System Builder Marathon: Sub-$4000 PC

[jimwalk]

The Arctic Silver instructions for applying to Intel Quad Core CPU W/Heatspreader are at http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appinstruct/as5/ins_as5_intel_quad_wcap.pdf

 

[jimwalk]

Built this system with two upgrades (CPU QX9770 & Graphics Palit GTX280) and a few mods: 1) Flipped power supply to keep out cat hair. Also allowed routing of EATX12V cable over PSU to back corner then up to connector. 2) Lengthened H20 120 output tubing, running it to back corner of case the up to water block. No tubing obstructs addition or removal of cards. 3) Half way up tubing inserted Thermaltake Flow TX Plus to see condition of coolant and measure temperature. 4) Used left over parts and 2 plugs to fill the Northbridge block with coolant. For the lower used black tubing from H20 120 and clear tubing from MB parts for the upper. Had to shorten plugs by about half of taper. Once inserted, full plug is impossible to remove from clear tubing without cutting tubing. Result is 10+ degree F drop under normal operation, as measured at center of circular area.

 

[jimwalk]

5) Replaced expansion slot covers with SilverStone ST-AEROSLOTS expansion slot covers. These allow airfow in the hot dead area at the back of the case between the graphics processors.

 

[jimwalk]

6) Reversed H20 120 radiator hoses to conform with Swiftech installation instructions. Pictures: Case Interior - http://members.cox.net/jwalk92/CaseInterior.jpg NorthBridege - http://members.cox.net/jwalk92/NorthBridge.jpg NorthBridge Top View - http://members.cox.net/jwalk92/NorthBridgeTop.jpg

 

[ckitts]

I purchased this exact system, built it, and loaded 64bit Vista Ultimate. After some searching I was able to tweak the system to run fairly stock and 80-90percent stable. Lately though it's not so stable and locks up fairly consistently. (mem86 runs fine)

Did the author ever post any type of settings for the BIOS stock and OC'ed? If not, is it possible to get this info?