mrxmry

Hey Everyone,
Happy thanksgiving!

I am trying to build a decent 3d workstation to be able to run 2-3 graphics apps at the same time....but I dont wanna break the bank. So far my computer overheated a few times...sometimes under not so extreme use...I think it was the dust bunnies...so I cleaned them out and started testing it out. So it runs ok when I have PS CS4, sketchup, Revit all at the same time...but when I run prime95 just by itself it reaches 70 C immediately...is this normal unless I invest in cooling? What do you think about getting TRUE + Scythe S-Flex and putting it in an Antec 900. Is this case too small? I wanted to get it now because it is on a sale and the whole upgrade should cost me under $150 so still less than water. I have a Coolmax CU-700B 700W PSU.

I appreciate any and all feedback.

CPU Arch : 1 CPU - 4 Cores - 4 Threads
CPU PSN : Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz
CPU EXT : MMX SSE SSE2 SSE3 SSSE3 EM64T
CPUID : 6.F.B / Extended : 6.F
CPU Cache : L1 : 4 x 32 / 4 x 32 KB - L2 : 2 x 4096 KB
Core : Kentsfield (65 nm) / Stepping : G0
Freq : 1600.08 MHz (266.68 * 6)
MB Brand : Gigabyte
MB Model : EP45-UD3P
NB : Intel P45/P43 rev A3
SB : Intel 82801JR (ICH10R) rev 00
GPU Type : NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX+
GPU Clocks : Core 738 MHz / RAM 1100 MHz
DirectX Version : 10.0
RAM : 6144 MB DDR2 Dual Channel
RAM Speed : 333.3 MHz (4:5) @ 5-5-5-15
Slot 1 : 1024MB (6400)
Slot 1 Manufacturer : OCZ
Slot 2 : 2048MB (6400)
Slot 2 Manufacturer : Kingston
Slot 3 : 1024MB (6400)
Slot 3 Manufacturer : OCZ
Slot 4 : 2048MB (6400)
Slot 4 Manufacturer : Kingston

crashdummy35

Hello and welcome to OCN. Please take a moment and go to User CP and fill in your system specs as best you can. Makes getting a grasp of your rig easier.

#1 You are mixing and matching RAM manufacturers...are they rated to run at the same voltages/timings/MHz? This is always a bad idea.

#2 It would be a good idea to get an aftermarket cooler for that Quad. In all seriousness, grab a Prolimatech Megahelms. I got mine from here and it's an absolute beast for air cooling. All together (with FedEx shipping) it was 70 dollars. I have #1 Scythe S-Flex F on it at full speed and never see a temp above 41c--even when stress testing. You're running a Quad and using intensive apps to boot, you need aftermarket cooling.

Fill out your system specs and let us know if you have changed any settings in your bios.

__________________

Gigabyte UD3P/UD3R Owner's Thread

The Little Card That Could...

mrxmry

Thanks Crash for your reply!
I completed my cyber-census the best I could. The only major thing that I was planning on changing is replacing the Kingston Sticks with a pair of Corsairs XMS2 but maybe I should reconsider that...I dont really understand the whole compatibility thing very much, CPUZ is reading my setup as dual channel so....also, the only thing in bios I changed I set cpu warning to 70. Also I am planning on going dual boot 32/64 bits ultimately.

So again I wanted to improve cooling so I think I need a new case, I was looking at Antec 900 but I am open to any other recommendations...

The bios is F9 4/16/09

Ram's info from CPUZ:

2 X
SMBus address 0x50
Memory type DDR2
Module format Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID) OCZ (7F7F7F7FB0000000)
Size 1024 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number OCZ2P800R21G
Serial number FFFFFFFF
Manufacturing date Week 165/Year 165
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts
EPP no
XMP no

2 x :
SMBus address 0x51
Memory type DDR2
Module format Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID) Kingston (7F98000000000000)
Size 2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number
Serial number ACCC2638
Manufacturing date Week 20/Year 09
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts
EPP no
XMP no

CL3P20

Your off to a great start!

Couple thing to do for sure->

purchase a good 2x2GB kit of RAM...as different sticks [yes even with same manufacture and speeds] have different timings and voltages to run stable clocks...mixing can be OK, but usually results in less than desirable bandwidth from the memory, as the motherboard will be trying to "accommodate" both of their individual needs by compromising RAM timings.

purchase a good aftermarket CPU cooler as mentioned. Temps much above 60c can often cause instability problems and even damage hardware. CPU's with a lot of cache are much more sensitive to heat related stability problems.

read up on your motherboard..there are some great guides here on the forum for the UD3 specifically...It will be a big help once you decide to start tuning the system for more speed/less latency.

__________________

e8500:5.4ghz
e8400:5.1ghz
P4 551:4.77ghz
e7400:4.5ghz
Q6600:4.4ghz
16.5k 3D'06:8800GS@1ghz
21k 3D'06:4850 xfire

mrxmry

As I was typing the last message the computer just restarted again...I thought I fixed it by cleaning the HS, reapplying Arctic5, and making sure it is sitting tight on the mobo....it was fine but apparently not. The case is all open and the room is not hot - I live in Boston. I dunno what to do next? I actually bought that PSU recently and I am suspecting it maybe it....gonna try another one of Friday...in the meanwhile is there anything else I could try...?

MOST importantly should I avoid running that machine unless to troubleshoot?

Can those restarts/overheats damage any hardware?

Thanks again!

crashdummy35

"Thanks Crash for your reply!
I completed my cyber-census the best I could. The only major thing that I was planning on changing is replacing the Kingston Sticks with a pair of Corsairs XMS2 but maybe I should reconsider that...I dont really understand the whole compatibility thing very much, CPUZ is reading my setup as dual channel so....also, the only thing in bios I changed I set cpu warning to 70. Also I am planning on going dual boot 32/64 bits ultimately."

First disable that cpu warning in the bios. Disable all of the thermal features/alerts. Also, for now, disable Smart Fan. Let the fan run at 100% if you don't mind that--it'll help keep the cpu cooler until you can grab what you need to really optimize that pc. You have a good build going there and you can really streamline it with a few pieces.

Newegg has sold out of the 300 Illusions (they come with the front fans to save you money) but they still have the Antec 300 for 34.95 after mail in rebate plus it has Free Shipping. As you are not a gamer that 900 might be overkill, I own the 300 and trust me, it's a good case as far as cooling goes. Grab this case.

Grab 3 of these fans: 120mm Yate Loons. 2 for the front of your case one for the cpu cooler.

Grab this cooler: Scythe Mugen 2. $34.99.

Also, you'll need thermal grease, if you don't have some good stuff. Try not to use the stock grease...it's not very good bro.OCZ Freeze.

Also I see you didn't list your power supply? Is it not a good one? If that's the case, your psu should be one of the first things you replace. Trust me on this, a faulty psu can blow and take the rest of your rig along with it. Seriously. This is the best psu maker there is Corsair 650 watt. It's 70 bucks after mail in rebate and has free shipping. Also has a 5 year warranty. Just saw the psu, sorry about that.

If you don't have the cash for all this now (with the holidays and all) I would suggest you at least get the power supply and a good cooler with thermal grease. If your case is wide enough to fit the cooler you can use it and just make the airflow better. Do you have a link for your current case?

__________________________________________________ ____________________

And like CL3P20 said, you may want to pull one of those RAM sets. I'd stick with the 4 GB of Kingston for now. Take that mismatch out of the troubleshooting loop.

Edit: Ditch that power supply bro. Reviews on newegg show several have exploded.

__________________

Gigabyte UD3P/UD3R Owner's Thread

The Little Card That Could...

neDav

Random restarts can be caused by a weak PSU, and what are your idle temps?

__________________

: : The Official Corsair H50 Hydro Series Club : :

mrxmry

hey neDav, yes, I think we found the trouble maker...the idle temps are in high 30s and low 40's...

mrxmry

[QUOTE=crashdummy35;7741734]
Newegg has sold out of the 300 Illusions (they come with the front fans to save you money) but they still have the Antec 300 for 34.95 after mail in rebate plus it has Free Shipping. As you are not a gamer that 900 might be overkill, I own the 300 and trust me, it's a good case as far as cooling goes. Grab this case.

Grab 3 of these fans: 120mm Yate Loons. 2 for the front of your case one for the cpu cooler.

Hey crashdummy,
Thanks for taking the time to help me out. I am trying to save my pc from burning down and save some $ because of blackfriday sale at newegg, so I am still counting on your prompt suggestions until they run out of the goodies....I compared the two cases and I do like the more flashy 900 one plus it comes with the fans which I would have to buy (additional $30) if went with the 300, so it seems like it boils down to the same $ for the two while 9 > 3...?

(my current case is this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119115)

for the psu, I was thinking that modular ones are better because the necessary cables are not blocking the airflow so I found this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139002
that they are offering a $50 MIR! on right now, the only thing is that 30W less...?

Also, I still have a lot of Arctic5 left, ( couple years old - but still applicable - I just coated my cpu) Would you recommend getting a fresh one....?

Thanks again, I hope I can take advantage of some of the deals at newegg while they still last

mrxmry

[QUOTE=crashdummy35;7741734]
Newegg has sold out of the 300 Illusions (they come with the front fans to save you money) but they still have the Antec 300 for 34.95 after mail in rebate plus it has Free Shipping. As you are not a gamer that 900 might be overkill, I own the 300 and trust me, it's a good case as far as cooling goes. Grab this case.

Grab 3 of these fans: 120mm Yate Loons. 2 for the front of your case one for the cpu cooler.

Hey crashdummy,
Thanks for taking the time to help me out. I am trying to save my pc from burning down and save some $ because of blackfriday sale at newegg, so I am still counting on your prompt suggestions until they run out of the goodies....I compared the two cases and I do like the more flashy 900 one plus it comes with the fans which I would have to buy (additional $30) if went with the 300, so it seems like it boils down to the same $ for the two while 9 > 3...?

(my current case is this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119115)

for the psu, I was thinking that modular ones are better because the necessary cables are not blocking the airflow so I found this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139002
that they are offering a $50 MIR! on right now, the only thing is that 30W less...?

Also, I still have a lot of Arctic5 left, ( couple years old - but still applicable - I just coated my cpu) Would you recommend getting a fresh one tho....?

Thanks again, I hope I can take advantage of some of the deals at newegg while they still last