My Aria

[akapaulk]

I just read up a bunch of reviews and decided to upgrade the rig in my sig to SFF Please let me know if I should replace any components before I make the purchase from newegg.com

1) Antec ARIA Aluminum MicroATX Cube Case with 300W Power Supply, Model "LS-968(ARIA)" -RETAIL
$119.00
-$10.00
Instant Rebate

2) ASUS "P4P800-VM" i865G Chipset Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU, Model -RETAIL
Any better options for motherboards? This seems to be a popular one for P4.

3) Intel Pentium 4/ 2.8C GHz 800MHz FSB, 512K Cache, Hyper Threading Technology - Retail
Any better options for CPU? 2.8e?

4) ZALMAN CNPS7000A-AlCu Aluminum + Copper CPU Cooler for AMD XP Socket 462/ 754 and Intel Socket 478 -RETAIL
or
ZALMAN CNPS7000A-Cu Pure Copper CPU Cooler for AMD XP Socket 462/ 754 and Intel Socket 478
Which one is better

5) Kingston ValueRAM Dual Kits 184 Pin 512MB(256MBx2) DDR PC-3200
Any better options for RAM?

6) Lite-On 8X Double Layer DVD+/-RW Drive w/ NERO and PowerDVD Software, Model SOHW-832S BLK, OEM
$79.99

This is all I need. I'll transfer the ATI 8500le, SB Live 5.1, and 120GB seagate hdd from the old computer

Any suggestions appreciated before I make the purchase.

Thanks in advance!

PK

 

[Tybo]

4) ZALMAN CNPS7000A-AlCu Aluminum + Copper CPU Cooler for AMD XP Socket 462/ 754 and Intel Socket 478 -RETAIL
or
ZALMAN CNPS7000A-Cu Pure Copper CPU Cooler for AMD XP Socket 462/ 754 and Intel Socket 478
Which one is better

You might want to consider a smaller heatsink... I just built my Aria today and I found that space is really tight.

 

[paulmofyourhand]

keep that heatsink, it clears the psu by a couple of mm

http://www.gamepc.com/labs/print_content.asp?id=antecaria

last image on the bottom

 

[akapaulk]

Thanks. I knew it would clear since I read many reviews on it. Now which Zalman model to go with? Which one is better?

Thanks guys!

 

[paulmofyourhand]

cnps7000 ALCU should be just fine,
the difference between the ALCU and the pure CU is only by a few degree's

from what ive seen with other aria owners, an intake hole is highly recomended, the air flow is quite bad at stock

 

[Tybo]

Wow, I didn't think it would actually fit like that, I stand corrected! I actually had the CNPS7000A-AlCu sitting next to me while I did my install and it just seemed like it would take up too much space. Even with my smaller HS the case is really cluttered. I have clearance of .5cm for the height of my Heatsink, Video card and the same for my sound card.

Anyhow, I am satisfied with my temps right now (only running an 1800xp) with my current HS as it is only running 39C idle with the case closed. I transfered extra parts I laying around (except the mb) into this computer.

 

[MrE]

Yup, it fits fine under the PSU. Clears with a whopping 1/16"! For the Aria, it keeps the box nice and quiet.

Personally, I like the CU model, but as for which is better I couldn't say. Just make sure that when you install this that you either have:

A) the power supply out or

B) the the heatsink last (after the motherboard is installed in the Aria and the retention clip installed)

Otherwise there isn't much in the way of wiggle room when you try to install this.

-E

 

[Bigshot]

2) ASUS "P4P800-VM" i865G Chipset Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU, Model -RETAIL
Any better options for motherboards? This seems to be a popular one for P4.


Have to agree there, that's the same one I'm using. No oc'ing options but a very stable board.

 

[akapaulk]

Thanks everyone for their replies. What about the ram? Is that fine? I'm looking for the best bang for the buck ram.

 

[Bigshot]

That ram will do just fine. Good price too.

 

[Tybo]

Kingston is decent RAM

I have 2x512 Kingston HyperX PC4000 and 2x512 Kingston Value Ram PC2700, they both work fine.

What will you be doing with this computer?