Help: Build PC (Intel or AMD)

[Toptube]

The stock heatsink at idle isn't terribly loud, but if you are cranking on something intensive it can get fairly noisy.

If you don't feel like spending $50 on a top end heatsink, get the Coolermaster Hyper 212. Normally about $30, but $18.99 at this link:
http://www.jr.com/cooler-master/pe/C...tJEAnvsOCqHiOA

Its not THE BEST for cooling performance, but its the same general design as everything else and is therefore a good, decently competitive solution. Its also possible to mount a second fan for more performance and/or more silence.

*if you aren't concerned with gaming, the built in video for the Asus mobo handles Blu-ray and HD video perfectly.
Right now the two best mid-range deals on gaming cards are ATI/AMD Radeon 6850 or Nvidia's GTX 460. The performance is very similar, as well as the price. Really it comes down to feature preference specific to the brand.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Toptube

The stock heatsink at idle isn't terribly loud, but if you are cranking on something intensive it can get fairly noisy.

If you don't feel like spending $50 on a top end heatsink, get the Coolermaster Hyper 212. Normally about $30, but $18.99 at this link:
http://www.jr.com/cooler-master/pe/C...tJEAnvsOCqHiOA

Its not THE BEST for cooling performance, but its the same general design as everything else and is therefore a good, decently competitive solution. Its also possible to mount a second fan for more performance and/or more silence.

The Coolermaster Hyper 212 is a very good performer actually (25°C at idle, 36°C at load), but it is slightly noisier than the stock Intel heatsink (40.4 dB from 6" away; the Intel heatsink registered 38.3dB at the same distance). The good thing about J&R is that they will ship to Canada, and the buyer may not have to pay for customs fees, as the purchase is under $20.

Of course, you can always swap the included Cooler Master 120mm fan with something more efficient and quieter.

[Toptube]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

The Coolermaster Hyper 212 is a very good performer actually (25°C at idle, 36°C at load), but it is slightly noisier than the stock Intel heatsink (40.4 dB from 6" away; the Intel heatsink registered 38.3dB at the same distance).

Direct temps are less useful because everyone's computer room is different. Rise over ambient is a much more useful rating.

well it seems that reviews differ on the noise level, but fact is that you will be able to maintain low fan speed at load, due to the larger heatsink. Therefore the hyper 212 is overall much quieter. On the flip side, if you want to crank it all the way (overclocking, or a particularly hot day, or both), at least some reviews indicate the hyper 212 (or 120mm fans in general) at max speed to be about 10 decibels quieter than the intel stock fan at max speed.

and you can add a second fan if you want.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Toptube

Direct temps are less useful because everyone's computer room is different. Rise over ambient is a much more useful rating.

I pulled the info from an AnandTech review conducted over three years on an Intel CPU. The original Hyper 212 heatsink won't be suitable for the AM3 CPU, but that's what the Plus revision is for.

Agreed on the direct temps affecting readings because of the number of different operating environments to account for.

[Toptube]

After resetting to defaults, I'd lookup the proper voltage settings for your CPU and Ram and then manually set those in the bios. Especially for ram, motherboards often do not auto detect the voltage correctly. Incorrect voltage can cause issues. I'd also manually set the advertised timings for your ram.

After that's all set, play with it for awhile. If you are still getting issues, then I'd try a bios flash. You could have an older bios that has some issue with your setup.

If you still have issues after a bios flash, then I'd start putting your computer on an elimination diet. (1 stick of ram, 1 hardrive, etc) and then slowly add stuff back until you get the problem. At that point it could either be the thing you added last, or that could be your power supply being a pre-mature failure. Even high quality PSUs ship duds sometimes.

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Looks like Boxing Day came early for you: that's just an amazing price for an astounding combo. The ASUS motherboard received a HardOCP Gold Editor's Choice award, and AMD CPUs don't get any better than the 1090T. No shortage of horsepower here, and you can always kick it up another notch when you're ready to overclock it.

Excellent .. that is exactly what I wanted .. sort of future proof myself

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Case styling is subjective, so as long as you're fine with the styling, go for it. I like the cable routing hole design for cable management, which gives your PC a cleaner look (all the more important since this case comes with a window).

I will probably be picking something up today at Tigerdirect.ca as I can't wait any longer to start putting it together Could you guys possibly skim over Tigerdirect.ca and give me any suggestions? I can't access it at work for some weird reason gives me a This page can't be displayed. Contact support for additional information. The incident ID is: 0. error message.

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

You don't need an aftermarket heatsink right away. Seeing as you'll be running the CPU at stock speed, the included heatsink will work just fine. It's just that most builders prefer to go with an aftermarket heatsink for a number of reasons: i) it will keep the CPU temperature lower than the stock heatsink, ii) it will be significantly quieter (when paired with the right cooling fan), and iii) it's needed if you plan to do some serious overclocking.

Originally Posted by Toptube

The stock heatsink at idle isn't terribly loud, but if you are cranking on something intensive it can get fairly noisy.

If you don't feel like spending $50 on a top end heatsink, get the Coolermaster Hyper 212. Normally about $30, but $18.99 at this link:
http://www.jr.com/cooler-master/pe/C...tJEAnvsOCqHiOA

Its not THE BEST for cooling performance, but its the same general design as everything else and is therefore a good, decently competitive solution. Its also possible to mount a second fan for more performance and/or more silence.

[/quote]
Some very good info here .. I would like to go this route, by spending the extra but not right away so I will hang off for a month of so, possibly till after Christmas in hopes of seeing things go on sale.

Originally Posted by Toptube

*if you aren't concerned with gaming, the built in video for the Asus mobo handles Blu-ray and HD video perfectly.
Right now the two best mid-range deals on gaming cards are ATI/AMD Radeon 6850 or Nvidia's GTX 460. The performance is very similar, as well as the price. Really it comes down to feature preference specific to the brand.

Yup .. BR is what I will be doing mainly and the odd editing of my sons home videos. Along with surfing, youtubing, netflix and music. I am planning on making an integral part of my HT. The reason I chose this was so that I can properly add another video card later on IF needed. Thanks for the excellent info

I will add pics whenever I get everything put together but will be asking questions so please bear with me

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

I will probably be picking something up today at Tigerdirect.ca as I can't wait any longer to start putting it together Could you guys possibly skim over Tigerdirect.ca and give me any suggestions? I can't access it at work for some weird reason

Not sure what you're looking for in a case styling-wise, or how much you're willing to spend. The NZXT M59-001BK that you had your eye on is pretty out there (I prefer simple, cleaner lines that emphasize function over form, e.g. the Antec P183 houses my primary rig).

If you plan to make it a part of your HT, will you consider an HTPC case? Silverstone has some nice ones that will fit perfectly in an HT setup.

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Not sure what you're looking for in a case styling-wise, or how much you're willing to spend. The NZXT M59-001BK that you had your eye on is pretty out there (I prefer simple, cleaner lines that emphasize function over form, e.g. the Antec P183 houses my primary rig).

If you plan to make it a part of your HT, will you consider an HTPC case? Silverstone has some nice ones that will fit perfectly in an HT setup.

You were right .. I actually bought the NZXT-M59 and when I sat the unopened box next to the HT to get an idea of what it will look like .. turned out totally out of place. I ended up with a similar model to the HAF 932 that Ryoohki mentioned, I got the HAF 922 (Click Here) for $94. I think this looks just right, with the LEDs off it will look pretty darn good IMO

[urbanriz]

Quick question .. is it a good idea to remove the stock thermal from the heatsink and replace it with something better?

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

Quick question .. is it a good idea to remove the stock thermal from the heatsink and replace it with something better?

I would remove the stock thermal: a third party solution (e.g. Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound) will yield better thermal transfer from the CPU to the heatsink, ensuring that your CPU will run a bit cooler and thus, prevent overheating. To maximize your CPU's cooling results, an aftermarket heatsink is highly recommended (over the stock cooler), as they run cooler and quieter, whether or not you plan to overclock.

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

I would remove the stock thermal: a third party solution (e.g. Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound) will yield better thermal transfer from the CPU to the heatsink, ensuring that your CPU will run a bit cooler and thus, prevent overheating. To maximize your CPU's cooling results, an aftermarket heatsink is highly recommended (over the stock cooler), as they run cooler and quieter, whether or not you plan to overclock.

Thanks bro .. I ended up buying the Arctic Silver and also the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus. I put the thermal included with the 212 and from watching some videos on youtube.com used a plastic bag to cover my finger and gently spread it over the 212 prior to applying it to the CPU. Please tell me this is ok. I am not sure if I put too little, I put enough to try and cover the base but not too thick. Currently my Asus reading in Win7 is showing a temp of 35-36C is that normal with OC turned on via TurboV EVO tool. It has been running for approx 15 mins as of posting this. I believe from what I read this is normal but want to be sure.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Can you post pics of the inside?

[urbanriz]

Sure will take some and post later in the week as I just to do some tidying up with wiring

[urbanriz]

Here is a pic of the inside as promised, sorry I am still working on figuring out how to wire manage a bit better:



Click the above to view ..

[Toptube]

you should put the CPU fan on the other side of the heatsink and have it "pushing" towards the case exhaust fan. Heatsinks genrally perform better when the fan is pushing into them rather than pulling away. You only have a "pull" fan when you have two fans mounted.

granted your idle temps are good, which means the heatsink is definitely doing a good job. But Your load temps will probably not be as good.