Okay. I need some major suggestions. I just built my first system and it is all stock cooling. The system is running hot. Here are the specs:

- CASE -

Thermaltake Xaser VI

- CPU -

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450

- VIDEO CARD -

BFG Nvidia Geforce 9800 GX2

- MOTHERBOARD -

Asus Rampage Formula X48

- HARD DRIVES -

1 x Western Digital Velociraptor 300 GB 10,000 RPM

3 x Seagate 7200.11 750 GB 7,200 RPM

- OPTICAL DRIVES -

Lite-On 20 x DVD Writer

Rosewill Memory Card/Floppy Drive

- MONITOR -

Acer 22" LCD

- PSU -

Cooler Master 650W


Okay, the processor is running around 50 C on idle and upwards of 70 C under load with the stock Intel cooler.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...03326601TuwSAV

This is my system. My main problem is choosing a CPU heatsink. I was almost positive that I wanted to go with the IFX-14. Only thing is, I am not sure if I can mount it vertically so that the fans will be facing the rear exhaust fan like I want with my motherboard. If someone can clarify whether it will go on that way without modification, please do...

The reason I want it to face this way is because of my PSU. It has a fan on the bottom and putting the heatsink horizontally would push hot air into this area. I do, on the other hand, have an exhaust fan on top of the case.

As you can see, in one of the pictures, there is a 140 mm fan intaking air on the bottom of my case. This fan will be being replaced with 2 XCLIO Amazing LED 140 mm fans. This should help to cool my 9800 GX2 which is running in the low 70's C idle and around 78-79 C under load.

I know this is a pretty complex situation but I am looking to give my PC a complete air cool remodeling...for lack of a better term. Sorry for rambeling on and on, but if I could get some opinions on a complete air cool setup, that would be great.

Try to keep it under $200 for now. I may have more money for upgrades in the future, but I want to get a functional air cooling system down for now.

Thanks in advance for the help,

Hunter