My first system build, thoughts, questions

[imported_apocalypse]

So I just completed my first from scratch system build. Technically anyway, since I had swapped out almost everything else in my older computer at various times, HD, vid card, HSF, ram etc except the motherboard. Still, a milestone for me.

Here are my specs:

Case: Antec P182

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0

Cooling: Xigmatek HDT-S1283 w/ retention bracket

Mobo: Asus P5Q Pro

Memory: OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB DDR2 800 CL4-4-4-15

Video Card: Palit Radeon HD4850

Power Supply: Corsair VX550W

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar 640GB SATAII

Optical Drive: Pioneer DVR-116D

Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 2253BW 22''


Just some general thoughts on the whole thing.

I really like the P182 case, slick, well designed and easy to install. Though there is a useless piece of black plastic around the wire paths from the bottom psu chamber to the upper chamber. I also kinda wish the interior was black as well, though with no side window, its not that relevant. One other thing is their manual could have used some diagrams. I spent quite a while trying to figure out how to install the hard drive in the bay until I read that it goes sideways. Yes, kids RTFM indeed.

Molex connectors were a bit annoying, reaching around my HDT-S1283 to plug in the 8-pin hurt my hand :|. SATA connectors are much much easier than PATA! (I bought the pata dvd drive by accident, haha )

I'm quite glad I got the bolt-through kit for my HDT-S1283, and would definitely recommend a bolt-through for anyone installing aftermarket cooler for the LG775. Reminds me of when I was installing my SK-800 to my Athlon XP, it felt like I was going to snap the motherboard and I definitely did not want to repeat that experience.

I just got it posting last night, then had to get some sleep to wake up for work
but when I get home, its time for some burn-in and overclocking

Some questions: I have my HDT-S1283 mounted with the fan blowing upwards, is this optimal or would it be better to have it blow towards the back or downwards?

Does anyone know if the Palit HD 4850's non-reference design has any effect on performance or thermal levels? I saw that it has a different heatsink and fan from standard and has a slightly different sized pcb (its not a sonic though).

 

[modoheo]

Sounds like a great build! Enjoy.

I don't think the orientation of the Xigmatek matters much, if at all. Supposedly convection is what drives the coolant up the heatpipes until it recondenses, so gravity/orientation shouldn't play much of a role. Mine is oriented with the fan blowing inline upwards like yours, and my temps are great on a E8500 oc'd to 3.8GHz.

 

[Roguestar]

That's a fairly well pieced system, but there's little point blogging about it after you've made your purchases.

Direction the fan on the heatsink blows is up to you, probably best to have it pointing towards an exhaust fan, though.