New Build, parts check & some questions

[Dswissmiss]

Hi guys,

So I think I'm about ready to start upgrading my current PC.
It will be used for gaming, some light video editing and general Linux use.

Here are the parts I've chosen: Newegg Wish List

I'm pretty confident that everything looks good, I just had a few questions.

I would like to OC a bit, nothing too crazy but perhaps push the E6750 to over 3Ghz. Could I do this with the stock heatsink/fan, or should I invest in something better? If so, what do you recommend? Noise is something very important to me. I realize that OC'ing will increase the noise level, but I'd like to keep it as low as possible.

I'm barely picking the P5K over a Gigabyte p35 board (maybe DS3R or DS3P). Gigabyte has been getting great reviews lately about being good overclockers and solid boards, and I like their PCI slot locations better (seems like two of my PCI slots on the P5K will be blocked by the 8800GTS), but it sounds like Asus has a more mature BIOS, and any vdroop issue can be fixed with a pencil mod. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Also, I originally wanted to get a new Soundblaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 soundcard, but realized it was not linux compatible. I currently have a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz from 5 years ago, so should I just stick that into my new build, use onboard sound, or buy another card out there?

Finally, I have a 160gb WD IDE hard drive that I'd like to use as a backup device. I know that the Apricorn external enclosure has been recommended around here, but should I really go with USB 2.0 when I have an eSATA or a Firewire port on my motherboard...any other good brands out there?

Thanks for the help,
Dswissmiss

PS. That surge protector took me about 2 seconds to choose, if you have any thoughts on that please let me know.

[flanzig1]

Your Newegg list is password protected, need to have your list in the public wish list.
For mild OCing, start with the stock HSU and monitor temps. If they are getting in the 60c+ range then look to an aftermarket unit.

[Dswissmiss]

Sorry, I though I did that by selecting to "share" the wishlist. How do I make it public?

In the meantime:
CPU: Intel E6750
Mobo: Asus P5K
Ram: Corsair 2gb (2x1) DDR800 4-4-4-12
GPU: Evga 8800GTS 320Mb factory OC'ed
HDD: Seagate 7200.10 320MB
PSU: Corsair 520HX
DVD: Lite on 20x DVD+/- Retail
OS: MS Vista 32-bit OEM

EDIT: Fixed original link

[Dswissmiss]

I know I shouldn't put too much weight behind newegg customer reviews, but I'm wondering if these memory sticks will serve me well for overclocking, or whether I should go with something else:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145034

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Dswissmiss I know I shouldn't put too much weight behind newegg customer reviews, but I'm wondering if these memory sticks will serve me well for overclocking, or whether I should go with something else: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145034

Those are designed for overclocking so they should be fine. Depend how much you plan to overclock though...you may want to consider DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) if you plan to really push it to the limit.

Cricket

[Dswissmiss]

Whoa...yeah. Looking at their prices I guess I'll keep OC'ing to a manageable level.

[Dswissmiss]

So I found this today http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130040
Wondering if its worth it. The difference between this card and the 8800GTS Superclocked is another 12MHz on the core clock.
Now on the one hand I see that OC'ing from the regular 500MHz to 576MHz make a huge difference, the card even outperforms a 640Mb card at times. On the other hand I am somewhat concerned about noise and temperatures, so does anyone have any experience with this card? Is it worth the extra $30-$40?

Thanks!