E6400 + P5B-Deluxe = Easy Build/Fast Rig

[HeavyB]

I recently built the following rig tonight.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 - Retail

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM X2

SILVERSTONE ST50EF-Plus ATX 12V 2.2 500W Power Supply - Retail

ASUS P5B Deluxe Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Crucial Technology Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA1005 - Retail

Pioneer 16X DVD±R DVD Burner With 5X DVD-RAM Read Black ATAPI Model DVR-111D - OEM

Scythe SCNJ-1100P CPU Cooling Fan - Retail

LIAN LI PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Sapphire x1950Pro

Bottom line, I built it, installed XP, performed all of the updates (SP2 install, etc) before installing any chipset or video drivers, stress tested with Prime95 for a few hours at 3.2GhZ ath 1000Mhz memory speed at 5-5-5-15, and it was stable. CPU voltage at 1.35, the temps never got above 45 on the CPU (case temp 33). This was while using Q-fan control to keep things quitet, so the temps could go lower if I moved more air. So far, I am very happy with the hardware and ease of set-up. The Scythe Ninja is huge, but the installation is super easy, and I had no clearance problems with it. SO far I would recommend this set-up for an easy stable 50% overclock.

Cheers,
HeavyB

 

[Hulk]

Good job!

I'm in the process of building nearly the exact same system right now! Right down to the same case selection, weird!

Did you notice the network ports are just a little off from the metal cover in the case?

Also, wouldn't your memory be running 800MHz, or 400x8=3200. Are you NOT running 1:1?

How much of the Asus software to you install?

Damn I can't wait until my PS and video card arrive so I can finish this thing!

 

[HeavyB]

Hulk,
I had absolutely no problems with the build, except connecting the fan headers to the Mobo once the Ninja was installed and in the case. That cooler is frigging huge. I've read many complaints about difficulty installing the ninja, but I though it was the easiest CPU cooler installation I have ever had. Very slick, just 4 push-pin type connetors through the mounting holes around the socket. Push in until you hear a click and I didn't find it required that much force. With the 120mm fan pushing air across the CPU and the 120mm case exaust fan directly behind it to pull it out of the case I think airflow is optimal. I am wondering if having 3 120mm fans connected to the Mobo is a good idea or not, though. They are running at low speed (optimal setting in Q-fan) due to the low chassis and CPU temps, though.
As far as CPU:Mem ratios, I am running a 4:5 divider right now I believe, and this morning ramped the CPU up to 3.3GHz with the memory at 1050MHz (roughly), we'll see if Prime95 is still running when I go home for lunch. It was stable for a half hour before I left with the CPU at a steady 47C under load (chassis at 34). I think performance is better with the looser timings and 4:5 ratio at these speeds, although I need to actually check. I won't get greedy though if it is unstable becasue I'm not going over 1.35 for Vcore on the CPU.
I installed alot of the Asus software, including the update utility so I could update the bios in windows. PC probe may not be on for long, as Speedfan or MBM might be better.
I would recommend installing XP and doing all of the updates through SP2 and beyone until installing either vid card or chipset drivers. That worked well for me. I have yet to test out the video card, but I have a feeling I'll be buying a Zalman cooler for it if the noise it makes during start-up is indicitave of the noise it makes during hard gaming usage.

 

[Hulk]

Thanks for the update.

I wouldn't worry about the three fan header and mobo power draw. Those fans really don't draw much wattage at all.

Like I said I'm doing a very similar build, only differences are
Seasonic S430
TwinX 6400C4 memory
ATI AIW X1900 Video
Thermaltake Big Typhoon

PS came in today so now I'm just waiting for the video card.

I'm going to take your advice and do a complete XP and update install before installing chipset and vid drivers.

Man I'll be happy if I can get 3200 at stock voltage...

Thanks

 

[HeavyB]

Six hours later and Prime95 was still running when I checked at lunchtime. I may try to go 1:1 by running a 7 multiplier. 3.4GHz on a 7 multiplier will run the memory 1:1 at 971Mhz and I might be able to tighten the timing a bit on the memory under 1Ghz too. CPU was at 47C/chassis at 34C. I'm really pleased so far, now to get that second monitor for video editing/Photoshop work .

Cheers,
HeavyB

 

[midnilux]

The temp on your CPU is damn good.

I got my e6300 to about 3.1ghz but the heat gets so bad (approaching 70C) that I had to tone it back down to 2.95ghz in fear of damaging the CPU, its still uncomftorably high though (60C)

I might buy the CPU cooler you have

 

[w00t]

looks like a nice build it's nice getting a new comp huh? I just built mine not too long ago it's perfect.

I am running a 4:5 divider also If i turn it to 1:1 my memory goes down to 533MHz.

 

[AirForceElite]

i wish i was lucky as you

i got exact same spec as you, and my mobo or CPU was DOA.
i am always unlucky when it comes to hard ware

if you put 10 hard drives into store, and put 11th one which is broken/dead and tell me to choose any hard drive, for some strange reason, i always choose broken one.

i am so mad, i have to now ship it all back, and they have to ship back to me.
freakin sucks.