New to OC and buying a new system... need advice

[Spblue]

Hi everyone, this is my first post but I've been lurking for a while.

I'm about to splurge $1300 for a new system next week and I still have a few question for the amazingly knowledgeable people here. After a lot of reading, here's what I tentatively settled on:

Asus P5K-E/WIFI-AP motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 CPU
Thermalright ULTRA-120 Extreme 6 Heatsink
2 120mm Fans push/pull for the heatsink (What should I get?)
2x2GB 1066 DDR2 RAM (Whatever's on special next week I guess)
Antec p182 case
Silverstone Element ST50EF-PLUS 500W PSU
Geforce 8800 GTS (G92) Vid card


I have a few questions about this setup. First of all, which fan should I get for the heatsink? The Scythe S-FLEX SFF21F seems to be a popular choice, due to longevity, but I recall reading a post by SKYMTL this week on NCIX (can't seem to find it now, SKYMTL posts WAY too much ) that some other fan was a better choice?

Also, for the RAM, will I have any problem getting it to POST at standard voltage? I'm asking because I'm running a system with DDR1 RAM right now, and I don't have a cheap DDR2 module to POST with to change the voltage.

As for the power supply, is this one going to be able to power my overclocked CPU & a G92 8800GTS (single) fine? I chose this one for the stellar review SKYMTL gave it a while ago, as well as the incredibly long cables to help with the p182 cable management. For under $100, could I get something better?

One final question, is it safe to OC the cpu to 3.4Ghz+ for 24/7 operation? I want to leave my computer on all the time. Any special consideration for it? Should I buy extra cooling for the north bridge or such?

Thanks for your input!

[3.0charlie]

Welcome to the forums!

I don't see any problem using the Scythe fans on the HSF; they perform just fine. For the ram, I never, ever had any issues related to the default voltage. As for the PSU, I would personally go for a more powerful model (CPU oc'ed, high-performance VGA, how many HDDs?). I could be wrong though. The Silverstone may be enough.

You can oc 24/7 no problem, as long as your temps are stabilized and that you have good cooling for all components (ram, NB and SB). And since it will be operational 24/7, I would invest in a UPS to protect your system (I have 3 rigs running 24/7 folding, all protected by a UPS).

John

[Mr. Cipher]

Although these can never be 100% accurate, I like to refer to computer wattage calculators to get a general idea of the draw on my system for when I'm gauging the size of psu I need.

The site I like to use is here and it is pretty up to date on almost all the components. It's really easy to use - click what fits and off you go.

[Spblue]

Hmm, it gives me 360W so I should be good with that 500W.