Heatsink, RAM, HDD recommendations? (Core i7 1156)

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Wraith
Posts: 139
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 1:57 pm
Location: Minnesota

Heatsink, RAM, HDD recommendations? (Core i7 1156)

Post by Wraith » Tue Sep 22, 2009 10:44 am

I have most of the new parts for my system, but haven't chosen a heatsink or RAM yet. Also considering a new HDD for a data drive. (I'm also looking for a new graphics card, but will probably wait until next month, when the AMD 5770 should be out.)

Heatsink: I'll be running an i7-860 on MSI P55-GD80 board, in a SOLO case. My current system (S775) is using an Ultra-120A. I've been considering the Noctua HD-C12P, though it requires a separate mounting kit. (Could order separately for $5-$10, or wait a couple weeks for a free one from Noctua.) Are there better options I should consider? Most of the Lynnfield reviews were with a Thermalright MUX-120, but that doesn't seem to be available yet. There are a few Scythe options (though the Zipang 2 looks a bit too wide), and Noctua's big tower cooler (though I'd probably want to stick with a single fan). Will likely just run at stock speeds. May consider a mild overclock, but overclocking not a priority.

RAM: What I put on my wishlist was this Mushkin pair. Slow timings (9-9-9-24), but low voltage (1.5v). Trusted brand, decent price. Going 2 x 2GB for now. Any better recommendations? Should I look at something with better timings? There are some Geil and G.Skill sticks rated at 8 or 7 CL.

*Edit* I guess this Geil pair is listed in the GD80's memory compatibility tests (PDF). Supposed to be rated at 7-7-7-24 (Geil product page), also at 1.5v.

HDD: I'll be using an OCZ Agility 120GB SSD for my OS & apps, and an HDD for most of my data. I'd like the HDD to spin up only as needed. I have a couple Samsung drives, a HD501LJ (500GB) and SP1614N (160GB) that I could use, though the last one is IDE, not SATA. I have a big external drive (USB) for large, rarely used files, if I'm short on space. Should I go with one of those, or find a single platter SATA drive? The SOLO has its built-in elastic mounting, so vibration shouldn't be an issue. Some day I might swap the data drive out for another SSD, but not at current prices.

Any recommendations appreciated.

New parts:
  • Intel Core i7-860 (Lynnfield)
  • MSI P55-GD80 (LGA 1156)
  • OCZ Vertex 120GB SSD
  • Dell 2209WA 22" LCD
  • Windows 7 Pro Upgrade
Old parts:
  • Antec SOLO case
  • Corsair HX520W PSU
  • XFX 7900GTX 512MB (for now)
  • Samsung HD501LJ (500GB) or SP1614N (160GB) for data drive?
  • Samsung DVDRW
  • I have a variety of 120mm fans around for intake, exhaust, CPU if needed.
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Wraith
Posts: 139
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 1:57 pm
Location: Minnesota

Post by Wraith » Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:21 am

Ok, Cliff notes version:
  • I need a heatsink for LGA 1156 (i7-860). What's my best option? (In a SOLO case.)
  • Any particular advice on what RAM to get? Likely going 2 x 2GB DDR3 1333, 1.5v.
  • Using SSD as primary (Agility 120GB), HDD for data. Should I use my Samsung 500GB or get a new single platter drive? (Doesn't have to be huge. Have an external drive if I need it, for rarely used files.)
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Wraith
Posts: 139
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2003 1:57 pm
Location: Minnesota

Post by Wraith » Sat Sep 26, 2009 8:32 pm

Well, I waited for a while, but ended up going with:
  • Noctua NH-U12P SE2 (SE2 version has 1156 compatibility out of the box)
  • G.Skill Ripjaws DDR3 1333 4GB (2 x 2GB) 7-7-7-21, 1.5v
  • Samsung EcoGreen 500GB
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