Help build a performance rig

[csimon]

E6600 all the way baby!!!

[csimon]

Thanks


CPU = Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 1066MHz FSB 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003)
SINK = THERMALRIGHT SI-128 CPU Cooling Heatsink - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835109129)
FAN = EVERCOOL SFF-12 120mm Ever Lubricate bearing type (Long life bearing) Case Cooling Fan - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835119035)
GPU = SAPPHIRE 100150L Radeon X1900XTX 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 VIVO PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102037)
LCD = SAMSUNG 205BW Black 20" 6ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1 0.258mm Pixel Pitch - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16824001081)
RAM = G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820231089)
MOBO = ASUS P5W DH DELUXE/WIFI-AP Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131025)
CHIPSINK = ZALMAN ZM – 32K CPU Cooling Heatsink - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835118002)
CASE = Lian Li PC-V1000BPlus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112066)
PSU = PC Power & Cooling S61EPS EPS12V 610W Continuous @ 40°C Power Supply 90 - 264V UL/ULC/CE/CB/TUV - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817703005)
HD = Western Digital Caviar RE WD2500YD 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822136010)
RAID = Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000KS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136014)
DVD = NEC Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE/ATAPI DVD Burner - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827152058)
OS = Microsoft Windows XP Professional With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16832116059)
KEYS/MOUSE = Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 BV3-00003 Black 102 Normal Keys 17 Function Keys USB RF - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823109144)
TAPE = iomega 32994 90GB Internal SATA Interface REV Tape Drive - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16840161007)

Wish list (https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.asp?ID=3192014)

[Thrax]

You might find this (https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=3129132&WishListTitle=Conroe) wishlist of mine at newegg a good place to start.

[csimon]

Thanks Thrax I'll use it for sure. Why the 6300 though? just curious

What about ram?

[Thrax]

The 6300 is uber cheap, compared to the Conroe-cored chips, and head on comparisons put the average speed deficit at only 3-5%. I'll gladly forfeit 3-5% to save about $200.

As for RAM, I've been hearing great things about the Corsair, OCZ and G.SKILL DDR2-667. The [H]ard|OCP Conroe/Allendale database demonstrated great OCs with any of those memory types.

[Leonardo]

I've got G.Skill 667 in two of my rigs. It's good stuff.

[Thrax]

I've done some upgrading on the wishlist. Sadly it inflated by about $400, but after further reading, I picked the ideal HSF for the Conroe, changed Allendale to Conroe (Apparently retail 6600s have better stepping, it makes up to an 800MHz difference when OCing), added the proper fans and nailed down the memory I would like.

[csimon]

Thanks guys very helpful. I've updated the list from stuff borrowed from the both of you. I still have a few more odds and ends plus monitors to come up with. For now I'll be pricing the 20.1" samsungs ...I want guaranteed satisfaction on display.

[lemonlime]

Thanks guys very helpful. I've updated the list from stuff borrowed from the both of you. I still have a few more odds and ends plus monitors to come up with. For now I'll be pricing the 20.1" samsungs ...I want guaranteed satisfaction on display.

Check out the Samsung 215TW 21" widescreen LCD. It is about $100 more than the 20", but has a much better 8-bit panel (better color reproduction, viewing angles and contrast--1000:1). Much more adjustable as well.

Hopefully I'll be getting one soon for review :)

[Thrax]

How would you say the 215TW compares to the 2007WFP?

[Mt_Goat]

How would you say the 215TW compares to the 2007WFP?
The Samsung 215TW is actually the new improved (and slightly larger) version of the Dell 2007WFP. As Samsung has been the actual producer of the 2005WFP and 2007WFP monitors nad does not include a few features on the Dell branded units.

[csimon]

OK 215TW it is ...now I need a pair of those new zalman chipset sinks. I may have to go to svc for that or sidewinder.

[Thrax]

The Samsung 215TW is actually the new improved (and slightly larger) version of the Dell 2007WFP. As Samsung has been the actual producer of the 2005WFP and 2007WFP monitors nad does not include a few features on the Dell branded units.

Well that 215TW sure looks like a doozy, and is similarly priced to the 20" 2007WFP. What features are missing, if you know?

[csimon]

what do you think of this mobo?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131025

[csimon]

I've got G.Skill 667 in two of my rigs. It's good stuff.Is the 667 enough or is that chip wanting more? I really like the timings on this one best.

[Thrax]

That motherboard is the best available right now, by all accounts. I've checked all over Xtremesystems, [H]ard and more, and they all support OCZ/Corsair/G.SKILL DDR2-800 and the P5W.

Note that after some more research I did change the memory over to 800, instead of 667. Forgot the Conroe was 200x4.

[csimon]

what about this for a modular psu?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153039

[airbornflght]

you might look into those new corsair psu's they are modular, and after reading a couple of reviews, appear to be top notch.

[csimon]

you might look into those new corsair psu's they are modular, and after reading a couple of reviews, appear to be top notch.I saw the corsair and mushkin psu's and they look nice. As far as reviews go ...I don't trust them much at all. They lie sometimes.

[csimon]

recommend a good tape drive? I've never installed one of these but seismic data comes on tape. If it comes on tape idunno why it's not available on cd.

Also, have a look at the items and see what you think. Can I do better at that price point? If the psu is deficient I can beef that up ...but I really want modular.

[Thrax]

I know nothing about tape drives, but I know that nVidia recommends a minimum of 28 combined amps on the +12V. So, you'll need to get a bit beefier (Not necessarily in wattage) PSU.

[lemonlime]

recommend a good tape drive? I've never installed one of these but seismic data comes on tape. If it comes on tape idunno why it's not available on cd.

That all depends on the media that he will be using. There are numerous flavors, although LTO and DLT seem to be the most common out there today. Keep in mind that 90% of tape drives are 68-pin SCSI devices, and you'll need a controller card. It doesn't need to be anything too fancy--a 32bit Adaptec card would do fine.

[csimon]

Changed gpu to ati ...it's all he'll need and if he decides to go crossfire he'll have one foot in the door. This isn't a gaming system nor is it for me ...I'd go w/ nvidia personally.

[csimon]

That all depends on the media that he will be using. There are numerous flavors, although LTO and DLT seem to be the most common out there today. Keep in mind that 90% of tape drives are 68-pin SCSI devices, and you'll need a controller card. It doesn't need to be anything too fancy--a 32bit Adaptec card would do fine.
I'll check to see what he needs. He has a sheet of minimum specs. If I can get away w/ sata I'd really be happy though. 1 slot for os ...1 slot for tape. The raid slots for the 500gb raid drives. Then I'd be set. I'll check specs this week though to be sure.

Man those two monitors are really setting him back. I'll wait and see what he says about spending $4k

I also upgraded from WinXP home to pro ...about $50 difference. Now worth it IMO.

I'll keep looking at beefier +12v psu's thrax thanks.

[Thrax]

Just make him aware that he'll have to change motherboards if he ever decides to hop on the CF bandwagon.

[csimon]

Just make him aware that he'll have to change motherboards if he ever decides to hop on the CF bandwagon.
Why? It says ati crossfire ready on the box?:honoes:

[Thrax]

Ah, ****, I'm sorry. I was looking at the new nForce chipset for Conroe chips, and I thought the p5w was one for a minute. ;D Yeah, nevermind. If he wants to go SLI, he'll have to get a 7950 or change boards. there.

[csimon]

LOL ...ok what about this psu?
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817703005

[Thrax]

That one will do just fine.

[csimon]

I was looking at the new nForce chipset for Conroe chips, ....
Oh? Enlighten me please!:rockon:

[Thrax]

They're not out yet, probably not for another two months in volume. The reference boards are no better or worse than the 975X/G chipset from Intel itself; it's just brining SLI support to the Conroe, really.

[csimon]

They're not out yet, probably not for another two months in volume. The reference boards are no better or worse than the 975X/G chipset from Intel itself; it's just brining SLI support to the Conroe, really.
Ah ...well idunno what kinda timeframe he's looking at yet.

I should still have a few weeks to tweak this if I'm lucky cause of the out of stock issues.

[Leonardo]

recommend a good tape drive? Why on earth! Isn't that in the same general bin as the 5&1/4" floppy? Hard drive storage is so cheap. Why a tape drive?

[csimon]

Why on earth! Isn't that in the same general bin as the 5&1/4" floppy? Hard drive storage is so cheap. Why a tape drive?
No clue ...I will try to get him to find out if he can get seismic on another media. Heck it should even be downloadable these days AFAIC. You should see the 3D seismic they've been doing ...you'd never wanna look at 2D again. And the 2D is converted to 3D in about 15mins ...this machine will certainly do better.

I also switched monitors to cheaper 20" ...I like the 20.1 5ms better but it has a mail in rebate. I'll show him how he can get better monitors and save another $20 on the backend going that route. I'll show him the 21" as well but I'm certain he'll want to save a little cash there.

[csimon]

is the zalman 7700 compatible with this chip and board?

[Mt_Goat]

Chris

I see two things to look into.

1. You may want to look into Seasonic and Silverstone PSU's. They have been doing great things in the modern PSU market. I recently got a Silverstone SST-56 (560W) and it is just super! It is very very quiet and has excellent efficieny with solid rails. They even make a 600W modular unit that is super.

2. The Zalman 7700 is a dinosaur by todays standards. Look into the THERMALRIGHT Ultra-120, Scythe Ninja or Thermaltake Big Typhoon for cooling. they are definitely the ones to beat!

[csimon]

Chris

I see two things to look into.

1. You may want to look into Seasonic and Silverstone PSU's. They have been doing great things in the modern PSU market. I recently got a Silverstone SST-56 (560W) and it is just super! It is very very quiet and has excellent efficieny with solid rails. They even make a 600W modular unit that is super.

2. The Zalman 7700 is a dinosaur by todays standards. Look into the THERMALRIGHT Ultra-120, Scythe Ninja or Thermaltake Big Typhoon for cooling. they are definitely the ones to beat!

The only thing I see is in Silverstone at 560w ...+12v 38A. I assumed the higher the Amps on the +12v the better. What am I missing here.
Anyway here's the link ...http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817163111
What do you think?

[Thrax]

You save $30, it's in stock, and it's not terribly different.

[Mt_Goat]

That is the old model. Do not buy thtat one! You want the "Strider" series.

Here are the 2 to look at;

SILVERSTONE SST-ST56F (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817163112) This is the one I got.

SILVERSTONE SST-ST60F (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817163109) This one is modular. Newegg hasn't changed the specs since Silverstone improved it. The inprovements also are reflected in the reviews.

[csimon]

So I'm still confused about the rail ...what makes the difference?
I like the modular 600w ...apparantly the +12v is split for a reason as I've seen on quite a few ...at it totals like 55v I think.
So is that a really a good choice ...why are they split that way?
Got link to the review?

[csimon]

They're not out yet, probably not for another two months in volume. The reference boards are no better or worse than the 975X/G chipset from Intel itself; it's just brining SLI support to the Conroe, really.
We'll order most components early but some things will wait til labor day weekend sale like mobo, video, ram. So if that nvidia solution is out by then I may make a 180.

[Miller01]

Hey Guys... I just wrote this in a another thread, but want you all to know this before you go buying a 215TW.

I just couldnt live with that problem.


I bought a 215TW a month ago and had it swapped for a new one 3 times.
It has a problem wich the two largest screens samsung makes, also have. The response time may be 8ms, but the screen does not react to movement at once.

If you are playing a game, you'll get pissed by this problem. Ive returned the Screen after having it exchanged 3 times! I finally went to the store and asked them to get my money back.

As I was there getting my money back, I asked the guy in the store to move the mouse pointer on all the screens that they had as DEMO:s (They were all serial connected). The 225BW and A LOT of others Samsung screens were also connected, including the both 24" screens 242MP and 244T.......

They did not have the 215TW connected, but ive been testing 3 of those so ive alredy got to the conclusion that ALL THE 215TW SCREENS show the picture delayed.

Anyway... All the screens were okay (including 225BW) EXCEPT the two big 24" screens!!!

I'm sitting with the 215TW right now, it's the one i have to send back to samsung tomorrow, and its the third one i got exchanged.

I told Samsung about this problem but they just kept sending me new ones and asked me to send back the old one. Since they all were the same, and i lost 1.5 months on that purchase I just went and returned it.

The 215TW may be good on the paper and deliver some good qualities, but delayed moitions is NOT ACCEPTABLE!!

I am warning YOU about this TFT-screen. If you want proof i can show you all some videos i recorded. I connected both my "old" 19" BenQ 8ms screen and the 215 BW, to compare. I Cloned the picture and testet a few things. I also put a Iexplorer screen betwen them both and moved it and its very clear how bad this problem really is!

E-mail me and I'll send you a short video.

Tomorrow im sending THIS 215TW BACK to samsung and Buying a 225BW (wich ive seen WORKS) at the same store, instead =)

[csimon]

I'd like to know more about the 225BW.

As for the Asus A8R-MVP ...I'm calling it quits.
I just ordered an Abit AT832 to swap. As soon as the opteron 165's come back in stock I'll try and snag one of those before they run out.
Lately I can't even get past 2540 with this chip and the ram isn't helping. Not to mention the quirk of the mobo no being able to run 2t. This problem has plagued me since day one and I'm just plain tired of it. I may retire it as a folding rig at 2500 1.4v to set inside of my desk. So it doesn't get too hot I'll probably get something like a big typhoon or something.

At any rate ...I'll probably be starting a new thread concerning the AT8 ...wish me luck!

[Datsun 1600]

Nvd.

Datsun 1600

[csimon]

The E6600 project isn't for me it's for someone at work. I'm not ready for that yet. They seem to be too hot and use too much electricity but I have nothing to stand behind that at all. I might be totally wrong.

[csimon]

Nvd.

Datsun 1600
Nvd?

At any rate the new mobo is here and tomorrow the new opteron 165 will be in. I also got an evercool 120mm 80cfm@20db fan to compare to the stock lian li adda fans I currently use. I don't have specs on the adda's but I do know that they turn 1500rpm and are reasonably quiet. The evercools turn at 2000rpm and I hope they are at least as quiet.