[SmashesPutersWithAHammer]

Hi everyone -- this is my first post, so go easy.

This is the second system I will be building. It's basically a total overhaul of my old system! I want to fit everything inside a MicroATX desktop case because I'd like to get my whole system off the floor. So... will you help me determine if A) everything will fit into my new case; B) all the components are compatible; C) what kind of heatsink I should use with the processor (and if it will fit); and D) anything else I should be aware of?

If I'm wrong, explain to me how I'm wrong -- it'll help me learn how to better build systems! And thanks for all your help! Lets begin:

Here's the case:

Antec New Solution NSK2480 Black/Silver 0.8mm cold-rolled steel MicroATX Desktop Computer Case
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129034

Here's what I want to stuff inside it:

Intel BOXDQ45CB LGA 775 Intel Q45 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813121357

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115018

SONY White 20X DVD+R 12X
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827131050

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820145184

Alternatively, I have 2 x 1GB of the same brand and pinset/DDRset of RAM in my current machine. Can I mix-n'-match my old 2x1GB and a new 1x2GB or new 2x1GB or new 2x2GB in the previously mentioned Intel mainboard?

And here's the components from my old system I want to transfer over!

EVGA 512-P2-N637-AR GeForce 7950GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130066

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS SB0350 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Card
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16829102178

2x Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822144701

Will it all come together? And again, what heatsink should I use with the CPU? And is there anything else I'll need? Assistance is needed!

[Advertisements]

Welcome to G2G

As far as I can tell, it should all fit ok.

Re. the cpu heatsink/fan: Obviously you need one that is for the LGA775 socket and which supports the particular cpu you've selected (i.e Intel Core 2 Quad).
It's worth checking the air flow rating (in CFM) of the fan and if possible, get a ball bearing fan as opposed to a sleeve bearing one.

In regards to your particular system, it may be idea to check the overall height of the heatsink/fan assembly. Judging by the pictures of the case and the fact that the 2 case fans are 12cm ones, the internal height looks to be approximately 13cm. Deduct from that the qpproximate height of the stand-offs and motherboard, leaves you with about 12cm. Obviously the vast majority of cpu coolers are under 12cm in height but bear in mind you don't want the top of the cpu fan too close to the top of the case as it may hamper it's ability to keep the cpu cool by restricting the air flow through the fan. So long as you've got a few centimeters gap between the two, it should be fine.

[Samm]

Welcome to G2G

As far as I can tell, it should all fit ok.

Re. the cpu heatsink/fan: Obviously you need one that is for the LGA775 socket and which supports the particular cpu you've selected (i.e Intel Core 2 Quad).
It's worth checking the air flow rating (in CFM) of the fan and if possible, get a ball bearing fan as opposed to a sleeve bearing one.

In regards to your particular system, it may be idea to check the overall height of the heatsink/fan assembly. Judging by the pictures of the case and the fact that the 2 case fans are 12cm ones, the internal height looks to be approximately 13cm. Deduct from that the qpproximate height of the stand-offs and motherboard, leaves you with about 12cm. Obviously the vast majority of cpu coolers are under 12cm in height but bear in mind you don't want the top of the cpu fan too close to the top of the case as it may hamper it's ability to keep the cpu cool by restricting the air flow through the fan. So long as you've got a few centimeters gap between the two, it should be fine.

[SmashesPutersWithAHammer]

Thanks for the very helpful reply!

Two additional questions, if I may:

1: Is the power block included with the case adequate to meet the needs of this system?

2: Could you recommend a fan/heatsink with the specifications you mentioned above?

[Samm]

Yes, I'd imagine that the PSU that comes with the Antec case should be sufficent for your system.

I've had a look on Newegg and found these:

These 2 look fine:

Rosewill RCX-Z300

Rosewill RCX-Z2



This one has a sleeve bearing fan & is fairly basic but it will fit, is cheap & is made by a decent manufacturer:

Cooler Master


Any of the above 3 should be fine. If money's not too much of an issue, then probably one of the Rosewill ones would be best.

[SmashesPutersWithAHammer]

You're a queen m'lady.