Advice on my First C2D Built!

[Sticky]

Hi there. This is the ps Im gonna build for some serious gaming and ocing. Please help with some advice and answers.

E6400

Gigabyte GA965P-S3 (Is there any Asus mobo around the same price range that offers a good overclock?)

Transcend Jetram DDR800 (Cheap and I hear it overclocks like hell!)

400 - 500watt Themaltake PSU TR2 series (not sure how good this is but it is cheap)

CPU Cooler:
Have the following three options but dont know whats best:
Thermaltake Big Typhoon, Beetle or Sonic Tower?

x1800xt 256mb (Still have my x1800xt from my last pc)

22" Benq LCD Monitor

320 Seagate Hard drive 16mb NCQ

Please citique this build.

Thanks

 

[jammydodger]

Looks pretty good to me, the only thing that is slightly dubious is the PSU. I have no experience with that model myself but if its cheap it might not be great. Its always worth investing in a good PSU if you plan on overclocking, just my two cents.

 

[Sticky]

Thanks for the reply,

any ideas on the asus mobo, and heatsink choice?

 

[nibenentt]

Stay clear of the lower end models from thermaltake, the higher end ones are ok but the lower end models dont have many amps on the 12V rail/s. The 430W Thermaltake one that is running the system i have currenty before i get all my new parts and build a new system on the weekend only has 18A in the 12V rail. (Came with my thermaltake shark case)
This probably wouldn't be able to power your system , and even if it did it would be at a high load.
Also with the lower thermaltakes the voltage levels aren't stable. Thus when you overclock it it would mean you couldn't overclock it as far as it wouldn't be as stable.
Look for something like an antec, seasonic, or PC power and cooling Power supply with 450-500W, as these are quality powersupplies and should enable you to upgrade in the future (add more RAM, Hard disks i.e.).

 

[pinkcaddy]

For the heatsink, I'd go with AC Freezer 7 Pro.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835186134

For the Asus question, The P5B Deluxe or the P5B-E are good to OC with. Stay away from the P5B "vanilla" - too many limitations for OCing. With Asus, memory may be a concern - be sure to check out their qualified vendor list for memory.

As far as power supplies, check out Hiper's 580W (they even make it in pink if you like!). If you are overclocking, you want to make sure that you have enough juice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817128003

 

[skyguy]

I heard the ASUS boards are kinda finicky about FSB settings........can't confirm. I DO KNOW however that the S3 overclocks great without much effort.


And agreed on the PSU, definitely spend an extra $50 to get something GOOD. Take a look at the OCZ GameXstream 600w.

 

[Sticky]

Can only get thermaltake in by area :-(

Can you suggest which one of those are best?

Will for sure go for a better PSU.

Is the Antec smartpower ok?

 

[Sticky]

How many amps should the 12V rails be?

 

[TabrisDarkPeace]

How many amps should the 12V rails be?

18 Amps each.

Although the concept of 'rails' is wrong anyway.

http://xxx.xbitlabs.com - search for PSU articles