The New "New" Build...

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

I just realized that I didn't update what my rebuild wound up being.

It actually ended up being quite different from anything I planned, but I'm extremely happy with the end result.

CPU: Intel Core2Quad Q6600 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115018) (G0 Stepping Running @ 9x333 = 3.0GHz, stock 1.25 VCore)
Cooled by a Xigmatek s1283 120MM HSF (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003).

This is probably the biggest deviation from what I was looking at, but I did a *lot* of research, and not only will the Q6600 go down as one of Intel's greatest CPU's of all time, it really is the epitome of "Bang for the Buck". It had several things going for it. A call to NewEgg confirmed that I was *guaranteed* a G0 stepping, also it's the cheapest Core2Quad with HW Virtualization. Also, it's so easy to clock to 3 GHz that a blind, one-handed monkey could do it with one finger cut off (just change FSB from 266 to 333 and change the VCore from "Auto" to what your VID actually is for your CPU, so the Mobo doesn't automatically overvolt it for no reason)! You also REALLY don't need an aftermarket cooler, I just wanted one to minimize heat anyway...

I played with it some over 3GHz, and that's the only time I really only felt that I was OC'ing. I actually made it all the way too 3.37 before I needed more voltage even, and got to 3.6 (9x400) with 1.35 on the VCore (and probably could have gone further) but backed back off and settled on a nice round 3.0GHz at 333x9 which basically equals a QX6850.

At 3.0 & stock voltage there is 1C-2C difference under full load than at stock. Honestly, I doubt that Intel is still selling many of the QX6850, and since the Q6600 is STILL the best selling C2Q (according to my contact at NewEgg), they are probably just slapping the Q6600 label on nearly every G0 that comes off of the line, because they know people will buy the heck out of them and just clock them to 3GHz+ anyway...and I'm sure they couldn't have been selling a heck of a lot of QX6850's @ $999 compared to Q6600's at $185 (but I guess there ARE people out there that would drop a Grand on a CPU).

Not only did I get the G0 (which was guaranteed), I also lucked up and got a 1.25 VID, which gives me lots of VCore headroom if I *did* want to go over 3GHz (but I probably never will...why waste energy and generate heat for such little gain?).

MOBO: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359)

The EP45-UD3R and it's Crossfire enabled brother, the UD3P (the boards are identical otherwise) are constantly rated as two of the best DDR2, Socket 775 boards available...period. Love the layout too.

Memory: 2X Kingston DDR2-800 4GB Kits (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134582) (8GB total)

I had priced out some "premium" RAM, and I just couldn't convince myself it was worth an extra $40...I'm not OC'ing my RAM anyway - it's running at it's 800MHz spec. I also had thought at one time about getting the DDR3 version of the same Gigabyte Mobo, but decided to just stick w/ DDR2. All the benchmarks I've read have shown that memory has very little impact on Core2 performance (outside of Synthetic benchmarks such as Everest and Sandra)... Kingston just makes nice, solid dependable RAM that just happened to be on my motherboards verified compatibility list.

Primary Hard Drive: Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136296) 10,000RPM HDD

Probably the only thing I bought that had no logic behind it, other than I've always wanted one. This *is* the new (SATAII) version of the drive, and it's a lot faster than the old Raptors were...quieter too.

Secondary HDD (Virtual Machines): Western Digital WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200RPM HDD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074)

Although I had one of these in the AMD, it was an older drive that had been moved down from machine to machine about 3 times... I decided to re-buy for no other reason than to get the "new" version which was a single 320GB platter w/ higher data density and much better performance.

Third HDD (Data): Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB HDD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136317)

While not the "fastest" drive around by any means, it's very energy conscious, and makes for a nice data drive. Picked it up actually before ordering most of the other stuff since it was a daily "Shell Shocker" for $89 & Free Shipping.

Case: Antec Nine Hundred (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021)

I was worried about this, since I disliked the "Three Hundred" so much, but I couldn't be happier. The 900 really is in a different class. There aren't any "roars" or "rattles", and with the top and rear fans on Med and the 2 fronts on low, I can't hear it, and I still get awesome airflow. Not sure about the LED's, I might end up swapping them out for non-led fans, but they are there for now.

PSU: Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015)

Plenty of power for what I needed, and was a good deal w/ a combo on the case @ $169 for the combo.

Optical: LG 22X DVD+-RW (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152)

Cheap...works...what else do you need from a DVD burner? I wouldn't use Light Scribe...

Thought briefly about a BluRay drive, but decided I probably wouldn't use that either, so I'll just wait for now.

The only other thing I bought was this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812198006) extension cable to make cable management easier w/ the bottom mounted PSU.

For a GPU, I simply used my XFX 9600GT "Alpha Dog Edition" (which has a decent factory OC) for now and saved that money. I'm toying w/ the idea of using that money to buy a Dell Mini 9, or just hang onto it until I actually need/want something else. The 9600GT really plays all my games at more than acceptable levels so, I'm probably not going to worry about a vid card until some game comes out that I want, that I can't play.

Anyway - there you have it - my rebuilt machine, that I'm happy with and not second guessing myself about.

I rushed into that AMD build too quickly, didn't think it through, and I never would have been completely satisfied with it. Not to mention, this machine clocked at 3.0GHz beats what the Phenom was doing clocked at 3.53GHz, AND uses less power doing it, AND generates less heat! :nox

[LA_MERC_th33_r00k]

Dell mini? C'mon.

MSI Wind. Played with one for hours now and have sold 3 more in the last week.
Specs are similar to the dell mini 9. The Wind comes with 160gb mechanical, but that can easily be swapped for a: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161315

For a total cost of: 285.23 + 130.00 = 415.23. Not bad I think.

Main Specifications
Product Description MSI Wind U100-641US - Atom N270 1.6 GHz - 10" TFT
Dimensions (WxDxH) 10.2 in x 7.1 in x 1.3 in
Weight 2.3 lbs
System Type Netbook
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna
Processor Intel Atom N270 / 1.6 GHz
Cache Memory 512 KB - L2 cache
RAM 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM - 667 MHz
Card Reader 4 in 1
Hard Drive 160 GB - Serial ATA-150
Display 10" TFT 1024 x 600 ( WSVGA )
Graphics Controller Intel GMA 950
Memory Allocation Technology Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0
Audio Output Sound card
Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Notebook Camera Integrated - 1.3 Megapixel
Input Device Keyboard, touchpad
Power AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Battery Lithium ion
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Manufacturer Warranty 1 year warranty
General
System Type Netbook
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna
Width 10.2 in
Depth 7.1 in
Height 1.3 in
Weight 2.3 lbs
Color Black
Processor
Processor Intel Atom N270 / 1.6 GHz
Data Bus Speed 533 MHz
Chipset Type Mobile Intel 945GSE Express
Cache Memory
Type L2 cache
Installed Size 512 KB
RAM
Installed Size 1 GB
Technology DDR2 SDRAM - 667 MHz
Storage Controller
Type Serial ATA
Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-150
Storage
Hard Drive 160 GB - Serial ATA-150
Card Reader
Type 4 in 1 card reader
Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard
Display
Display Type 10" TFT
Max Resolution 1024 x 600 ( WSVGA )
Widescreen Display Yes
Features LED-backlit
Video
Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA 950 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0
Audio
Audio Output Sound card
Compliant Standards Sound Blaster
Notebook Camera
Camera Type Integrated
Sensor Resolution 1.3 Megapixel
Input Device(s)
Type Keyboard, touchpad
Networking
Networking Network adapter
Wireless LAN Supported Yes
Data Link Protocol Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Expansion / Connectivity
Interfaces 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A
1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5 mm
1 x headphones - output
1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45
Power
Power Device External
Voltage Required AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Battery
Technology 3-cell lithium ion
Installed Qty 1
Operating System / Software
OS Provided Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support 1 year warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year

[LA_MERC_th33_r00k]

Dell Mini Specs (middle of the road):

Inspiron Mini 9
Intel® Atom Processor® N270 (1.6GHz/533Mhz FSB/512K cache), Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
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$463.00
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Catalog Number: 29 DNDWXA3
Module Description Description Product Code & SKU Product Code & SKU
Inspiron Mini 9 Intel® Atom Processor® N270 (1.6GHz/533Mhz FSB/512K cache) AQN27HW [224-0770]
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition WHXP [310-8624][420-7622][420-8223][420-9191][420-9249][421-0323]
System Color Option Obsidian Black BLK [311-9256]
Memory 1GB DDR2 at 533MHz 1G1D [311-9255]
LCD Panel Glossy 8.9 inch LED display (1024X600) WSVG [320-7125]
Video Card Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950 INTGC [320-7124]
Hard Drive 16GB Solid State Drive 16GBSSD [341-7610]
Adobe Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 9.0 ADOBER [410-1883]
Mobile Broadband No Mobile Broadband NOBB [430-3223]
Wireless Networking Cards Wireless 802.11g Mini Card WLEMBC [430-3219]
Camera Module Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam DCAM2 [313-6897]
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) Microsoft Works 9 DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD IWRK9 [420-8051]
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) Norton Internet Security 2009 MUI, 30 Day N0930D [410-2088]
Battery Options 32WHr Battery (4 cell) 4BAT [312-0775]
Service 2Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis S2OS [412-0360][900-8221][950-3338][960-2780][986-4351][992-9780][993-7327][993-7328]
Installation No Installation NOINSTL [900-9987]
Dial-Up Internet Access No ISP requested NISP [412-0148]
Bluetooth Option Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 capability TM370I [430-3221]
Trigger Logic Module (hidden online) Base LCD Assembly in Black

[LA_MERC_th33_r00k]

Here is prolly the best bang for the buck Netbook I could get: My cost $375.08
Product Description ASUS Eee PC 1000HE - Atom N280 1.66 GHz - 10" TFT
Dimensions (WxDxH) 10.5 in x 7.5 in x 1.5 in
Weight 3.2 lbs
System Type Netbook
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna, Bluetooth antenna
Processor Intel Atom N280 / 1.66 GHz
Cache Memory L2 cache
RAM 1 GB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM
Card Reader 4 in 1
Hard Drive 160 GB
Display 10" TFT 1024 x 600 ( WSVGA )
Audio Output Sound card
Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Notebook Camera Integrated - 1.3 Megapixel
Input Device Keyboard, touchpad
Run Time (Up To) 9.5 hour(s)
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Manufacturer Warranty 1 year warranty
General
System Type Netbook
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna, Bluetooth antenna
Width 10.5 in
Depth 7.5 in
Height 1.5 in
Weight 3.2 lbs
Color Black
Processor
Processor Intel Atom N280 / 1.66 GHz
Data Bus Speed 667 MHz
Cache Memory
Type L2 cache
RAM
Installed Size 1 GB / 2 GB (max)
Technology DDR2 SDRAM
Form Factor SO DIMM 200-pin
Storage
Hard Drive 160 GB
Card Reader
Type 4 in 1 card reader
Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Memory Card
Display
Display Type 10" TFT
Max Resolution 1024 x 600 ( WSVGA )
Widescreen Display Yes
Features Zero Bright Dot, LED-backlit
Audio
Audio Output Sound card
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Sound Room
Audio Input Stereo microphone
Notebook Camera
Camera Type Integrated
Sensor Resolution 1.3 Megapixel
Input Device(s)
Type Keyboard, touchpad
Networking
Networking Network adapter
Wireless LAN Supported Yes
Data Link Protocol Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Slots Total (Free) Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin
Interfaces 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A
1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
1 x headphones - output - mini-phone 3.5 mm
1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5 mm
1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories Carrying case
Power
Power Device External
Battery
Technology 6-cell
Installed Qty 1
Capacity 8700 mAh
Run Time (Up To) 9.5 hour(s)
Operating System / Software
OS Provided Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Software Drivers & Utilities, Microsoft Works, recovery CD, Microsoft Live, InterVideo DVD XPack, Microsoft Office Ready (60-day trial)
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support 1 year warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

I can get a Dell Mini9 for $199+Free Shipping w/a 8GB SSD and 1GB of RAM.

I also want Ubuntu on mine - NOT XP. Ubuntu suits a Netbook a lot better than XP. I've had my hands on 2 mini9's - one Ubuntu, one XP, and the XP one is dog slow compared to the Ubuntu one. Also, when dealing w/ the smaller SSD's, the Ubuntu install that Dell is doing has a much smaller footprint, and only uses up about 25% of the 8GB SSD.

[LA_MERC_th33_r00k]

How about the new "lite" vista out there. I have heard good things.

Also PC linux 09 is out. I also read good things about it.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Dunno about the "lite" Vista - sounds like something someone hacked up w/ N-Lite and is distributing through Torrents (like the "Lite XP")...and probably violates MS's EULA pretty heavily as well - especially since any Windows OS isn't free to modify and re-distribute. Just not into Piracy or Pirating software any longer - grew out of that - if I can't afford to pay for it, I find a Free/OSS equivalent.

I have tried and hated PCLinuxOS - sorriest distro I've ever tried to use - not to mention it's just a "one man effort" from "Textar", and really isn't anything but a hacked up Mandriva (which I also don't like).

I like Debian and Debian-based distro's if I'm gonna run Linux - I have Xubuntu on an older laptop here, and Ubuntu on an older desktop. I also have a Thinkpad X41 Tablet through work that's running Ubuntu, and my home server is a Sun box running the SPARC build of Debian 5.0 so I don't see any reason to use a "Hey I can make a distro too!" kinda distro like PCLOS.

Ubuntu has a great "Netbook Remix" that is even better than what Dell is pre-loading - Foresight also has a nice Netbook spin as well, but Ken Van Dine (founder of Foresight) got laid off from rPath when they downsized and is now a Canonical Employee working on Ubuntu, so I'm sure he'll bring great things there now.

I've probably loaded every distro in the top 100 on distrowatch, at least in a virtual machine - I'm aware of what's out there - but I'm not going to get into a Linux discussion/argument here. I do, however like that Dell is supporting Ubuntu, Canonical and the Linux community as a whole by offering Netbooks, Notebooks and Desktops preloaded with Ubuntu. They also offer Red Hat Enterprise as an option on their Precision Workstations and Power Edge Servers.

It's probably all a moot point anyway, my Thinkpad X41 serves me pretty well, and is small enough really, so I prolly won't be getting a netbook anyway, but I do keep thinking of how convenient it would be to have one around...kinda like a oversized PDA really...

[LA_MERC_th33_r00k]

Definitely an over sized PDA. Can you link me the Ubuntu "Remix". It sounds interesting. I pretty much have ruled out Linux to my customers unless they understand what they are getting. 99% do not. I would like to see OS-X come out for market. I think it would be nice to have for netbook options also. I just end up wiping and reloading Windows for all my customers who want to try Linux.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Sure - here's the info on the Netbook Remix:

http://www.canonical.com/projects/ubuntu/unr

And here is a review:

http://arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2008/06/hands-on-with-the-ubuntu-netbook-remix.ars

They really made some major modifications to the GNOME interface - and made it much better for the smaller res screens these guys have on them.

Dell ships a "modified" Ubuntu 8.04 on the Mini 9, and you can switch between their "Dell Desktop" and the standard desktop, but everyone I know has reloaded theirs w/ the re-mix.

[LA_MERC_Shadow]

How did you get a go stepping? I just started reading what it is and will probly order the same core since my computer keeps crashing and I can't do anything else with it at this point.
But you're saying that it's guaranteed with that cpu?

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Shadow, honestly from what I understand, unless you order from somewhere with *really* old stock sitting around, you'll get a G0...the B3's haven't been manuf. since like mid-2007.

If you buy a retail box, it'll have the code SLACR on it, and SLACR would also be on the heatspreader if it's an OEM...obviously it'll show up as G0 under stepping in CPU-z.

The older B3's can hit 3.0 as well, just not as easily, and probably not on stock voltage. I *think* I could run 24/7 stable at 3.33-3.4 on mine at 1.35, but I'd rather stay with stock v-core since I know I wouldn't be "stressing" anything (if you know what I mean).

Also, even within the G0 stepping, the chips can have different VID values - some as low as 1.20 and some as high as 1.35 - what the VID means is the stock v-core for THAT particular chip, so my VID is 1.25, and that is what I have the v-core set at for 333x9 (3.0GHz) operation. I litterally, for all intents and purposes have a QX6850 minus the unlocked multi.

I'm not saying that 3.0 is *guaranteed* 100% with that a G0 (overclocking is never guaranteed, and every chip is gonna be different), but I haven't heard of anyone not being able to hit it, and I've heard lots of reports of people doing it just fine w/ the stock cooler even - and I believe it - even though I'm running the Xigmatek, there is only 1-2C diff between my chip at the stock 2.4 and at 3.0 - Honestly, I'm being very conservative, and I'd say most folks are probably running them at 3.2-3.4 on air.

You should be fine ordering a Q6600, and provided you get a SLACR/G0, just set it up at 333x9 instead of 266x9 and you'll be at 3. NewEgg told me on the phone that all they have anymore is G0's (unless they lied too me).

Just make note of your VID, and hard set that in your bios for your vcore - Auto *will* overvolt unnecessarily when you increase the FSB and just generate unneeded heat.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Shadow - I also wanted to add...

My Gigabyte board has an option in the BIOS called "Load Line Calibration" which minimizes V-Droop - I have this enabled.

If your BIOS doesn't have something similar to this, you *might* have to use a slightly higher VCore setting than your VID specifies since your VCore will "droop" when the system is under load.

[LA_MERC_DocSparky]

... your VCore will "droop" when the system is under load.

[GRADE-SCHOOL MODE: On]
This definitely seems like a personal problem to me :stick. TMI man, TMI.
[GRADE-SCHOOL MODE: Off]

Sorry, this thread just need a little levity.

[LA_MERC_Shadow]

Thanks Max.
I actually ordered http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188044 and the q6600 and a new fan. I already have a decent fan since the big problem with my x6800 is it over heating, but I might make a media computer for the living room with all my extra parts. I will try OCing this chip just to do it for once.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Cool deal! What HSF did you order?

That looks like an awesome board, but I will say that the Nvidia chipsets are a little "different" when it comes to overclocking, but I'm sure if you do some searching, you'll find out if there is any differences you should be aware of - however - if you are just going to 3.0, I doubt that will be an issue. Usually what I read about the Nvidia's is that they will only go to like 3.2 instead of 3.4 or something like that - I think the consensus is almost any Q6600 will hit 3.0. I just didn't see a need to go further (for now...hehehe).

You said your x6800 was overheating - what case do you have? I'd hate for you to run into the same problem w/ the Q6600...

I know what you mean about OC'ing to just do it for once - EVERY other time I've tried to OC, I've chickened out after a few hours/days because something just didn't feel right. With my old Core2Duo, everyone said it should hit 3.0GHz, but on mine it would always fail Prime95 after 15 mins, and I would have to jack the vcore up to 1.4 to get it stable, and that just felt like way too much. Also, it would do weird stuff when OC'ed like drop to the desktop out of games, and/or randomly lock up, BSOD - whatever, and temps never seemed to be the issue...I ended up just giving up!

The AMD I built (and sold) right before building this rig would OC, but only a little, and the odd thing was, it would "bench" better after the OC, but it didn't seem to run as good - it felt "jerky" or something - I can't explain it - it just didn't feel right.

With this guy, I booted up at default, installed Windows, wen't back in the BIOS, played around a bit w/ seeing how far I could go and settled in on 3.0 - however I haven't had it totally "Crash" yet - no BSOD, no random reboot, no "odd' feeling - it just worked no matter what speed I've set it at.

At the final 3.0, I've run Prime95 (64-bit - 4 threads) w/ Small FFT's for 12-hrs, immediately kicked off Large FFT's for another 12-hrs, THEN I like it run "Blend" for another 8. My temps never went above 56C on any core (and it's warm in my room). I also found this little program called IntelStressTest (http://downloads.guru3d.com/IntelBurnTest-v1.6-download-2047.html) and trust me brother, if there is something that will break your OC, this WILL break it - don't just set it and walk away - WATCH THOSE TEMPS! This thing actually get's me to 61C (which is still safe as crap), but if you ARE having a cooling problem, you'll find out in almost an instant. It's based on the "Linpack" program which Intel uses internally, and I had mine run this at maximum stress for 20 runs, and it passed all of them, so I feel 100% confident in my OC.

I *did* invest a lot of time into it, but I really felt rewarded once it was done :-)

Anyway - good luck w/ your build - I'm sure you'll be happy - I don't think you'll find a bad comment about a Q6600 ANYWHERE on the web - no matter where you look - even people w/ bad ones (B3's and/or high VIDs) love 'em (and almost all of them will hit 3.0 no matter what).

I don't know if you know who Jeff Atwood and Scott Hanselman are, but they both have development blogs, and Scott is the 100% developer guy, but occasionally Jeff blogs about hardware stuff, and what inspired me to build this rig was when Jeff built and OC'ed a rig for Scott (which is unusual for a Dev box instead of a gaming box) - anyway, here is the link to the posts...I'm giving you this since Jeff used an (older) Nvidia board. Also, this was a while ago, and Jeff was working with a B3 instead of a G0 (plus he was dealing with a 1.325 VID), and ended up using (a lot) more VCore than I'm sure you'll have too! Just use Core Temp to find out your specific chips VID and set your BIOS to that instead of "Auto" and if ANYTHING you might have to go up a "tad" but that should be it.
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000908.html

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Also (sorry) be sure to get the latest Prime95 - I think it's like v. 25.8 - it'll automatically spawn off 4 threads for you...

Also, I used CoreTemp initually to check my VID and stuff, but I like HWmonitor better (by the CPU-z guys: http://cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php) it gives a lot more info on voltages, fan speeds, etc.)

While running Prime, I prolly wouldn't try gaming or anything, but you can keep using your PC for web surfing and stuff (in fact that's reccomended) while it's running prime in the background...even w/ all 4 cores at 100% the machine is STILL snappy :-) just be sure to go in to the "advanced" menu in Prime95 and enable "Round Off Checking" so you can see if a core fails.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

[GRADE-SCHOOL MODE: On]
This definitely seems like a personal problem to me :stick. TMI man, TMI.
[GRADE-SCHOOL MODE: Off]

Sorry, this thread just need a little levity.

Yeah, I hate it when my VCore droops in public - it's embarrassing:-)

[LA_MERC_Shadow]

I don't think it's my case that's causing any of this. I have 4 fans and it still does it with the side off. But this is my case http://www.case-mod.com/thermaltake-va8000bws-armor-va8000-series-atxbtx-full-tower-case-transparent-side-panel-black-p-1242.html?src=fr
And this is my fan http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106048
I've just had lockups since i've had this built. And with xp 32 and 64 it still happens. So I've just put up with it and left it alone. I honestly don't know if it's the mobo I have now that is the source of all this or the chip, but I'll probably end up tinkering with the x6800 on another mobo when I get some extra cash.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Is that the fan you're planning to put on the Q6600?

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

I'm running the Xigmatek S1283 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003) along w/ the Crossbow (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233027) mounting bracket (for a tighter more secure fit).

[LA_MERC_DocSparky]

Awesome board you ordered Shadow. Did you ever change the memory you were using with your current system? I've seen a lot of situations where it was an interaction between the MB and memory.

With Windows 7, you can build a pretty sweet HTPC. I'm waiting for the final build so that I can setup a QAM recording box. Right now, I've got dual analog and an OTA HD tuner. Love it.

[LA_MERC_Shadow]

Actually i ordered the same fan as you but not the mounting bracket. Didn't think about it when i ordered. Will it make that much of a difference? I changed it twice and went thru a lot with the corsair guys to get it running. But with all the memory I had it still locked up. I ran multiple tests and none of the sticks were bad. So I still have 2 brand new sticks of corsair memory that I can't use since my mobo has a problem running more than 2. Actually, because of this I started reading the forums again at asus tonight and found that the new bios might "MIGHT" let me get another stick of ram in. And if I have time tomorrow I might try this. That way I will save on buying another board for the media pc.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Awesome board you ordered Shadow. Did you ever change the memory you were using with your current system? I've seen a lot of situations where it was an interaction between the MB and memory.
AMEN to that - I think the Memory was 99.9% of the problems I had with my Core2Duo that this rig replaced. It's running different memory now than when it was my primary machine, and is 100% solid as the "downstairs catch-all pc".

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Shadow - regarding the mounting bracket - now sure how much of a diff it will make - I've just never "trusted" the push-pins - I'm sure they are fine though - I think the biggest issues come from mounting and re-mounting.

Also, I want to give you a heads up - most of the time on these quads, Cores 0 and 1 will show as running ~ 5C hotter than 2 and 3 - that's due to Intel's TJunction temp being different on the different dies (the core2quad is just 2 core2duos on one chip), so don't freak out and remount the HSF needlessly if you see that...

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Bumped my OC up just a little more - sitting at 3.24GHz now - ran Prime95 (just large FFT's) since yesterday afternoon - 100% solid, no errors, temps peaked at 58C...w00t.

This chip is like a rocket! I'm SO tempted to go further, but I'll let it ride here for a while...I'd be sick if I fried something :-P

[LA_MERC_Shadow]

Thanks for the heads up. I would probably think I messed something up looking at that much of a temp diff. Depending on how it sits, I'll decide if I need the mounting bracket. Just waiting for it to arrive....

It's nice to see that chip running so smoothly at that high tho!!!

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

I ended up backing her back down to 3.0GHz (9x333).

There wasn't any thermal or stability issues (still passed Prime and the IntelBurnIn test fine)...but...

In going up to 3.24, it put me at an "odd" FSB setting, which caused me to have to make a decision to either overclock or underclock my RAM. Not wanting to stress the RAM (which doesn't have heat spreaders) and inject a possibility of system stability, I underclocked the RAM to 720, and I think that actually counter-acted the extra MHz on the CPU - plus, oddly enough, even on the desktop the system just didn't seem as "snappy".

Running at a (standard) 333 FSB gives me a memory divider for allowing DDR2-800 speeds, and the thing just seems to run better - go figure :-)

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Man – I’m a little bummed out. This was the *only* time I’ve ever overclocked anything and didn’t have something go wrong – I mean, I never even pushed it far enough to error out in Prime95 – I was strictly playing Mr. Conservative.

Today when leaving for work, I shut down my PC – normally, I “sleep”, but with the wind today and the call for a chance of T-storm, knowing how my power likes to go out for no reason, I decided to shut down.

I get home just now – power it on. She spins up, spins down, spins up again, spins down again, and then spins back up. At post, she’s reporting 1200MHz (6x200MHz). I think “what the heck?” and quickly catch delete in time to get into the BIOS. Once I got into the BIOS, I was presented with an error – something to the effect of “Some of the values on this page may not reflect actual settings due to the system failing to boot due to bad hardware settings” (not word for word, but close enough for translation).

Kinda freaked me out – I simply hit F7, loaded Fail-Safe defaults for that page, and called it good for now. I did check other pages where I knew I had changed settings, and nothing seems to have changed anywhere else. I’m not sure what happened, but gosh, I was barely pushing the thing.

Anyway – it is fast enough @ stock anyway – I have to run a benchmark to tell a difference. I might try again if I can built of the confidence, but I just spend a lot of money on this rig – Too much to risk it!