Arch@ngel

Ok so,

I know the overwhelming majority of you would wonder why I'm pumping yet more money into my ancient pc. I intend to build a new rig when Nehalem arrives. I've survived this long without C2D/C2Q, I'll make it through another 6-12 months.

This rig has been my labour of love for the last few years, and now I want to see how hard I can push it. I hope I've chosen the right parts for the job.

I've just taken delivery of:

a) Tuniq Tower 120-FLB, to replace my Coolermaster Jet 4
b) Thermalright HR-03-GT w/ Noctua NF-B9 Fan, to replace the stock cooling on my HD3850
c) Corsair HX620W PSU, to replace my vile Sweex 650W PSU
d) ArctiClean Remover/Purifier
e) OCZ Freeze Thermal Compound
f) Watercoolingshop Lapping Kit
g) Cable ties (my cable management right now is non-existant)



On top of that, I've used Vista Ultimate x86 for 2 months now, and I'm going back to XP Pro x86. I want my 30 second boot time back, and apart from the eye candy (and DX10) I'm not going to miss it. I'll make the jump back to Vista Ultimate x64 with my new build.

If anyone has any general advice with these components, or suggestions about other improvements I could make (excluding a new mobo ) I'd very much welcome it.

A couple of questions about the GPU cooling: Has anyone successfully (securely) mounted a 120mm fan on the Thermalright HR-03-GT? I read somewhere, I've forgotten where now, that it was possible.

I'm a little concerned 37.8CFM won't be enough from the 92mm. I have a Noctua NF-P12 120mm sitting here as well (54.3CFM), that I intend to mount as another exhaust, but I could use it on the TR-HR-03-GT if possible.

I intend to lap CPU/GPU + heat sinks before I install my new components, together with some seriously improved cable management. Hopefully I'll get some time this weekend to start the overhaul.

I don't expect I'll be able to push my CPU over 3.6, and I have no idea yet what kind of OC I'll be able to get with the 3850, I know it was running hot under load with stock cooling.

As far as RAM goes, I also have 4 x 512MB Corsair TwinX 3200, if anyone thinks that could end up with better performance.

I also have 2 Antec Spot Coolers, in case anything still runs hot or I go for a suicide run with 3DMark .

Thanks in advance.

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UPDATE!

After being up all night making the changes on Saturday, I've finally had time to run some benches with my newly overhauled rig.

All the work listed above has been done, although I still need to improve my cables at the top of the case.

Idle temps for my CPU have dropped by about 20 degrees celsius. Idle temps for my GPU have dropped from around 69C to 31C!

I managed to get my 3850 AGP stable at 800/1000, and score 27,748 3DMark03 points on my best run. (with CPU/RAM running stock.)

Before/After pics below, with my 3DMark results too.

Very pleased with the results!

BEFORE:








AFTER:









FIRST RUN:



PERSONAL BEST:

billbartuska

Don't lap the GPU, it's not necessary.

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EDGE ...if you're not on it, you're taking up too much space.

allen41547

Ive got the HR-03 on my 2900xt-run dual 80mm fans and use some of those cable ties you bought to secure them. I wouldnt worry about lappin gpu. If you put thermal paste on the heatsink and mount it on cpu and take it right back off you can see if you cpu needs lapped, If its not concaved and has full contact lapping it wont do any good. I lapped my q6600 because it was warped. ALLEN

Arch@ngel

bumpity bump!

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