My Build. Need Advice/Critique

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Posted: 07 Oct 2007 at 1:55am

No. An E6850 is going to reach higher speeds than a Quad, but higher speeds with two cores =/= four cores. This isn't always bad for the 2 core CPU. Unless the app is designed to take advantage of 4 cores, the higher clock speed is going to put the E6850 ahead.

I think you can safely drop down to a thermaltake 850W PSU.

If you plan on running Ultras in SLI at some point, get a larger case.

Kenny

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Posted: 07 Oct 2007 at 2:02am

You havs a Great config...

We're here with you ! &(*_~)&

Rexxaran

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Posted: 07 Oct 2007 at 2:40am

Originally posted by Tyler Lowe

I think you can safely drop down to a thermaltake 850W PSU.

If you plan on running Ultras in SLI at some point, get a larger case.

Like the Extreme or more like the PRO?

Tyler Lowe View Drop Down

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Posted: 07 Oct 2007 at 2:52am

The Pro Case is currently backordered until 11/1, so there is a wait on that right now. The Pro has a bit more clearance inside for those GPU's. The Lite will fit them, but it's a tighter squeeze and the airflow will not be as good.

The Extreme is just in a plain different league than the Lite or the Pro cases. It's got tremendous air cooling, with a baffle system that feeds cool air from the side, and feeds seperately to the HDD's to avoid drawing air in from the front of the case and through that warm HDD cage. It's also made from 2.0mm aluminum (body) with a 5.0mm face plate. The thing is, it's a bit pricey, but if you're going for the best air cooling you can get, that is *the* case.

Which one would depend on budget. The Pro would be the case I'd have recomended if you wanted to keep the price close to where your build is now (and don't mind the wait), the Extreme would be the case to get if you don't mind spending another ~$200 for something quality.

Bill the Cat View Drop Down

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Posted: 07 Oct 2007 at 3:14am

I've got an Extreme case and like it alot.
The general consensis is that 800 MHz RAM is fast enough for overclocking current CPUs.
The 850 W PSU should be plenty.
Get Vista Premim or XP Pro
If you've got the cash, consider a 150 Gig Raptor for a boot drive and keep the 250 Gig drive for a seconary.

Rexxaran

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Posted: 07 Oct 2007 at 3:56am

If I buy the Q6600 quad core, Can DS overclock it to a safe extreme for me? I've heard that it is faster than than the E6850 in its overclocked state. And is overclocking possible with the configuration I have, if I change to an EXTREME case and the rest the same?

Rexxaran

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Posted: 07 Oct 2007 at 3:59am

Here is a link that shows what i said above.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core2quad-q6600_5.html

commast

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Posted: 07 Oct 2007 at 5:29pm

Originally posted by Rexxaran

If I buy the Q6600 quad core, Can DS overclock it to a safe extreme for me? I've heard that it is faster than than the E6850 in its overclocked state. And is overclocking possible with the configuration I have, if I change to an EXTREME case and the rest the same?

The Quad core is an excellent choice for future proofing. DS can and will OC your system to the most stable point, usually between 3.0 to 3.15 Ghz for the Quad core. I would go with the Extreme case instead of the Lite case since it offers better cooling options. The 1066 Mhz RAM is a great choice for all around performance but don't expect much gain in game's frame rates. I would also drop the PS to about 850W unless you plan to add SLI or tons of hardware.

Rexxaran

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Posted: 07 Oct 2007 at 9:29pm

Is the overlocked Q6600 stable? because if it is then I can get a overlocked 3.0 Ghz Q6600 rather than a stock E6850 and be able to play quad core games and applications that use it.

Also does the Extreme Case have dust covers behind the fans?

commast

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Posted: 08 Oct 2007 at 1:25am

Originally posted by Rexxaran

Is the overlocked Q6600 stable? because if it is then I can get a overlocked 3.0 Ghz Q6600 rather than a stock E6850 and be able to play quad core games and applications that use it.

Also does the Extreme Case have dust covers behind the fans?

Yes, like i said before DS will only OC the Quadcore to a stable point. Depends on your components, DS can OC the Quadcore from 2.8 to 3.15 Ghz. The Extreme case doesn't have the filters but you can put one in if you want. You don't really need the filter anyway since the case is well ventilated.

Rexxaran

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Posted: 08 Oct 2007 at 1:54am

I was noting that the PSU on the Extreme is faced downwards below so it can take in air from the bottom mesh grill. I plan on keeping the PC on a carpeted floor and don't have space for it on my table. Would that effect the cooling. Can a DS rep please tell me about this? Someone who is intricately aware with the Extreme case? And if possible would place the PSU upside down with the intake fan at the top be a feasible option?

Alex

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Posted: 08 Oct 2007 at 9:33pm

Having it on carpet should be ok, it comes with big feet to raise it above the floor. However, if you have big thick carpet, then please ask for us to reverse the power supply so it sucks in air from the inside of the machine out.

Rexxaran

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Posted: 08 Oct 2007 at 11:52pm

Originally posted by Alex

Having it on carpet should be ok, it comes with big feet to raise it above the floor. However, if you have big thick carpet, then please ask for us to reverse the power supply so it sucks in air from the inside of the machine out.

Thanks Alex. Will the different configuration compared to the default one have any substantial effect on cooling? If so I can always get a cardboard piece and put it on the carpet before I set my Extreme case on it. That might help it.

I am thinking of going to 4GB ram and Windows Vista 64 Bit. Can someone tell me what is the driver support for it like and do games made for Vista work on both 64bit and 32bit? Or they are only made for 32bit?

Is the E6850 that is sold by DSO the newer G0 stepping kind?

Edited by Rexxaran - 09 Oct 2007 at 1:14am

smitty

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Posted: 09 Oct 2007 at 12:18pm

wow what a helpful and smart Bunch.. after along converstation with i guess all that pickup the phone at DS my build ended up with this config.

Stage 2: (Production: Installation & Testing)
Your system is undergoing the exclusive Digital Storm quality control process.
Digital Storm Desktop 40767 Quantity: 1 $2,483.00

System Configuration:
Case: Digital Storm Twister ULTRA (Silver Anodized Aluminum Finish)
Power Supply: 850W Thermaltake (8800 GTX SLI Compatible) (Silent Toughpower Edition)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz (1066MHz FSB) (8MB Cache)
Motherboard: nVidia 680i LT Core 2 Quad (By: eVGA) (nForce 680i SLI)
Memory: 2GB DDR2 Corsair at 1066MHz Dominator (Dual Channel) (Extreme-Performance)
Floppy / Media: Digital Media Card Reader (Black)
Hard Drive 1: 250GB (Western Digital / Seagate) (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
Hard Drive 2: 80GB (Western Digital / Seagate) (8MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
Raid Option: Setup my two hard drives in a Raid 0 Stripe (Read and Write Performance Boost)
Optical Drive 1: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x) (LightScribe Edition)
Optical Drive 2: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x) (LightScribe Edition)
Network Card: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Modem: Creative Labs V.92 Modem Blaster
Video Card: nVidia GeForce 7900GTX 512MB (Promotional Price) (While Supplies Last)
TV Tuner: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer (Up to 7.1 Channel) (Recommended)
Physics Card: - No Thanks
Cooling: Air Cooled Stage 3 (Silent Artic Cooling (TwisterBoost Overclocked)
Case Lighting: Blizzard Internal Lighting (Blue Edition) (Cold Cathode Tubes)
Round Cables: - No Thanks
User Manual: Personalized Platinum Digital Storm Binder (Includes Paperwork/Benchmarks/CDs/Manuals)
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Restore Kit: Digital Storm Specialized Recovery System (DVD Image Based)
Protection: - No Thanks
Office: - No Thanks
LCD Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: Logitech 5.1 System (Black Edition) (Model X540) (Includes Subwoofer)
Keyboard: Logitech Bluetooth MX5000 (MX 5000 Keyboard + MX 1000 Laser Mouse)
Mouse: - No Thanks my keyboard comes with a mouse
Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty
Support: Lifetime Toll-Free Platinum Care Technical Support

Being a Gamer and a gameserver provider and using Gateway Dell and TD over the past 10 years and 4 units We think DS is the only custom builders to go with. Customer service Tech Knowalge Pricing and the clincher Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty
Support: Lifetime Toll-Free Platinum Care Technical Support, WHY EVEN TALK WITH THE OTHER companies and I havent even recieved the DS unit. KUDO"S TO ALL DS PERSONELL

What would you change in the CONFIG

Tyler Lowe View Drop Down

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Posted: 09 Oct 2007 at 12:52pm

The hard drives don't match for RAID config, unless you have more than 2 drives in the build.

I'm partial to the A1 revision board, but the LT just got a new BIOS update for better overclocking of the core 2 quads, so I 'm not sure what DSO is seeing now in terms of OC with the LT's using the P06 BIOS revision. It *was* around 2.8Ghz on the LT MoBo with the 680i SLI A1 rev allowing for ~3.1Ghz.

Otherwise, that config rocks

smitty

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Posted: 09 Oct 2007 at 2:12pm

oh thanks for urimput i thought i had the A! on list but lost it when i changed config me bad pooo i wonder if it to late to change to A!

Kelly

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Posted: 09 Oct 2007 at 5:38pm

it's never too late! Just give us a call with the order number and I'll change it for you!

Rexxaran

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Posted: 09 Oct 2007 at 6:49pm

Did the threads get merged or did my thread just get hijacked :P.

I am thinking of going to 4GB ram and Windows Vista 64 Bit. Can someone tell me what is the driver support for it like and do games made for Vista work on both 64bit and 32bit? Or they are only made for 32bit?

Is the E6850 that is sold by DSO the newer G0 stepping kind?

skyR

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Posted: 09 Oct 2007 at 7:03pm

Steppings aren't guaranteed.

64 bit Vista runs all 32 bit software but does not run 32 bit drivers.

The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.

Alex

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Posted: 09 Oct 2007 at 9:12pm

Thank's for taking care of that skyR!

Rexxaran

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Posted: 10 Oct 2007 at 2:12am

So DSO still sells the older E6850 if G0 stepping isnt guanranteed? It was stated on some website that the other stepping to the G0 was an older stepping and is not used on the newer E6850 chips being made by Intel.

Would you recommend Vista 64 Bit Vista?

Does the configuration where the PSU blows Air from inside the case outside, rather than the default one on the Extreme case, have an effect on cooling ?

Edited by Rexxaran - 10 Oct 2007 at 2:14am

Monstromo

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Posted: 11 Oct 2007 at 8:06pm

Originally posted by commast

I was told they over clocked from 2.7 to 3.0? What is it for sure?

I ordered the same build today but with 6600 CPU, and they said they got a shipment of pro cases coming tomorrow with a little different side panel.

commast

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Posted: 11 Oct 2007 at 8:21pm

[/QUOTE]

I was told they over clocked from 2.7 to 3.0? What is it for sure?

[/QUOTE]

Overclocking is an art and there's no guarantee. No same CPU can overclock the same and how high your system can overclock also depends on the components you choose-- 2.7 to 3.0 is a good range for Air cooling on the Q6600.

Phreak

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Posted: 11 Oct 2007 at 8:23pm

nice to see you finally registered commast... lol

Core 2 Quad Q6600 OC @ 2.7Ghz
2GB DDR2 Corsair 800Mhz XMS2
GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
nVidia 680i LT
Stage 3 w/ TwisterBoost
EXTREME DS case

commast