So I found a 3.4GHz Pentium 4...

[Goran]

In an old computer of my Dad's, so what should i do with it? its socket 775 i think? it says SL7J8 on it?

Are they good enough to run a NAS or HTPC?

or should i build a folding rig with some 8800s?

ideas?

 

[tinytomlogan]

you could use an atom cpu if you are gpu folding as they barely even touch 1% on most cpu's.

NAS htpc it will be ok but I seem to remember that P4 being very hot so not the best choice if you ask me.

 

[Goran]

ooooooooooooooh with my spare pump and tubing i might build a little watercooled NAS/HTPC/Torrenting rig. hmmmmmmmm

 

[MeltedDuron]

ooooooooooooooh with my spare pump and tubing i might build a little watercooled NAS/HTPC/Torrenting rig. hmmmmmmmm

It'll work, but don't forget the power bill. I seem to remember those P4's pulling upwards of 100w at full load. Something like a celeron 430 would be better. I'd sell the P4 for a tenner or so and put the money towards a cheapy core2 based celeron which will perform similarly and run a lot cooler while using less electricity.

 

[siravarice]

Overclock the nuts of it and see what you can get.

 

[Goran]

Overclock the nuts of it and see what you can get.

I might get a final use out of my school's workshop and CNC myself some kind of liquid nitrogen cooler. My dad can get hold of some of the stuff and i'll see what i can get. mmmmm this could be good/dangerous

 

[siravarice]

I'm thinking good. I don't know what dangerous means

 

[Goran]

its one thing frying your motherboard, it's another thing freeze burning your arm haha

 

[siravarice]

Just wear some thick gloves. The stuff evaporates so fast anyway that a think cover on your hand won't actually do anything. If you spill lots however...

 

[Steve-O-]

Ah who cares if you freeze your arm off. It would be worth it if you got a big OC out of it.

 

[jimz360]

+1 on overclocking, haven't seen a p4 in ages

 

[Slayeristight]

I install A/C and Heat pumps for a living and sometimes when disconnecting the freon hose you can get sprayed with some freon on the hand. I use gloves but it will freeze the glove and still get you. After the numbness of the cold goes away it feels just like a burn, no bueno.

+2 on overclocking it, just be careful with the cold stuff!