote:
Photon wrote:
I went with the Q9550S 2.83GHz Quad-core. It idles at 43-44º with the fans at their minimum of 1,231 RPM. After disabling "Override Fan speed settings" in the HP section of the BIOS I changed the fan speed settings so the fans start ramping up at 45º and hit max by 66º. For my Initial testing phase I set the Temperature Range setting to 10º because I wanted to see how cool the fans could keep it and the Arctic silver isn't broken in. As a result it actually reaches max fan at 55º at the moment. I'll probably change that to 20º.

I ran Orthos overnight with no problems. Orthos only maxes two of the 4 cores. The temp under that load maxed at 61º-62º with 75º intake air measured in front of the server. (Note my fans reached their 3052 max RPM at 55º due to my current temperature range setting of 10º) I ran prime95 small FFT briefly and it runs all 4 cores and takes the temp up into the low 70ºs and still no problems so I'm certain it will be fine in normal use. I'll run the blended test for a while then put it in service.

I'm using the G.SKILL 4GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) F2-6400CL5S-4GBPQ 5-5-5-15 timing. I manually set the 5-5-5-15 timing in the BIOS. I'm very happy with the these upgrades.


Interesting. I should have my new CPU in a few days. Should I buy Arctic Silver instead of using the thermal paste that comes with a new CPU? (or the other brand talked about on here, forgot which would have to look)

Also, for memory I ordered the ushkin Silverline 4GB 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2-6400) Desktop Memory 991762,

The timing says it's 5-5-5-18

The G.SKILL 4GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) F2-6400CL5S-4GBPQ is rated for 5-5-5-15.

Would it be worth returning the Mushkin 5-5-5-18 for the G.SKILL 5-5-5-15?

I'd hate knowing I settled for 2nd best :)

I'll have to think about changing fan speed settings. Most people seemed to just leave everything default except for enabling VT etc.

I also read a few threads where people replaced the fans with even quiter ones. That way if they do need to spin at higher RPM they remain extra quiet. (hopefully with nearly the same air flow/CFM)


I think you should use one of the best heat sink compounds. Arctic Silver isn't the only one but was the easiest for me to obtain. My Q9550S Boxed processor did not come with any thermal paste.

I doubt any of us could detect the difference between the Mushkin and G.Skill RAM timing. I bought G. Skill in large part because I have bought a lot of this brand of RAM and never had trouble plus the timing didn't hurt :-)

With the Q9550S processor the fan settings should be changed from the defaults. The defaults don't have the fans reaching full speed until 81º C which is above this processors max temp rating of 76.3º C. Page 80: http://download.intel.com/design/proces ... 318726.pdf
I just tested the HP default setting and the fans were not at full speed when my processor reached 76ºC running small FFTs.
1) You should Disable the setting on the HP menu in the BIOS called "Override Fan Speed Settings"
2) Go to the Advanced Menu under Hardware Health Configuration and set "Absolute Temperature 3 Set" to 76ºC or lower. (I'm using 66º C)
3) Set "Low Temperature 3 Limit to 49º C or lower. (I'm using 45º C)
4) "Temperature 3 Range" needs to be set at 27º or lower. (I'm using 20º C)
Save and exit. That will keep you within spec and have the lowest fan noise profile.
I personally prefer a greater cooling safety margin than that and am setting mine about 10% below the max as indicated above.

IMHO it would be costly trial and error trying to locate quieter fans than what the EX495 comes with.
Author:  JazJon [ Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
I'll be sure to adjust fan speeds as needed as well, thanks for letting me know the max temps!

You're right, since we have a fanless CPU heatsink, we really need a premium thermal layer as well

I've looked around, and while Arctic Silver 5 seems to be popular, it seems to be average compared to others.
http://www.indigo-xtreme.com/bargraphbigger.html
(not just this bias site either)

Indigo Xtreme looks interesting, easy to apply, but slightly complex cure/re-flow/burn-in process.
http://www.indigo-xtreme.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8fS20W_low
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvemuIPi9rQ

The absolute "coolest" product seems to be Coollaboratory Liquid Pro, but it seems like a nightmare if it leaks etc from what I read.
Also the following made me question if it's compatible with our heat sinks:
-'It is also worth mentioning that this compound cannot be used with aluminium heatsinks. as they will be corroded by gallium inside the liquid. Copper and Silver heatsinks are not affected as they do not react with gallium."

The Indigo Extreme isnt the cheapest but it comes with the cleaning wipes. I would have probably bought the Arctic Silver cleaning kit which would have brought the total price to be the same anyway.

So yeah after reading many reviews, I think I'll give the Indigo one a shot!

It looks like the model I need to fit is the indigo xtreme 775. I'll report my temps and stuff once my Q9550S CPU arrives and I get it installed.


EDIT:
I started to question the re-flow process since it talks about re-engadging the CPU fan after re-flow which the EX495 does not have. I just sent the following support question to Indigo Extreme

_____________________
"Hello,

I'm upgrading the CPU of my HP EX495 Windows Home Server.
(Replacing E5200 with Q9550S)

Can I use Indigo Xtreme with my EX495 since it has a passive CPU cooler?

I've read on the forums that the Q9550S works fine in the EX495, but I'd like to use the best thermal heat transfer product available for maximum results.

I think the Q9550S is a lower than normal power CPU. The documentation says the maximum Tc temperature is 76.3 C.

Is the 90 degree re-flow safe?

I'm just curious what to do since you instructions talk about re-connecting the CPU fan after the reflow max, but mine has no fan related to CPU.

Thanks!,
~Jon"
________________
Author:  Photon [ Wed Jul 06, 2011 7:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
While I have not researched recently so I only have 2009 test data at hand. Once Arctic Silver 5 is fully broken in which takes 200 hours it's thermal performance puts it at the top in thermal performance along with several others. The chart you linked only goes to 12 hours so that is about as bad as AS5 thermal performance can be. Page 6 details the break-in period: http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth ... e_v1.1.pdf
Independent comparison reviews of multiple heat sink compounds:
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?o ... &Itemid=62
http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=113 ... ndom=12088
Author:  eqtitan [ Mon Jul 18, 2011 4:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
I'm so glad I found these forums (albeit 2years after getting my EX490) I'm on the fence about selling it to DIY upgrade or keeping it and doing the following recommended upgrade I just read about.

Thanks for the info
Author:  Strych9 [ Tue Aug 09, 2011 11:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
I recently upgraded my EX490 with a Wolfdale E6600 which runs at a FSB of 1066 (266X4). I'm also thinking about upgrading my RAM to 4GB. It appears a lot of people are using PC2-6400 which operates at a bus speed of 800 (400X2). Is this the way to go or should I be looking for PC2-8500 so that it operates at 1066 and equals the 1066 FSB of the E6600? I'm reading and reading but I'm not sure I understand how this works completely. Thanks.
Author:  Photon [ Tue Aug 09, 2011 11:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
Strych9 wrote:
I recently upgraded my EX490 with a Wolfdale E6600 which runs at a FSB of 1066 (266X4). I'm also thinking about upgrading my RAM to 4GB. It appears a lot of people are using PC2-6400 which operates at a bus speed of 800 (400X2). Is this the way to go or should I be looking for PC2-8500 so that it operates at 1066 and equals the 1066 FSB of the E6600? I'm reading and reading but I'm not sure I understand how this works completely. Thanks.


You have the right idea but the MSS only has one memory slot and this limits your options significantly. Have you found single stick 4GB RAM at 1066? I haven't searched very hard but I just took a look at Newegg to see what is available in single stick 4GB DDR2 RAM. Not much. 6 choices on Newegg. The G.Skill F2-6400CL5S-4GBPQ 5-5-5-15 RAM I bought is deactivated but the Mushkin 4GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 5-5-5-18 is available. You may end up getting DDR2 800 due to lack of options in single stick 4GB at higher speeds.
Author:  Strych9 [ Tue Aug 09, 2011 11:50 am ]
Post subject:  Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
I really haven't been able to find much in 4GB 1066 which is one of the reasons I was wondering if I was understanding this correctly. If I go with the 800 will I take a significant hit in performance?
Author:  Photon [ Tue Aug 09, 2011 4:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
Strych9 wrote:
I really haven't been able to find much in 4GB 1066 which is one of the reasons I was wondering if I was understanding this correctly. If I go with the 800 will I take a significant hit in performance?

I doubt it. Nothing you can really tell without benchmark tests for sure.
Author:  Strych9 [ Tue Aug 09, 2011 10:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
Ordered Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 4GB DDR2 800 for $69.99 - $7.00 with promo code from Newegg. Thanks for the help.
Author:  unclebenny [ Tue Oct 25, 2011 5:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
Hello all. I've got a question after reading this thread (and several other sources) concerning CPU options for upgrading an ex490. My question is: has anyone tried a Q8200s? If so, what were their results?

I just snagged an ex490 via eBay today, and I was looking to upgrade the CPU right away. I've seen plenty of people have good results with various core 2 duos and even the Q9550s, but haven't seen anyone using the Q8200s or Q8400s. I was looking at these because they're significantly less expensive than the Q9550s (also a lot less L2 cache).

I was able to get my ex490 for what seemed like a good deal ($252 shipped) and was looking for an inexpensive route to increase the performance.

Thanks in advance,

Eric
Author:  Ledard [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 4:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
Am I right in thinking a Wolfdale chip will be best for this because of the efficiency of the 45 nm manufacturing process?

Does the Mobo/stock BIOS support all Wolfdale chips? I assume the FSB will be limited by the stock RAM but will the resultant clock speed be affected or will it just set a RAM ratio/divider?
Author:  TAdams [ Fri Dec 02, 2011 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
Well it has been awhile. I finally upgraded my main computer and that provided me an extra CPU. So this morning I tore apart my EX490 and placed a used Intel E600 in it. Took a bit to boot up and once it did, it showed the typical single core of the correct CPU. A quick reboot and all was well, both cores.

I have noticed a substantial temp variation between the HP hardware monitor of the CPU and what I get from Core temp. Having just installed a new CPU, I will give it a few days to settle in. I wanted to do the Ram as well, I just did not plan far enough ahead :)

Best regards,
Tom
Author:  Ajallo [ Sat Dec 03, 2011 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
Not the least thanks to all the good advise in this thread I took the plunge and upgraded my EX490. E7500 processor and the G.SKILL 4GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) F2-6400CL5S-4GBPQ memory (many thanks not the least for the details on the memory, sometimes hard to pin down exactly what to use).

Glad to report everything works fine. As stated by many, big difference in the way the server responds, specifically the console. No issues with temperature. At idle it sits at 38⁰ C, when the server is active (most of the time) temperature is in the 40's. Much better than with the stock CPU, it was usually up in the 50's.

Perhaps a bit off topic, but the memory utilization remains high also after the upgrade. With stock memory utilization wa susually abt 70%. Now it hovers around 50%. It is the wmccds.exe process that seem to never quit. Any ideas on this would be most interesting.
Author:  Felton007 [ Thu Dec 29, 2011 9:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Buy a ex490 and upgrade to the e5200
Is there an updated list of the cpu's that work in the ex490?
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