New build, parts are here

[Carskick]

They should have addressed using PCIe to replace the non GFX cards first, as they are the ones truely lacking bandwidth.

[scuzzy]

All the parts are finally on-hand, and it's time to get to work.

Click the photo for larger image:



As you can tell, I decided to add a Lite-on DVD-ROM. I figure it would be better for playback, so that it gets the wear and tear instead of the Plextor. Plus, it simplifies copying music, etc.

[Bill]

Good luck.  May all your troubles be little ones.  You are going to love the Flatron.

Bill

[slaxorz]

Ive never seen so many computer components ready for a build good luck and best wishes.

[scuzzy]

It's alive! No time for details, but the new computer booted up on the first try. With all 4 fans running at full speed (CPU, case, video, & PSU), the system is amazingly quiet. CPU temp is a steady 38 celcius, and it should improve over the next week.

Gotta go. It's late, and I'm tired. Hopefully I can setup the HDD and install Windows in the next day or two.

[Igloo]

congrats ;D

[Bill]

Scuzzy,
Just in case,   when you get ready to load XP and Sata drivers,  the "Press F6 to load third party drivers" option comes up quickly and early in the process after you start the XP CD.  

I missed it, twice.

Bill

[scuzzy]

Geez. Getting the SATA drivers to coordinate with Windows setup was a pain. It took 3 or 4 tries.  :P

I installed Windows XP Home using a slipstream CD that I created from the original Windows CD, and everything seems to work properly. As for the Fung Kai case (FK-333), it was a dream to work with. I'll get some pics going sometime in the next couple days.

There were some issues with the packaging of parts. The Zalman HSF unit came in an indestructable package. I had to use heavy duty wire cutters to get the stupid package opened, and I easily spent 10 minutes fighting with it. On the other hand, the AMD 64 3200+ (retail) was packaged in a completely worthless green packing. Once I poast the pictures you'll see how pathetic the packaging is. There were pieces and dust of the broken green packing all over the HSF and CPU.

I used Antec Silver 5 (same as Artic Silver 5) for the CPU and the GPU. What a pain that stuff is. It is thick and heavy, and almost as difficult as trying to evenly spread cold butter on cold toast.

Anyway, thanks to all for your input and ideas. What a great group you guys are.

[Neon]

wow, that was quick! Congratulations on the boot upon first post.

Why did you go with Antec Silver instead of Arctic Silver? Did Antec offer a bundle deal with the PSU?

[scuzzy]

"Antec" Silver 5 and "Arctic" Silver 5 are the same product, just repackaged. I forgot to order it from NewEgg and ended up buying it at my local Circuit City. Of course, it cost a lot more.  ::)

[Neon]

Ah, so Antec has a cross-licensing deal with the Arctic Silver people. Interesting.