Worklog: EternityZX9's New PC!

[EternityZX9]

I'm not sure if this was the best or appropriate place to post this, but this is where I decided too. (Mods can move this somewhere else if necessary)

It's been 3 years since I built a new PC this September - which makes this occasion a really a big deal for me (Still using an AGP video card!). I plan to spend at most $3000 on a new PC - and with my current chosen parts, I think I'll hit that limit dead on. This computer will be mainly used for gaming (as I play Counter-Strike:Source about 20+ hours a week competitively) and also listening to music.

Listed below are the parts I have decided to use (some are undecided). Please make any suggestions, opinions, or concerns you have as they will all be greatly appreciated! :)

CPU : Intel Q6600 G0 Pre-ordered and paid for @ Tankguys
Motherboard : Undecided: DFI P35-T2R / Asus P5K DLX / Asus Blitz Formula
Memory : 4 GB GSkill DDR2-800 HZ
Graphics Card : BFG 8800GTS 320MB Rev. A3
Display : Sony GDM-FW9012 24" Widescreen CRT
Storage & OS : 150GB WD Raptor X | Dual Boot Windows Vista Ultimate & Windows XP Pro SP2
Sound Card & Speakers/Headphones : Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1 with Logitech Z-5500's / Sennheiser PC155's and HD595's
Cooling : Thermalright Ultra 120 eXtreme (Lapped) with FM121
Case : Silverstone TJ-09-BW | 4 x Silverstone FM121 (110 CFM 40db at max speed) | 2 x 20X Lite-ON DVD Burner LH-20A1L
PSU : Enermax Galaxy DXX 1kw

I will start buying more parts in the end of July/beginning of August and hope to have this computer completely built by the end of August/September depending on what I have to wait on buying (grr X38 mobos).

Remember, this is a worklog so I will be updating with pictures of the build process and overclocking (first time!) once I get the parts.

Thanks for any feedback guys. I'm really glad to be a part of this great community and your valuable input. :wave:

[EternityZX9]

Update #1: My design for air flow in the TJ09. Remember I'm going to be using 4 x Silverstone FM121's (110 CFM and 40db at max speed). Tell me if you guys don't think this will work. Thanks :)

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/5325/airflowlargedy1.jpg

[Vice]

Lookin' good!

A few criticisms though:

You are probably better off waiting for the x38 to come out in a few months, it supposedly blows away the p35 chipset, and is compatible with sli/xfire.

Everything else looks good, but why the TJ09 and not the TJ07? The 07 looks much better imo.

I'm with ya there on the G9 series cards, I'm saving up now!

[EternityZX9]

Lookin' good!

A few criticisms though:

You are probably better off waiting for the x38 to come out in a few months, it supposedly blows away the p35 chipset, and is compatible with sli/xfire.

Everything else looks good, but why the TJ09 and not the TJ07? The 07 looks much better imo.

I'm with ya there on the G9 series cards, I'm saving up now!

Well, afaik, the x38's won't be out until September/October now from the looks of things. And I don't want to wait that long to build. Second of all I'm only buying 1 card right now. I don't need an SLI motherboard until I decide that I will do that.

Second, I just like the looks of the TJ09. That's just my opionion.

[EternityZX9]

I'm toying around with the idea of getting the Logitech Z5500's...but I'm also thinking I could get a better system and use it on my computer AND as a HT system.

Problem is...I don't know much about what systems are "good" or what parts I'd need for a better Home Theater System. Anyone have suggestions?

I'd like the price to be around or less than $300.

[gillll]

i won't decide about the cpu until the k10 platform is out and we will know which Quad will dominate .

get the creative speakers ht system with 300 budjet ain't worth it.

the're like oem budget pcs :D

a yamaha rx-v6xx reciever is the entry level for good mid range ht.

he alone costs more.

[EternityZX9]

Alright I've bought all my parts except the sound card, motherboard, and another copy of Windows XP Pro...hopefully all the parts that I have ordered will be here by Friday of this week :)

Grand total is now looking at about $3300 - just a little over what I wanted to spend.

Edit: Next update I should have some pics of the lapped HS

[Okda]

where is the update :P

[EternityZX9]

where is the update :P

Here it is :p:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7333/img0482largeyc9.jpg

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1716/img04832largetx6.jpg

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5332/img0485largezd0.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/8766/img0487largeki6.jpg



Not the best lapping job - but it's my first time every doing this. :p:

Temps seem to be fine as far as I can tell.



http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8631/coretemp1largecq9.png

That core temp picture was taken after 6 hours of heavy CS:Source and C&C3 play with a 78 degree ambient temp (and core temp is reading the tjunction correctly). Typical idle temp is lower but I don't have a picture of that at the moment. Only taking a break to post this. :D

Should be good for overclocking once I get my RMA'd PSU back. Using a 560watt Silverstone at the moment.

[EternityZX9]

More pics!

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9302/img0503largepm1.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/7438/img0508largevh0.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5442/img0505largekn0.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2549/img0504largewi6.jpg

Excuse the wiring job. Using a temporary PSU.