The Beast.

Computer Build.   



As games progress, computer rebuilds become a regular occurrence.
After having a reasonable machine for some time,
I decided to bite the bullet and build something quick
with the facility to overclock in the future.
I had a nice case already. A Thermaltake Tsunami.

                          
                                        Thermaltake Website

The best CPU for the job with great overclocking
potential was the new (at the time) Intel Core2Duo
E6300 1.86GHz.
                              Legit Reviews Overclocking

This would require a new Motherboard. After reading
many forums, and a littl;e past experience, this would be an
ASUS P5B. Socket 775 P965 Chipset.

ASUSTeK Website

The new motherboard will now accept DDR2 memory.
The Best available was GeIL Ultra PC2-6400. This will
run timings of 4-4-4-12 at 2.1 volts if asked nicely.

                          GeIL Website
After suffering with fan noise for some time,
I decided the build should also be quiet.
After lots of research, I decided on 3 Sharkoon
Silent "Golfball" fans.
   
                                 Sharkoon Fans

Already having 2 hard drives and 2 optical drives,
intending to fit a 8800GTS Graphics Card, I would
need a new PSU. Being a tidy bloke and also wanting
the build to look nice, A Hiper fitted the bill..
About 500 Watts should suffice. The Hiper Type R Modular 530W.
  
                          Hiper 530W Type R Webpage

 The Graphics Card. The main reason for the rebuild.
After lots of research, I found a 8800GTX would not fit
my case without a visit from Mr. Dremel.
A good 8800GTS it would have to be. More review checking.
EVGA 8800GTS Superclocked 320MB DDR3. Expensive for
a GTS but almost GTX speeds.
                    PC Perspective Review
Things are going to get hot in there, especially if overclocked.
More reviews and advice suggested the Zalman CNPS9700-LED.

                 CustomPC Review

Almost as an afterthought, I ordered some new
Thermal paste. There was only one choice
according to all those in the know.
Arctic Silver 5.
 
           Techware Labs Review

OUT WITH THE OLD..........
IN WITH THE NEW......






After fitting the processor, a surround has to be fitted to support the heavy Zalman cooler.



The motherboard has to be removed from the case to fit a similar, rear support.



The whole thing to bits for 4 screws!



Look at the size. Memory fitted at this stage as things will be tight.



All contents in and wired. Will it work?

Before Overclocking with the old fan. Memory at standard settings. FSB at 266MHz
Core speed 1868MHz



After Overclocking with the old fan. Memory at better settings at 2.1v.
FSB at 400MHz. Core speed now 2800MHz.



The above figures were with an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 pro cooler.



With the Zalman, CPU Temperatures are now down to 35 degrees.
A massive reduction.
A speed increase of about 50% ! Fan on slowest speed. Bring on the games !