1st Silent PC - Advice on System Spec

redcard2010 · Post by **redcard2010** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:08 pm

Been reading this forum for some time and appreciate the quality discussion. I've decided to try a quieter and more energy efficient system. Will be used for work, gaming, and 'net. Have a tentative configuration already but want to check with the experts here.

I live in Hawaii and while the temps usually don't reach 100, am concerned about proper cooling since sun does get in the house. However, being on a budget like most has made me think about some mild overclocking. Would like an expert's take on this issue though.

Current system spec:

Antec Solo
Corsair VX-450
Gigabyte Ga-p35-ds3l rev 2.0
e2160/e4400
2GB Ram - no real brand preference but opinions welcome
Samsung spinpoint 320gb HD
Samsung 203b + Sony 1615
X1950Pro/8600GT? - need help choosing video card
Yate Loon fans - will probably replace the solo fan - need additional?
Accelero s1 or s2?
Wireless card - not sure which brand

Kicker here is that I don't have time nor space to do the burn-in necessary so I'm farming out to either End Pc Noise or Ava Direct. Would appreciate opinions on either vendor. Might go with End Pc Noise since based in Washington State (shipping might be cheaper) and they specialize in quiet computers. However, Ava Direct already told me they will overclock for me during the testing phase. Not sure yet about End Pc Noise. If I don't have the rig overclocked, will probably go with e4400.

Gaming is Sid Meier/strategy and some adventure. No Crysis or FPS. I'm thinking a mid-range card since I really can't afford the 8800.

Btw, I called up some local shops in Honolulu but it became clear to me that many of these folks don't have experience with gigabyte; tried to push me toward x38 (mainly Asus); or told me it was impossible to build a quiet(er) gaming system.

Thanks for any help.

rjhythloday · Post by **rjhythloday** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 12:10 am

If you're really building a gaming system you won't be happy w/ those gpu's. Also why have some one else do it. You could go w/ a much beefier cpu and still cost less. You could easily get a 3.0ghz after oc. There are tons of threads about how to oc your new 5000be or c2d.

williamn6133 · Post by **williamn6133** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 5:37 am

I have a gigabyte P35 board and overclocking is a piece of cake (once you have realised how - which took me a while). If you do OC with it, I can offer you tips.

I have heard the X1950Pro delivers a very good performance:value ratio and would manage Call of Duty 4 at up to 1680x1050.

nitram_tpr · Post by **nitram_tpr** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 7:49 am

What about the new 9600GTs ? they look like they have very good performance. ANANDTECH REVIEW

bonestonne · Post by **bonestonne** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 11:38 am

i was looking at the same motherboard, but after talking to some other people, i was pointed in the direction of a similar board, but with more features, for just a bit more money, that's completely worth it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813128086

It's the EP35-DS3R. it has the ICH9R chipset, and is more energy efficient, and cheaper than the P35-DS3R.

thejamppa · Post by **thejamppa** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 6:36 pm

9600GT is good card, just be prepeared to change stock cooler and fast if you want quiet one.

K9-Cop · Post by **K9-Cop** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:15 pm

The Samsung 203N optical drive performs similarly (I think not quite as good), but has LightScribe for labeling your disks.