i7 - 860 system, recommended CPU cooler and power supply?
Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 9:25 am
Similar to a previous poster who sought advice for an i7-860 system, this is my first PC built from scratch and I would appreciate some advice on the CPU cooling (which will determine the case) and the power supply.
The system is intended to be a multi-purpose, multi-OS system for db design/development, video editing, and audio and video application testing. It will be used in a dual monitor configuration and is likely to see only very limited gaming use. Quiet performance is the primary goal. Small form factor is the secondary objective.
I have selected the following components:
MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD4
PROCESSOR: Intel Core i7-860
RAM: 8GB - G-Skill Ripjaws 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
VIDEO CARD: Gigabyte Silent Cell GeForce 9800 GT
SSD: OCZ Vertex 120 GB
HDD: SSpinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB
ODD: Samsung Blu-Ray combo DVD drive
OS #1: Windows 7 - 64 bit
OS #2: Linux Ultimate
I have narrowed the cases down to the Silverstone Grandia 04 or the Fortress FT02, both SPCR Editors Choice selections. My preference is the Grandia 04 but the choice of CPU cooler will dictate the case since the Grandia 04 has limited space for a CPU cooler (70 mm H) when the optical drive is installed.
As far as I can tell the only CPU coolers that will meet the size constraint if I go with the Grandia 04 are the Scythe Big Shuriken and the Prolimatech Samuel 17 (which is supposed to be available in early July. I would couple this with a Nexus 120mm PWM fan). Will either of these coolers provide sufficient cooling for the i7-860 or do you recommend a larger cooler? If so, then I will go with the Silverstone Fortress FT02.
As for the power supply, I am trying to decide between 2 more SPCR Editor's Choice selections, the Silverstone NightJar ST40NF or the SeaSonic X-650. The Silverstone is silent and more closely matches my expected TDP but for less money I can purchase the Seasonic X-650 and I suspect the noise level would not be that much greater. However, after reading the article on matching power supplies to draw, I am wary of purchasing a power supply with substantially more capability than I need. What do you recommend?
Any other recommendations or suggestions are welcome.
Thank you in advance for your help.
The system is intended to be a multi-purpose, multi-OS system for db design/development, video editing, and audio and video application testing. It will be used in a dual monitor configuration and is likely to see only very limited gaming use. Quiet performance is the primary goal. Small form factor is the secondary objective.
I have selected the following components:
MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD4
PROCESSOR: Intel Core i7-860
RAM: 8GB - G-Skill Ripjaws 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
VIDEO CARD: Gigabyte Silent Cell GeForce 9800 GT
SSD: OCZ Vertex 120 GB
HDD: SSpinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB
ODD: Samsung Blu-Ray combo DVD drive
OS #1: Windows 7 - 64 bit
OS #2: Linux Ultimate
I have narrowed the cases down to the Silverstone Grandia 04 or the Fortress FT02, both SPCR Editors Choice selections. My preference is the Grandia 04 but the choice of CPU cooler will dictate the case since the Grandia 04 has limited space for a CPU cooler (70 mm H) when the optical drive is installed.
As far as I can tell the only CPU coolers that will meet the size constraint if I go with the Grandia 04 are the Scythe Big Shuriken and the Prolimatech Samuel 17 (which is supposed to be available in early July. I would couple this with a Nexus 120mm PWM fan). Will either of these coolers provide sufficient cooling for the i7-860 or do you recommend a larger cooler? If so, then I will go with the Silverstone Fortress FT02.
As for the power supply, I am trying to decide between 2 more SPCR Editor's Choice selections, the Silverstone NightJar ST40NF or the SeaSonic X-650. The Silverstone is silent and more closely matches my expected TDP but for less money I can purchase the Seasonic X-650 and I suspect the noise level would not be that much greater. However, after reading the article on matching power supplies to draw, I am wary of purchasing a power supply with substantially more capability than I need. What do you recommend?
Any other recommendations or suggestions are welcome.
Thank you in advance for your help.