New Build Comments

[darktitan]

Hey all, I've been lurking around here for years, but I'm about to build my second new computer and I want to run what I have by everyone to see if there's any glaring issues. Also, I'm a little unsure on what memory and PSU I should be going for. Here's the setup so far:

Cases: Aplus CS-Turbo Jet Red or Hiper Anubis

Motherboard: ABIT IP35 Pro

CPU: Q6600

Video Card: 8800GT

HSF: Thermalright Ultra-120 and S-FLEX 120mm

OS: Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM

PSU: Corsair 750TX

Memory: Corsair XMS2 2x2GB DDR-800

Everything else: Cannibilized from existing Athlon XP 1700 NF7-S build. Fine, maybe a new SATA hard drive or two.

I'm definitely looking to overclock as far as I can within reason. Nothing extreme (read: DFI), but I'm hoping to get close to 3.6-3.8GHz. I'm also planning to go 4GB/64-bit. If I'm springing for Vista, I'd like to make the 64-bit transition all at once as well. A few questions based on all this:
1) This is probably the place I'm most uncertain. What's better, 2x2GB or 4x1GB? I'd like to stay around $200. From what I've read, it's not worth springing for DDR2-1066 compared to DDR2-800 unless you're going for broke on the OC. This thread over at the ABIT forums lists next to nothing for 2GB modules working, but nor does it list any 4x1GB setups either. Anyone vouch for what works better on this board? In general?

2) Next, I've heard there are some problems with Corsair/Seasonic PSU on this board? Everyone mentions the 620/520W corsair units, not the 750W I called out above. Is this still a problem? Are the problems just due to bad rail management? Would an OCZ/PCP&C be a better fit?

3) Third, I've been loving the onboard Soundstorm audio on my current NF2 rig, and I hate to give it up. I know the IP-35 Pro has Realtek on board, but I already use SPDIF to output to a separate receiver and speakers, so will the Realtek really be that much worse? Are there any P35/X38 boards with better sound that won't break the bank or sacrifice overclocking?

4) Finally, on the Vista disk, am I making a mistake by going OEM? As you can probably tell from my current rig, I don't upgrade all that often. It's mostly just a new video card and storage system upgrades. What are my odds of getting locked out during these kinds of upgrades? Will it be a big hassle to get unlocked?

Well, that's it unless anyone has any questions. Thanks so much everyone!

 

[MarcVenice]

2x2gb would be easier to overclock with. You say you want to overclock as far as you can, within reason. 3.6-3.8ghz is NOT within reason. You will most likely top out at 3.6ghz, any higher and it will run to hot for your aircooler, no matter how good it is... Expect something around 3.4-3.6ghz. I'm not aware of problems with that board and the corsair series, but that doesn't mean they aren't any. Personaly, since you are aiming pretty high with that q6600, I'd get a p5k or a ds3r. The abit ip35's suffer from quite a lot of vdroop. Bad thing for q6600's. Won't have any problems either with the PSU like that. The realtek sound is pretty good, I doubt your 'Soundstorm' on a chipset THAT old is better then the latest realtek chipsets.

4) Just a videocard isn't to big of a deal, but if you do ram afterwards, then CPU, chances are you will get locked out. OEM versions aren't ment for upgrading. If something breaks down though, then it will have to be replaced. Up to you to risk getting locked out. When some of my stuff broke down, Microsoft didn't give me any hassle when I needed a new key.