Advice on cooling system/PSU

[UW-]

Hey, I'm looking to build a PC with the following specs:

AMD 64 FX-62
2x1GB twin Corsair DDR2 PC2-8500 1066mhz
GeForce 8800 GTX (With the potential to run two in SLI, so essentially I want the system to be capable of that just by slotting the extra one in, not changing the cooling or PSU)
SoundBlaster X-Fi Fatal1ty
nVidia nForce 590 SLI mobo.

I was wondering what PSU I would need for that system, I was thinking around 800-1000W - any particular model you could recommend would be great.

And do you think I should go for an air-based cooling system, or a water-cooling? I've never attempted water cooling before so I'm a little bit wary of it. Especially on something that's costing me this much.

Thanks.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Hold on, first question, Why the big bucks on a AMD sli system when you can get a core 2 duo based one that will demolish it?

Cooling depends on your overclocking, if any. How far are you planning to go on that?

For 8800GTX SLI these are the ones I suggest:

Etasis 850W $232
Zippy 700W $284
Enermax 850W Galaxy $299

[flanzig1]

Start with air cooling. The starting point is a good case as in air flow design/sized big enough for present and future parts.
If you are thinking of OCing, then water is an option but it's generally for advanced builders.

[UW-]

Yeah, I mean I've built a few systems before but never really spent that much. I'm spending a lot on this one so I want to be damn sure before I do anything. =P

I don't think I'll need to OC , it is a gaming rig but I can't see that it's all that necessary.

As far as the processor goes, I've always been a fan of AMD. I have been busy with other things lately so I'm not particularly up to date with the latest processors. Do you guys have any links to literature I can check out comparing the two?

Thanks for the advice. =P

[flanzig1]

Check Tom's Hardware CPU comparisions. http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.ht...=430&chart=169

[UW-]

Also I was wondering about setting up two HDs in RAID 0. Do you know whether that's worthwhile, and how I would go about it?

[Mr.Ferrari]

Depends. If your really out for speed then 2xRaptors in raid0 make for a blazing fast setup.

However you always have the risk of data failure and or corruption. Because if one hard drive goes bad, the data on both is lost.

If you do decide to do that, then I would make sure you have a 3rd backup hard drive and use some sort of cloning software to keep backups.

[UW-]

As for the case, I was thinking about this one:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=CA-008-TT
Any comments? Bear in mind I live in the UK so I need to get one that's available on a UK website.

[UW-]

Bump for the case question, and also an update on my build.

I've taken the Intel suggestion into account and done some reading up, I'll probably go with an Intel processor.

I was thinking for the new system specs:

Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800
2x1GB twin Corsair DDR2 PC2-8500 1066mhz
GeForce 8800 GTX
SoundBlaster X-Fi Fatal1ty
BFG nForce 680i Motherboard - http://www.bfgtech.com/nForce680i_motherboard.html

Any comments/suggestions?

[Mr.Ferrari]

Case is ok as long as you like it. I personally prefer lian li.

Downgrade to a E6700.

And why the high end ram if your not overclocking? I'd rather stick to some decent DDR2 800.

See if you can find something like the Asus p5n32-e sli instead.

[coreywhite]

This is sort of an add-on question, but it relates directly to your build, so I'm hoping it's okay. I've seen a number of posts that have advised people not to build Core 2 Duo/SLI builds, mentioning instability. Typically, these posts will steer one towards either an Intel/ATI combo or an AMD/Nvidia combo. Is this a real issue, and is it one UW should be concerned about?

[Mr.Ferrari]

Very good point. And yes we usually try to steer away from intel/sli builds in the past.

Due to the crappy chipsets for intel. Nforce 570 and 590.

Nvidia has just released their 680i series. Still very new to the market, but they offer much higher potential. Overall stability has been greatly enhanced.

I still always prefer Intel chipsets with intel components. But for those who want sli, 680i is the only way.

[UW-]

I would like to have high end components because I usually find myself getting to a point with a system and wanting more, I can see myself overclocking it in the future but I'd need to do more research into it first.

Is there a particular reason why I shouldn't bother with the V6800? Just a price thing?

Which Lian Li case stands out for you? Does it have a lot of expansion bays?
Bearing in mind I'll need to be able to get it from a UK website.

How far would I be able to overclock with an air cooling system without making it ridiculously loud? Or is it just a case of water-cooling being a must?

[Mr.Ferrari]

Silent air with overclocking is not something out of reach-to a limit. A nice heatsink coupled with a decent fan can get you pretty high. Water is the next step for super silence and high overclocks.

X6800 is overpriced for what it offers. I suggest you save that money and spend it on an upgrade later. When its worth it.

Lian li cases tend to have some of the highest quality and best thermal properties.

[UW-]

Right, so, to summarize:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6700
ASUS P5N32-E SLI
Corsair TWIN2X2048-8500C5D Dominator (Sorry I just really like this RAM =P)
Enermax Galaxy 850W

Sound good?

Also I'm wondering whether to go for the XFX GeForce 8800 GTX or the ASUS one. Thoughts?

[newbuilder14]

Downgrade the memory to XMS2 unless you NEED to have that memory.

That power supply seems okay but Mr. Ferrari knows his PSUs very well, so I'd let him criticize that.

As for the video card, both are fine brands. Generally XFX makes some good looking cards, though, if your after looks.

[UW-]

Also, you mentioned using a decent heatsink and fan for overclocking.
Does that mean the stuff that comes with the processor isn't good enough? If so, what make would I be looking for and how much would it cost for a good heatsink?

[boondokk]

The stock heatsink is usually nowhere as good as a good aftermarket solution. The Zalman CNPS-9500 is an excellent choice for keeping your system cool and looking super cool at the same time. The Thermalright XP-120 /w a Panaflo 120mm fan to accompany it won't do you wrong in any way either. I have a couple of those on some of my builds and they are fantastic at lower your temperatures. I've heard great reports on the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 for its ability to cool even the hottest P4s and still be under 30 bucks. In the end, it all comes down to if you have the room in your case and your budget. Anyone else have any reccomendations?

And of course remember to use Arctic Silver 5 or another quality thermal compound. The stuff that comes in that little packet with the CPU is usually pretty junky, so stay away from that

[UW-]

Isn't that Zalman heatsink for AMD processors?

[flanzig1]

There are different models of the 9500 that work on AMD or Intel

[boondokk]

I believe that it comes with the hardware to install it on different Socket types if i am correct.