Final Pre-Purchase Spec Check Please!

GM2 · 21 Oct 2008 at 16:36

OK - after much deliberation and lots of learning, I think I may have finalised a spec and am looking to order some, if not all, of the bits today / tomorrow to take advantage of Offer of The Week and 666.

Main uses:
Standard Office / Browsing
Photoshop CS2 (will probably upgrade to CS4)
Some video
Some gaming by 10yo son (but this is not to cause significant change to spec!)
Vista 64 bit

Spec, pretty much decided, although GPU still under discussion in the Graphics Forum

Does this look balanced, sensible etc etc?

Do I need anything else? Cables, ties, extra fans, etc etc? (I've got a screw driver

)

All / any thoughts appreciated:

Now edited to take account of fobose's suggestions

*** UPDATE *** My final ordered and delivered spec is set out at the bottom of this thread - in case anyone is even vaguely interested!!

fobose · 21 Oct 2008 at 16:42

I would drop the AS5 as the arctic freezer 7's MX-2 (pre applied paste) is meant to be just as good/better than AS5.

Also unless your bothered about the extra 2 year warranty I would change to a WD Blue 640GB as its cheaper, and from the link below, no performance gain:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12723390&postcount=846

Oh and considering your graphics card requirements, I would change to the much cheaper Corsair HX520 too, as the 620W is way OTT for your spec.

GM2 · 21 Oct 2008 at 16:57

fobose said:
I would drop the AS5

Done

fobose said:
I would change to a WD Blue 640GB

Also done - but might go back, as HDD do fail and extra warranty does have some value here.

fobose said:
I would change to the much cheaper Corsair HX520 too

I'd meant to spec that in the first place - got carried away! Thanks for the spot.

fobose · 21 Oct 2008 at 17:00

3 years is a long time. I bought a 300GB seagate (5 year warranty) about 3 years ago, and upgraded to 2x 500GB for RAID1 last year. I have already upgraded to 2x 640GB early this year, and am waiting for the right time to upgrade the 500GB storage to either 1TB or 1.5TB and not using the 500's anymore (which are dog slow now, and still have warranty till 2012).

Just something to bare in mind. If you dont change your system/hard drives often then it might be worth it for you.

MoRT489 · 21 Oct 2008 at 17:05

The description does not say that the AC Freezer 7 comes with MX-2 pre-applied, that is on the newer, larger model so u will need to add some thermal compound.

fobose · 21 Oct 2008 at 17:07

Oh :O When did they stop pre-applying MX-2?

Also, to the OP: You might want to get some intake fans to your case as they dont come with any; something cheap with good air flow and low db rating like this would be good I think:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...HFF-1N12N 120mm Transparent Case Fan - Retail

GM2 · 21 Oct 2008 at 17:10

creed said:
The description does not say that the AC Freezer 7 comes with MX-2 pre-applied, that is on the newer, larger model so u will need to add some thermal compound.

On the AC site, it seems to suggest 'pre applied MX-1 /MX-2:

GM2 · 21 Oct 2008 at 17:26

fobose said:
some intake fans

More than one??

fobose · 21 Oct 2008 at 18:27

I find it you have more exausts than intakes (especially intakes that are blocked by hard drives), then you end up with dust being sucked in to every nook and cranny in your case. Besides, you might find it better to have two running at 50% speed than one running at 100% (noise levels).

GM2 · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:45

fobose said:
I find it you have more exausts than intakes (especially intakes that are blocked by hard drives), then you end up with dust being sucked in to every nook and cranny in your case. Besides, you might find it better to have two running at 50% speed than one running at 100% (noise levels).

OK - thanks for this.

Anyone else have anything to say?

Lethal` · 22 Oct 2008 at 10:04

creed said:
The description does not say that the AC Freezer 7 comes with MX-2 pre-applied, that is on the newer, larger model so u will need to add some thermal compound.

I have the AC Freezer 7 Pro linked and it came with the MX-2 Pre-applied, I did however buy some AS5 for future use.

MoRT489 · 22 Oct 2008 at 11:45

GM2 said:
On the AC site, it seems to suggest 'pre applied MX-1 /MX-2:

Lethal` said:
I have the AC Freezer 7 Pro linked and it came with the MX-2 Pre-applied, I did however buy some AS5 for future use.

I stand corrected. OCUK please update product description?

GM2 · 22 Oct 2008 at 12:24

creed said:
I stand corrected. OCUK please update product description?

BUT, interestingly - OcUK still specify that they use Arctic Silver 5, even when installing an Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro 7 - for example, see their latest Ultima OC (3rd line of the component list)

Lethal` · 22 Oct 2008 at 13:20

I still think MX-2 is probably better, plus it is already applied -- which means you get good temperatures as it is applied correctly, you might get it slightly wrong when applying AS5 and get higher temps. Plus it's a waste to wipe off the MX-2 for no specific reason

GM2 · 23 Oct 2008 at 14:59

OK - So this is what I've bought:

This is the final spec!! All as now bought.

I managed to save a bit compared to the price quoted here. Bought the processor when it was in last week's offer. And the MB from 'elsewhere' for somewhat less. Also took advantage of the 666 offer for 6% of most items. Just a shame I don't qualify for free postage as that would have saved me nearly £20 in total :mad:

So, my total purchase price, all in (inc VAT and delivery) was £538.17. I reckon I've got a reasonable set up for that! Now I've just got to find time to build it!!

Thanks to everyone for their help and guidance...

GM2