Core i7 folder help!

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

Here is what I am thinking...

I believe I have a buyer for my mATX am2+ htpc (cpu, ram, mobo, video card (just GSO, no worries ) ) and two old monitors. I think I will get $400.

This leaves me with a few questions for you guys.....

With this hardware....

MOBO: DFI LANPARTY JR X58-T3H6
CPU: Core i7 i920
Ram: Mushkin 3GB (3 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (any recommendations, I don't have know anything about i7 OC'ing & DDR3)
HDD: 1 7200rpm 160 gig (will add a 500 - 1000 gig drive later)
GPU: 8800gts g92 (for now)
PSU: antec earthwatts 500 watt.
Case: SILVERSTONE SUGO SG02

I have two issues....

1. Can my PSU handle OCing the i920 & running gpu folding?

2. Because of my case, I have very limited height above the cpu. The only cooler I could find that would fit on my AM2 was a Scythe SHURIKEN. Any better cooling options or ideas? (I can't do liquid cooling as that's not in the budget now.)

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

21 views and no ideas? Hmm....

[OldChap]

oh, allright then if you insist.

My guess would be you will be ok, and if not it will only be because your cpu is overclocked too high which seems unlikely given that you must use a low profile heatsink. so psu ok. That said psu's are most efficient at around 50-60% load typically so long term perhaps an upgrade to bigger would be best.

Me I would use a normal size heatsink and leave the side (top) off....with the gtx running (folding) your psu should give you 400watts or more on the board which when the standard clocks cpu is rated at 125watts seems possible. Again guessing some I think you will have 125watts or so available for overclocking........

Don't know af any low profile heatsinks.....not good enough ones anyway.

EDIT: you might look at this: http://www.frostytech.com/top5_lowprofile_heatsinks.cfm

[WFO]

I think the psu will run it with only 1 gpu. I was running 2 9800GTS' on a 610W Silencer without issues and 2 9600GSOs on an OCZ 600w. It's pretty skimpy and leaves no room for upgrades. I agree with OC about a standard cooler (TRUE ) and running with the top off. The I-7 920s run hot. Even with a TRUE and no OC mine runs 58-60C at full load with moderate 73F ambient temps. Those OCing on air are running them between 75-85C. A low profile cooler will severely limit any clocking.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

Thanks. I actually changed my mind about the core i7. I'm just going to get a 775 socket. When I upgrade to westmwere, I'll throw my q6600 in that computer & fold on it. I think 3.2ghz will suffice since its on air and I needed a lot of volts for 3.6ghz+.

Edit:

It'll be good recyling b/c I will have no use for my q6600 after I upgrade and this way, it can fold and run an HTPC as well as have 8 gigs of ram.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I saw this PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817163109



Its fully modular, which is very nice. The corsair 520w is the same price, but just not as powerful. What do you guys think?

I was looking through this list:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...CodeValue=4097
I am not really sure. I want a PSU w/ a bottom fan hole & modular b/c mATX is a pita for cable management and I need airflow from the heatsink out of the case and the best way is through the PSU.

Edit: Better question.......

Is my antec 500 watt enough for a q6600 @ 3.2ghz and at the most, a gtx260?

Edit 2: NEVERMIND, my 500watt is enough! Thanks!

[OldChap]

For the price....... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341011

750w pcp&c

[WFO]

For the price....... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341011

750w pcp&c

+1. PC Power and Cooling all the way! I have 4 Silencer 750s. That is a bargain price!!!

[OldChap]

and if you need more power at any time or you use it for a future build....buy another and run 2

I've got an older 1k SR and it's rock solid. .......planning on another and I would have to say I can't think of any reason to move away from pc p&c. I'd even consider buying seconhand but at egg prices......

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I own a 750 ppc&c and an enermax 1kw. Neither will fit properly in an mATX case. Too many cables. My 500 is fine. I'll need modular for it. I have a sugo sg02.

I'll see what I can do with the extra 100 I save.

[WFO]

I own a 750 ppc&c and an enermax 1kw. Neither will fit properly in an mATX case. Too many cables. My 500 is fine. I'll need modular for it. I have a sugo sg02.

I'll see what I can do with the extra 100 I save.

For a new build a case that wasn't so limiting may be a wise acquisition.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0283272

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I should have made myself clearer. The main purpose of the PC is to be an HTPC. I just happen to fold on it. Right now, its a dualcore am2 5400+ black. Not the best cpu. I won't bother to fold on it. If I get a 775 socket mATX board, I can drop in my q6600 in early 2010 when I upgrade my main pc. That being said, a q6600 would better serve my purposes since I wouldn't have to sell the chip in a year and I could fold on it. I want the case to fit under my tv, so it has to be something small.

WFO, I actually own an antec 300. Its folding in a closet right now w/ 3 GSOs. I was planning to buy some 8800gts's from goateater, but i cant get in touch with him easily. He doesn't always respond to my IMs. Anyways, that case is too big for the main purpose of the PC.

I'm just going to buy...

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 $50
MOBO: ASUS P5Q-EM LGA 775 Intel G45 HDMI Micro ATX $135
CPU: Intel Celeron 430 Conroe-L 1.8GHz $40
Heatsink: ZALMAN CNPS8700 2 Ball CPU Cooler $55

$287.55 shipped

The mobo should be enough to OC my q6600 to 3.0-3.2 ghz folding stable on air. I already have 4 gigs of ram, so that would increase it to 8 gigs. It wouldn't be a bad rig to copy and decode/encode bluray content as well.