New i7 build suggestions

[icepapi2g]

Hello all - new to the forums here, and would gladly appreciate any help / suggestions on my new i7 build.

Currently considering an Antec P182 case along with a TRUE 120 for cooling w/ a P6T Deluxe motherboard. Hoping to achieve a configuration that will easily push a 920 upwards of 4.0+ ghz and that will be stable on a day-to-day basis.

Some thoughts:

- I am unsure about how the TRUE will be oriented in a P182 case. I have seen pics of a TRUE mounted in an upward orientation (that uses the top fan of the case as an exhaust). Also have seen a TRUE mounted the typical way (so that the back fan acts as the exhaust). Is there a space constraint in mounting it either way? I would imagine that the back fan exhaust is the more preferable here. Also, does a push/pull config w/ two fans on the TRUE have a noticeable cooling impact over a single fan blowing through?

- Looking for reliable RAM (prob 6GB of 1600mhz). Any suggestions on a solid kit w/ a good performance / value balance?

Focus here is to build a stable OC'd system that will require minimal maintenance. Thanks in advance!

 

[yh125d]

You might want to consider a case better designed for airflow. The front fans on that case will barely do anything, as they are blocked by the hard drive cages and a very restrictive front panel. There is also no side fan, which helps alot, specifically on keeping NB/ram temps nice and cool.

I'd recommend the Antec 300, 900, and the Cooler Master Centurion 590 as good quality cases that also have great airflow

 

[icepapi2g]

Thanks for the suggestion. From what I understand, the TR Ultra-120 Ex would have trouble fitting in the cases you suggested since the HS is too tall (unfortunately I've already purchased this part). An Antec 1200 seems a bit too large (and all those LEDs makes me feel like it should be in my nephew's toy closet), but is still not a bad choice given its airflow design. The P182 retains a classy look but lacks good front intakes as you mentioned. Know of anything comparable to the P182 out there perhaps with a little better airflow?

 

[yh125d]

No, the TRUE will fit in those three cases fine. My own tower cooler is only about 1mm shorter than your choice, but fits with almost an inch to spare in my antec 300. I can understand the point about the LED's on the 1200, it's personally a bit too flashy for me, so I stuck with the 300 - which in my opinion is as classy as a p182.

 

[nyker96]

it's quite enough for most builds. I put a OCed C2D in one and absolutely no problem in temperature. I added another front 120mm for intake. but if you need better airflow get the Antec 900 or TT armor.

 

[yh125d]

Originally posted by: nyker96
it's quite enough for most builds. I put a OCed C2D in one and absolutely no problem in temperature. I added another front 120mm for intake. but if you need better airflow get the Antec 900 or TT armor.

For most builds yes, but for a 4+gHz i7 that's gonna be putting out alot more heat as well as I'm assuming a nice hot video card? It's never a bad idea to have better cooling


You should be able to hit 4.0 in the p182, but at that speeds it's going to be running pretty hot, and good cooling with an overclock like that is critical to long-term use

 

[TLW]

Originally posted by: icepapi2g

- I am unsure about how the TRUE will be oriented in a P182 case. I have seen pics of a TRUE mounted in an upward orientation (that uses the top fan of the case as an exhaust). Also have seen a TRUE mounted the typical way (so that the back fan acts as the exhaust). Is there a space constraint in mounting it either way? I would imagine that the back fan exhaust is the more preferable here. Also, does a push/pull config w/ two fans on the TRUE have a noticeable cooling impact over a single fan blowing through?

The TRUE on my Q9550 fits just fine in my P182, i have it fitted vertically with one fan on the heatsink and a further two on the rear and top exhausts on the case