Finally, a new build for me! (w/ C2D E8400)

[daveyp225]

Just ordered the last of my parts. This is my second personal build (5th overall), and should be a major upgrade over my pentium 4 system. For now my OS will be Vista Business since its free though my Uni, but I will be getting x64 Ultimate soon through the Microsoft Survey/Monitoring program... (yes I am aware that not all 4GB will be recognized until I install a 64-bit OS)

note: These parts were purchased over time and from different vendors. So, the NewEgg links are for reference and convenience, but some parts did come from NewEgg.

Case: Thermaltake Swing (with window)

Board: Asus P5k Deluxe/Wifi

CPU: Intel C2D E8400

PSU: Corsair 550VX (550w)

Ram: GSkill 4GB DDR2-1000

Gfx: eVGA 8800GT Superclocked

HD: Seagate 400GB 7200.11?

Optical 1: Asus 20x SATA DVDRW w/ LS

Optical 2: Samsung 20x SATA DVDRW w/ LS

Floppy: Black, NEC

+ 52-in-1 Card reader w/ USB

I also bought a couple of UV cathodes and some reactive cables for the SATA drives and floppy (probably a waste, but should be fun for awhile). My goal is to get this to 4.0 Ghz stable with the stock cooler, and I'll be a happy man! My only concern is the heat produced by the graphics card and overclocking in this so-so ventilated case.

One question... is that Seagate drive a 7200.11 drive? It says 32mb's of cache like the other 7200.11's but I cannot find any spec. sheet with that term...

- Dave

[daveyp225]

Well, my E8400 overclocks to 3.9ghz with no voltage change (everything set to auto except FSB), and everything is running beautifully for the last few days. I only tried 4Ghz once and I got a blue screen before Vista loaded. CPU-Z is telling me that my voltage is around 1.296-1.304, but I'm worried to manually set it to something higher to attain a better clock (CPU box says max is 1.225v). Looking at 39-40C for temperature in BIOS. Any thoughts?

BTW: E8400 only getting 5.8 in Vista, even at 3.9Ghz.

[shadowpr]

If you want 4.0, you need to raise the vcore a bit.

What temps are you getting under load? (Though there has been some problems with programs correctly reading the temps on those processors)

I've been seeing them hit 4.2 and 4.3, so 4.0 should definately be doable.

I think you might only get a 5.9 with a quad core.

[pctime1]

I think that's quite a good build.

[daveyp225]

Originally Posted by shadowpr If you want 4.0, you need to raise the vcore a bit. What temps are you getting under load? (Though there has been some problems with programs correctly reading the temps on those processors) I've been seeing them hit 4.2 and 4.3, so 4.0 should definately be doable. I think you might only get a 5.9 with a quad core.

I ran Super Pi for awhile and via ASUS Probe II, my temps never get higher than 43C (Room is constant ~22-24C). I had gotten it to 4Ghz and it ran fine, but it looks like it needs 1.375V. Temps went up to 47C under load, but usually stay around 44-45C. I'm thinking the extra 100mhz may not be worth raising the vcore so much...

Originally Posted by pctime1 I think that's quite a good build.

Thanks!

[shadowpr]

You have to decide for yourself if something is worth it. You're the one that is taking the risk.

Have you ran orthos? or Prime?