PC Build Advice

Flexo · Post by **Flexo** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 7:02 am

Hi

I've finally decided on the components I'll be using for my first PC build. I've read a lot of discussions, posted ideas and based decisions on the SPCR reviews. My aim is for high performance but with the lowest possible noise output(like many others here!).

Planned PC build (with links)

CASE: Acoustic case C6607b with 2 Nexus 120mm fans (front +back)
http://www.acoustiproducts.com/en/acousticase.asp
CPU: Athlon 64 3700+ san diego CPU
CPU Heatsink: Scythe SCNJ-1000 Ninja + Nexus 120mm fan
http://www.quietpc.com/uk/amdcooling.php#ninja
MOBO: Asus A8N-E Nforce4 Ultra (939) + Zalman ZM-NB47J NB heatsink
http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3 ... odelmenu=1
http://www.zalman.co.kr/usa/product/vie ... 1&code=014
VGA: Sapphire X800xl PCI-E ultimate
http://www.thetechzone.com/?m=show&id=258&page=2
PSU: Seasonic S-12 430w
http://store.seasonicusa.com/s12.html
RAM: OCZ 1GB (2 x 512MB) DDR PC3200 EL Platinum REV 2
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/m ... revision_2
HARD DRIVE: Samsung SP120 250GB (SP2504C) SATA
http://www.samsung.com/Products/HardDis ... P2504C.htm
OPTICAL DRIVE: Pioneer DVR-A09XL DVD/RW
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/p ... 20,00.html
FLOPPY: Mitsumi 7-in-1 404M
FAN CONTROLLER: mCubed T Balancer XL Analogue fan controller + 2 extra analog sensors
http://www.mcubed-tech.com/eng/produkte.htm
MONITOR: Viewsonic 19" VP191b TFT (8ms)
http://www.viewsonic.com/products/deskt ... es/vp191b/

Queries:

1. I've posted in the CPU cooling forum about the Scythe SCNJ-1000 Ninja, and whether its compatible with the Asus A8N-E Nforce4 Ultra (939), but haven't got a reply. My main concern was with the memory slots. If it works, I'm hoping to attach the Nexus fan on the right side of the heatsink, to suck air towards it while the back case fan expels the heat. This could mean the fan would lay on the RAM modules. Do you think this be OK?

2. I realise that the Zalman ZM-NB47J NB heatsink may interfere with the Zalman VF-700 cooler metal fins, as I've read somewhere here previously. I believe the simple solution is to bend the cooler metal fins slightly to allow the ZM-NB47J NB to fit. Would this be the best method?

3. I have considered getting a hard drive enclosure, but I'm waiting to see how SPCR reviews the Nexux Drive-A-way before deciding. Do you think it would be worthwhile, or would my PC setup keep the Hard drive noise to a minimum?

So what do you think of this setup? Will I encounter any major problems? Or is this system a good choice and can be given the greenlight?

Thanks for any feedback

Sizzle · Post by **Sizzle** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 7:24 am

3. I have considered getting a hard drive enclosure, but I'm waiting to see how SPCR reviews the Nexux Drive-A-way before deciding. Do you think it would be worthwhile, or would my PC setup keep the Hard drive noise to a minimum?

-The case your getting comes with sound damping material installed? You don't need a drive enclosure with a Samsung. I have Accoustipak in my Antec 3000B with 2x 120 gig Spinpoints in a RAID config, I cannot hear them.

Flexo · Post by **Flexo** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 10:46 am

Thanks for the reply Sizzle.

I've taken on board your advice about the Nexus drive-a-way, I'll see how the hard drive sounds first when inside the chassis.

I take it as there are no other replies means that my choice of components is spot on?

Well I'll be ordering them soon and once built, I'll post my experiences.

Cheers

sthayashi · Post by **sthayashi** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:16 pm

I've no idea how loud or quiet your DVD drive will be. Pioneer is not on my short mental list of quiet optical drives.

With respect to your hard drive, a small purchase of stretch magic will allow you to suspend your drive and eliminate drive noise. It's fun to read the posts in the Silent Storage section of the people who used stretch magic to suspend their drive.

Though as you suggested, it may be prudent to assemble it normally first before attempting to suspend it.

frankgehry · Post by **frankgehry** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:33 pm

Wow. Starting out with a t-balancer. That's good.

ronrem · Post by **ronrem** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:01 pm

One point-a fan in the front is closer to your ears-plus the sound has a more direct path. I'd stick with rear fan or fans. I really did the Coolmax PSU with the 140 mm fan. Its a 3 speed,and being so huge,even on low/silent,helps exhaust case air.

Depending on what type use you intend,the Abit mobo with the heatpipe chipset cooler wold be good. Running a San Diego and a power vid card could push the Zalman passive sink. The Coolermaster blue ice chipset cooler-w heatpipes is sweet IF the mobo has room. Some do. Some don't. The fan in the Blue Ice is removable-leaving the best available aftermarket option.