New build, minor issues

G

GJSNeptune

[H]F Junkie
Joined
Mar 31, 2004
Messages
12,372
Assembled my parents' new computer yesterday evening.

Cooler Master Centurion 541
GIGABYTE GA-MA69GM-S2H AM2 AMD 690G HDMI mATX (Radeon Xpress 1250)
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ with stock HSF
2X1GB mushkin DDR2-800
Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200.10
Corsair VX450 450W


1) The first concern I had was with the stock HSF. It produces a subtle rattling noise. If I poke the fan with my finger to slow down the fan, the rattling gets a little softer, and if I stop the fan completely, the rattling stops. I also noticed a rattling reduction when I touch the heatsink, especially on opposite sides. It's not a clicking sound like a failing fan. It's more like on Wheel of Fortune when they spin the wheel, only not as harsh or loud. Maybe more like a fast, quiet ticking. Anyone ever experience this with the stock Athlon 64 X2 HSF? I replaced the stock thermal grease with AS5 and BIOS shows the CPU temp at 36-37 C. Seems pretty good, right?

2) The Seagate is LOUD! Granted, I've only had the case up on the desk (it's a surprise present for my dad's upcoming birthday) with the vented side facing me. It clicks and grinds really loudly, but doesn't quite sound like it's failing. It's also secured by those plastic rails. But I have three WD drives in my computer secured by just screws and they're no where near as loud. I hate going through the RMA process, but it's unbearable. My parents have a hanging tower mount under their desk, so I'll try to get it under there and see how loud it is then. Hopefully it's healthy, but just loud.

3) This case comes with a front audio cable that can do either HD Audio or AC'97. The case instructions aren't written clearly, and I was under the impression that it called for using the AC'97 support. I tried it but the headphone jack didn't produce any sound. I haven't tried the HD Audio connector yet, and will after work today, so hopefully that'll take care of it.

4) The Vista rating is 1.0 due to the integrated graphics. All the other categories were above 5.0. I researched and was told that Xpress 1250 could run Aero smoothly. While I've only had it running a few times to install antivirus and an mp3 to test audio (it was getting late), I didn't think Aero showed any lag. On the other hand, one of the times I booted into Vista and plugged in a thumb drive, it seemed Vista froze. The mouse cursor would change hover effects, but nothing could be clicked. And about thirty seconds later all the changes suddenly happened. Not sure what that was about. Hopefully it was a one-time thing.
 
1)the solution to this should be pretty obvious. stock fans are usually loud. my stock hsf went straight into the part bin

2)It should not be loud (mine isn't). Definitely run some diagnostics and/or send it back straightaway. the 7200.10s are not the quietest barracudas, but you make it sound pretty bad.

3)my experiences with front panel audio are mixed. those connectors never seem to work for me. I've got a breakout box anyway, bleh
 
thrawn86 said:
1)the solution to this should be pretty obvious. stock fans are usually loud. my stock hsf went straight into the part bin.
Click to expand...

I know. I don't usually use stock HSFs, but I read and was told they produce pretty good temps, so I ditched the 4000+ OEM and Freezer 64 Pro for a retail 4800+.

The fan itself isn't loud. It's just the rattling. It's a bit annoying, but I'm more concerned about it being defected. I'm not sure if it's audible from in front of the case. It's pretty apparent from the vented side panel.

Do you have to RMA the chip and HSF? How would that work? I removed the thermal grease, so that would probably void it for a return, right? I could get the Freezer 64 Pro, but then I'd have wasted money going retail on the CPU.
 
Well, I've already requested a refund for the hard drive. I'm sorry, Western Digital! I knew I shouldn't have betrayed you.
 
1) There shouldn't be a rattling sound. You'll most likely need to RMA the HSF with AMD. Despite having removed the TIM, you still could RMA both the CPU and HSF to newegg. Your temps are fine. You won't have wasted money on a Retail vs OEM chip because you get a full 3yr warranty out of the retail chip vs 90-days with OEM. The Freezer 64 should be quieter than the stock HSF.

2) Its the seek ticking noise. I have a few 'cudas that don't suffer from this trait, but many that do. The WDs are quieter, and if you want the quietest, Samsungs are your best bet.

3) Consult the mobo manual for which plug to use.

4) It should be able to run Aero fine. Vista's ratings are useless, IMO. If you get a 1.0, yet your system is running smoothly, then screw vista's rating, lol. The system most likely froze because of the thumb drive. I hate how windows does that when you have a thumb drive plugged in.
 
I've recorded the HSF using a cheap Labtec PC mic. I have the side panel off and the mic is positioned about an inch from the HSF. For reference, I had the fan stopped before recording, and then I let it run a moment or two later.


UPDATE:
I ran SeaTools and the hard drive passed both the Short and Long tests, so it's apparently healthy but really loud.


(Turn up your sound a bit. These are quiet recordings.)

HSF:
http://www.fridayrain.com/0Hosted/HSFbuzz.mp3

HDD:
http://www.fridayrain.com/0Hosted/HDDbuzz.mp3
 
I have it packed up in my car ready for the post office. ;)

I'm getting a refund for it, and I'm gonna order the same WD 160GB drive that I'm using in my computer, as well as a DVD burner. Both for the same price as this jet-engine Seagate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top