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InvaderGIR
11-05-10, 22:44
Been meaning to put this up for a while and keep forgetting.

I was running a four year old AM2 system that was just seeming to get less and less powerful and less and less capable of what I wanted to do. All I wanted to do was play a couple of computer games, watch some HD content and occasionally process some videos.

So last week I decided to find out what system I could get for £300, I was kindly informed that essentially I could not get anything new/future proof or properly decent. I decided to up the budget a little and see what I could get, I was informed an i5 system would do me well for what I wanted...I then thought...well, I may as well go future proofing a bit and bought the following:


Intel i7 920 D0 @ 2.6GHz
Gigabyte EX58-UD3R
G.Skill Eco 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3
Asus CuCore 5770


Which set me back a few pennies.

I went about installing it all quite quickly, so here are some before/mid/after shots and I'll do a write up at the end.

Packaging
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7204.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7203.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7206.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7205.jpg


Installing
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7188.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7189.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7190.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7191.jpg


Complete/Running
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7211.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7214.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7210.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7208.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7219.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7223.jpg


Housed in:
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7226.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7228.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7224.jpg
http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/InvG/DSC_7225.jpg
(Lian-Li PC7B Plus II with modified LEDs - Red & Blue instead of Orange & Green)


I expect a lot of you are wondering why I went for a Dual Channel set of DDR3 when everyone gets Triple Channel DDR3 on these systems. It's simple. I don't need 6GB right now and 4GB in DC will be fine, as it is proving to be. That and I wanted the lower voltages. This also means a quick boost of computer ability can be gained later with a set of TC DDR3 and some clock adjustments on the CPU.

For the needs above (games, HD, processing) this system is brilliant, in fact it's far more than I need...which is brilliant as this should last me a good few years again. I rarely upgrade, in fact I seem to do it every 3-4 years. This means that this system should last me a good few years yet. Although obviously if I have loads of spare cash, well, it'll get changed sooner.

I'm really pleased with the parts, brilliant quality, better than I'd expected if I'm honest. Of course, the most important thing. Service. From Aria it has been brilliant. I missed up some stuff with my ordering early on and Lee helped me sort it out via the forums as did a few guys I called when I was uncertain about some things. Very glad I gave my custom to Aria this time around and expect I'll be putting much more their way in the future.

The prices of all the parts were brilliant too thanks to the Sale, so much cheaper than competitors. :thumb:
Avatar
12-05-10, 10:04
:thumb: That looks great. At what speed are you running the CPU?
I'm planning to get a similar specced system an would like to know if it is ok without overclocking.:)
InvaderGIR
12-05-10, 10:16
I'm running it at 2.66Ghz, ie. stock. Currently I have no plans to overclock, but this board looks like it should allow me to and the CPU will certainly allow it, memory should too.

I've been running BFBC2 at full settings and the PC doesn't seem to notice. :cool:
Avatar
12-05-10, 11:56
:thumb: Thank you, the info was very helpful.:)
RDRUNR
12-05-10, 14:55
Nice system. You'll be happy you went up a level from the original budget. There is a "perfect price point" for any component. Go under that and it's not fast enough for the price and go over that and you are paying more but not getting more for your $.

ie. The 5570 and i7 920 is one of those "perfect price points" right now.
InvaderGIR
12-05-10, 15:04
Yeah, this is what I quickly learnt. The i5 I had planned on getting is a good CPU, but for the ~£30 more the i7 steals it. This does mean a bit more £ on a motherboard than for i5 but it is also worth it.

I've always aimed to buy parts that give good value for money, I didn't do so well on the AM2 system but I think I've managed it on this one. As I say, I don't plan on overclocking at the moment and went for the smaller amount of RAM as it will allow for upgrade and clocking the future, effectively saving me the hassle of needing to upgrade full next time it gets a bit slow.
RDRUNR
13-05-10, 09:55
Yeah, this is what I quickly learnt. The i5 I had planned on getting is a good CPU, but for the ~£30 more the i7 steals it. This does mean a bit more £ on a motherboard than for i5 but it is also worth it.

I've always aimed to buy parts that give good value for money, I didn't do so well on the AM2 system but I think I've managed it on this one. As I say, I don't plan on overclocking at the moment and went for the smaller amount of RAM as it will allow for upgrade and clocking the future, effectively saving me the hassle of needing to upgrade full next time it gets a bit slow.

Smart move IMO. You'll not regret the ~30 quid. How much ram did you go with?
InvaderGIR
13-05-10, 10:01
Only 4GB, it runs happily in dual channel, although I've never seen much if any day to day benefit of channeled RAM.

Reason for 'only' 4GB is I don't actually NEED lots, it's easily enough and works fine for what I need it to. If I need more power at a later date, clock the CPU and buy 6GB or something depending on what is available at the time.
JoeJones
14-05-10, 10:13
InvaderGIR - Could you let me know what your MCH temps are?

I've just finished putting my EX58-UD3R into my machine and filled the loop up last night and the temp of the MCH was ridiculous...like 56C sitting in the BIOS.

Haven't had a chance to play around with voltages yet, but the heatsink was steaming hot.


Wondering if the inverted orientation (it's in a Lian Li V2000) is to blame.
InvaderGIR
14-05-10, 13:45
Ummm....MCH?

Edit: Highest temp I have when running (currently idling not doing much) is 33C on one of the CPU cores according to SpeedFan.
callumburns
14-05-10, 13:49
try having a laptop that goes to 93 degrees :eek: thats what i need to put up with for now :(
JoeJones
14-05-10, 17:04
Ummm....MCH?

Memory Controller Hub...a.k.a the Northbridge.
JoeJones
16-05-10, 13:29
Put a 120mm fan blowing over the MCH and it's down to a reasonable 36C..

..internals doesn't look as 'clean' now but happier that the MCH is down from 60C.


Ambient temp is around 20C, so when summer comes and the computer room (attic) reaches 30C that thing would burn up without a fan.
Gunslinger
16-05-10, 15:45
...... so when summer comes and the computer room (attic) reaches 30C that thing would burn up without a fan.

my problem exactly.... put AC in the room last year though, so hopefully that should solve that problem this year :)
JoeJones
16-05-10, 15:55
I've got AC too....a pair of windows each side... :P

Works good enough when there's a breeze...but with no breeze it get's really hot up here...especially with an OC'd system and valve amp pumping out heat.
Gunslinger
16-05-10, 20:40
:lol: ... "Daikin" is all i'm gonna say ;)
InvaderGIR
18-05-10, 12:20
InvaderGIR - Could you let me know what your MCH temps are?


Just thought I'd update you on this, went in bios last night and was informed...25C
BeeP
18-05-10, 12:29
Nice stuff m8, I'm liking the case. Once again it's understated & pretty cool looking.
InvaderGIR
18-05-10, 12:32
I very much prefer the plain and simple looking cases...I also dislike steel...so LianLi are about all I can buy...this one cost me ~£60 4 years ago and has lasted VERY well.

When I change cases it's going to have to be another LianLi that's for sure, similar style probably too.
BeeP
18-05-10, 23:57
I have a 900 atm, getting really tired of it tbh though.

I'd like something that cools about as well but isn't quite as "omg look at me" sort of case.

I really fancy making my own, it's just a fairly large project that I really don't have time for. Perhaps when work is quieter I'll have a go at an ally case.