Few Questions About Spec

khulershaker

khulershaker

khulershaker

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2 Jul 2008
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http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-051-AK
Asrock Z68 Extreme4 Intel Z68
I'm thinking of getting a smoking rig lined and up this board seems to be getting the thumbs up from many on this forum. As always I trust the "mob wisdom" on this site so have it pegged as "the" main board for my SB rig.

And BANG for BUCK CPU right now seems to be Intel Core i5-2500K 3.30GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155, especially with its easy OC'ing cababilities.
www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-360-IN
stop me if I talk no good btw :-/

In the past I think I have over spent and this time round I really want to get it right in the sense that I am not way over spending to next to no real performance gains etc from spending less if you get me.

I'm also going for AS QUIET (pref Silent) as possible. So am carrying over my Passive cooled ATI 5450. And from what I can gather this almost silent power supply.
XFX 750W Black Edition Modular Power Supply
www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-001-XF
?? (seems to run next to silent according to reviewers)

I need some advice on memory now as I'm finding it a bit of a mind field.
the top speeds supported from the memory compatibility list is from mid way 1600 mhz all the way to 2400 mhz (OC).
So do I fork out for some top level 2400 stuff and get the top speeds, or do i peg it some where in between, say, 2100 mhz, save some cash and not really notice any difference etc.
I could really do with 8 GB for VM's and various things.
I "pencilled" in this.....
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-056-GS
x2 to make 8 GB (although all mem slots filled can affect power draw I hear, so maybe the equivalent 2 x 4gbs ???)
Any tips or build lists of known working memory with this board and CPU would be great.

Also I'm hoping to get somewhere between 4.5ghz 4.8ghz OC with this board and chip and am hoping to get confirmation that with this BIOS you can do it VERY easily, perhaps AUTO even.
Then of course I need as quiet (pref SILENT) a fan/heatsink as possible.

I have "pencilled" this one as a potential suitor (but change fan to sharkoon silent eagle)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-001-CS&tool=3
What do you reckon?

oh I need the smartest, not too big case, with good cable management. I love the lian li's but can never decide on the most suitable one. I had a HAF 2 and that was just too big and noisey although very good case overall.
I was close to going down the SSF route latley but decided against it.
As far being almost ready with a final set list I think I'm there, just hope you can help fill in any blanks for the grey areas. Thanks guys!
 
Motherboard - Great
CPU - Great
PSU - Great

RAM - The speed and timings of RAM don't really affect the performance too much on Sandy Bridge, the sweet spot for price/performance is definitely 1600MHz CL9 kits.

Filling out all 4 RAM slots will affect your overclocking ability as you rightly pointed out, so wouldn't suggest doing that, a 2x4GB set would be better if you want to go for 8GB.

You will be better off buying a low-profile RAM set because the ones with the big heatsinks don't fit under a lot of HSFs. I would suggest the Corsair XMS3 (which run perfectly fine undervoltaged to 1.5V) or kingston do some decent low-profile sets too.

HSF - While the A50 is good, it's not the best (although I don't know how it would perform with the silent eagle), but a great performing, very quiet CPU cooler is the Thermalright Silver Arrow (is in the top two air coolers on the market, competing with the Noctua D14) for £20 more than the A50.
 
Hey mate - looking good
Nice RAM post above it seems 1866Mhz tweaked to CL7 is sweet as and 4GBs is wicked.
I'd be tempted by these;
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-056-GS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-298-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

But they have large heatsinks and you need to take into account the size/positoning of the CPU - Im in work and dont have the time right now but for C7/C8 and you only need 4GB with sandybridge I think those look good - by all means the 8GB above is a great choice too, just giving some ideas and personal view :)

Many people spec the Silver Arrow so that looks like a good buy, I use an Akasa Venom and it does a good job.

Anyway my 2cents is that im using the NZXT Phantom and it has nice Fan controls - you have have it nearly taking off or you can have it running at a pleasent quiet hum - hardly noticeable.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-022-NX&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=35

Great cooling and cable management, for me the design is sexy - I have the white version with red trim and will be getting some extra red LED fans.
BUT! It is a big case - I cant comment on others really as I havent usd them.
 
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Thanks - that sure is a nice case although I was hoping veer away from the massive boxes. I'll keep trawling around.
Would that memory you mentioned give me noticeable perf gains though? Of the night mare begins again when if they do I need to re choose cooler coz big fins hold up the silver arrow I think>
 
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