Ted, what type of upgrades (if any) would you do

**OleBoy** · December 30th, 2010, 10:53

to make this configuration perform at it's FSX best?

Here's a starting base I've considered going with.

Motherboard: Gigabyte X58A-UD5

Processor: Intel i7 950 @ 3.8GHz (w/ Scythe Mugen cooler)

RAM: 6Gb's OCZ Gold Series @1810MHz

GPU: EVGA GTX 470 w/ OC profiles ( GTX480? )

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB (partitioned for OS) (What's the best approach?)

PDD: Lite-on Multi DVD Burner

PSU: 800W Rosewill Libertas Modular (Bigger for future upgrades?)

Cooler Master HAF 932 Black Edition case

Cost= $1,500.00 (upgrades not included)

**txnetcop** · December 30th, 2010, 11:52

Originally Posted by OleBoy

to make this configuration perform at it's FSX best?

Here's a starting base I've considered going with.

Motherboard: Gigabyte X58A-UD5

Processor: Intel i7 950 @ 3.8GHz (w/ Scythe Mugen cooler)

RAM: 6Gb's OCZ Gold Series @1810MHz

GPU: EVGA GTX 470 w/ OC profiles ( GTX480? )

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB (partitioned for OS) (What's the best approach?)

PDD: Lite-on Multi DVD Burner

PSU: 800W Rosewill Libertas Modular (Bigger for future upgrades?)

Cooler Master HAF 932 Black Edition case

Cost= $1,500.00 (upgrades not included)

Read this...it is a fact we tested and verified that that is heatsink and fan created in 2007 beat the whole bunch. Our unit on a i7Core 980X at full tilt never exceeded 39C. I switch that CPU heatsink for this one Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Exposed Copper Heatpipe(small than the Scythe but much better) or this one Noctua NH-C14(it's large but wow does it cool)

Under full load, the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 began to create tremendous heat. The little Intel OEM cooler, despite its inserted copper base, gave the worst results anyone could suffer recording, registering 59° C at full load while the room's ambient temperature remained 23° C. But that's what you come to expect from a bundled cooler, right? Sadly this must be the case, because I still hear of many users (even some gamers and hardware enthusiasts) which still use the stock reference cooler. I feel for those of you in this situation, I really do...

...but there are some very good reasons to evolve, or at least save up your money and upgrade. Previously, the very expensive Ultra ULT33186 Chilltec TEC CPU Cooler held the crown for cooling, if only by a very small margin. In all honesty, the Zaward Sylphee ZCJ003 CPU Cooler was the real king of the hill prior to these tests, since it is roughly half the size of everything here. current champion "Champion of Cool" is the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Exposed Copper Heatpipe CPU Cooler, which defeated all challengers with a maximum recorded temperature of only 39° C in a 23° C ambient room temperature and at full load. But what about the Scythe Mugen?

To my disappointment all of that extra cooling surface and those five copper heatpipes were not enough to secure a top-three position in our rankings. While the Scythe Mugen was not a top finalist, it certainly was good enough to rank among the top-ten. I think this is all the proof I needed to be convinced that Heatpipe Direct Touch designs are going to be the next standard for CPU coolers. If coolers like the Zaward VIVO PCJ004 and OCZ Vendetta can outperform the Mugen with half the footprint or more, it seems evolution has made up its mind.

I'm not an OCZ fan I perfer Corsair Dominator 1600mhz over everything else based on our test for reliability, speed, and OCing ability.

The rest is fine. The new GTX 580 is more expensive but it is a screamer if you can spare the bucks. If not, your choice is fine. The best 470 was the EVGA models for speed, cooling and reliability

Hope this helps ya Amigo. By the way I do like your motherboard ignore some of the stupid ratings at newegg, those are mostly noob wannabes knocking Gigabyte. I will put in plug for the ASUS Sabertooth X58...cheaper and competes with the highest level boards for OCing and dependability.

I have the i7 950 clocked as high as the 960 (4.0Ghz)and I can't see a noticeable difference in benchmarks. So your choice is fine. With great cooling they perform much the same

Enjoy
Ted

**stansdds** · December 30th, 2010, 12:06

I have that model Xigmatek heat sink and fan! I used it on my overclocked E6850 and it's now on my overclocked Q9650. It's a great cooler.

**OleBoy** · December 30th, 2010, 12:39

Thanks Ted for your input. It's much appreciated as I've been out of the loop for far too long to even go there.

1] I'll take the advice on the cooler
2] , and consider the GTX580. The 580 crossed my mind more than once even at the price.

3] The memory thing has always baffled me. Not being an overclocker might explain that. You being more specific would help me out a great deal by telling me exactly what I should buy. Model #'s, How many GB, etc.

4] As for the Sabertooth, I looked into that also. To be honest, I don't know the benefits from one motherboard to the next.. as to which is the best way to go. Which might expalin my reason for asking so many questions, so many times about different things in different threads.

Honestly, I know I can be a pest..lol. It's unintentional believe me

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's what I have so far. Which I AM open for suggestions or recommendations!

i7 950 CUSTOMISED & UPGRADED

Motherboard:
Gigabyte X58A-UD5 = $290.00
OR
ASUS Sabertooth X58 LGA 1366 Intel X58 = $200.00

Processor: Intel i7 950 @ 3.8GHz = $295.00

CPU COOLER: Xigmatek HDT-S1283 = $44.00

*RAM: 6Gb's Corsair Dominator 1600mhz

GPU: GTX 580 = $525.00

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB (TWO OF THEM) (FOR FSX) $170.00 EA

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10,000rpm (For Operating System) = $90.00

*PDD: Lite-on Multi DVD Burner = $25.00

PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series AX1200 1200W ATX12V v2.31 = $280.00

Cooler Master HAF 932 Black Edition case (red) = $140.00

Cost= $2,004.00 PLUS ****MORE NOT FIGURED IN****

**txnetcop** · December 30th, 2010, 13:39

This is the build I recommended to Bill Womack of Orbx and Stark Field
http://iblueyonder.com/building-the-pods-brain/

He was on a strict PC budget so he could build a cockpit room. The ASUS Sabertooth is the latest in TUF motherboard series and very hard to kill if one should mess up in overclocking. It also cost less than most other comparable boards. I have a series on overclocking I will show you when you get to that stage. It is easy no rocket science involved. FSX loves a fast CPU and the lowest CAS Latency on memory. Corsair Dominator 6GB TRiple Channel 1600 mhz is my favorite.

**OleBoy** · December 30th, 2010, 14:15

I greatly appreciate your help with this Ted. This build has been a long time coming!!!
....I saw the original video of Bill unpacking all the goodies. He did a nice job and it's good he got things going. My biggest cringe is that something arrives DOA and I have to send things back. I hate waiting!!...lol. Here's my comprised list of goods so far.

Any other suggestions? Hard Drives, CD/DVD drives or?

....Something I should mention, I'll be running the PC I have currently, and the FSX box on the same monitor. I'm hoping I can get some type of switch that allows me to go from one box to the next 'on the fly' Suggestions? ***Note that I have wireless KB & Mouse***

Here's the Specs and cost thus far.

i7 950 CUSTOMISED & UPGRADED

Motherboard: ASUS Sabertooth X58 LGA 1366 Intel X58 = $200.00

Processor: Intel i7 950 @ 3.8GHz = $295.00

CPU COOLER: Xigmatek HDT-S1283 = $44.00 (**Plus Mounting Hardware**)

RAM: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) = $160.00
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
Desktop Memory Model CMP6GX3M3A1600C7

GPU: GTX 580 = $525.00

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB (TWO OF THEM) (FOR FSX) $170.00 EA

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10,000rpm (For Operating System) = $90.00

PDD: Lite-on Multi DVD Burner = $25.00

PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series AX1200 1200W ATX12V v2.31 = $280.00

Cooler Master HAF 932 Black Edition case (red) = $140.00

Cost= $2,000.00 ***Plus W7 32/64bit Ultimate***

Something that crossed my brain. Are there any areas I can safely down-grade to cut costs and attain quality and FSX effectiveness?

**txnetcop** · December 30th, 2010, 16:47

Sounds like a plan to me Amigo! Have fun! If ya need help with the build just holler! I recommend before you start that you read motherboard manual and I will send you some info as well when you take delivery.
Ted

**OleBoy** · January 15th, 2011, 09:50

My time has come finally. Next week I can order my hardware to finally build this thing. Believe me when I say this, I need the change.
...I think it's a safe decision to downgrade from the GTX580, to the GTX480. I think I can also get a lesser wattage PSU (850?) and save a bit more there. I can put the savings somewhere else of better use. Just not sure where. More thinking. I did consider an SSD for FSX but I don't think just one would do the trick.

My main concern is that I want to do this once as I will likely never get another opportunity like what's about to happen. Yes I'm nervous!

Now the new Sandybridge walks through the door!!

**OleBoy** · January 21st, 2011, 14:47

2600K SYSTEM
------------

Motherboard - ASUS P8P67-M PRO = -------------------------------------------------$185.00

CPU - i7-2600K = -----------------------------------------------------------------$330.00

XIGMATEK HDT-SD964 92mm Rifle CPU Cooler = ----------------------------------------$26.00
rev.w with bracket ACK-i5363 I7 i5 775 1155

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) = --------$80.00--(TIMES TWO)--------------$160.00
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL6D-4GBXH

GPU: GTX 580 = -------------------------------------------------------------------$525.00

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB (TWO OF THEM) (FOR FSX) $170.00 EA = -------$340.00

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10,000rpm (For Operating System) = ----------$90.00

PDD: Lite-on Multi DVD Burner = ---------------------------------------------------$25.00

PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series AX1200 1200W ATX12V v2.31 = ---------------------$280.00

**txnetcop** · January 21st, 2011, 15:46

Originally Posted by OleBoy

2600K SYSTEM
------------

Motherboard - ASUS P8P67-M PRO = -------------------------------------------------$185.00

CPU - i7-2600K = -----------------------------------------------------------------$330.00

XIGMATEK HDT-SD964 92mm Rifle CPU Cooler = ----------------------------------------$26.00
rev.w with bracket ACK-i5363 I7 i5 775 1155

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) = --------$80.00--(TIMES TWO)--------------$160.00
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL6D-4GBXH

GPU: GTX 580 = -------------------------------------------------------------------$525.00

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB (TWO OF THEM) (FOR FSX) $170.00 EA = -------$340.00

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10,000rpm (For Operating System) = ----------$90.00

PDD: Lite-on Multi DVD Burner = ---------------------------------------------------$25.00

PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series AX1200 1200W ATX12V v2.31 = ---------------------$280.00

It's not only a money saver...it's a nice system!
Ted

**OleBoy** · January 22nd, 2011, 10:51

I'm as excited as a kid with a new bike popping wheelies. Everything should arrive next week.
....I made a few changes and still stayed within my budget. Specs are as follows;

2600K SYSTEM
------------

ASUS P8P67 Deluxe LGA 1155 Intel P67
SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard = ----------------------------------------$240.00

CPU - i7-2600K = -------------------------------------------------------------------$330.00

XIGMATEK HDT-SD964 92mm Rifle CPU Cooler = ----------------------------------------$26.00
rev.w with bracket ACK-i5363 I7 i5 775 1155

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) = --------$80.00--(TIMES TWO)---------------$160.00
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL6D-4GBXH

GPU: GTX 580 = --------------------------------------------------------------------$525.00

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB (TWO OF THEM) (FOR FSX) $170.00 EA =---$340.00

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10,000rpm (For Operating System) = --------$90.00

PDD: Lite-on Multi DVD Burner = ------------------------------------------------------$19.00

PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series AX1200 1200W ATX12V v2.31 = --------------------$280.00

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM = --------------------------------------------$10.00

COOLER MASTER ATCS 840 RC-840-KKN1-GP = ---------------------------------------$200.00
Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case

W7 32/64bit Ultimate = --------------------------------------------------------------$125.51

TOTAL = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------$2235.51

Thanks everyone for giving input to my questions, and tolerating my ignorance :salute:

**kilo delta** · January 22nd, 2011, 11:27

Congrats,Oleboy :ernae:

**OleBoy** · January 22nd, 2011, 12:03

Oops, I almost forgot. The MB I purchased (in the specs it did not say) I am not sure if it has onboard sound.

ASUS P8P67 Deluxe LGA 1155 Intel P67
SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Is this onboard sound?

Audio Chipset = Realtek ALC889
Audio Channels = 8 Channels

...Do I need a sound card?

***Navy Chief*** · January 22nd, 2011, 12:07

I used to have a sound card, but my motherboard does just fine without adding one. I see no need to!

Have a Republic of Gamers Rampage III Extreme, by ASUS.

NC

**OleBoy** · January 22nd, 2011, 12:09

I don't mind not having to buy one. Money saved. My concern is whether the board I purchased has onboard sound.

**kilo delta** · January 22nd, 2011, 12:41

Yep...it has onboard sound...Realtek.

**OleBoy** · January 22nd, 2011, 13:09

Originally Posted by kilo delta

Yep...it has onboard sound...Realtek.

OleBoy = ignoramus at times.

Thanks KD

**stansdds** · January 22nd, 2011, 13:10

Originally Posted by OleBoy

Oops, I almost forgot. The MB I purchased (in the specs it did not say) I am not sure if it has onboard sound.

ASUS P8P67 Deluxe LGA 1155 Intel P67
SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Is this onboard sound?

Audio Chipset = Realtek ALC889
Audio Channels = 8 Channels

...Do I need a sound card?

That is onboard sound and I'd give it a try before buying a sound card. My motherboard also has that sound chip set and it' ok. Not quite as good as my old SoundBlaster Audigy 2ZS, but good enough for my slightly deafened ears.

Yeah, never fly in a B-25 without earplugs or headset. :isadizzy:

**OleBoy** · January 22nd, 2011, 13:17

Originally Posted by stansdds

That is onboard sound and I'd give it a try before buying a sound card. My motherboard also has that sound chip set and it' ok. Not quite as good as my old SoundBlaster Audigy 2ZS, but good enough for my slightly deafened ears.

Yeah, never fly in a B-25 without earplugs or headset. :isadizzy:

For sure, for sure. I'm running onboard sounds now. (Not the new hardware) I get a few cracks and pops at times. I'm not sure it's the onboard sound so much, but more the way the sounds were mixed at the other end.

**OleBoy** · January 24th, 2011, 10:15

Motherboard
------------
ASUS P8P67 Deluxe LGA 1155 Intel P67
SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard = ---------------------------------------$240.00

CPU - i7-2600K = ------------------------------------------------------------------$330.00

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) = --------$80.00--(TIMES TWO)--------------$160.00
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL6D-4GBXH

GPU: GTX 580 = -------------------------------------------------------------------$525.00

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB = ---------------------------------------$340.00
(TWO OF THEM) (FOR FSX) $170.00 EA

HDD: WD VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10,000rpm = ------------------------------$90.00

PDD: Lite-on Multi DVD Burner = -----------------------------------------------------$19.00

PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series AX1200 1200W ATX12V v2.31 = -------------------$280.00

XIGMATEK HDT-SD964 92mm Rifle CPU Cooler = --------------------------------------$26.00
rev.w with bracket ACK-i5363 I7 i5 775 1155

CORSAIR CWCH50-1 High Performance CPU Cooler = ----------------------------------$74.99

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM = -------------------------------------------$10.00

COOLER MASTER ATCS 840 RC-840-KKN1-GP = --------------------------------------$244.83
Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case

W7 32/64bit Ultimate = -------------------------------------------------------------$125.51

Budget = $2500.00

TOTAL = --------------------------------------------------------------------------$2465.00

*All hardware was purchased from Newegg.
**Windows 7 32/64 Ultimate - eBay.

**OleBoy** · January 26th, 2011, 14:24

It seems like weeks since I ordered everything. I received Windows 7 Ultimate Monday. A little excitement! Then the long wait for the rest. That arrives tomorrow sometime via UPS. Problem is, the tower won't make an appearance until the 27th. Ho hum. Every noise outside I find myself looking out the window in hopes it's the

.. ...

haha!

I'll have the innards so wet with slobbering mess by the time the case gets here that I'll need a few RMA's!!

**OleBoy** · January 27th, 2011, 05:55

I've decided to get a new monitor. I had the chance to test one out in the flight sim and the visuals are just awesome.
.....It will come in real handy for my repaint works. (an example only) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824176141

I got a sweet price on mine of (was intended for Orbx scenery package) $263.00

**OleBoy** · January 27th, 2011, 12:15

My packages arrived safely. As I unpacked and checked it all of for condition and the right product, I noticed my CPU cooler was wrong. I ordered a Xigmatek/ HDT-SD964R, and they sent a model SD964W (LGA 775/1156/1366) I called to get an RMA. The fella I spoke with was quick to get it corrected. The problem was solved and I received the RMA via email for the return. Funny thing, when I looked at what he was wanting me to return, it was my CPU = WRONG!
....I was in the middle of recontacting them when my phone rang. It was Newegg..and the gentlemen I just dealt with over the phone. He stated that..somethings not right, I think I messed up. He did..lol. He said he'd noticed that I had ordered the Corsair H50 system also and asked me why. I told him that I couldn't decide, so I got both. Then I told him I was going to use the H50 anyway. That's when he told me that he was crediting my account for the wrong item, and to keep the the other to use in another build!!

I love Newegg!!! :ernae:

Dunno what I'm going to do with it when it's for the wrong socket but, OK!!

**kilo delta** · January 27th, 2011, 12:23

Great customer service there!

I've decided to throw a Sandy Bridge build together too, to replace my current htpc. Have the graphics card,psu, spare SSD and 8GB memory already. Ordered some 2tb Samsung HDD's today and just need to convince my mrs to allow me get the cpu and motherboard!

**OleBoy** · January 27th, 2011, 12:28

Excellent!

I've got some waiting to do yet myself. I went ahead and got a new 24" monitor, keyboard, mouse and a KVM switch. I'm also waiting on my case. I might get lucky and receive it all by Tuesday next.

Oh, I almost forgot. I bought TrackIR 5 too