Hardware Decisions and Discussions - Power Suppy Unit (PSU)

1. Case Compatibility for Vertical 4P Builds: Since space is limited in your area and you're considering a vertical setup, water cooling could indeed be a good choice. However, as you mentioned, you'll need a case that can accommodate this setup without extensive modifications. Here are a few cases that are known to fit large motherboards and might require minimal modification:
   
   • Corsair 900D: Known for its spacious interior and ability to house large motherboards and custom water cooling setups.
   • Phanteks Enthoo Elite: A high-end case with ample room for custom water cooling and large motherboards.
   • Thermaltake Tower 500: Offers significant room for modifications and cooling options.
2. Stock Phenom Coolers: @NerdGZ, stock Phenom coolers generally offer decent performance for standard use but can struggle with heavy loads, especially in a 4P setup. Temperatures can vary, but they are typically adequate for moderate use. For a high-performance build, you might need something more robust.
   
3. Water Blocks: @Barbarossa, it would be helpful to know the specific water blocks you're using. Some popular choices for custom cooling include:
   
   • EKWB EK-Velocity: Known for its high performance and compatibility with various CPU sockets.
   • Alphacool NexXxoS: Offers a range of blocks suitable for different setups and budgets.
4. Budget Considerations: For those on a tighter budget, the AMD Opteron 6128 8-core CPUs are indeed a good option at around $165 each. They offer a balance between cost and performance, making them a suitable choice for budget-conscious builds. As you noted, balancing budget with the complexity of a 4P machine can be challenging, but finding cost-effective components like these can help.