Newb In Need of Advice

Razorbacx · Post by **Razorbacx** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 6:50 am

I am new to the world of OC'ing and am still trying to workout all the terminology, so please speak in layman's terms when responding.

I have recently built my first computer with the following components:

Case: Cooler Master Cavalier 1 w/Cooler Master Extreme Power 380W PSU
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (Venice Core) skt 939
HSF: Thermaltake Venus +7 w/Arctic Silver 5
Mobo: ABIT AV8
Memory: Corsair TWINX-3200CP DDR400 3200 Dual Channel (1GB)
HD: WD 80GB 7200rpm 8mb cache
Video Card: Leadtek NVidia 6800GT (256MB)
Drive: BenQ DVD-RW
Monitor: 19" Samsung 913V LCD

I am looking for recommendations for improving the overall performance of my rig and would appreciate any advice. I am not planning on adding any additional cooling (budget reasons). The case has 1 120mm exhaust fan in the rear and 1 80mm fan up front. The ambient room temp is generally no higher than 78 and I have my case positioned as such for decent airflow. I run WIN XP Pro as well.

Thanks,

Razorbacx

LVCapo · Post by **LVCapo** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:44 am

Get rid of that PSU, its crap, look for at least a 500W PSU....then save up and get some better cooling (preferably water, something like the Aquagate Mini, which costs around $90)...air will severely limit your O/C. Other than the PSU, its a nice rig to start out with.

Razorbacx · Post by **Razorbacx** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 11:31 am

When you say "CRAP" do you mean that I am in danger of screwing up my rig or that I simply cannot do any OC'ing that is safe and stable? If you tell me that my rig is in danger then I will surely look for another PSU, however if I can't do any serious OC'ing then I'll probably stay right where I am until I can afford a much better PSU and not just a band-aid.

I'm looking for tips in tweaking my new system to run better and more efficiently and if you or anyone else have any I would greatly appreciate it. I play only one game, BF2, for which I do play regularly and like most want the best possible performance that I can get.

As always, any help, tips and advice are always welcome and much appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Razorbacx

LVCapo · Post by **LVCapo** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 11:40 am

First, the PSU simply is borderline poor as far as rails and output. ( I think 480W as a minimum. Second, I've used two Cooler Master PSUs (a 350w and a 380w) both died after a short life, thankfully neither took any other hardware with them, but to me it is a game of roullette......just my opinion that these PSUs are not up to snuff.

killswitch83 · Post by **killswitch83** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:16 pm

capper5016 wrote:First, the PSU simply is borderline poor as far as rails and output. ( I think 480W as a minimum. Second, I've used two Cooler Master PSUs (a 350w and a 380w) both died after a short life, thankfully neither took any other hardware with them, but to me it is a game of roullette......just my opinion that these PSUs are not up to snuff.

Thank you capper, I was just about to mention the unstable rails myself. Personally, razorbacx, if you have some more cash you can flow into your system, go get the real thing: the OCZ 600W PowerStream; now that PSU has not only stable 3, 5, and 12v rails, but it has excellent output as well and I have seen this PSU in many gaming rigs. It would compliment your A64 system well. And on top of that, if I'm not mistaken, it comes ready with PCI-E and SATA power connectors, so you don't have to use an adapter. On the positive side, way to go on the Arctic Silver 5, that's the only thermal material I use for my CPU's because I've always had good luck with it keeping the temps down, even with an OC'd processor. Just keep the PowerStream in mind, and if you can't put that much money into one, then I would possibly look into an Antec PSU, or just ask capper or apop about their choice, they won't steer you wrong

Razorbacx · Post by **Razorbacx** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:30 pm

Thanks for the advice. Looks like I need to go shopping. Any recommendations for those on a budget? Please keep in mind that I am only running 1 HD, 1 Optical Drive, Video Card & Mobo with the two standard fans and Thermaltake HSF.

Many Thanks!

Razorbacx

kenc51 · Post by **kenc51** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 1:28 pm

I have the powerstream 600W => for your system it would be overkill (is in mine!) --> it costs ~$200!!!

Go for the powerstream 520W - make sure not to get a PSU which only just has enough power! CAPPER said go for 480W minimum!

I got my 600W because i can use it in my next rig.... It was an investment.. So when you look for a PSU look for one which will last !!!

You don't need a powerstream, the mod stream would be good enough, but powerstream will serve you well when you upgrade again..

Fortron (FSP Group), Antec, OCZ, Sliverstone, Seasonic and Power Pc& cooling are all good makes!

From what Capper said, the PSU you have is a little flakey! be good for a stock system (mayby), but if you plan to overclock or even add additional HDD's etc. then I would buy a good quality PSU..

Remember it's the heart of your system... ! so don't skimp on prices!

a quality PSU sould costs in the region of ~$100 and up..

http://legitreviews.dealtime.com/xPP-Sy ... __550_watt