Help specing a monster Q6600 quad rig please

Hi folks,

Hope I've posted this in the correct forum.

I'm currently specing a monster quad core rig and would appreciate some input. I'm thinking along these lines:

Gigabyte P35-DS4
Intel Q6600 Quad
Silverstone OP650 PSU (54A 12v rail)
Seagate 7200.10 160GB
Nvidia 7300GT (I don't game!)

I don't know what to do on cooling - obviously I'll need something high end to get a good overclock. I was thinking of either a Tuniq Tower or Thermalright Ultra 120, but neither seem to be available at scan. Can anyone recommend a good high end HSF that scan stock??

Appreciate any input :)

Graphics wise, i would go for the 8500GT for the advantages DX10 bring (non gaming) like dvd playback. Or a 7600gs.
For heatsinks, the noctua NH-U12F is very good as is the scythe infinity.

Looking at the temps clunk has been getting with his quad Quad Core Thread. if you plan to oc i'd save the money & look seriously at water cooling

otherwise it's looking good.:)

Thanks for the input guys!

Thanks Supershanks - I've been reading through that thread.

I was under the impression that the latest high end air coolers weren't that far off the performance of a water cooling setup (at least in a sensible price range). Am I that far off the mark?

I appreciate the Q6600 can easily be knocking out 200 Watts under full load when overclocked :eek:

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Originally Posted by Phil_P

Thanks for the input guys!

Thanks Supershanks - I've been reading through that thread.

I was under the impression that the latest high end air coolers weren't that far off the performance of a water cooling setup (at least in a sensible price range). Am I that far off the mark?

I appreciate the Q6600 can easily be knocking out 200 Watts under full load when overclocked :eek:

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@ 1.6v you are looking at around 350w according to the PSU calculator thing.

Edit: not that you would want to run it at 1.6v, but it was an interesting titbit I needed to share :D

Quote:

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I was under the impression that the latest high end air coolers weren't that far off the performance of a water cooling setup

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for normal dual core they are reasonable . but for quad i don't really think so.

I moved to water a month or so ago.
My max 24/7 oc on my e6600 was about 385x9 at that i averaged about 62C on load.

on water i run 24/7 on 9x400 whilst that might not seem that much of an extra clock it's due to meeting other limiting factors. max temps on load are 52C on a vcore that is of course higher. Of course my rig is much quiter now.

That's the sort of performance that gives hope to air users.

but the increased thermal demands of quad & beyond helped determine my decision. given the £ of a top heatsink £35~45 + fan maybe up to £12, it's a decent chunk towards a water cooling setup.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Clunk

@ 1.6v you are looking at around 350w according to the PSU calculator thing.

Edit: not that you would want to run it at 1.6v, but it was an interesting titbit I needed to share :D

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Yes - I've been playing with that too - scary isn't it :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Supershanks

I moved to water a month or so ago.

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Can you point me in the direction of a reasonably priced decent (suitable) water setup please. The least I can do is take a look at the options :)

since scan havent listened to any of the cries for a thermalright ultra 120 doesnt mean you have to get a heatsink from them. unless your going on finance and cant pay the full price of the heatsink right up. but if you can then buy it from http://www.cclonline.co.uk, it cost me £34.93 inc delivery. Thats cheaper than the price most stores sell the heatsink alone! It's a top heatsink and easy to install.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moogle

since scan havent listened to any of the cries for a thermalright ultra 120 doesnt mean you have to get a heatsink from them. unless your going on finance and cant pay the full price of the heatsink right up. but if you can then buy it from http://www.cclonline.co.uk, it cost me £34.93 inc delivery. Thats cheaper than the price most stores sell the heatsink alone! It's a top heatsink and easy to install.

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Thanks moogle, much appreciated :thumbsup: