Intel Q9650 + Gigabyte EP45-UD3P + Radeon HD 4870 X2 + Coolermaster CM 690

[JD]

Originally Posted by aenagy

Thanks for the feedback on the memory. As I think about it, memory response plays heavily in virtualization. I just might go for the faster memory. Another thought came back to me: will the cooling fins on the memory interfere with the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 on the Gigabyte EP45-UD3P? Are there other recommendations for air cooling a Q9650?

Possibly, though you could possibly orient the CPU heatsink a different way or just get RAM with normal sized heatspreaders.

Originally Posted by aenagy

I do all my PC shopping at NCIX, so I am a little confused about the reference to 500 points. What's this about?

You get points for writing reviews and clicking those links in the newsletters to get 25 points. I pay via Bill Payment and get points from it as well, not sure if it works with Credit Cards and other methods though. The VIP membership costs 500 points.
NCIX.com - Canada's Premier Computer Store - Great Technology, Service and Selection.

Originally Posted by aenagy

I think the full-tower cases are overkill for air cooled systems. I have heard mixed opinions about the Antec 900. I will look into the CM590. The concern I have is decent air flow and cable management. Lights, windows and other doo-dads don't interest me. Any thoughts on the Antec P182 as an option?

IMO the P182 is kind of crapped if you put a HD4870X2 in, mainly because you loose the upper hard drive cage. And well I don't think it has as much cooling potential as other cases.

[Eagle Eye]

I agree with jdrom,

I love the Antec P182 buts it not a case to have hot videocards in unless you have high CFM fans in it which further defeats the whole "silent" theme its going for.

Regards,

EE

[aenagy]

I placed my order and it arrived yesterday (March 24).


I went with the HAF 932 case and am happy that I spent the extra money to get the bigger quiter case. I also through in some proper TIM and audio (Audio card for gaming.). The OCZ Vendetta 2 nicely aligns with the rear cooling fan on the case. It could not have come out better if I planned it.


This thing is pretty quick. Vista x64 is smooth and the performance thingy rates it at 5.9 across the board. A quick tour of indicates that I will not have to endure the Crysis slideshow.


Many thanks to everyone here for your help.


Now to get the NIC drivers working.



I have an announcement: With this new rig I will start to get that evil space alien earth invasion situation under control. Give me a few hours/days/weeks.

[Realityshift]

CM-690 is a great case and would work just fine for this build, no reason to look else where if you fill the fan mounts (except the side CPU one) then it has the same if not more air flow then a haf, mine with 6 fans is VERY cool.

We need to stop trying to push i7s on people who arent looking for bleeding edge technologys, DDR3 is plain to expensive right now end of story, so unless your an enthusiast you will never see price/performance out of an i7 build.

as for ram go with these G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK PC2-6400 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-800 CL4-4-4-12 240PIN Dual Channel Memory Kit - DirectCanada Awesome ram at rock bottom prices, without rebates. A xigmatec HDT 1283 cooler fits perfectly in the CM-690 as long as you dont put a fan in the top optional sidepanel mount, I have the windowed version that doesnt have that mount and I have about 1-2 cms of space between the side panel and the cooler. And this cooler cools very well, my CPU which although its a core is getting a decent amount of voltage is running at 52c at full load. The true is easily a better cooler mind you but it is pricey. If you do get a xiggy or even a true I highly recommend the backplate mounting kit.\

EDIT: Just noticed that you already ordered, congrats =)

[Soultribunal]

Don't forget, we Love Pictures of New Builds! And as always are happy to see new members add to our forever growing Gallery of Computers!!!

Congrats on the Build,

ST

[Liu Kang]

Now all you have to do is grow a set of balls and overclock that thing... seriously, it's the only reason for DIY rigs, otherwise, you should've just bought a Dell.

[Realityshift]

Or maybe we build or own PCs to learn how they work? to feel some sense of accomplishment instead of buying a premade? OCing is not the only reason to build your own PC, it is also a great way to learn and to break into new areas of computing.

[Liu Kang]

Originally Posted by Realityshift

Or maybe we build or own PCs to learn how they work

Yeah, that's what got me started... once I built my first PC and had it running stable, I was pumped that I got into fine-tuning my setttings and OCing.

Considering how easy it is to OC duos and quads, I'm sure the OP will have a change of heart within a month of the build.

[Realityshift]

lol my old 486 got me into OCing when I couldnt run C&C 1 =P ever since then its been a battle to get as much performance out of budget level gear as possible. I got lucky this build to get my mobo and DDR3 for the same price as a budget board and DDR2 ram.