Check My Spec Please

[DuncanP]

Hello everybody. First post.
I want to replace my aging AMD 2000 system with a new C2D build. I had originally looked at the Q6600, but whist waiting for the G0 stepping version I read interesting things about the overclocked E2160, so my current idea is to use this (overclocked to 3Gh) with a P35 mb and swap the processor for a 45nm Quad core next year.
Similarly I will replace the graphics card with a Direct X10 card next year.
My Spec


Processor E2160
Mboard Gigabyte GA_P35C_DS3R
Memory GeIL 2GB (2x1GB) PC6400C4 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2
Hard Disk Samsung SpinPoint T HD501LJ 500GB SATA-II 16MB Cache
DVD Writer NEC ND7173 18x18 DVD±RW Dual Layer LabelFlash ReWriter
Graphics Card OcUK ATI Radeon X1950 Pro 256MB GDDR3 HDTV/Dual DV
Case Akasa AK-ZEN-01-BK Zen Black Case
PSU OCZ StealthXStream 600w Silent SLI Ready ATX2 Power Supply
Cooling Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU Cooler

A couple of questions
Will the OcUK ATI Radeon X1950 Pro work with my CRT monitor (using an adapter cable)
Does the case include fans.
Do I need a floppy to flash the mb bios or can I use a USB flash drive.
I want to order all of the parts, sit down and build the thing, without having to run about looking for extra cables and screws etc. Have I forgotten anything?

Thanks in advance

 

[thefishdude]

according to the spec the case comes with front and back 120mm fans.

the gfx card should work but you may need an adaptor thing cuase loooks like it has digital outs not vga outs a lot of gfx cards come with one of these in the box. maybe email ocuk ask them if it has one

as for the bios i allways do mine with a floopy never done it with usb but i have heard you can do that now.

seem like you have thought of evberything, the artic 7 pro comes with pre applied thermalpaste i know some people prefer to remove it and use fancy stuf like arctic silver. but i used the paste on it and it works fine for me choice is yours

 

[DavidB]

Processor E2160 -- you could downgrade this to an E2140, just has a lower multiplier and a few people have reported they overclock better, and besides its cheaper.

Mboard Gigabyte GA_P35C_DS3R --good mb

Memory GeIL 2GB (2x1GB) PC6400C4 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2-- this has better reputation as being more overclockable too.

Hard Disk Samsung SpinPoint T HD501LJ 500GB SATA-II 16MB Cache --again fine

DVD Writer NEC ND7173 18x18 DVD±RW Dual Layer LabelFlash ReWriter --pretty standard.

Graphics Card OcUK ATI Radeon X1950 Pro 256MB GDDR3 HDTV/Dual DV--good for the cash.

Case Akasa AK-ZEN-01-BK Zen Black Case-- popular

PSU OCZ StealthXStream 600w Silent SLI Ready ATX2 Power Supply-- can be hit or miss, few complaints about noisyness this has a better reputation/ is very popular.

Cooling Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU Cooler-- if you really want to overclock well youll want a better cooler, this would do you well if you could stretch to it, if not the one you have will suffice.

 

[DuncanP]

Thanks for the advice.

I'm going to change the PSU to the Corsair HX 520W.
I am looking at the Tuniq Tower. I'm a bit unsure whether it will fit correctly in the Mb and I may need the PCI slot that it uses, also there have been negative posts about concave heatsink surface and it looks like a pig to install.
I'm going to stick with the E2160 because gf the extra cache.

I've have been thinking of building a new PC for months, first the RAM was too expensive then there was the wait for the intel price cut, then the wait for the G0 stepping Q6600. I think that when the G0 stepping chips become available, it will almost be Sept, when the gfx cards become cheaper and this is only a few months before the 45nm chips come on line. So I will order this one tomorrow otherwise it may be next year!

Regards

Duncan

 

[DavidB]

because gf the extra cache.

there exactly the same sized cache lol

The tuniq heatsinks are normally flat, but as on any heatsink you get concave ones now and again, mb a mess to install but worth it in the long run, but if it is too much hassel for you just dont bother.

 

[DuncanP]

Yes you are right about the cache. I was sure that I had read it was only 512.
On further reading it looks as though the Tuniq tower is the better bet. Ive sent a webnote to OC to ensure that it fits the case / mb.

Thanks again

Duncan