New system build, final thoughts

DemonD

DemonD

DemonD

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7 Nov 2007
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3
Hi guys

New to the forum, but not new to computers - however, I am in the process of updating my old build, which is a 3.2Ghz P4 Northwood 800 FSB, overclocked to a lowly 3.4, on an Aopen mobo, with an X850XT PE card.

My main thing is for gaming, and yes I am prepared to overclock.

I have settled on a Thermaltake VA8003BWS case [current case is a Xaser].

Now for intended spec, and my ramblings:

- CPU - decided to go for the Q6600, although I note there are two versions out there, including the 95W Energy Efficient edition - is this more preferable to the normal one?

- GFX card - has to be an 8800GT, once stock arrives - probably go for the BFG overclocked model; intend to get another monitor to compliment my Iiyama Prolite E511S, with native res of around 1920*1200 tops. I think any higher and the card may struggle.

- Mobo - and my dilemma; I had originally looked at the 680i series, and tempted by either the eVGA OR the Asus Striker Extreme, but not 100% convinced, so have decided to look back at the P35 chipset range; some advice here needed, i.e. choice of model.
I love the look of the Gigabyte DS4:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-084-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=913
But others that seem in contention are the Abit IP35 Pro:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-135-AB&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=913
OR one of the Asus models, this for example:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-245-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=913

- Memory - ok, I am a bit of a noob to this side of things, but is it better to get 4 1GB sticks with timing of 4-4-4-12, ie this:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-090-CR&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=813
which is the PC2-6400 800MHz stuff OR go for the higher stuff like this:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-088-OC&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=817 which "only" has 5-5-5-15 timings but higher speed?

So for example, if I was swayed by the Gigabyte board above, what would be more suitable?

OR would it be wise to choose 2GB sticks, and have two of them?

- OS - going down the Vista 64 Bit OEM route - this machine now, which will remain on the network, already has a dual boot XP Pro and Vista 32 bit on it - another reason to get a minimum of 4GB.

- CPU cooling - I have read the Gigabyte may have issues with certain coolers, due to its layout, although this seems to fit ideal: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-039-TR
However, I would like a Zalman LED, so may need to look at space available.

I think that is it for now - some thoughts would be appreciated? I don't mind spending a bit more where needed [I am also VAT registered, plus PC will be introduced into my business ;)], as long as I am not spending money needlessly.

At the end of the day, I will see a vast performance increase anyway, but willing to overclock the quad to a more decent speed, alongside any other components.

Cheers :D

.
 
  1. Yes, the 95 W version is preferable because it runs cooler and overclocks higher. The Retail version comes with a stock cooler. The OEM version does not.
  2. Good choice. You might consider waiting for the new GTSes at that resolution.
  3. Between those I'd take the IP35-Pro. It should be the best overclocker of the bunch.
  4. The Geil PC2-6400 is definitely the stuff to get. It's more than fast enough to clock the quad sky high and it's dirt cheap, currently £29.99 for 1 x 2 GiB. Get a double order to go with your copy of Vista Home Premium.
  5. The thermalright is the best5 air coooler at the moment. You'll need to get a 120 mm fan for it though. I recommend the 1200 RPM S-Flex. What case are you getting?
 
Thanks for the reply.

I was recommended the IP35-Pro from another mate, so will look further into it. I also see what you mean about the cost of that GeIL, wow.

As for the OS, I was going to go for VISTA Ultimate 64 bit, I already have the 32 Ultimate version, so like the extras.

The case is the Thermaltake VA8003BWS - I do like the aluminium version, but black is cheaper plus I like my opticals to match, seems to be more choice in black:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-046-TT&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=715

Ok, GFX card - so any ETA on the new GTS? I need to do some more Googling.

EDIT - http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2007/11/02/nvidia-pimps-gts - not too far away then :)

Oh, as for PSU as I was going for the Thermaltake Toughpower 850W modular - I also tend to run a fair few HDDs in my boxes, although some will remain in this machine on the network.
 
The new GTS will be out in a few weeks, as might new processors from Intel and AMD. I don't think that case is worth the money. If you like that style take a look at the Antec Nine Hundred. An 850 W PSU is massive overkill here. The Corsair HX 520 would be a much better choice as it too is even overpowered but is known to be darn near silent and stable as all heck.

EDIT: My personal choice for cases in that range is the Antec P182. For a little more I prefer the Lian-Li V1000+II in gorgeous aluminum. The Lian-li comes with one optical drive cover and more are available for purchase.
 
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Ahh, how weird - a friend of mine actually got that case in September, even though he doesn't actually play games...

Only £61.99 as well, compared to £81.99 - although for £20 I am not too fussed - so down to personal preference.

Looks like I may have to re-assess my PSU then - as I said, I do run a load of HDDs, 6 currently.
 
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