Computer Ordered: **Build pics up***

[jon_s]

Cheers taygunho

What do people think if changing the 7800's cooler for something like the Zalman VF700-CU, is it worth it or not?
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=91821

Also, I have seen some reviews of graphics card coolers which have highlighted that the standard 'thermal connection' on some cards (I have not seen anything about Gainward) is not all that good. For example:
http://www.ocia.net/reviews/vf700/page2.shtml

Is it worth, at the very least, replacing the thermal compound on the Gainward?

0X

[jon_s]

Ahh is the vf900 out? Not sure I have seen it in the UK...hang on...


edit:

Certainly on the UK Zalman site. I will have a hunt, but it is not listed with any of the companies that I bought my bits from

edit 2:

found one -
http://www.quietpc.com/gb-en-gbp/pro...ridge/vf900-cu

It is listed under the 7900 cards, but the ZAlman site does say it will fit on the 7800 cards. 8)

I think it will be my first upgrade

[No.1]

the Zalman coolers are nice and quiet.

I went with the 120mm for my CPU

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=91817

And for my GFX card i got the other Zalman cooler - can't remember the model.

[jon_s]

Ahh the GFX cooler looks like the VF700 8)
Is that 'Zalman' stamped to the copper fins? Nice touch!

[No.1]

Yeah - it is a nice touch (but the dust isn't too cool :roll: )

Both fans are extremely quiet.

The GPU has two connectors, a 5V (quiet) and a 12V (cooling) - i put it on 5V and have no problems with over heating and definitely not noise - though i only play Quake III from time to time.

The CPU is another dust-hogging fan, but spins just as quietly, though there can be a slight whirr at lowest speeds at a different pitch to the regualr fan whirr - can't really complain though.

[jon_s]

Hello again;

The computer is going to be built today, expect a full 'running commentary' with pics from around 4pm onwards.

[DeanGTI]

Its alive Igor!!!!!

[jon_s]

[jon_s]

Well, the computer is built!

The whole process went without a hitch and we are currently installing all the drivers e.t.c

After an hour or so of running, the processor is running at a whopping 6-8 degrees C at idle, which is nice!

The only small issue we have is regarding the foxconn as there is no spare\rear fan power so currently there is no rear exit fan. However, an connector will sort that out.

Oh, so far the floppy is not working, but that is not a major issue.

We (Dean) is a bit shocked at the CPU temps and thinks that there *could* be a sensor reading issue. However, the Scythe may just be doing a bloody good job!!

[jon_s]

We suspect something is wrong.

searching for speedfan now. However, if the sensor on the board is faulty, then what ever we use to test will always be wrong - won't it?

The Scythe will have a push-pull system tomorrow, when the connector for the rear exit fan gets sorted.

[DeanGTI]

The problem appears to be with the software that Foxconn supplied to read the temperatures from the board. It isn't displaying all the temp sensors and for some unknown reason has associated the wrong sensors with the processor zone. I installed MBM5 and Speedfan and they both read a temp of 28-29 degrees, much closer to the expected temps.

Panic over for jon, he doesn't have a faulty board.

[RC45]

So - hows the bugger run???

[jon_s]

It is running pretty well 8)

Anyone suggest any benchmark software (free) that we could compare things with? I know there was once a thread with a benchmark competition...in the Dan days.

We have still not solved the temp sensor issues, but I am not too worried about that as I am not overclocking anything yet.

[No.1]

try runnning a 4M calculation of super pi

[jon_s]

Ok, I have Super Pi.

Currently Farcry is being played on the highest settings with no issues which is a nice change from my old PC.

i will do the benchmark in a bit.