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My sisters computer - again! (Read 544 times)

Apr 8^th, 2004 at 11:19am

bm Offline
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UK

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Evening all - when evening comes this evening Roll Eyes

Roll Eyes

Some of you may remember a while back I was planning to build a computer for my sister . I recieved lots of help for which I am very greatful for. I never did order the bits though! - Anyway Im ready now!

Those are the specs Im planning on ordering. I have a couple of questions though.

Will that be everything I need to build the computer? What other tools and materials should I have?

Would that be sufficient cooling? Just one 80mm fan and the PSU fan? If not I think I'd need a better case.

Thanks,
Birdman.

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Reply #1 - Apr 8^th, 2004 at 2:34pm

ozzy72 Offline
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That should be sufficient cooling unless she puts it somewhere daft like next to a radiator or in a wardrobe or something.
You'll need a PSU! For some reason that ain't appearing on the list properly
The only other thing you'll need is an anti-static surface to assemble everything on. Best bet is to slice open an anti-static bag and balance the rig on it Wink

Wink

Will your sister be needing internet access?
And err soundcard to go with the speakers?

Happy building
Ozzy

There are two types of aeroplane, Spitfires and everything else that wishes it was a Spitfire!

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Reply #2 - Apr 8^th, 2004 at 4:27pm

bm Offline
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The case comes with a 300 Watt PSU http://www.microlandtechnology.com/products.asp?recnumber=99
I haven't a clue whether the bits'll fit in that thing as there aren't any decent specs around for it!

Quote:

Will your sister be needing internet access?
And err soundcard to go with the speakers?

All fine for the soundcard - Mobo comes fully loaded with 6 channel sound. I think I have a pile of internet PCI modems somewhere, I have no use for them thankfully with broadband!

Quote:

The only other thing you'll need is an anti-static surface to assemble everything on. Best bet is to slice open an anti-static bag and balance the rig on it

I heard somewhere that one of those craft cutting mats would do the trick - would that be ok? I don't have an antistatic bag unfortunately, Do you think the motherboard will come in one?

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Reply #3 - Apr 8^th, 2004 at 4:56pm

ozzy72 Offline
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If the motherboard isn't wrapped in one I'd consider sending it back. If you have a nice sheet of rubber that works just fine. I used a wetsuit once..... And that PC is still working, my friends use it Shocked

Shocked

And its a good 9 years old now!!!!!!!!

There are two types of aeroplane, Spitfires and everything else that wishes it was a Spitfire!

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Reply #4 - Apr 9^th, 2004 at 11:35am

congo Offline
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Remember, the video card is the weakpoint in that system. Also, shop for a XP2800+, maybe the price has come down on those since you last looked.

If you plug the PSU into the wall socket and turn the power OFF using the wall switch, the case will be earthed and safe to install components, particularly if your skin is earthed to the case while working. Make sure the power is switched off on the wall though!

The worst time for static damage is when the air is extremely dry, like a clear winter day. In reality, technicians I've seen working rarely take any precaution for static damage, except to be aware of it and keep components out of electrical fields etc.

Mainboard: Asus P5K-Premium, CPU=Intel E6850 @ x8x450fsb 3.6ghz, RAM: 4gb PC8500 Team Dark, Video: NV8800GT, HDD: 2x1Tb Samsung F3 RAID-0 + 1Tb F3, PSU: Antec 550 Basiq, OS: Win7x64, Display: 24" WS LCD

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Reply #5 - Apr 12^th, 2004 at 10:11am

Jared Offline
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Looks like a pretty good list...

I've had really no problems with zappign components as of yet...

everything has always worked for me...

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Reply #6 - Apr 16^th, 2004 at 5:31am

bm Offline
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I'll get the 2800 - its only £20 more I think. Ill also up the RAM from DDR333 to 400 as there's no difference in price in some places.

Its funny how a budget PC loses itsa budgety'ness when you add a 17" LCD!!!! Makes me wonder whether a Dell or something would be a better deal.

PS. That sounds like a great idea with the PSU and socket.

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Reply #7 - Apr 16^th, 2004 at 8:11am

congo Offline
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The LCD screen is Trendy.

You pay through the nose for trendiness. Wink

Wink

Mainboard: Asus P5K-Premium, CPU=Intel E6850 @ x8x450fsb 3.6ghz, RAM: 4gb PC8500 Team Dark, Video: NV8800GT, HDD: 2x1Tb Samsung F3 RAID-0 + 1Tb F3, PSU: Antec 550 Basiq, OS: Win7x64, Display: 24" WS LCD

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Reply #8 - Apr 20^th, 2004 at 1:07pm

bm Offline
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Well i've got the case! I decided if I got the case it might make me pluck up courage to get the other bits to put in it! The local computer shop had it but none of the other items on my list Roll Eyes

Roll Eyes

The case is the same as my old computer but in a more stylish Black and silver livery. The only problem with the old one is when you start-up the PSU makes a dreadfull racket! Can I run the PSU that came with the case without connecting it to anything to see if its the same? If it is I'll have to get a different one!

Quote:

The LCD screen is Trendy. You pay through the nose for trendiness

Quite! Its the same monitor as mine Wink

Wink

Thanks - Birdman

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Reply #9 - Apr 20^th, 2004 at 1:16pm

Delta_ Offline
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Quote:

The only problem with the old one is when you start-up the PSU makes a dreadfull racket! Can I run the PSU that came with the case without connecting it to anything to see if its the same?

Not that i know of, the only thing i can think of is to set it up run it with the PSU if it makes lots of noise take it out and put a new one in that is a lot more quieter.

My system:Intel Q6600@3.6GHz, Corsair XMS2 4GB DDR2-6400 (4-4-4-12-1T) , Sapphire 7850 OC 2BG 920/5000, X-Fi Fatality, Corsair AX 750, 7 Pro x64

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Reply #10 - Apr 22^nd, 2004 at 4:19am

bm Offline
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I've ordered all the bits at last!!!

I managed to work out what the noise was in the old computer. I've always assumed it was the PSU but in actual fact it was the seperate 80mm case fan! - I never thought anything that small could make a noise so big! (although thats what I thought about my Chinese painted Quail!) It just seems to vibrate like crazy for a couple of minutes then settles down.

I plumped with the retail 2800. If everything is too loud i'll get a quiet heatsink and fan, quiet PSU, quiet case fan and quiet anything else I can think of! I thought id have a go with this acoustic matting from overclockers to see what it does, http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Case_Accessories_36.html
Ill let you know if it works!

I hope I did the right thing with the RAM, I just got really confused with all the different makes! I ordered GeIL 512MB PC3200 Value CAS2.5 - Will that work ok!!!

It should be quite a good little computer! And i'm adding an FX5600 Wink

Wink

Should be enough for playing simcity!

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Reply #11 - Apr 22^nd, 2004 at 2:24pm

congo Offline
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Sounds very good Birdman.

These systems work better with CAS 2.0 ram, but Sis probly doens't need it, My ram is Kingston CAS 2.5 and it runs fine at CAS 2.0, so cross your fingers and try it, you'll have to reset the bios to default using the mainboard reset jumper if it doesn't work.

Also, those mainboards run ram in dual channel mode if two identical sticks are fitted, so 2 x 256mb sticks would be better, or Sis can add another 512mb stick later .(same exact stick, that's why it's better to buy them together.)

The stock AMD CPU fan and heatsink is fine as long as a case fan or 2 is properly fitted.

Have fun building it!

Mainboard: Asus P5K-Premium, CPU=Intel E6850 @ x8x450fsb 3.6ghz, RAM: 4gb PC8500 Team Dark, Video: NV8800GT, HDD: 2x1Tb Samsung F3 RAID-0 + 1Tb F3, PSU: Antec 550 Basiq, OS: Win7x64, Display: 24" WS LCD

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Reply #12 - Apr 22^nd, 2004 at 3:46pm

bm Offline
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Quote:

The stock AMD CPU fan and heatsink is fine as long as a case fan or 2 is properly fitted

Its just the noise: http://www.quietpc.com/uk/products.php
They seem to have some decent stuff - I thought i'd just get everything working before I add any fancy stuff!

Sorry for being ignorant but what on earth does CAS do??? I don't fancy messing around with that kind of stuff Shocked

Shocked

Its a shame about the Dual channel RAM! I just got one stick - is it the end of the world? Perhaps when DDR400 is considered redundent (ie. next week) i'll get an extra one. Blast it - I knew id get something wrong!

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Reply #13 - Apr 22^nd, 2004 at 5:43pm

Pinchaser... Offline
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If you think the noise from an 80 mil case fan is bad... Cheesy

Cheesy

you should hear my case. 3 80 mm's Thermaltake volcano 7+, and a PS fan. The thermaltake itself runs at i believe 49dB. Cheesy

Cheesy

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Reply #14 - Apr 24^th, 2004 at 10:57am

Jared Offline
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Uniontown, Ohio

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Sounds like a decent system, don't forget to have fun while building it!

As for the fan noise I had similar problems that were solved when it was replaced a few months ago...

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Reply #15 - Apr 24^th, 2004 at 12:17pm

congo Offline
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Make BIOS your Friend
Australia

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CAS latency is a memory timing parameter that helps determine the potential bandwidth of a PC, ie. potential processing speed in mb/sec.

My bios allows the timings to be set manually (most do) either induvidually, or as a preset mode, ie. "Turbo RAM timings". In my "turbo" mode, the memory timings are set to take advantage of very fast, high quality RAM modules, with a CAS Latency of 2.0 (nanoseconds?). The higher the CAS number, the slower the memory timing.

It's basically a bios tweak to get the most out of your system. If the RAM won't handle the fast timings, it will usually lock up or crash the system, and because the setting was placed in BIOS, the PC may not boot until the BIOS is set to default using the "clear CMOS" jumper on the mainboard.

It's no big deal, and worth trying to see if the RAM works with fast timings, as long as you are confident in restoring your BIOS settings.

Mainboard: Asus P5K-Premium, CPU=Intel E6850 @ x8x450fsb 3.6ghz, RAM: 4gb PC8500 Team Dark, Video: NV8800GT, HDD: 2x1Tb Samsung F3 RAID-0 + 1Tb F3, PSU: Antec 550 Basiq, OS: Win7x64, Display: 24" WS LCD

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Reply #16 - Apr 27^th, 2004 at 8:14am

bm Offline
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The bits all came today - except the RAM Cry

Cry

I've emailed overclockers to see whats happening. I've also asked if it would be possible to change it to GeIL 512MB (2x256MB) PC3200 Value CAS2.5 (GE5123200BDC) (MY-004-GL)
It says its optimized SPD for Dual channel Motherboards which sounds good to me!

If she complains about slow ram i'll give your suggestion a go! Wink

Wink

Quote:

as long as you are confident in restoring your BIOS settings

Hehe...... No! All im after is a nice little stable system - I don't think 1/2 a nanosecond is going to make a huge difference to her! Grin

Grin

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Reply #17 - Apr 27^th, 2004 at 10:16am

bm Offline
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Silly me - it was there all along. Roll Eyes

Roll Eyes

....

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