Final Decision on my GAMING RIG! Buying next week!

[zhuoyan]

After doing research for several months, finally the time has come for me to buy my computer! The followings are the components that I'm intending to buy:

CPU = Intel Q6600 G0
GPU = HIS HD4870 1Gb
RAM = Corsair C4DHX 2x2Gb(4Gb) 4-4-4-12
Mobo = Asus P5Q-PRO
PSU = Corsair 620HX
DVD drive = LG SATA II
HDD = Seagate 640gb SATA II
Heatsink = Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Red Scorpion (using its own thermal grease) with crossbow back-plate
Case = NZXT Lexa Black line (decided to change from Antec 900 to this because Antec 900 appeared to be a dust-magnet)


I would really appreciate some comments or feedback on my rig. Did I make any mistake on choosing some of the parts there? Thanks in advance!

 

[Proximon]

I take it you are overclocking.

Switch to this board, it's new:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358&Tpk=UD3P

Better RAM for overclocking:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209

I don't know where you got the idea that the Xiggy comes with TIM pre-applied. It does not. You will need a tube and also should get the retention bracket:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233019

 

[Zecow]

I agree with Proximon... altho, for OCing I tend to go with Asus.. but thats just me. Rig is fine. I just got mine 2 months ago Q6600 OC to 3.6 Ghz, Asus Rampage, 4850 crossfire.

 

[zhuoyan]

I checked it form the Xigmatek website. In the user manual it mentioned that it comes with the thermal grease

 

[zhuoyan]

the GA-EP45-UD3P seems to be going over my budget. Something similar but better for overclocking would be good though.

I have no experience in overclocking, but would love to. So some recommendation on good OC mobo would be great

 

[Proximon]

I stand corrected, but for $5 you'll get far better TIM than that. Don't buy the second best cooler made and then lower it's effectiveness by 3-4 degrees C

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003

 

[zhuoyan]

will i be using the entire 3.5g thermal compound at one go? (when i install the heatsink)

 

[slomo4sho]

You wont use anywhere near the 3.5g, about .5g is the maximum you will use but the smallest tubes are distributed in 3.5g packages.

A couple of dollars wont break the bank hopefully, go with Arctic Silver 5 instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

 

[zhuoyan]

how long can i keep the thermal paste for? Will it dry up or something? Because I can't see why I need to buy 3.5g of thermal paste where I will only use less that 0.5g. If the original thermal grease that comes with the red scorpion is good enough, i'll probably stick with that? no?

 

[slomo4sho]

You could always go a step further and apply Arctic Silver to all the heatsinks on the motherboard and GPU if you feel your not getting what you pay for when purchasing the 3.5g tube.

Arctic Silver should keep your CPU 2-5 degrees Celsius cooler than the thermal grease that comes with the cooler...

 

[zhuoyan]

i see. But I was just wondering whether I can keep the tube for a long time? Will it dry up or something?

How about the other parts of my rig? are they all good?

 

[slomo4sho]

Much like a tube of toothpaste, the tip of the applicator will dry up but the innards will remain usable.

I would recommend switching to the ram Proximon recommended and also picking up the retention bracket. Other than that, your build looks solid.

 

[zhuoyan]

unfortunately the G.Skill PI Black ram is not easily available in Australia. Thus I have chose the Corsair one. Is the corsair c4dhx still a decent ram?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145194

 

[slomo4sho]

The voltage is high, I am unsure what is available in Australia but try to find DDR2 800 ram with low voltage (1.8-1.9) and good timing.

 

[zhuoyan]

what other alternatives are there will low voltage and good timing? If you can recommend me a few good ones I will try to find them in the Australian market.

 

[slomo4sho]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146692

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231207

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227284

Well good luck, I am going to bed for now... its 5 AM now

 

[Proximon]

Wrap the thermal paste in a plastic bag and store it in the freezer, to prolong the life.