New Q9550 Build - Overclock.net

Agentdax5 · 09-04-09

Just ordered some new stuff for a new build. I've been running this system for a while now and now is the time to upgrade. It may not be bleeding edge hardware, but I'm sure I'll see a huge performance boost, and hopefully it lasts me quite a while.

Ordered my stuff on 9-3-09:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83 GHz 12MB L2 Cache
CPU Cooler: Scythe MUGEN-2
Motherboard: ASUS P5Q Premium
Power Supply: Corsair 750W CMPSU-750TX
RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800

Already own:
Antec 900 Two
XFX Nvidia 9800 GT
Palit Nvidia 8800 GT
250GB Hitachi HDD

I plan to try flashing the 8800 GT to the 9800 GT BIOS and going SLI. If it doesn't work out, oh well, I'll live with using just the 9800 GT until I can afford a new card in the future. I'm not sure if I'm going to overclock. It'd be a first. If I do, I'll probably play it safe and just go up to 3GHz or so.

And of course, you need some lights. I've got pairs of green and purple-ish-pink cathodes so I can switch between when I want.

I plan to post pictures when it's complete.

Edit: Forgot to mention I'll be putting Windows 7 RC 64-bit on this

Update: 9-10-09

Few things, didn't SLI because I was stupid and didn't see the motherboard was only Crossfire compatible. I hadn't ordered this with the intention of SLI, the thought only came to mind after ordering it. But if I ever want to, I could Quad Crossfire with this board in the future.

The Scyte Mugen 2, I love this things cooling power, but I hated installing it. Especially after installation, getting to the 8-pin power connector at the top left of the board became a hassle with maybe half an inch of room to stick my fingers in to push it in.

I have yet to overclock the CPU. Still settling in, installing programs and what not. I don't intend on going much higher than 3GHz.

I'd like to go back and get some cable extensions in the future to get a cleaner look. I really need one for the 8-pin motherboard connector. The bundle of cables included with my power supply (Corsiar 750 Watt CMPSU-750TX) I found difficult to hide. There's so many stuffed behind the back panel, it's hard to shut. I hope it isn't bending the back panel too much.

RAM: I could have gone with better ram, but for now, I'm going to stick with what I've got and possibly order some in the future.

Overall I'm enjoying this new system, massive upgrade from my last one. Loads Left 4 Dead matches in less than 30 seconds. And the Quad Gigabit LAN ports, currently only bridging two of them, seems to make a difference with downloading files.

Pics!