New Rig -- Please Advise

G

goleldar

n00b
Joined
Apr 20, 2007
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24
After haunting these boards for the last month I have compiled the below build. Please let me know if you have an suggestions. At this point I have four concerns: the case, gpu, monitor, and cooling.

The hardest part for me was deciding on the monitor. This is my first new build in 6+ years. Let me know what you think. Thanks in advance.
----

CASE: LIAN LI PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $99.99
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard - Retail $119.99
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail $214.99
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail $129.99
HD: [2x] Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $219.98
GPU: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail $189.99
CASE FAN: Scythe S-FLEX SFF21F 120mm Case Fan - Retail $27.98
CPU COOLING: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail $36.99
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM $99.99
DISPLAY: BenQ G2400W Black 24" 5ms DVI HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail $389.99
PS: Corsair 620w SLI Certified Modular ATX Power Supply - CMPSU-620HX
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-620w...203270718.html $139.99

TOTAL: ~ $1,600
 
You don't need DDR2 1000 RAM to overclock the the Q6600; DDR2 800 will be enough.

Get a couple of Yate Loon D12SM-12 fans instead of the S-FLEX SFF21F for case fans.

For the monitor you're planning on buying, the G92 8800GTS would be a better choice. However, I suggest you wait a few weeks for the new cards from NVIDIA and AMD/ATI to arrive.
 
Not bad for your first build in 6 years... a couple suggestions, though...

You don't need DDR2-1000 for a Q6600, and here's why:

/*------------- <cut n paste> -------------*/
Formulas for Intel platform @ 1:1 settings: (base FSB speed is SDR, or single data rate)
c x [Base FSB speed] = CPU speed (c = CPU Multiplier)
2 x [Base FSB speed] = RAM speed (DDR: double data rate)
4 x [Base FSB speed] = FSB speed (QDR: quad data rate; Effective FSB speed)

On Intel platforms, running the RAM higher than a 1:1 ratio with the CPU is, for the most part, useless, so don't bother trying to do so. If the BIOS does it for you, just let it. All you need is a 1:1 config, though. Here's some possible clock speeds (as always with OC'ing, your results will vary):

Q6600: 9 × 266 = 2.4Ghz, DDR2-533 << STOCK speeds
Q6600: 9 × 333 = 3.0Ghz, DDR2-667 << Nice OC
Q6600: 9 × 378 = 3.4Ghz, DDR2-756 << Good OC, near max for B3 stepping
Q6600: 9 × 400 = 3.6Ghz, DDR2-800 << Great OC, near max for G0 stepping

You won't notice the difference between CL4 and CL5, unless you're running benchmarks (and even then, its negligible), so don't pay a huge price premium for lower latency.
/*------------- </cut n paste> -------------*/

So, drop down to some DDR2-800 instead, and save a buck or two. The G.Skill or A-Data kits are good, as well as some OCZ kits (with rebates).

Also, if you want good gaming performance on a 24" monitor, you'll need at least an 8800GTS 512MB for newer games. Though, newer cards are coming out soon, so you might want to wait for those.

Don't bother using S-Flex fans for case fans. Use Yate Loon low or med speed fans from jab-tech.com instead. S-Flex are too expensive to be wasting on case fans.

EDIT: /me slow
 
i would also suggest a smaller OS driver..... have an 80gb, 120gb, or 160gb drive for OS so when you reformat you dont have to worry about data migration....

JMO, raptors are much cheaper now with the VR or a seagate perpendicular drive would be good.
 
The 640GB AAKS drive is faster than older raptors at transferring data. Just create an OS partition and a data partition, which will make it much easier to reformat your OS partition without losing much of your data. No real need for two physical drives for most people.
 
Well you need three drives for a RAID5 setup. I only recommend RAID5 if you have a separate boot drive and require a bit of increased uptime for your data.

If you want pure speed, RAID0 is the way to go. Do note that you do stand to lose quite a bit of data if your RAID 0 those two 640AAKS drives.
 
OK. I am still deciding on a monitor but since Newegg does not have a good return policy on monitors I am going to buy everything else at Newegg and look for a monitor in the meantime.

Do I need any cooling for the GPU? Like the Zalman VF900? Also does the XIGMATEK require a fan? Did I leave anything out?

Link to Wish List: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=6236594

CASE: Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025

MB: ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127030

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

HD: (2x) Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

DVD: SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151153

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

COOLING: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

COOLING ETC: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

CASE COOLING: (3x) Yate Loon D12SM-12
http://www.petrastechshop.com/12yalod1cafa1.html
 
Looks good to me. No problem with the chosen parts. Though you are missing a video card.

The Xigmatek already comes with a fan.

You can save about $20 if you get the 750TX from here:
Corsair 750TX 750W PSU - $99

And you can get the P180 case, which should have all of the features of the P182 case by now, for $35 cheaper:
Antec P180 ATX Case - $105
 
Your right :p

I was planning on getting the one below. Good call on the bolt through kit. The P180 case is almost the same but doesn't have the case management that the P182 has. Wonder if it is worth the difference for that feature...

GPU: EVGA 512-P3-N841-AR GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130325
 
An 8800GT would run very well, i have one myself , runs everything on all high, but the 8800GTS is a little performance boost
 
goleldar said:
The P180 case is almost the same but doesn't have the case management that the P182 has. Wonder if it is worth the difference for that feature...
Click to expand...

All rev1.1 P180 cases have the same cable management features of the P182. I've bought around a dozen P180 cases since June'07, and they've all been revision 1.1 (from frys.com, fry's B&M, newegg, zipzoomfly, clubit.com, and microcenter B&M). So, the chances of you getting an old revision of the P180 are VERY slim, if not non-existent.
 
Ordered parts today!! Finally took the plunge. I went with a less expensive GPU figuring I could upgrade if it did not suit my needs. I will post pics when everything arrives.


UPDATE:

CASE: Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
MB: ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
GPU: EVGA 384-P3-N851-AR GeForce 8800 GS 384MB 192-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600
CARD READER: Rosewill RCR-102 52-in-1 USB 2.0 Card Reader
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ
HD OS: Western Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
HD STORAGE: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
KB: Logitech 967738-0403 Black USB Standard Deluxe 250 Keyboard
MOUSE: Logitech MX518 2-Tone 8 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB + PS/2 Wired Optical Gaming-Grade Mouse
DVD: SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223F
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD
TC: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
HS: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
HS: XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket
WIRELESS: GIGABYTE GN-WP01GS PCI Wireless Adapter


Subtotal $1,266.83
Tax $104.51
UPS 3 Days $49.16
Rush Processing (Preferred Account) -$2.99
Rush Processing $2.99
Order Total $1,420.50
 
I am piecing everything together but I am unsure how to install the bolt thru kit. Why is their an adhesive sticker on it? Does anyone have any links or pics on how to install?
 
Place it Under your motherboard so the small prongs come up through the 4 CPU cooler holes, put paste and actual cooler on, screw in. turn on
 
So it 'sticks' to the bottom of the MB. Also, it originally had a plastic cutout that fit over the square. Is this a gamut of some sort or was it just part of the packaging?
 
Was your last computer AMD based?
It sticks, but more so the tension from the screws and the holes, is what keeps it on and going good.
 
You don't need to remove the paper to expose the sticker, but its up to you. Its good because it will hold the bracket in place for you while you install the HSF. However, I typically don't expose the sticky side because I like the ability to remove the backplate whenever I want.
 
So I don't need to remove "B". But should I leave "A"?

XIGMATEK.jpg
 
Yes, Yes.

You can probably search youtube for some HSF instructional videos. ;)
 
Did you have any problems putting the 750TX in the case? It looks like the 750TX has a fan on the bottom, and if the PSU sits on the base of the case, that might be blocked.

There has also been some concern with it fitting near the bottom fan, and with the 24pin connector not reaching the MB.

Did you run into any of these? I'm considering this combo for my next build, need some reassurance :).
 
cyprusxr3 said:
Did you have any problems putting the 750TX in the case? It looks like the 750TX has a fan on the bottom, and if the PSU sits on the base of the case, that might be blocked.

There has also been some concern with it fitting near the bottom fan, and with the 24pin connector not reaching the MB.

Did you run into any of these? I'm considering this combo for my next build, need some reassurance :).
Click to expand...

The base where the PSU is placed is raised a bit so it does allow PSUs with fan on the bottom to get air. No blocking whatsoever.
 
goleldar said:
Ordered parts today!! Finally took the plunge. I went with a less expensive GPU figuring I could upgrade if it did not suit my needs. I will post pics when everything arrives.

Order Total $1,420.50
Click to expand...
That will be a really nice set up at a really reasonable price. Enjoy and post some pics! :D
 
enginurd said:
/*------------- <cut n paste> -------------*/
Formulas for Intel platform @ 1:1 settings: (base FSB speed is SDR, or single data rate)
c x [Base FSB speed] = CPU speed (c = CPU Multiplier)
2 x [Base FSB speed] = RAM speed (DDR: double data rate)
4 x [Base FSB speed] = FSB speed (QDR: quad data rate; Effective FSB speed)

On Intel platforms, running the RAM higher than a 1:1 ratio with the CPU is, for the most part, useless, so don't bother trying to do so. If the BIOS does it for you, just let it. All you need is a 1:1 config, though. Here's some possible clock speeds (as always with OC'ing, your results will vary):

Q6600: 9 × 266 = 2.4Ghz, DDR2-533 << STOCK speeds
Q6600: 9 × 333 = 3.0Ghz, DDR2-667 << Nice OC
Q6600: 9 × 378 = 3.4Ghz, DDR2-756 << Good OC, near max for B3 stepping
Q6600: 9 × 400 = 3.6Ghz, DDR2-800 << Great OC, near max for G0 stepping

You won't notice the difference between CL4 and CL5, unless you're running benchmarks (and even then, its negligible), so don't pay a huge price premium for lower latency.
/*------------- </cut n paste> -------------*/
Click to expand...
Enginurd helped me with my build with the SAME EXACT CUT & PASTE... look at my build - Q6600 @ 3.6. Thanks enginurd :D
 
np alik. ;)

goleldar, find a cam yet? :eek:

despite the raised PSU mount with huge hole for air intake, some people still mount the PSU upside down, but there really is no need to, as mentioned by danny.
 
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