Case / Mobo / Memory / psu combo ok?

[citadel]

I'm working on my first build and have chosen this mobo with help elsewhere on these forums:

ASUS Z8NA-D6C (MIO) Dual LGA 1366 Intel 5500 ATX Dual Intel Xeon 5500 and 5600 Series w/ MIO Sound card Server/Workstation Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-652-_-Product

I need wireless networking and am having trouble finding a wireless networking card on NewEgg. Can someone tell me how to get wireless network access into my build? Thanks.

[Force Flow]

What are you using for an access point? It's usually best to match the card to the access point.

[citadel]

It's a NetGear wireless router supplied by time warner cable.

[Force Flow]

What model?

[citadel]

WGR614 v7

[citadel]

I'm building my first system and would appreciate hearing thoughts about this choice of mobo / case / memory / psu. I'm set on the mobo; I really want a dual quad core cpu system.

For the case and psu, I want something quiet and reliable. This is for a workstation, not a server.

mobo:
ASUS Z8NA-D6C (MIO) Dual LGA 1366 Intel 5500 ATX Dual Intel Xeon 5500 and 5600 Series w/ MIO Sound card Server/Workstation Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131652

cpu:
(2x) Intel Xeon E5520 Nehalem 2.26GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 80W Quad-Core Server Processor BX80602E5520
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819117185

cpu cooler:
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2 92mm Fluid Dynamic CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186134
[lots of good reviews on this cpu fan... the E5520 produces 80w of heat and this fan is rated at 130w so it should run very quiet]

memory: (the E5520 only supports 1066Mhz memory)
(2x)Kingston 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Registered DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Server Memory Model KVR1066D3Q8R7S/4G
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820139024
[is this a good choice for a workstation?... I'm really guessing here, I've just heard that Kingston memory is reliable]

psu:
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004
[the docs for the asus Z8NA-D6C indicate 450W supply, so I'm hoping 550W supply will be quieter if the psu is not 'working' as hard]... the mobo needs 24pin and 8pin

cd/dvd rw:
Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner LightScribe Support - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118040

Appreciate all feedback... this is my first build and I so I really appreciate your feedback. Thanks to those who helped pick out the mobo / cpu combination.

[glc]

A bit of housekeeping - we ask that all questions about the same build be kept in one thread. I've merged your 2 threads in BYOPC, but due to its length, your thread about the motherboard choice will be left alone. Thanks!

Your power supply choice can be affected by your choice of video card. You haven't chosen a video card yet, are you intending on using the onboard video? This isn't really appropriate for a workstation, and the only non-server OS that Asus has a video driver for is XP. That Corsair is suitable unless you put a high end card in. For a neater installation, you can look at the Corsair TX series, those have modular cables. What are your video requirements?

The motherboard supports triple channel ram - I would recommend you get three 2gb modules, assuming you will be using a 64 bit OS. I do recommend Kingston, but I would make sure that whatever you get is in both the Asus QVL and the Kingston configurator for the board. This module is on both:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820139037

Newegg does not carry a triple channel kit of this memory. 6gb should be sufficient, if you want more later, you can get 3 more for 12gb.

This cooler gets the best reviews for socket 1366, if it will be compatible with Xeons and 2 will fit:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103065

You didn't list a case.

The matching Netgear wireless PCI card is not compatible with Win 7 64 bit. If this is going to be your primary workstation, if at all possible cable it to your router. If you must use wireless, this Rosewill will work:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166020

You also didn't list a hard drive.

[citadel]

I do engineering CAD work and was planning on this video card:

PNY VCQFX580-PCIE-PB Quadro FX 580 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Workstation Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814133273

The NewEgg page indicates 'dual display port' which I'm assuming is equivalent to 'dual monitors'. I would like the option of using dual monitors.

I am planning on installing Windows 7 64 bit for the OS. The NewEgg url indicates that Windows 7 is supported by the fx 580, but the webpage for the fx 580 does not indicate Windows7 is supported: http://www3.pny.com/NVIDIA-Quadro-FX-580-P2799C365.aspx
Looking at the other quadro graphics cards, it looks like none of them support Windows 7.

This is confusing though because when you click on 'Windows 7 Solutions' on the left hand side here:
http://www3.pny.com/category_buymult...ategory_ID=365

it shows at the bottom that the Quadro graphics cards support Windows 7, but when you look through the specs for individual Quadro graphics cards, Windows 7 support is not listed. Can you clear this up?

------------------------

case:
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

-------------------------

hard drive:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148433

----------------------

power supply:
it looks like this is the smallest Corsair TX on NewEgg:
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005

If the quadro fx 580 works with Windows 7, is my original power supply ok?

-----------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the info on the memory etc and for taking the time to review all this and give me your advice; I really appreciate it.

[glc]

Entry level workstation cards such as that don't need high power PSU's. The Corsair 550 is more than enough.

I'd recommend a WD Black hard drive instead of that Seagate.

The card comes with one Display Port to DVI adapter so you can use 2 DVI monitors. Win 7 64 bit is no problem:

http://www.nvidia.com/object/quadro-...ql-driver.html

[citadel]

hard drive:
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136284

Something like this hard drive? Personal preference for wd over seagate?

Also... hate to ask what might be a stupid question, but when you mentioned memory earlier and triple channel... is that triple channel per cpu? So the 6GB ram would be for one cpu only? Or can I install two cpu's with 6GB ram in one channel and have it shared by both cpu's?

Also, the Corsair TX 650 psu you recommended earlier had two 8 pin connectors; we had discussed that when considering the dual socket supermicro board earlier. I'm happy to stay with this asus board, just mentioning that in case someone else is interested in that supermicro mobo.

In terms of sizing the psu, what is the rule of thumb for the power requirements per cpu? I'm just curious, but the E5520 cpu heat rating is 80W and if the cpu was 50% efficient, then the acutal power requirement would be 160W per cpu. This is a dual cpu mobo, so that's 320W. Is that close to the power requirements just for the cpus?

[jdeb]

Here is the intel recommendation for the cpu cooler. Not sure if the others would cover the cpu warranty or even work. The board has threaded holes for mounting. I like the cooler glc suggests but I would contact the vendor to make sure it will work.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835203002

Great choice for the case, excellent air flow.

I would go with the 650w PSU because you are going to want a FX1800 or better card in the future. If you can spring the extra money, do yourself a favor and get this card. My friend has the card you mentioned and mine runs circles around it in terms of render speed.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-272-_-Product

[glc]

Whatever ram you use will be shared with the 2 CPU's. Your most efficient use will be with modules in sets of 3.

Hard drive recommendation is made from a reliability and warranty standpoint, not just personal preference. Seagate has had some major issues in the past couple of years.

Even with a FX1800, I don't see the need for 650 watts. The card itself only uses 59 watts max according to Nvidia. 450 + 59 is still less than 550.

[citadel]

>This cooler gets the best reviews for socket 1366, if it will be compatible with Xeons and 2 >will fit:

>http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103065

where do I determine if the cpu cooler is compatible with the asus z8na-d6c (mio) board?

I looked on the asus web site:
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=k81cpN8uEB01BpQ6

and the qvl list does not have a file for cpu coolers. I also looked in the asus mobo manual, and they do not provide any info on coolers. The cooler states that it works with the 1366 socket, but where do I check that the cooler mounting holes in the mobo line up with the mounting holes in the cpu cooler?

I looked at the intel cooler jdeb, but some of the reviewers say the fan is loud, and I'm build ing a workstation and I'm aiming for quiet. Thanks.

[glc]

The mounting holes are going to line up fine - 1366 is 1366 - the issue is the overall size of the cooler and its fan. Are the sockets far enough apart from each other, and is there anything else in the way?

Try emailing Coolermaster and Asus support.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by glc Whatever ram you use will be shared with the 2 CPU's. Your most efficient use will be with modules in sets of 3. Hard drive recommendation is made from a reliability and warranty standpoint, not just personal preference. Seagate has had some major issues in the past couple of years. Even with a FX1800, I don't see the need for 650 watts. The card itself only uses 59 watts max according to Nvidia. 450 + 59 is still less than 550.

You are right, I was going by my machine specs. and my friends. We both have 620W power supplies and we are both running single xeon machines.

[citadel]

do you recommend flashing the bios even if it is not necessary? In general it make sense to me to flash the bios when I build the machine just so it's up to date, but the asus web site cautions not to do it if it not required to avoid potential problems.

[glc]

If it uses EZ Flash 2, it's safe to do. I generally do it on a new build, but seldom do it again unless there's a good reason. I wouldn't use a beta bios routinely.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by citadel >This cooler gets the best reviews for socket 1366, if it will be compatible with Xeons and 2 >will fit: >http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103065 where do I determine if the cpu cooler is compatible with the asus z8na-d6c (mio) board? I looked on the asus web site: http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=k81cpN8uEB01BpQ6 and the qvl list does not have a file for cpu coolers. I also looked in the asus mobo manual, and they do not provide any info on coolers. The cooler states that it works with the 1366 socket, but where do I check that the cooler mounting holes in the mobo line up with the mounting holes in the cpu cooler? I looked at the intel cooler jdeb, but some of the reviewers say the fan is loud, and I'm build ing a workstation and I'm aiming for quiet. Thanks.

I now that the intel cooler will work and the size will not interfere with any other hardware. In terms of dba noise level, I can not find the spec but I can tell you from experience that they are quiet. I think installation can effect for noise level. You have to make sure heatsink fans are installed in the correct spot, CPU Fan1 and CPU fan2

http://www.intel.com/support/process.../CS-030319.htm

As far as noise level, you can try and call or email US: Harry Lin, ackinc@aol.com,
(714) 739-5797

[citadel]

The z8na-d6c manual indicates you have to create a bootable usb drive and use the afudos.exe utility. It looks straightforward to me.

Also, do you recommend a floppy disk drive? If you can boot from a usb drive, is there any need for a floppy disk?

Would it be helpful to post my components one more time in one post to summarize the build before I place my order? Thanks again for all your help.

I've sent emails to coolermaster and asus regarding the cpu fan.

[glc]

The motherboard doesn't even have a floppy controller. No IDE either.

If you have to use afudos, I'd leave the bios alone if you don't need an update.

If you post the list again, please make sure you don't break the links. Copying and pasting by dragging the mouse doesn't work. You need to right click a working link to copy it.

[citadel]

Cooler master tech support doesn't know if the cooler master cpu fan / heatsink will fit on the asus z8na-d6c mobo. There is an intel cpu cooler that some reviewers of the mobo say have worked, but it is loud at full rpms.

I've sent an email to arctic cooling to ask about their arctic cooler freezer 7 pro.

What do you think about putting in two 500gb drives instead of a single 1tb drive. I was thinking of putting windows and other shrink wrap software on the first 500gb drive and my own software and projects on the second.

[citadel]

None of the tech support people at asus or cooler master will say if the cooler master cpu fan will fit on both cpu's on the z8na-d6c mobo. I'm going to go with the cooler master hyper 212 from tiger direct and if I can't get it to work return them for the stock intel coolers which many reviewers say works fine.

Any advice on how to orient the cooling fans? The 1366 socket is not square; I'm wondering if I can orient the cooler master hyper 212 cooling fan along either axis of the cpu, or will it only fit one way (reducing my choices to make them fit together).

In terms of cooling, is it ok if one fan blows into the other fan? is it better if they blow the air towards each other or away from each other? I would guess having the air blow away from the other cpu would be best so that the warmed air from one cpu is not sent over the other cpu.

Do you recommend FedEx shipping for the motherboard and hard drives? One reviewer on egghead recommends this. This reviewer indicated that all ups shipments are dropped 6 ft somewhere in transit, and has resulted in bad mobo's and hard drives. Do you think paying more for FedEx shipping on the fragile items is a good idea? Anything else you would ship FedEx besides the mobo and hard drive?

If I do ship the mobo via FedEx, breaking the NewEgg order into two orders, should I also include the cpu's and Windows and ms office, just to get the oem price and be clear that I'm really building a new system?

[jdeb]

I think you should call the guy in my previous post for a dba spec on the intel cooler. I have built two workstations using those boards and coolers and they were very quiet. I could hardley hear them on the bench without a case. You may get into trouble with the fan clearing the other cooler (cooler master), not sure though. I could see a newegg reviewer plugging one of the heatsinks into a case fan header because they are not clearly labeled on the board but are clearly identified in the manual. Or they could have positioned the cooler in the wrong direction because it is a square mount. Otr they mave not used the proper tightening sequence for the heatsink. I also used Artic cooling mx-2 thermal compound. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=3067296&SID=

[citadel]

Thanks jdeb, that is a great photo. Can you send me the url where you found that, or is it a personal photo from your build? Lot's of reviewers also indicated that the stock intel coolers worked well and everyone comments on how tight the components are on the mobo. Thanks for the help. I will go with the stock intel cooler. Thanks again jdeb.

[glc]

I have never had an issue with Newegg's standard 3 day UPS shipping.

I don't really see a need for 2 hard drives - if you want to keep things separate you can always partition the drive. Installing software on a separate drive or partition is still going to have to go through Windows on the main drive or partition. If anything, I'd get a second drive to put in an external housing for storing backups.

[citadel]

jdeb, would I need two tubes of that arctic cooling mx-2? ( one for each cpu? )

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by citadel jdeb, would I need two tubes of that arctic cooling mx-2? ( one for each cpu? )

One is all that is needed. You will have plenty left over. If I recall correctly, one cooler had the thermal paste on it and the other did not. So I cleaned both off with rubbing alcohol or acetone and applied the artic cooling mx2 to the top of the cpu. You only need a little bit, the size of a grain of uncooked rice, more is not better. I just put it in the middle and the force of the heatsink spreads it out, never had a problem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRRWbQUqW1Y

[glc]

No, one tube is enough to last you for 100 years. If the heatsink you buy comes with compound, either packaged or preapplied, you won't even need it.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by citadel Thanks jdeb, that is a great photo. Can you send me the url where you found that, or is it a personal photo from your build? Lot's of reviewers also indicated that the stock intel coolers worked well and everyone comments on how tight the components are on the mobo. Thanks for the help. I will go with the stock intel cooler. Thanks again jdeb.

I just google searched images for ASUS Z8NA-D6C and seen the image on page 9. I do not know where it came from, I didn't go to the link.

[citadel]

Thanks guys... I'll look for more videos on YouTube.

What do you folks like for anti-virus? Do you use a free one like Avg? I've used Norton and McAffee, but they are such resource hogs.

Also, I've read the thread about putting power to the board, cpu etc outside the case to test the components. Do you recommend repeating the process for each dimm of ram to test out each one individually before installing each on the mobo and installing in the case?