Mostly new build, uprgade from Socket 939

[chief5286]

Hi all.
A few days ago my Socket 939 rig died. I'm pretty sure the mobo went out on it, as it won't post or beep or anything like that, though the fans will spool up.

Anyways, my old system was as follows:
Mobo: Gigabyte GA K8N Pro SLI
CPU: X2 4200+
Ram: 1 Gig Corsair
PSU: Antec Smartpower (the modular one, I don't remember the watts atm)
GPU: X1800XT
2x 160gig IDE HDDs
IDE Sony DVD burner

I am looking to basically build a new system, and reuse a few of the parts from my old setup. Specifically, I'm looking to keep the X1800XT for a little while longer and also use my PSU.

Eventually, I'll be putting a new GPU in, probably something in the range of the current 4870 or GTX 285 (or whatever is comperable whenever I make the switch).

So, given the above, I'm hoping to get some feedback on the parts I've pick for the new build.

Mobo: Gigabyte Ga EP45-UD3P -$135-$20 MIRB (I don't particularly want to use a gigabyte board based on current one no longer working and it never having OC'd past 210 HT, but they seem to be the best for OC)
CPU: C2D E8500
Cooler: Xigmatek HDT-S1283 -206.99 in combo with E8500, includes a USB cable
Cooler Bracket: Xigmatek ACK I7751-$8.49
Ram: Patriot Viper 2x2GB DDR2 800 - $59.99 -$25 MIRB
HDD: WD Caviar Black 640GB-$79.99
DVD: LG DVD burner w/ Lightscribe- $23.99
Case: Antec P182-129.99

Total: $652 - $55 in MIRB

So, any comments on the components? Will everything work OK?

I'm looking to game on this rig once I get a new GPU, but I also do some encoding and such. I'll be looking to OC the proc as far as is practicable for 24/7 use. I game (CS:S, Oblivion, Fallout 3, more demanding when new GPU), do some encoding, photo editing, etc. My budget is flexible, thought I would like to keep it in the ball park. I've considered a C2 Quad, but I don't think the lower overclocks there, along with the higher prices, would be best for me.

Another question. I'm not sure about the case. I want something that will provide adequate cooling, but I also want somthing that will be as quiet as possible. I'm thinking the P182 will provide adequate cooling and will be quieter than the Antec 300 or 900. I also like the looks. So, what do you all think?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[chief5286]

Oh yea, I have seen the CPU benches, but how much of an improvement will I see here day to day? Thanks

 

[Akebono 98]

+1 on everything except the RAM. I would prefer the G.Skill Pi Black DDR2-800 or these Mushkins: LINK.

That Gigabyte board you spec'd is a superb overclocker--don't worry.

As for cases, if you want max OC, then it's better to go with Coolermaster CM-690 or Antec 900. However, the P182 is a great case nonetheless and fine for your needs.

For PSUs, when you do make the GPU switch, you'll need a bigger one for sure to drive the cards you mentioned. If you want to Crossfire the 4870, you'll need either the Corsair 750TX or the PCP&C Silencer 750.

Try the IC Diamond 7 Carat thermal paste, or the MX-2.

 

[chief5286]

Thanks for the feedback Akebono.

Why the different recomendation on the ram? Both of the ones you suggested have large heatspreaders, as do the Vipers. They have the same speed and timings as far as I can tell. And the Viper is, with rebate at any rate, a good bit cheaper.

So, I'm just wondering why you'd go with the different memory.

Also, would there be any problem with combining a the Xigmatek cooler, which I understand is quite large, with the large heat spreaders on the ram (viper, mushkin, and g.skill all seem to have large spreaders)?


Feedback appreciated as always.

 

[Akebono 98]

Regarding my RAM recommendation, it's partly personal preference for Mushkin and G.Skill ('cause they're both great RAM), but it's also due to the fact that these 2 sets run at much lower stock voltage with plenty of room to OC. The Patriot Vipers are already running at 2.1V stock, so their OC characteristics are not as ideal. If I was betting on max OC, I probably wouldn't go with the Vipers.

As an example, here are my current OC specs (24hr. Prime 95 stable):

- E8500 @ 9.5 x 440, 1.35V
- Asus P5Q Pro
- Mushkin Redlines at DDR2-1056 (6/5 divider), 5-5-5-12 timings and 1.98V
- Xigmatek HDT-S1283

I'm not sure if the Vipers could hit these limits...

The fit of the Xigmatek cooler on the EP45-UD3P / Antec P182 with tall RAM heatsinks is just fine. The nicety of the Xigmatek is that, although "large", it is quite thin and rectangular as well (unlike the even larger square shaped coolers). Mount it with the fan blowing towards the rear and you should have no problems with RAM clearance.

Just to be safe, you should check on the sufficiency of your PSU before you decide to OC that E8500 to the limit (even though I recognize that the E8500 OC'd pulls only a little more wattage than your old processor at stock!). Don't forget that your PSU has aged in the interim and would not be as robust as before.

Btw, your rig will be night and day compared to the old one.