Computer-construction tips please!

[spirilis]

On the topic of RAM, here's a decent article about DDR3 memory: DDR3 RAM: System Memory Technology Explained | DDR3,DDR3 RAM,DDR3 Technology,DDR3 RAM: System Memory Technology Explained | Benchmark Reviews Performance Tests
(found from slashdot.org)

[Xander]

Originally Posted by Ender

Vidcard wise it's a Tri-Crossfire setup, you could go for a Dual-Crossfire in which case I'd suggest the single 3870X2 as it leaves room for future expansion, or ditch the 3870 and get a second 3870X2 for a Quad-Crossfire setup.

I didn't know you could do that... I'd forgotten that you could mix and match with crossfire... Ooo... actually nah. It's taken me long enough. The missus would kill me if I declared I wanted to disassemble my water cooling and make my PC even more complex!

A nice idea for the future though.

Oh and I've got the G15.. not that impressed. The Saitek keyboards have better keys and I find the LCD not very usable. If you check out the Pertelian X2040 I think that's a much better solution.. if a little more geeky

[Ender]

Originally Posted by Xander

I didn't know you could do that... I'd forgotten that you could mix and match with crossfire... Ooo... actually nah. It's taken me long enough. The missus would kill me if I declared I wanted to disassemble my water cooling and make my PC even more complex!

A nice idea for the future though.

I've been tempted to grab an 3870X2 myself, especially since there was a sale here recently where I could have had one for $390cdn($100 off). Tho I'm in the same situation as you where I'd have to redo my water cooling system.. One of these days tho I'll have to upgrade this x1900XT crossfire setup..

Originally Posted by Xander

Oh and I've got the G15.. not that impressed. The Saitek keyboards have better keys and I find the LCD not very usable. If you check out the Pertelian X2040 I think that's a much better solution.. if a little more geeky

As I said keyboards are more personal preference. I didn't like the first version of the Saitek when it came out either, haven't looked at them since, I'll check them out again tho when my G15 dies. I do use the LCD on mine quite a bit at times so

As for the Pertelian.. I almost came home with a 2bay LCD screen the other day.. I was going to mount it below the 2bay DD reservoir I have

[Xander]

Originally Posted by Ender

I've been tempted to grab an 3870X2 myself, especially since there was a sale here recently where I could have had one for $390cdn($100 off). Tho I'm in the same situation as you where I'd have to redo my water cooling system.. One of these days tho I'll have to upgrade this x1900XT crossfire setup..

I've soaked a few parts though with a leak on the CPU block Changing the cooling unnerves me... Cost me a fortune to replace the motherboard and CPU (the most likely candidates) only to find out it was the PSU

Originally Posted by Ender

As I said keyboards are more personal preference. I didn't like the first version of the Saitek when it came out either, haven't looked at them since, I'll check them out again tho when my G15 dies. I do use the LCD on mine quite a bit at times so

The old one does look nice. I just don't get on with how clacky the keys are. When my mate types I can hear him downstairs!!

Originally Posted by Ender

As for the Pertelian.. I almost came home with a 2bay LCD screen the other day.. I was going to mount it below the 2bay DD reservoir I have

Almost? What stopped you? Aren't you geek enough?

I do like those DD reservoirs. I ended up getting the XSPC single bay. Mainly because it's supposed to get out those annoying little bubbles but also DD stuff is harder to come by over here. For some reason everyone is obsessed with the metric stuff from Germany. I managed to scrape 1/2" all round by the skin of my teeth.

[Ender]

Originally Posted by Xander

I've soaked a few parts though with a leak on the CPU block Changing the cooling unnerves me... Cost me a fortune to replace the motherboard and CPU (the most likely candidates) only to find out it was the PSU

At first I was wonderin how a CPU block could have gotten coolant on anything, then I remembered that my case (Silverstone TJ06) mounts the motherboard BTX style so it's at the bottom and not on the top where it'd leak down on everything, just leaks to the bottom of the case.. I guess in the future remember that the coolant/distilled water is dielectric?

I like my external radiator setup for fluid changes etc.. A lot less messy and no worries of anything getting inside the case

Originally Posted by Xander

The old one does look nice. I just don't get on with how clacky the keys are. When my mate types I can hear him downstairs!!

Yeah key feel is probably the most important thing to me after layout. I don't like overly loud keys, nor do I like keys that feel like you have to pound them with a sledge to get them to engage.

Layout wise I don't like how the new "style" changes the Ins/Home/PgUp/PgDn/Del/End keys.. Since I use the arrow keys for games and not the WASD control scheme so those 6 are usually weapon selection keys for me.

Originally Posted by Xander

Almost? What stopped you? Aren't you geek enough?

lol.. It's a matter of priorities really, I'm moving at some point in the near future so I should really be saving my cash for that instead of spending $200 on an LCD screen to show off my inner geek.

Originally Posted by Xander

I do like those DD reservoirs. I ended up getting the XSPC single bay. Mainly because it's supposed to get out those annoying little bubbles but also DD stuff is harder to come by over here. For some reason everyone is obsessed with the metric stuff from Germany. I managed to scrape 1/2" all round by the skin of my teeth.

The 2bay one I have removes the bubbles as well. Sucks about the rarity of DD stuff over there I agree with you tho, a lot of the premade kits all used 3/8"(10mm) so I did my own custom setup since I preferred 1/2"(13mm).

[Xander]

Originally Posted by Ender

At first I was wonderin how a CPU block could have gotten coolant on anything, then I remembered that my case (Silverstone TJ06) mounts the motherboard BTX style so it's at the bottom and not on the top where it'd leak down on everything, just leaks to the bottom of the case.. I guess in the future remember that the coolant/distilled water is dielectric?

You have a Temjin? You truly are a rich kitty!!

Mine's ATX and the PSU is behind the motherboard. The way I managed it is one of the pipes popped of the CPU cooler... Lot's of water... Oh and the water isn't conductive remember... it's the particles suspended in it. Hence pure water doesn't conduct. Of course how you can keep the water pure when it spills onto electrical components which have dust and other conductive particles on them is beyond me

Originally Posted by Ender

I like my external radiator setup for fluid changes etc.. A lot less messy and no worries of anything getting inside the case

Hang on. You've got a double res but an external rad... what's the point of the reservoir? You could have just got a t-line. GEEK!!!

Originally Posted by Ender

Yeah key feel is probably the most important thing to me after layout. I don't like overly loud keys, nor do I like keys that feel like you have to pound them with a sledge to get them to engage.

Exactly. I actually love the M$ 6000 for the key feel. It's great. Very comfy. Mind you after a little MSN last night I can live with the G15. It's only loud when you're not used to typing on it lots. I soon got used to it... not sure if that's a good thing mind you.

Originally Posted by Ender

Layout wise I don't like how the new "style" changes the Ins/Home/PgUp/PgDn/Del/End keys.. Since I use the arrow keys for games and not the WASD control scheme so those 6 are usually weapon selection keys for me.

Is kitty a southpaw? You could always get a gamepad.. not like a console thing but one of those button jobbies for your non mouse hand.

Originally Posted by Ender

lol.. It's a matter of priorities really, I'm moving at some point in the near future so I should really be saving my cash for that instead of spending $200 on an LCD screen to show off my inner geek.

Ah.. castle first... then work out entertainment. Admirable but you know it's ultimately boring right

Originally Posted by Ender

The 2bay one I have removes the bubbles as well. Sucks about the rarity of DD stuff over there I agree with you tho, a lot of the premade kits all used 3/8"(10mm) so I did my own custom setup since I preferred 1/2"(13mm).

Yeah but 3/8" ain't 10mm and neither is 1/2" 13mm. You get all crossed up with barbs and such. My friend has a "poly-piping" system and he's got more elbows and connectors than my central heating!

I stuck with 1/2" all the way... I like simple... not. Could have just stuck with air after all

[Ender]

Originally Posted by Xander

You have a Temjin? You truly are a rich kitty!!

Yes I do.. and no I'm not.. The fact I do is pretty much why..

Originally Posted by Xander

Mine's ATX and the PSU is behind the motherboard. The way I managed it is one of the pipes popped of the CPU cooler... Lot's of water... Oh and the water isn't conductive remember... it's the particles suspended in it. Hence pure water doesn't conduct.

Hose clamps work wonders

Originally Posted by Xander

Of course how you can keep the water pure when it spills onto electrical components which have dust and other conductive particles on them is beyond me

It's called dusting.. You know can of compressed air every now and then to clean out the inside of your case?

A couple years back when this PC was a lowly Athlon XP in a normal ATX case I came home to the basement apartment I was in to find my apartment under 8" of water (The city storm drains had backed up into the basement). My PC was sitting there happily running away even tho it was upto the 2nd PCI slot in water. I lost a hard drive, but that was it.

Originally Posted by Xander

Hang on. You've got a double res but an external rad... what's the point of the reservoir? You could have just got a t-line. GEEK!!!

Yes.. It's also light by blue LED's from underneath Thats another reason I like my G15.. It fits the black and blue colour theme I have going

Originally Posted by Xander

Is kitty a southpaw? You could always get a gamepad.. not like a console thing but one of those button jobbies for your non mouse hand.

Like the Wolf Claw? I'm not a southpaw tho, just used to using the arrow keys from way back in the early 90's. Tho I do use WASD for COD4.

Originally Posted by Xander

Ah.. castle first... then work out entertainment. Admirable but you know it's ultimately boring right

Hey, it's hard enough to put the castle first.. I don't need any peer pressure thanks

Originally Posted by Xander

Yeah but 3/8" ain't 10mm and neither is 1/2" 13mm. You get all crossed up with barbs and such. My friend has a "poly-piping" system and he's got more elbows and connectors than my central heating!

I stuck with 1/2" all the way... I like simple... not. Could have just stuck with air after all

Yeah yeah.. I know 1/2" is actually 12.7mm..

Air is boring..

[Xander]

Originally Posted by Ender

Yes I do.. and no I'm not.. The fact I do is pretty much why..

Thought it might be that

Originally Posted by Ender

Hose clamps work wonders

Yeah it did once I'd got some hand cream on them. Damn barbs were so close together you'd have thought I couldn't fit one on... now I have one on each.

Originally Posted by Ender

It's called dusting.. You know can of compressed air every now and then to clean out the inside of your case?

Dusting??? It's water cooled!! Plus I have filters Anyhow that's not going to stop dust. It's mostly for concourse condition stuff as far as I can tell.

Originally Posted by Ender

A couple years back when this PC was a lowly Athlon XP in a normal ATX case I came home to the basement apartment I was in to find my apartment under 8" of water (The city storm drains had backed up into the basement). My PC was sitting there happily running away even tho it was upto the 2nd PCI slot in water. I lost a hard drive, but that was it.

*mutters what sound like uncouth words under breath* Well aren't you the lucky one *mutters what sounds like something else derogatory*


(I presume your PSU was above the water line? Mine got a direct hit..)

Originally Posted by Ender

Yes.. It's also light by blue LED's from underneath Thats another reason I like my G15.. It fits the black and blue colour theme I have going

Oh you'll love the new one then. Time for an LED change... to orange!!

Originally Posted by Ender

Like the Wolf Claw? I'm not a southpaw tho, just used to using the arrow keys from way back in the early 90's. Tho I do use WASD for COD4.

I liked the old one that Saitek did (game commander or something). I've not found a decent one since.

Why only WSAD for COD4?

Originally Posted by Ender

Hey, it's hard enough to put the castle first.. I don't need any peer pressure thanks

Peer? Aww

Just think of trying to have a brilliant computer in a shabby case... now think of having a brilliant computer in a nice case but in a shabby house... See, logical

Least that's how I reason my decision....oh if only I could have spent it all on a PC... I'd be broke and homeless but I'd be happy.... and probably frustrated at the lack of facilities like power sockets!!

Originally Posted by Ender

Yeah yeah.. I know 1/2" is actually 12.7mm..

I work in engineering. To them 0.3mm is a yard. It didn't occur that it's well within the scope of the tubes till after I'd posted

Originally Posted by Ender

Air is boring..

Ah it depends how quickly it's going past you

[Ender]

Originally Posted by Xander

Yeah it did once I'd got some hand cream on them. Damn barbs were so close together you'd have thought I couldn't fit one on... now I have one on each.

Dusting??? It's water cooled!! Plus I have filters Anyhow that's not going to stop dust. It's mostly for concourse condition stuff as far as I can tell.

Hand cream?.. I so don't wanna know..

Water cooling does the main components, but not all of them.. Unless you switch over to oil immersion...

Originally Posted by Xander

*mutters what sound like uncouth words under breath* Well aren't you the lucky one *mutters what sounds like something else derogatory*

Jealous?

Originally Posted by Xander

(I presume your PSU was above the water line? Mine got a direct hit..)

Yes it was thankfully..

Originally Posted by Xander

Oh you'll love the new one then. Time for an LED change... to orange!!

Err.. NO!..

If anything I'd just rip the keyboard apart like I did my DVD burner and change the LED's in it to blue. I got a spare G15 that I spilt beer in that can be used as a donor for blue LED's...

[quote=Xander;207995] Why only WSAD for COD4?
I dunno.. I think it was cuz COD4 was givin me issues with my normal key mapping that I gave upa nd learned to use WASD with it.

Originally Posted by Xander

Peer? Aww

Just think of trying to have a brilliant computer in a shabby case... now think of having a brilliant computer in a nice case but in a shabby house... See, logical

Least that's how I reason my decision....oh if only I could have spent it all on a PC... I'd be broke and homeless but I'd be happy.... and probably frustrated at the lack of facilities like power sockets!!

It's like the saying that gets passed around in my Car Club.. "You can sleep in your car, but you can't race your house"

Which is another source of income draining.. Messin with my car.. I even bought a laptop just to mess with it's computer

And yeah.. when it comes to messin with PC's like this, I'd consider you a peer.

Originally Posted by Xander

I work in engineering. To them 0.3mm is a yard. It didn't occur that it's well within the scope of the tubes till after I'd posted

Yes I'm well aware of engineering tolerances with certain things.. if the stuff was threaded then I'd be more worried about 1/2" vs 13mm but it's not so just clamp it tighter

[Xander]

Originally Posted by Ender

Hand cream?.. I so don't wanna know..

I was all out of KY okay.

Originally Posted by Ender

Water cooling does the main components, but not all of them.. Unless you switch over to oil immersion...

Oh I did consider that. I'd love to do the fish tank routine and section it so I could have fish next to it

That'd confuse a few visitors... and probably the cat!

Originally Posted by Ender

Jealous?

No...




DIE!!!

Originally Posted by Ender

Yes it was thankfully..

DIE!!!

Originally Posted by Ender

Err.. NO!..

A strangely appropriate response to a statement only just made... out of context and yet right back in....

Originally Posted by Ender

If anything I'd just rip the keyboard apart like I did my DVD burner and change the LED's in it to blue. I got a spare G15 that I spilt beer in that can be used as a donor for blue LED's...

Didn't think of that. Mind you though I'd love to see you convert the LCD to blue

Personally I don't really mind. I have a Cyber Snipa mouse now and that glows all kinda of funny colours (I'm not sure I like it yet so the missus may end up with that one and I'll have my Logitech back).

Originally Posted by Ender

I dunno.. I think it was cuz COD4 was givin me issues with my normal key mapping that I gave up and learned to use WASD with it.

Oh I hate those kind of holes. I'm having the problem at the moment where I can be chatting using a headset but load up battlefield2142 and the mic shuts off. It's still registered as on but there's no sound and the in game VOIP won't work either.... Most frustrating.

Originally Posted by Ender

It's like the saying that gets passed around in my Car Club.. "You can sleep in your car, but you can't race your house"

Which is another source of income draining.. Messin with my car.. I even bought a laptop just to mess with it's computer

Okay two questions, firstly what's your name at Xtreme systems and secondly are you single?

Originally Posted by Ender

And yeah.. when it comes to messin with PC's like this, I'd consider you a peer.

Oh I don't know about that. Me thinks you're being kind on the similar ability score. I still can't overclock worth a damn.

Originally Posted by Ender

Yes I'm well aware of engineering tolerances with certain things.. if the stuff was threaded then I'd be more worried about 1/2" vs 13mm but it's not so just clamp it tighter

Brute force and ignorance is an oft overlooked and underestimate problem solving approach