Building a new computer and need some cooling advice

[Liver]

Gents,

I am going to build a new computer soon. I have decided on the classes of equipment.
Basically a mild overclocked system (not taken to the edge)
X2 most likely 3800
7800GT or GTX single card
SLi motherboard (but may not do that if I decide to get the Apple Cinema 30inch)
2 gig memory

I have an Antec Sonata case (modded with air hold in front, so dual 120mm fans running quietly).

This is the question. I have a Zalman Reserater with the CPU and video block. Should I use that or get some really nice aircooling gear (Zalman 9500 and Artic COoler for the card or a Zalman alternative)?

I would leave the computer on for several days at a time (over 24h) but not 24/7.

I could do either. Money is always a concern, but not a huge one. Just want to do what is best in this situation.

Thanks

Liver

 

[JBDan]

I would hook up the Reserator and report back with the temps. Many peeps here will be able to tell you whether or not you can do better w/ high-end air. I'm betting since you have the Sonata that the Reserator will give you better temps. That case does not have good airflow imo.

 

[jonnyGURU]

I'm with JBDan... Hook up the Reserator and see what happens.

Don't know how a 3800+ would do, but a 3200+ stays around 45C on an A8N-SLI with a 10% overclock. I had to use the stock water block and move the build over to an Ultra Aluminus case, though.

I had everything in a Lian-Li PC50 initially and the CPU area was so tight that I switched out to a low profile water block. The low profile kept the CPU cool.. but didn't allow the CPU to run for any lengthy period of time whilst overclocked.

But the Reserator is for a niche market: Those who want a quiet PC. If you're even thinking about switching it out for an air-cooled solution you may not be the right kind of candidate for that product.

 

[JEDIYoda]

yep--reserator all the way!!!
If I was going to go air cooling the cheap with the zalman quality way thats what I would use....
Its suppose to also be very silent@@!!!

 

[LxMxFxD3]

Don't get the apple 30". I bought it at my local apple store and when I got it home, sat it next to my dell 24" it looked like pure ******. I promptly returned it.