new system, a few questions

[imported_apocalypse]

Hey guys, after doing some research this is the build I'm planning to get. Most components are from directcanada.com (I'm from canada =b). This is going to be a gaming machine, with a little bit of photoshop and programming. I will also be doing some overclocking. My budget is around $1300 (CND).
Any general feedback?

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600

Cooling: Xigmatek HDT-S1283 w/ Xigmatek Crossbow Mount

Thermal Paste: OCZ Freeze

Motherboard: Asus P5Q Pro L775 Intel P45 + ICH10R

RAM: G.SKILL PC2-6400 4GB 2X2GB CL4-4-4-12

Video Card: Palit HD Radeon 4850 512MB

Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB SATAII

Case Antec P182 (Gunmetal)

Power Supply OCZ GameXStream 600W Power Supply (OCZ600SXS)

Optical Drive Pioneer DVR-212D(Black)

Keyboard/Mouse: Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 2.0 6000

Monitor Samsung SyncMaster 2053BW 20in


I just have a few questions about specific components. For the RAM, I can get the OCZ (OCZ2RPR800C44GK) Reaper 4GB PC2-6400 CL 4-4-4-15 for a bit cheaper, how does OCZ compare with G-skill and also with the 12 vs 15 in the timing?

As for the power supply, there is also the option of OCZ StealthXStream 600w to save a bit. How does that compare, and would it be able to handle crossfire if I go that option later? Also, I have heard the cables are short for that model, a problem for bottom mounted PSU cases.

For the Xigmatek Crossbow Mount, I have heard recommendations that rubber o-rings be used, any info on that?

One last question, for crossfire configs would the x8/x8 PCIe channels of P45 motherboards really be saturated by current cards? Just curious about that, I can't afford the jump to X48 mobos for this rig.

 

[dmw16]

Most name brand rams are going to be about the same. If you are doing major overclocking then spring for a more expensive kit with higher clock speeds, otherwise save a few bucks and go with the OCZ. They make good memory. As for timings, I have never experienced a performance gain (in real life) thanks to slight timing differences.

On the PSU, skip the StealthStream if you want to Crossfire. You'll need to use a bunch of messy adapters and stuff to plug in your cards. I originally bought the 500W StealthStream for my build, but later went with a modular Corsair PSU. But something like that would blow your budget. STick with the GameXStream.

General comments:
CPU - good choice
Cooling - good choice. Also like the Zalman 9500
Thermal Paste - Like the Arctic Silver the best
Mobo - seems fine, just read plenty of reviews on any board before you buy
Video Card - good choice. excellent bang for your buck. get whichever 4850 has the best deal since they are all the same
RAM - covered already, but get the OCZ and save a few dollars
HD - great choice. one is in my current build now. going to fire it up tomorrow.
Case - good choice.
PSU - covered
Optical Drive - get the cheapest one you can. On newegg, dont forget to check shipping as sometimes the cheapest one has $9 shipping, but the one that cost $3 more has free shipping
Keyboard/Mouse - personal preference here, I like logitech, but whatever you want
Monitor - Samsung makes nice stuff, can't go wrong.

As a cost saving note, especially for things like monitors, watch Hot Deals because often times there are good prices to be had. And officemax is giving 25% off up to $50 if you use your paypal account, so might be a chance to get a good deal if you combine with a coupon code.

 

[mpilchfamily]

First of all if your not going to OC then stick with the stock cooler and save a bit of money there. But even if you get the cooler it should come with thermal paste thats as good if not better then the OCZ TIM so no need to buy that.

Weather you go G-skill or OCZ on the RAm doesn't really matter. They will both perform about the same.

I know the PSU you picked is well priced but there is a good reason for its price point. Its not a very good PSU. Its a decent one but you should go with one better. Now this one cost about $30 more but its wel worth it. it will easaly support a pair of 4850 in CF. Besides the money you save on the cooler should just about make up the difference anyway.
http://www.directcanada.com/pr...VX&manufacture=CORSAIR

Now the CPU mounting kit isn't a bad idea. The stock mounting plate and push pins suck. Its better to have a bolt threw mount.

Don't worry you won't be limiting the video card on that motehrboard. They don't need the full badwidth of a 16x slot anyway. 8x is more then enough.

 

[imported_apocalypse]

Thanks guys for the quick responses. I've decided to go with the corsair PSU and the OCZ ram.

AFAIK Xigmatek HDT-S1283 comes with Silmore paste which isn't very good?

 

[Roguestar]

Thermal paste makes such an insignificant difference it'll not even matter if you're not majorly overclocking.