Build update!

JoyPadJedi · 18 Feb 2006 at 22:01

Build update! (advice needed)

Hi all. A while ago I asked you advice on a new build. Can't find the thread though.

Anyway, things have progressed, gradually:

CPU: AMD X2 4400
MOBO: ASUS A8N32 Deluxe
RAM: Corsair 2 GB 3500LL
GFX: 2x ocUK Silent Extreme 7800GTX (SLI)
HDD: 2x WD Raptor 36 GB (RAID0) for apps w/ WD Caviar 250 GB for data
DVD: NEC DVD-RW
CASE: Lian Li PC-7+ SE
PSU: Tagan Easycon 580W
SCREEN: Viewsonic VX922

Plus bits and bobs.

Comments/observations/recommendations on the rest of the spec would be awesome.

Getting there slowly but surely!

ACESHIGH · 19 Feb 2006 at 02:39

Looks good, other than youd be better of going for an X1900XTX than SLI 7800GTX, imo.

kbc · 19 Feb 2006 at 02:47

ACESHIGH said:
Looks good, other than youd be better of going for an X1900XTX than SLI 7800GTX, imo.

I would recommend that too, though I might have to go with the nvidia route seeing as you've already purchase one of the top SLi motherboards.

Dureth · 19 Feb 2006 at 03:20

Then again a single x1900 isn't going to be hurt by running in an SLI board. Sure your cutting off the possibility of crossfire but the whole sli/crossfire thing seems a little disapointing anyway.

xirokx · 19 Feb 2006 at 09:08

Is the X1900XTX better than SLI 7800GTX?

Just breifly wondered dont intend to change the topic thread

thanks

Monstermunch · 19 Feb 2006 at 10:10

ACESHIGH said:
Looks good, other than youd be better of going for an X1900XTX than SLI 7800GTX, imo.

I agree, IMO SLI is a complete waste of money! You're much better off buying one great card instead of 2 good ones. Get the 512mb x1900xtx, it's much better value than the 7800gtx.

Monstermunch · 19 Feb 2006 at 10:11

xirokx said:
Is the X1900XTX better than SLI 7800GTX?

Just breifly wondered dont intend to change the topic thread

thanks

IMO no, some games prefer 1 chipset and others prefer the other chipset, however atm the x1900's offer much better value for money at up to £450ish, whereas for a 512mb 7800gtx you could pay all the way up to £675 for it!

Monstermunch · 19 Feb 2006 at 10:17

Dureth said:
Then again a single x1900 isn't going to be hurt by running in an SLI board. Sure your cutting off the possibility of crossfire but the whole sli/crossfire thing seems a little disapointing anyway.

SLI & Crossfire would be a great idea if new chipsets didn't arrive every 6 months. As it is today you could go and blow nearly £1000 on a gfx setup only to discover in 6 months time that one of you mates has a single new gfx card that kicks your systems ass!

By the frequency that most people upgrade, IMO staying to no more than £200-£300 for gfx card is the best idea, that way I can buy one today for £300, in 6-9 months spend another £300 on a new card and sell my old one for £150ish then you're only looking at a £150ish upgrade instead of another £1000.

JoyPadJedi · 19 Feb 2006 at 10:40

Yeah sure, new chipsets arrive frequently, but I never see the need to upgrade. Unless there's a requirement to upgrade, I won't be changing the 7800s.

So what I should say, is that being cutting edge isn't hugely important for me where GFX is concerned. Hopefuly as well, I'll have a base system with nice OC potential.

Cheers for the comments, keep them coming! (esp. the regarding the questions).

JoyPadJedi · 19 Feb 2006 at 21:52

Okay after further research I've decided against the P180, and in favour of a Lian-Li PC-7 or PC-60.

Going by my spec, do you think the cooling of the PC-7 wil be enough, or is it a job for the PC-60 with all its ducts?

Also would still like an opinion on having the Raptors in Silentmaxx enclosures, especially now I'm probably going for a Lian-Li. Cheers!

JoyPadJedi · 21 Feb 2006 at 15:59

Can anyone help with this?

iraiguana · 21 Feb 2006 at 18:31

all lian-li cases are well designed and will give you good air flow so would say that would be fine cooling wise. and sorry i dont have raptors and dont really know how well the enclosures work.

ToLearn · 21 Feb 2006 at 23:02

the pc7+ comes with 2 120mm ADDA fans and has very good cooling would be fine for your system this case gets recomemnded a lot in the cases section

JoyPadJedi · 22 Feb 2006 at 09:40

Yeah I'm reading conflicting stories on the 12cm fans though. I emailed OCuk and they said they are shipping a version with 1x12cm and 1x8cm. I've seen other sites mention the PC-7+ 'SE', which does have 2x12cm. The variations are somewhat confusing.

ToLearn · 23 Feb 2006 at 12:01

hi just recived the pc7+ from ocuk today and it does come with 2x 120mm fans one front one back and blow hole at top empty waiting for you to put fan in if needed

and all i can say is for the money its a lovley case if u need any pictures just ask bud

JoyPadJedi · 1 Mar 2006 at 20:01

Cool good news. ocuk need to change the PC7 literature on the site then.

I'm itching to press the order button to get the rest of my new rig but the Silentmaxx's are out of stock. Any ocuk peeps know a due date for them?

JoyPadJedi · 10 Mar 2006 at 09:54

Currently building this now. Stressful the first time isn't it? So many uncertainties!

Like heatsink orientation stumped me for a bit (see spec)...plus I had NO idea there was thermal goo on it already. Heatsink pipes bend under from the bottom of it and point up - correct?

Also had problems aligning the MB with the I/O shield. Still not 100% satisfied with the fit of that but meh, who sees the back anyway.

Also made the mistake of putting the GTXs in before connecting the various connectors like front panel. Out they came again...

No guide can truly prepare you, but these forums are helping a lot so far - cheers!

Feel free to console me with similar stories