New Build.

[nikonnut]

OK,
So I've finally upgraded my GPU and case and decided to share. This isn't Aqua-Mac quality stuff but I'm pretty pleased so far. Thanks to the multiple fans (4x120mm and one 200mm beast!) in the 900 I've been able to slow down my Zalman 9700 ( ah, blessed silence!) with no increases in CPU temps and the 8800GT runs cooler too. So without further adieu here's the work in progress...

Everyone has seen one of these...



The reason the Q6600 runs cool and quiet (200mm fan above and 120mm behind)



And lastly, the cable management (this is a work in progress and I'm sure a nice modular PSU or some cable loom will clean things up a bunch!)



As noted not Aqua-Mac quality but the pros are multi-fold. The north bridge doesn't get above 40^oC and the Quad never gets over 50^oC so I'm pretty happy. There's still room to add 2 more fans but I think the case might start levitating at that point ;D


Cheers,
Nik

[nano2nd]

That Nine Hundred case certainly is a monster.

What kind of idle temps are you getting on the Q6600? Is it OC'd? I'm getting in the region of 37 degrees C idle on mine right now, OC'd to 3.0GHz, but if I get it working hard it tops out at around 65 degrees C which is a bit too hot for my liking.

I've been eyeing up some cases recently - don't think I have the modding skills to tackle a G5 or Mac Pro. I'm currently considering switching to a Lian Li. I really like the V1000Z:

www.lian-li.com.tw/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=213&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=62

..but it only seems to be available in black and I'd like to match it up with my Cinema Display. Currently leaning towards the not-quite-as-good V1010 in Silver:

www.xcase.co.uk/p/547594/pc-v1010-aluminium-tower-case-no-psu---free-delivery---.html

[aquamac]

Hey Nikon,
I think that is a really nice case! Loads of air too, that must be the coolest case on the block!! I really like the cases with the PS at the bottom, so much easier to work on the board around the processor as well.

[nikonnut]

Thanks guys I'm really happy with it so far and with a few mods I think I get everything even cooler.

Nano,
I'm not currently OC'ed ( I need a weekend to get the V core worked out) but I did dabble and at 3.0 GHz running Prime 95 for about 2 hours (room temp was 25^oC) I never got over 55^oC on the hottest core. I think my idle temps were around 33^oC. On a stock clock the idle temps are 28/28/28/30. I hate to say it but I think the Zalman 9700 is at its limits. I'm looking at a Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme (or water).

Aqua,
I agree completely. Getting the PSU down low definitely eases cable management and improves air flow. I'm liking the Hiper you're running more and more. I guess I need to work some more O.T.

Thanks again for the complements guys.