Phantom's P180B Build

phantom220 · Post by **phantom220** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 6:03 pm

Hey all. First up, I'd just like to say a big thankyou to everyone here at SPCR. From the reviews to the forums, everything has just been a massive source of inspiration and help

I first put together this computer in about September 2007. There are a few pics of it in this stage, though it didn't stay like that for long. Over the next 12 months, the following changes occured: another 2GB of RAM was added, the TriCools were swapped out for SlipStream 800s, the fan grills were cut out, the fan doors were removed, the 8800GTS was underclocked, fan slowed and ducted, an Auzentech X-Plosion 7.1 was added, Acoustipak was applied to the case and a Dell E248 WFP was added. So yeah, a bit changed.

http://s378.photobucket.com/albums/oo22 ... /Computer/

Components are:

Intel Core2Duo E6750 @ 2.66GHz
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3
Corsair PC-5400 DDR2 RAM, 4GB @ 667MHz
Samsung HD321KJ 320GB
Seagate 250GB
MSI 8800GTS 640MB OC
Auzentech X-Plosion 7.1 Cinema
Asus 1814-BLT DVD-RW
Antec P180B
Corsair HX-620

Scythe SlipStream 800rpm (x3, with soft mounts)
Acoustipak Deluxe
Logitech G15 Refresh
Logitech G5
Logitech Z-5500D
Icemat II
Dell E248 WFP
AOC 210V

In terms of modifications, I'm not too sure where to go next. I don't know if replacing the CPU cooler from stock will change things much in terms of noise, though I think it will reduce my temperatures (which aren't exactly high now). Suspending the HDDs is another option, one that I have considered for a while but just never gotten around to. I game a decent amount so changing the GPU isn't really an option - anyway, underclocked and with the fan slowed to match it's no longer the noisiest component in the system.

Advice, comments and criticisms welcomed!

PartEleven · Post by **PartEleven** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 6:10 pm

I've never heard the stock cpu cooler myself, but it sounds like many others are ok with it. But if you don't mind spending a little extra cash, why not get a passive heatsink? Omitting a fan is always a good thing (acoustically). Also, how did that acoustipack work for you in the P180? Did you notice any difference?

By the way, I've got that wallpaper!

tuz · Post by **tuz** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 6:41 pm

Just try unplugging the CPU fan and sitting in BIOS, and checking whether it makes any difference to the overall noise. My e7200 stock cooler looks the same as yours and is quite noisy, but I'm not sure if the fan is the same between different processors and the heatsink definately isn't the same as other stock heatsinks, mine is all aluminium with no copper on the base.

phantom220 · Post by **phantom220** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:33 am

Acoustipak made an enourmous difference in terms of DVD drive noise, this is awesome as I watch a fair few movies on the computer. Also quite good in terms of HDD seeks and general noise.

Will try unplugging the CPU fan and seeing if that makes any difference. To give you an idea of how cool temps are in there, the fan turns itself on and off all the time during normal use. All my monitoring programs are giving me different temps, not sure which ones are correct.

SteveRCE · Post by **SteveRCE** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 9:21 am

I picked up a brick of the green furniture cushion foam from JoAnn fabrics for a few bucks with one of their 40% off coupons. Cutting a section from that and stuffing it around the DVD drive(s) really does cut down on noise. While it's probably not as effective as commercial products, it's cheap enough for me.

Just watch out for the initial nasty smell if you have any pets. Let it air out in the sun for a couple days in the garage or elsewhere. Not entirely sure about putting it near hot components either.

Also, you can spin down the drives to a slower max read speed if you frequently play DVDs or games that require the disk in the drive. Alternatively, you can mount the game images using Daemon Tools and keep the disks in your closet

Battlefield 2, for example, only needs a < 50mb ISO image to keep SafeDisc happy.

phantom220 · Post by **phantom220** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 5:52 am

Unplugging the CPU made no difference to the noise. On closer inspection however, I did notice a fair amount of low frequency noise coming from my HDDs, almost a humming sort of noise. I definitely think I'll be looking into suspension or drive boxes.

Qu!cK · Post by **Qu!cK** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:22 am

Nice setup.

What your wallpaper plz ?

CallmeRoth · Post by **CallmeRoth** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:02 am

Seeing as you have a fan blowing across the video card, you could always try running an Accelero on the graphics card.

Qu!cK · Post by **Qu!cK** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 10:16 am

Somebody can tell me a link to download this wallpaper plz ?

porkchop · Post by **porkchop** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:34 pm

middle of the page

Qu!cK · Post by **Qu!cK** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:26 am

thx a lot.