E8400 New Build

[kuroshouten]

I'm building a new computer finally. I've been stuck with my old P4 for a little over 5 years now, and it's dying. It was a 2.6 ghz from gateway, and an ATI x800AIW PRO. at any rate i've been out of the computer building type of deal since forever (even though my original box was from gateway, over the 5 years i replaced everything except the cpu (yes even the floppy drive)).

So basically I want your opinions on the parts i've selected. I'd like to make an E8400/E8500 (preferably 8500... but i don't know when those will come out, and i've heard of some problems with OC'ing it due to boards not supporting the .5 multiplier). anyway here are my parts:

Case: Antec Solo <----- only part that will not be changed. i got it a while back on a killer deal. after rebate it only cost me $26
Mobo: Asus P5E X38
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131219

Ram: OCZ Titanium XTC 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227271

PSU: Corsair CMPSU-650TX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139005

Graphics Card: Zotac 8800GT 512mb (i wanted an eVGA but its out of stock since forever and this one based on your table here was the closest comparison)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814500006

HDD's: 2x 500gig Samsung Spinpoints
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822152052

CD/DVD burner: Samsung burner w/ lightscribe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151154

CPU: E8400
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/vie....hmx?scriteria=BA24501

CPU HS: Thermalright Ultima 90 with 120mm Scythe S-Flex 1600 rpm fan
http://www.heatsinkfactory.com...pu-cooler-p-16614.html

GPU HS: Thermalright HR-03 GT with 92mm Nexus Silent Fan
http://www.heatsinkfactory.com...-03-gt-vga-cooler.html

Intake Fans: Nexus 92mm Real Silent Case Fan x2
http://www.heatsinkfactory.com...f1209sl-3-p-16284.html

Exhaust Fan: Noctua NF-S12 800 rpm Ultra Silent 120mm Fan
http://www.heatsinkfactory.com...120mm-fan-p-16586.html



So basically i've got roughly $1,800 to spend on this computer, and I want to make sure that it can run well, and that these components will run nicely together. i'd like to Overclock some because i've heard the E8400 OC's very nicely. If you can think of any parts that are better or if there are any costs that you think may be able to get cut please let me know. Please let me know of any suggestions you have for me. Thank you everyone.

 

[Tempered81]

pc8500 ram capable of 1000mhz FSB if you plan to overclock.

 

[Tempered81]

I would also go with a thermalright ultra 120 or TRUE if you plan on getting the ultima 90 already, its only a couple bucks more.

 

[exar333]

I second the notion of faster RAM. If you really want to push the 8400, get some pc8500+ sticks.

 

[telefanatic]

Is this ram fine its a OCZ PC2-8000 to OC with an 8400 ? Here is the link i purchased everything couple of hours ago. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227280

 

[kuroshouten]

any recomendations for ram? I know my board supports DDR2 1200, but as far as i can see its only Kingston HyperX

as for the TRUE... i'm not sure it will quite fit in the Antec Solo. If you can confirm, i may go ahead an opt for that one, as i had my eye on it, but had heard people having problems fitting it in.

 

[krnmastersgt]

TEC coolers are so much more fun Might I ask why you're opting for the 8800GT instead of the GTS?

 

[kuroshouten]

I was under the impression that the GT was better than the GTS... although as i've said i've just gotten back to building computers and i may not be so up to date on all this stuff. Which GTS do you have in mind? I don't really want to OC the gfx card, and would rather have it OC/superclocked b4 i buy it.

Thanks telefanatic for the ram recommendation, i think i'll upgrade to that one.

But how about everything else i've chosen? Is the board i picked going to match well with a E8400, and that ram that Telefanatic linked? I'm a fan of Asus so i'd like to buy from them. Please any more suggestions on things i should change would be welcome.


-edit- I forgot also to mention that this desktop will be used mostly for gaming and Photoshopping. I also will most likely be using XP pro 32 bit so actually i'm probably only going to get 2gb of ram.
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16820227178

This set is faster. Do you think it will be compatible with my board?

 

[zsdersw]

You can always pick better parts.

 

[Zenoth]

It's a nice setup you've prepared there. Just make sure after you first boot up into Windows that you've got the latest official BIOS version for your motherboard, if there's any required for better compatibility with those new 45nm models. If you don't have time to see the BIOS version during the POST period just wait until you're in Windows and open up a program like CPU-z, and it will show you which BIOS version you've got installed.

In your case that's the one you want, right?

http://usa.asus.com/products.a...model=1873&modelmenu=1

The latest BIOS for that one is 0601, released on January 29th 2008, with the following changelog:

"1. Fix system fail to resume from S3 when using production version of Wolfdale CPU"

The chances are that yours won't have that BIOS, since it was certainly released after most models were shipped months ago. You might have any of the BIOS'es within the 05xx or 04xx series, which in itself is not bad, your system should boot up properly. But, you know, I'm just saying that you might want to consider getting the latest stuff for your E8400.

Hope it helps.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Topic Title: E8400 New Build
Topic Summary: Want to know if I can pick better parts

you can pick better parts if you spend more money,

hope that helps

 

[krnmastersgt]

The 512mb 8800 GTS is slightly stronger than the GTs.

 

[PolymerTim]

Originally posted by: kuroshouten
I was under the impression that the GT was better than the GTS...

The video card names are a bit confusing right now since nvidia decided to use essentially the same name on two different generation cards. So if you've gotten this idea from an article a couple months old, it can be even more confusing. Here is a quick summary:

8800 GTS 320MB and 640MB versions are g90 core (previous generation).
8800 GTS 512MB is g92 core (current generation)
8800 GT 256MB and 512MB only come in g92 core
That's right, that means that 8800 GTS 512 > 8800 GTS 640 ... go figure

So, if you're considering an upper end single card solution you probably want to decide how much you're willing to spend and look at the following in order of performance:
8800 GT < 8800 GTS 512MB < Radeon HD 3870 X2 (in most games)

P.S. - the evga 8800 GT is not out of stock on newegg.

 

[kuroshouten]

That's the wrong model i want though. EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR is the lower end of the 8800GT's. I want the EVGA 512-P3-N806

http://www.evga.com/products/m....asp?pn=512-P3-N806-AR

From what i could see on Overclockers.net http://www.overclock.net/nvidi...discussion-thread.html

The Specs for the SSC version of the GT are the best out of the lot with a core clock of 700 Mhz and Shader clock of 1750 and Mem clock of 1000. The one you linked from New Egg is only a 600mhz core, 1500(base/stock) shader clock, and a base 900 memory clock.


Anyway, comparing the GT i've chosen, to some other GTS, is it definitely better? I don't think i have the space/money to get an ATIx2. I remember that Solo can't fit a gfx card 10" or longer without some sawing to the hard drive cage (which i don't have the tools for).

The specs on the GT card i've chosen are:

700Mhz core clock, 1700 shader clock, and 1000 memory clock. The eVGA one is only better on the shader clock.

That said, i know absolutely nothing about Zotac, and i'm a little hesitant on choosing them, but from what i've read they're not a bad company, and that most 8800GT's follow the original board closely and that brand is mostly preference/price/features.

Thank you very much Zenoth, that's the board i'm getting and i'm grabbing a copy of that bios right now.

As for the people that said "of course you can get better parts" can i really? i have a budget line of 1800. So within that budget am i buying the best parts? I know i can always get a supercomputer for like 10k or whatever but i just want to fit within this budget.

To the peopl that suggest a GTS, can you please link me a GTS that you'd recommend and possibly a review of it?

Thanks for all the quick responses.

 

[Dadofamunky]

I think in general you're on the right track. I'd probably do a little more on the HSF, but otherwise I don't see any significant problem... I bought PC2-8000 RAM and it gives me plenty of headroom...

 

[Mr Fox]

Originally posted by: kuroshouten
That's the wrong model i want though. EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR is the lower end of the 8800GT's. I want the EVGA 512-P3-N806

http://www.evga.com/products/m....asp?pn=512-P3-N806-AR

From what i could see on Overclockers.net http://www.overclock.net/nvidi...discussion-thread.html

The Specs for the SSC version of the GT are the best out of the lot with a core clock of 700 Mhz and Shader clock of 1750 and Mem clock of 1000. The one you linked from New Egg is only a 600mhz core, 1500(base/stock) shader clock, and a base 900 memory clock.


Anyway, comparing the GT i've chosen, to some other GTS, is it definitely better? I don't think i have the space/money to get an ATIx2. I remember that Solo can't fit a gfx card 10" or longer without some sawing to the hard drive cage (which i don't have the tools for).

The specs on the GT card i've chosen are:

700Mhz core clock, 1700 shader clock, and 1000 memory clock. The eVGA one is only better on the shader clock.

That said, i know absolutely nothing about Zotac, and i'm a little hesitant on choosing them, but from what i've read they're not a bad company, and that most 8800GT's follow the original board closely and that brand is mostly preference/price/features.

Thank you very much Zenoth, that's the board i'm getting and i'm grabbing a copy of that bios right now.

As for the people that said "of course you can get better parts" can i really? i have a budget line of 1800. So within that budget am i buying the best parts? I know i can always get a supercomputer for like 10k or whatever but i just want to fit within this budget.

To the peopl that suggest a GTS, can you please link me a GTS that you'd recommend and possibly a review of it?

Thanks for all the quick responses.

I'm not quite sure why you have chosen the X38 Chipset... there is no real advantage to it unless you need the extra PCI-E Slot for a RAID Controller... or other hardware..

A P-35 will do everything that an X38 can performance wise, and save you $ 50-70.

The ASUS I have in My Sig is Very good, as is ABIT IP35 Pro. And Most of the Gigabyte's.

Either the BFG Or EVGA are usually the best.. the Warranty is Lifetime, and Customer Service Outstanding. BFG is in Chicago, and EVGA is in San Dago.


BFG Review

http://www.hardocp.com/article...QzMSwsLGhlbnRodXNpYXN0

Link to Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814143119


Just buy one at stock, and overclock it yourself.... using Riva Tuner


Don't fart around with crappy Memory that has no Grunt

Munchkin rules in 4 Gig Kits

Mushkin 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Just Released !

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820146755

Mushkin 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820146731

With DDR 2 as Cheap as it is now buy 4 Gigs (2 x 2Gig) 2 Gigs just barely hangs in there now.. it depends upon your Operating System Choice but x64 Bit Vista is Very Stable, and SP1 will be available in 2-3 weeks


One last note... You might Consider Seagate 7200.11 in place of those spinpoints.. in sustained transfer they are faster than a Raptor. 100mb/s+

Nice PSU !


Good Luck with your build !

 

[kuroshouten]

thnx for the info. I haven't really heard much of Mushkin, although i've seen alot of revew builds use it. Can you tighten the timings on it alot?

As for the gfx card, i suppose i could just OC it with Riva, although i'd like to get a stable OC from a manufacturer. I've heard of some problems overclocking with Riva, and not having a stable gfx card.

Dadofamunky, do you mean you also think i should go for a Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme? I'm thinking i do want it, but i just hope it can fit in the Antec Solo Case.


I forgot to mention but, i'd like this computer to be as quiet as possible. i've heard the spinpoint hdd's are supposed to be quite quiet. Are those Seagates you listed quiet enough? I don't think i've had much luck with Seagate before either, but if they're just as quiet i'll definitely give them a go.

If i do choose that BFG card, do you think the Thermalright HR-03 GT will fit on it? Or am i going to have to get a different GFX card HSF?

Thanks for the replies its very helpful.

 

[Martimus]

If i do choose that BFG card, do you think the Thermalright HR-03 GT will fit on it? Or am i going to have to get a different GFX card HSF?

I don't really want to OC the gfx card, and would rather have it OC/superclocked b4 i buy it.

If you aren't going to overclock the GPU yourself, don't bother getting an aftermarket heatsink. The GTS 512 heatsink is supposed to be very quiet. That is the biggest reason to get a GTS 512 over a GT 512, because the GTS has a much better heatsink/fan, plus it is slightly faster.

 

[KenAF]

I know a number of the Asus boards are sensitive to the memory they accept, so be sure to research that well before you buy.

I'm not familiar with the 650TX. I've only seen reviews of the 450VX, 550VX, 520HX, and the 620HX -- these are considered quiet power supplies. A quick search suggests the TX does not match the acoustics of the VX and HX products.

Be aware that a Ultima 90 with a 120mm fan takes almost as much room inside the case as a Ultra 120 Extreme with a 120mm fan. The Ultra 120 Extreme will fit inside an Antec Solo, but there won't be much room to spare. Consider spending the extra $10 on the Extreme @ Jab-tech.

You could get by with the Scythe S-Flex 1200 on the Ultima 90 (or Ultra 120 Extreme). I would only buy the 1600rpm version if your motherboard has CPU fan control.

The Antec Solo is designed to operate with negative pressure, which means you need to exhaust more air than you intake. Right now, you've got two Nexus 92mm ~1500rpm fans that intake more air (27cfm * 2) than you exhaust with the 800rpm Noctua NF-S12 (48cfm). If you run those Nexus fans at 7v, they should be fine. [Yes, I realize the power supply also has exhaust.]

That said, I am not a big fan of the Noctua NF-S12. It is excellent in "free air" situations, but you tend not to see that inside a a case. The NF-S12 doesn't do nearly as well in pressure situations, or situations where the intake or exhaust side is blocked in some way. Unless you cut out the Solo's exhaust grill, I would probably use a Scythe S-Flex 1200 or 1600 instead (1600 if you have fan control, 1200 if you don't).

I would definitely not consider a Seagate 7200.11 as suggested by a previous poster. Although it does well in synthetic benchmarks, Anandtech and Storagereview.com both found that it delivers less real world performance than the Samsung, and it does so with 60% more noise.

 

[kuroshouten]

Very good info KenAF. This is why i came here, because i was quite unsure if the parts i picked were best suited for my needs. I must have picked the 650TX by accident or something... i kept thinking all along that it was like the 620HX but with 30 more watts. I'm gonna be getting the 620HX for sure

I also didn't know that the Ultima 90 was just as much as the ultra 120 extreme in terms of size in the case.

My motherboard should have cpu fan control, so i'll definitely go with a 1600 rpm S-flex there.

I also didn't know that the Solo was designed to operate with negative pressure. I've also heard that cutting out the fan grills for the solo would reduce noise and make the fans work better. But i don't mind switching to the Scythe 1200 rpm, i've heard good things from them, and i believe that they ranked a close second in the 120mm fan roundup at silentpcreview.com

I don't have a fan controller yet, and i know that the Zalman Fanmate2 seems to be the choice product, but i don't like how you need 1 controller per fan. I'd like to get a 5.25 bay type of fan controller but as of yet in the reviews i've read most fan controllers aren't that great and don't control the voltage as well as a fanmate can. I may just go ahead and buy 3 for the case fans, but i'd hate to have to open my case just so i can turn them up if... lets say i'm playing an extreme game and i'm getting alot of heat from the gfx card. Any suggestions? Should i just use one 92mm fan? or maybe a slower 92mm fan with less cfm?

In terms of the memory being compatible, do i just go to the Asus website and try and find a compatibility list? i'll try looking around.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: ExarKun333
I second the notion of faster RAM. If you really want to push the 8400, get some pc8500+ sticks.

if you look at the 8400 OC thread most people are doing 4GHz 445x9 or there abouts with PC6400 ram

whatever speed ram you go with i woudl get 4GB 2x2GB sticks
otherwise looks good

 

[kuroshouten]

if i do get the 4 gigs, only 3 gigs will show up in XP right? But if i get 4 gigs and go vista 32 bit lets say... do i see 4 gigs? or is it only in 64 bit that i see 4 gigs? Any word on a good fan controller that fits in the 5.25 bay? i don't really want to hassle with a zalman fanmate, unless you guys can convince me otherwise

 

[krnmastersgt]

Vista 32 only reads 2.7 or 3, whichever you prefer to refer to it as, XP Pro 64 bit would be able to see all 4 gigs.

 

[kuroshouten]

i was looking at the QVL, and apparantly this board doesn't support alot of the ram listed. It seems like it actually supports very little ram:

http://usa.asus.com/100/downlo...ducts/1873/1873_10.pdf

in the QVL it doesn't list any 4 gig sets, only 512, 1gig, and very few 2gig. Am i interpreting this wrong? Because i'm starting to think i may switch boards if its going to be this difficult to get ram on this thing.

 

[krnmastersgt]

I believe those are the values for 1 stick, therefore the 2048 is a 2 gig stick in a 4 gig set.