Building this week-end

[dbrons]

I was planning originally to build a new rig whenSB came out. But I kinda dawdled and the recall happened and so I decided to wait for z68.

I bought my RAM, PS and case a while back and this week decided on a MB and it arrived along with my processor this week:

I'll be using the computer to store and work on my video and music collection. I use winRaR, quickPar, Studio HD, etc. My current system is in my sig and repairing blu-rays with quickpar can bog down, and get my processor pretty hot.

I decided to buy a new case and PS so I'll have this system and I can take my time building the new one.

Oh, I don't game and will start out with the built in graphics though I'd be interested in whether a discrete card would be better. I'm also wondering if anyone has experience with the Define R3 and if the fans are quiet or should be replaced. I know I don't need 650 watts but I chose the PS because I like the flat, modular cables :

case Fractal Designs Define R3
Power Supply Corsair hx-650
CPU 2600K
Cooler Corsair H-60
Motherboard Asus P8Z68-V PRO
RAM Gskill RipjawsX 2X4 gig 1600 - 8-8-8-24
Boot drive will be re-using my 120 gb Vertex 2 34nm
Storage will reuse my 2tb Caviar Black and a couple of my other 2 tb drives but I
might switch to 3TB drives over time.

looking forward to upgrading to 64 bit Win 7 going to 8 gigs of ram. Also the PS should be a whole lot neater I hope to do a nice job with the cables.

Definitely looking forward to the EFI bios and the overclocking features. I hope to do a moderate overclock.

Little apprehensive on trying the Water-cooled set-up. I've never tried one before but it doesn't look to tough to install.

I really enjoy building a new system and saving a couple bucks isn't really my biggest concern. So no real need to pick apart my choices I chose this stuff 'cause I researched and thought these components would give me some new features, faster performance and a stable oc to maybe 4ghtz.

If anyone has any tips on the H-60, the case, cable management, fans, SATA 3, srt, I'd appreciate the advice.

Dave

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

No need for water cooling on SB. Sandy Bridge is a very cool running chip. Just a decent HS&F. Many people choose the Coolmaster Hyper 212 (is it?) for dollar for performance. You can also check out HS&F reviews. The Tuniq Tower is a very good HS. The old T.R.U.E. and Mega Halems are still very good HS'

 

[mnewsham]

that "maybe 4Ghz" should change to maybe 4.8Ghz as a 4.4 is easy as pie on any decent HSF.

 

[mfenn]

The Corsair self-contained watercoolers work pretty much like your normal HSF. The only trick is that you will probably have to remove the stock back fan of your R3 in order to mount the radiator. Here's a guide. You can move the R3 rear fan to the top mount if you want.

 

[dbrons]

thanks for your comments guys. Btry - you're right but I really went with the water cooling for looks. I have a Thermalright now and I'm just not crazy about the big hsf hanging off the mb. gathering dust etc. My systems usually look kinda messy and I'm hoping to do better with this and the modular PS.

Wow, 4.4 even would be so nice. I had issues getting much out of my e8500 so I can't wait to try out the 2600k.

And thanks for the link mfenn. You're right I was planning on removing the stock rear fan and moving it up top as an exhaust. It's either that or have the H60 exhaust but I've read it's better the other way - pulling air in.

Got started a little bit today, pulled everything out to familliarize.....installed the backplate for the cooler.
Dave