First System Build - passive cooling, etc
Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 3:16 pm
Hello. I've been a lurker here for a while now and have really learned a lot from this web site. I'm attempting to build my first PC having bought Dells for my last two, my latest being about 4.5 years old at this point.
Anyhow, I'm basically looking for a high powered setup that will allow for some upgrades over the next few years so I don't need to replace the system for a while. And I'd like my system to be relatively quiet. Being a first time building, I'm not really interested in case mods and the like, and overclocking is definitely not in my mindset currently. With that in mind, I'm thinking about a PCIe system for some future proofing. And I'm looking at AMD 64 socket 939.
Here are the main specs I am considering:
Case: Antec SLK3000b
MB: Gigabyte GA-K8N Ultra SLI - passively cooled
CPU: AMD 64 3500 90nm Winchester
Video Card: Gigabyte 6600GT Turbo Force PCIe - passively cooled
Memory: 2x512MB PC3200 Value RAM
HD: Samsung SATA drive 160 Gig
PS: Seasonic Super Tornado 400W
CPU Cooler: Zalman 7000/7700 or SP-120/90
Optical: NEC 3520A
Front Panel Plate to bring firewire to front of case
I may alternatively consider the Soltek K890Pro-939, which I just stumbled upon today as another PCIe passively cooled board. I don't really require SLI and I'm unsure of the benefits of nforce4 vs via. Also I haven't really seen any reviews of this gigabyte board despite its availability. The price difference is fairly significant as well.
Questions:
1) With a passively cooled board and video card, is there increased importance to install a front case fan? There is already a rear 120mm included with the case and the PSU has one as well.
2) Is there a benefit to using nforce4 vs via?
3) Any other suggestions for this setup?
Thanks for your help and suggestions!
Anyhow, I'm basically looking for a high powered setup that will allow for some upgrades over the next few years so I don't need to replace the system for a while. And I'd like my system to be relatively quiet. Being a first time building, I'm not really interested in case mods and the like, and overclocking is definitely not in my mindset currently. With that in mind, I'm thinking about a PCIe system for some future proofing. And I'm looking at AMD 64 socket 939.
Here are the main specs I am considering:
Case: Antec SLK3000b
MB: Gigabyte GA-K8N Ultra SLI - passively cooled
CPU: AMD 64 3500 90nm Winchester
Video Card: Gigabyte 6600GT Turbo Force PCIe - passively cooled
Memory: 2x512MB PC3200 Value RAM
HD: Samsung SATA drive 160 Gig
PS: Seasonic Super Tornado 400W
CPU Cooler: Zalman 7000/7700 or SP-120/90
Optical: NEC 3520A
Front Panel Plate to bring firewire to front of case
I may alternatively consider the Soltek K890Pro-939, which I just stumbled upon today as another PCIe passively cooled board. I don't really require SLI and I'm unsure of the benefits of nforce4 vs via. Also I haven't really seen any reviews of this gigabyte board despite its availability. The price difference is fairly significant as well.
Questions:
1) With a passively cooled board and video card, is there increased importance to install a front case fan? There is already a rear 120mm included with the case and the PSU has one as well.
2) Is there a benefit to using nforce4 vs via?
3) Any other suggestions for this setup?
Thanks for your help and suggestions!