A member recently suggested that in addition to what we usually do, we should have a large giveaway for the upcoming 2011 Time Zone Challenge.  It was proposed by DutchForce that we come together as a community and build a brand new -BigAdv rig for one lucky member.  Its something I've considered before, and the timing seems right now as this will be our last folding contest of 2011.  Lets go out with a bang!
 
First, be aware that the traditional smaller prizes will still be active for this contest (you can donate them here).  The premise of the "grand prize" is rather simple: as a community, those who are willing and able can throw a little cash and/or a part or two into the pot.  If you are interested in donating cash, please be prepared do so via paypal.  Together we can make a really nice gift for one of our members. 
 

• The final specs/parts will be decided by those donating, though input from everyone is welcome and encouraged. 
• The requirements to qualify for the "grand prize" will be collectively determined by those donating (time folding, total points, contest participation, ect).

 
Basic outline of parts needed (some of them may be optional):
 
Case:
PSU:
Motherboard:
CPU:
CPU Cooler:
RAM:
GPU:
Harddrive:
Optical Drive:
OS:
Shipping & Handling:
 
This is entirely up to the community whether we can pull this off or not - if you feel it is a good idea please leave your input below and provide a donation if you are able.
 
Note: the goal is to have the majority of the donations completely laid out before the contest registration begins - with the hope that it will encourage participation! (there is no active sign up at the moment).

Woah!...Surprised me with that one Troy
 
  

DraginElite

I can see this as ANY gpu will work for the rig as the rig from the way i read it will be a -BigAdv folder only ... so if anyone has a spare no externally power gpu would suffice and save a bit on the total costs

if thats the case i have a old PCI gpu A Open 3D graphics accelerator card on the sticker it says
 
Product: PT75
P/N:91 AC819 107
 
looks just like this one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/A...C819-107-/250826856254

I don't have access to the funds to provide the necessary parts for a -bigadv beast, but I DO have a 5 channel fan controller that would go nicely for something like this to help with heat/noise management.
 
http://www.nzxt.com/new/p...an_control/sentry_mesh
 
Consider this thrown into the pot.
 
d

I'd be willing to throw some cash into the pot.  I don't really have any hardware that would be useful for it, unfortunately.
 
I actually could throw a new one of these into the pot was well: http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=512-P3-1310-LR&family=GeForce
 
It wouldn't add any real load to the PSU, and it doesn't need to have any horsepower for a -bigadv rig.

I like it!
 
Let me go look at my spare parts box.

Think we tried the evga bucks thing in the past and they said no even for a good cause. But if someone gets it done i would give up all mine also.

This is a great idea. I wish I had cash to throw into the pot. I have my wedding in 3 weeks. Im kinda broke right now. But I LOVE this idea.

I've send GPU's to fellow folders in the USA a few times, without an issue with customs.
When you send it as a gift, I don't think there is a problem.

When I suggested to Troy to build a Bigadv rig as grand prize, I was thinking of a Sandy Bridge 2600K system.
I think it would be nice to have an P67 or Z68 series mobo with at least 2 PCI-e slots, so the winner can add some GPU's if he/she wants.
If we are going to build such a system, I'm willing to donate at least the i7-2600K CPU with a decent cooler (Corsair H60 or a good air cooler).
I will also cover the Shipping & Handling costs if needed.

I live near Frankfurt, Germany and can mail almost anything to the states through the USPS. I can order from sites like Newegg and Tigerdirect and have it shipped over here too.

I like being abused.

I'm loving the enthusiastic response to this guys! 
 
We're off to a good start, but we've got a ways to go before we can make this a reality.  Hopefully people continue to offer their input, opinions, and donations.

well, then lets get going on what we have so far:
 

troy8d

Basic outline of parts needed (some of them may be optional):

Case:
PSU:
Motherboard:  ASUS P8P67 WS Revolution by Barbarossa
CPU: i7 2600k by Dutchforce
CPU Cooler:  Corsair hydro series cooler by Dutchforce
RAM:
GPU:  Geforce 210 by Firestarter
          unspecified ATI card by Asus939
          PNY 9500 GT by dvast8n
Harddrive:
Optical Drive:
OS:   Ubuntu or Linuxrouters image-> both free of charge
Shipping & Handling:
5 channel fan controller by Drougnor
cash donations for parts/shipping:  yeenoghu

sorry, if I forgot anything/anybody so far

I like the Idea however the CPU cooler should be optional Air Cooled or Water Cooled. Perhaps both options should be donated with it.
 
the winner has the choice what to use this way.

the lucky member should be someone in the military living in on-base housing so they don't have to worry about an electricity bill *hint hint*
 
I know I'd have no problems running it 24/7 here in Okinawa....
 
I have some EVGA bucks I can use to buy something if it's needed, doubt there is anything unless EVGA has PSUs.  If pooling EVGA bucks goes through, I have my $45 I'll throw in....