Cain needs a new PC January 2008 Edition

[shatter99]

If you go with a NVIDIA 680i MB setup then there is one MAJOR thing to be aware of:

The 680i boards have a nefarious history of killing DDR2 ram that is overvolted for overclocking.

EVGA, Nvidia Say 2.4V Voltage for DDR2 is Deadly
http://hardware.gamershell.com/forum...ead.php?t=2771

Do some serious research on your DDR2 RAM if you purchase a 680i MB if you plan to run it above 1.8 volts. I would recommend doing some hard-core research on the RAM period. I see a lot of high end ram running at stock 2.0 to 2.2 voltages to achieve higher speeds above 800MHZ. This is the type of ram that you see "omg! my ram died" posts about when a 680i MB is mentioned.

If you decide to get a 680i rig and plan to swap out all the MB heat sinks for hard-core overclocking then go for an EVGA board since they will still RMA the board if it fails as long as you don't volt mod anything on the board itself.

I have the following 680i board and it rocks:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813188012

The difference between the T1 and A1 versions has to do with:

1) Cable Bundle
2) Warranty Length (2 year vs. lifetime)

It is the exact same MB for both the T1 and A1 versions.

Also be careful of the LT versions of the 680i. They offer little to no overclocking options in the BIOS.

[shatter99]

If you want a case..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

Best case I have ever owned.

[darth_nevus]

If you want a case..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

Best case I have ever owned.

How do you like your 900? i own the p180, and it is dead silent, but i was eyeing this unit as well. what about dust, i have to assume it sucks in quite abit without the p180's filters?

[shatter99]

How do you like your 900? i own the p180, and it is dead silent, but i was eyeing this unit as well. what about dust, i have to assume it sucks in quite abit without the p180's filters?

The 900 is very-very quiet.. and yes.. it loves to sucks in the dust.

[darth_nevus]

How do you like your 900? i own the p180, and it is dead silent, but i was eyeing this unit as well. what about dust, i have to assume it sucks in quite abit without the p180's filters?

The 900 is very-very quiet.. and yes.. it loves to sucks in the dust.

sounds dumb, but try this:

Take an old dryer sheet and place it over the fans. you'll be surprised!

[Gremlin_flg]

Take an old dryer sheet and place it over the fans. you'll be surprised!

Dryer sheet meaning like Bounce???

[darth_nevus]

yep. its an old trick. works like a filter, and removes a pretty decent amount of dust while providing pretty decent airflow.

[WalkinTarget]

Please keep in mind the fact that Darrth indicated a used dryer sheet. A new one will not let enough ari thru the case into the fans, effectively starving the PC of its necessary airflow.

OK, back on topic ...

[Gremlin_flg]

Thanks Darth and Walking Target

[Cain]

If you want a case..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

Best case I have ever owned.

That sucker looks nice, but I'm afraid it would be LOUD.... Is it ??

[pigworthy]

This is what I just bought had a $40 rebate right now to. $100 After MIR.

Case Antec P182 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129025
Details about the case http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=81820

Here is the 900 http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=15900

[Gremlin_flg]

If you want a case..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

Best case I have ever owned.

That sucker looks nice, but I'm afraid it would be LOUD.... Is it ??

Cain, the case is not loud. Each fan that comes with the case has a speed control. The only thing I do not like about 900 is the wire management. Well if you have small fingers you can manage it.

[WalkinTarget]

I'm going to cast a vote in Piggy's camp, as I have the P180b (revised P180 with the water cooling outlets on the rear and better case wiring management setup). The P180 and the 180 are virtually identical. I talked Darth into buying it and the only flaw he points to are the plastic posts that hold the front faceplate on.

Drat, Cnet usta have a video review of this case that was both quick and informative, but I can't find it now. Here's another review:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article249-page1.html

Three adjustable case fans (via a built-in case mount switch) and enough ventilation and space to store a lot of hardware. Your PSU mounts on the bottom of the case in a separate chamber with your HD, and you run the cables under the mainboard tray upwards to plug in to your hardware.

Check out how clean my wiring came out in Kyler's 'Post the Guts of your PC' thread. Its the bottom pic of the three rigs that I have posted.

[BlackArrow]

My suggestions for cases:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119103

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119138

[WalkinTarget]

^^ Thats a good price on the Cosmos case ! That thing is delicious ... Maximum PC used that as their case for the Ultimate Gaming Rig build they do.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/cooler_master_cosmos

You can't go wrong with either case.