My First Computer Build v2.0

Next time, please keep everything in one thread.
Depending on how far you want to push your CPU, you can get a cheaper motherboard if you like.
You also need to purchase a aftermarket heatsink, if you plan on overclocking that CPU.
I suggest this guy.
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835207004
James

Edited by james_8970, 28 July 2008 - 02:15 PM.

I'd recommend the HDT-S1283 instead. The Core Contact Freezer only outperforms the HDT-S1283 by 0.7C when the fan is on max speed, but when the fan speed is reduced to 1000rpm the HDT-S1283 outperforms the Core Contact Freezer by 1.4C. (Source: http://www.frostytec...m?...271&page=5) When you take into account that the HDT-S1283 can be had for $27 including shipping after mail-in rebate (as opposed to $49 including shipping for the Core Contact Freezer), it's really a no-brainer.

Edited by stettybet0, 28 July 2008 - 02:35 PM.

Settybet0, can you measure the distance between the base of the heatsink to the aluminum fins. The reason why I never suggested that heatsink was because I was unsure of whether or not the fins were high enough to avoid the MOSFET/NB heatsinks on the motherboard.
James

According to Frostytech, the HDT-S1283's fins are 35mm above the CPU socket, while the Core Contact Freezer's fins are 36mm above the CPU socket. In my experience installing the HDT-S1283 on my EVGA 680i, when turned one way the HDT-S1283 would not fit due to the NB heatsink, but when turned 90° it fit fine. This was actually ideal for me, as the heatsink fan now blows the hot air out the top vent of the Antec 900, with help from the 200mm case fan. Unfortunately, the CM690 has no top exhaust, so this might be less ideal for this situation.

Edited by stettybet0, 28 July 2008 - 03:05 PM.

while the Core Contact Freezer's fins are 36mm above the CPU socket.

That's odd, Sunbeam's site states 45mm here.
James

Alright, well I haven't decided if I am going to overclock, but If I do I'll be sure to pick up one of those after-market heatsinks.

I'm not sure how much lower I can go on the motherboard. The one I've got is really the only reasonably priced one with the features I want, specifically PCI Express 2.0 (for the GPU), firewire, and "out of the box" support for 45 nm processors.

Alright with those trivialities aside, I guess I need to ask about an OS. I plan on dual booting XP and Ubuntu. So should I do 32-bit or 64-bit? To be honest I don't really know much about the difference, so any help you can offer would be great.