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First Post - First OC Build -

J

Jugsta

n00b
Joined
Oct 14, 2008
Messages
13
Hello everyone! This is my first post/thread on hardforums. I have lurked on this site for about the past two months while I’ve purchased some of the items for my future build. Thanks for the help so far! I am interesting in overclocking but have never built a rig that I intended to overclock. I’ve read the “Overclocking Core 2… Guide”, “Air Cooling Guide…” and looked through the “Overclocking Core 2 Database”. I’ve also looked through the entire “Share your P182 builds” thread. Below; I have a list of items that I have already purchased and a list of items that I haven’t. I have built my own computer before, but I am far from an expert when it comes to maximizing a computer’s potential like some of the users on this site.

As far as my expectations go for this build, I would like it initially to be a formidable gaming machine. However; I realize that a Core2Quad build is currently not the optimal solution for a powerhouse gaming machine. I can live with that. Aside from gaming on this computer, I will do a lot of other things. Video-Audio encode/decode, Media Center and Sharing via extenders, running many background processes, some photoshop work, p2p, MS Office, etc. I also think I already have 3 Iphone apps that require a connection to the computer at all times. My current computer does a lot of this stuff well but doesn’t fair well when multi-tasking. Media Center while computing is a royal pain. Generally speaking; I feel like a Quad build will allow me to run everything I need to run simultaneously without any hiccups for quite a long time. I also feel like overclocking this thing will help make this thing a decent gaming platform for at least a little while. Not to mention the whole multi-threading conversion (or lack thereof) taking place among software developers right now.

Basically I have everything purchased except for a motherboard, RAM and video card. I also hope to purchase a Blu-Ray drive (burner perhaps) and finally a new network solution. I know I’m locked into a 775 board but I figured at this point it was probably where I would get the biggest bang for the buck. Below are my haves/needs, a possible case airflow chart (feedback appreciated), and a brief summary of all the networked components in my house. I realize that this isn’t a networking forum but any input on what network devices/setup I should go with would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!


Have:

Antec P182 Case

Coolermaster Real Power Pro 650w PSU

Intel Q9550 (assume it is C1 stepping, purchased from ebay b/c of MS Cashback- Not yet arrived)

Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme CPU Heatsink (Also have Artic Silver 5)

2 Yate Loon 120mm fans (1 medium speed, 1 low speed)

1 Happauge WinTV-HVR-1600 Video Recorder

Rosewill RCR-IC001 USB 2.0 Card Reader

Samsung SH-S223Q DVD-R

Seagate 7200.11 500gb Sata HDD, 250 GB WD Sata

Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit will probably be used initially)




Need:

This is where I get confused. Please, point it out if I am wrong. I claim no responsibility for my ignorance. Blame it on the government.



Motherboard - Looking at Asus P5Q Deluxe because of crossfire, number of regular PCI slots, popularity, and possibly for its OC ability. Any other suggestions?

The P5Q Deluxe seems like the best bet for me but I have read a few negative things that scare me. First, I am almost positive that if my chip comes in and its E0 stepping I will have to purchase a Celeron chip in order to get the system to boot so I can update the bios. Is this true? The C stepping works with the old Bios, right? The P5Q also has support for Crossfire. So, potentially, I could throw two 4870x2’s into this thing if I felt so inclined. Also; what are the difference between this board and the P5Q-E? I’ve had a lot of trouble finding out the difference. I’ve seen comparision charts that actually show that they have the exact same features.


RAM – I have several question about what RAM to get. See below.

To have 1:1 ratio with the Q9550 at stock speeds, I would need to have ddr2-666 memory, right? Apparently this chip can achieve speeds far greater than this. So, hypothetically, 8.5x400 would clock this chip at 3.4 ghz thus requiring ddr2-800 for a 1:1 ratio. Should I get ddr2-800 or go higher in case the chip clocks higher. I can underclock a higher speed memory, right? With ddr2, the difference in money for higher speeds seems inconsequential relative to the rest of the build. I will probably go with a 1:1 ratio regardless. I just get a little confused about memory including what timings to look for. Basically; I would really like to get this computer to 3.4 ghz and anything more would only be a plus. Anything under 3.0ghz would be deflating, for sure.



New wireless networking solution - I currently am using an old school D-link wireless G router and pci card. It has very poor performance/reception/cumbersome software.

I would like to be able to stream hd content to my xbox 360, ps3 and my future media pc (built from my current computer  ). I was thinking of having my new computer connected wirelessly to a wireless N router which plugs into the extenders via a gigabit connections since they do not have wireless N adapters. Does this make sense or is it just stupid? I also have two laptops and an iphone in the house that will connect to the router. Once again; I realize this is an OC forum and I don’t expect much here but I thought I would ask anyways. Thanks in advance!


Video Card – Not really concerned about this at the moment. I have a ATI 3450 that is doing everything I need until I figure out what video card I want.


Here is a diagram I did at work today outlining how I thought to place the fans in my future build. Please comment on their placement or speeds they should be set to. One small note. At the bottom by the PSU, there are a lot grated holes all around the PSU casing. I assume these are for ventilation out the back of the case which is why I am pushing air towards PSU. Also, my PSU releases air upwards toward the case divider. Any P182ers in here care to comment?



Lastly; thank you very much if you read through my thread. I know it was long. Hopefully; all of my post won't be this long. Have a nice day/night!
 
oh god, okay since your new please oh please post cliffs next time lol.

but i did read the whole thing and shall offer some help

1. For the ram question you would be perfectly fine with DDR2 800 if you want to extremely safe i believe i have seen DDR2 1000 for like the same price as DDR2 800 kits which would give you a bit more room but really i'd be surprised if you got beyond 3.4ghz and needed something like DDR2 1000 and even then you could just manually keep your ram clocked lower at like a 5:4 ratio? or something similar. which would have no effect on performance.

2nd on the Motherboard question if you want to use crossfire i would suggest using the P5Q but if i were you i'd look for an x38/x48 board if you plan on doing 4870x2 crossfire because i would believe that x8 PCI-E 2.0 wouldn't have quite enough bandwidth. but i could be mistaken.

anyway hope this helps :)
 
N is a gawdsend for better range and reception. Tried 2 different Gs in a house, both which were not able to give stable connection to the 2nd floor - absolutely hated skyping to the person who lived there cuz I'd get dropped all the freaking time. Switched to a N router and wham, many many many problems solved and most of the 2nd floor is covered. A N router will extend range even if the users are using B/G, and the improved internals definitely beats my Linksys G that dies when I BT too much.
 
In regard to the wireless network; the previous two posts represent exactly why I haven't bought anything yet. I know I will get better performance with N, but I also know it hasn't been finalized. I think wiki says that the N draft should be finalized around March of '09. I don't know if I can wait that long.
 
If your place isn't big, just a room or two then a G will suffice.
 
In terms of ram I would say go for the 1066 ram its really not that much more expensive and in my last intel build it was really nice to have that extra headroom. On motherboards I am very happy with my x38 motherboard, it is ddr3 but I would suspect the ddr2 would actually be better in terms of the current market, so I would recommend the x38/x48 chipset especially with crossfire in mind, 2x pcie 2.0!

Just a note on dealnews.com a newegg deal they have is ocz ddr2 1066 for 18ar for 2x1gb or 62ar for 2x2gb
 
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