firefly2442

Does a motherboard firmware (BIOS) update include updates for the chipset or is this something I need to update separately?

I have the Antec 900 and I really like it. I also just built a very similar system, Asus mobo, Q6600, EVGA 8800 GTX, etc. I haven't tried overclocking because well frankly, it's not necessary yet. Lemme know if you have questions.

ROFL.

Nice. What temp monitoring software are you using? Also, if you don't mind, could you post what temps you get in your BIOS? Asus PC Probe 2 In the BIOS (under no load obviously) I get 34C for the CPU and 36C for the MB.

Just in time for Christmas. edit: Delayed? doh!

Nice video thanks.

Running all 4 cores, topped out at 39C. MB is at 34C. My room is actually kinda cold at the moment since I have the windows open but I'd say that's pretty darn impressive.

Screenshots and preview in PC Gamer (US).

Is that a custom cooler for the video card?

Yesterday someone told me he left his iPod in his pocket and it went through the wash... obviously didn't work after that. Make sure you keep a backup of all your files. Glad you didn't lose anything.

Ugh, this d/l is taking forever. Hehe, just ran Company of Heroes performance test with full settings on everything, avg FPS: 50 something.

Yeah, I downloaded a bunch of multiplayer replays to watch and all of them had the same strategy. Except for one game where one player loaded up a transport with units very early in the game and took out the commander from the air, that was kinda cool. Sorta cheap, but cool.

Asus PC Probe 2 SupComm is pretty fun. I like it because it's a lot different than the traditional RTS games out there. The graphics are kinda cartoony but I love building up a giant base with tons of defenses. It appeals to the turtle strategy in me.

Ohhhhh myyyyyyyy Supreme Commander on full settings...... edit: DOH! SC just froze on me! Ok, this is weird. I'm playing SC, then I alt tab out, and check my temps. CPU: 32 C MB: 37 C Is it possible it thinks the MB is actually the CPU and vice-versa? I've had that happen before where it gets confused and switches the two.

@ Roco - yeah, when I noticed the graphics card was so big I couldn't put in the extra fan in the Antec I was amazed. @ Ledanek - Nice guide thanks!

Yeah, the wiring is absolutely awful. Next time I go home for break I'll bring the machine with me and get some help rewiring it. It's difficult with all the wires and the video card being so big. Plus, the SATA pins on the motherboard are horizontal which is kinda weird. I'm sure they did it to save space but it's a big annoyance when you're trying to plug stuff in. I've got some nice plastic zip ties at home that I can use.

Pictures! http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/firef...42/antec018.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/firef...42/antec017.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/firef...42/antec016.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/firef...42/antec015.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/firef...42/antec014.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/firef...42/antec013.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/firef...42/antec010.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/firef...42/antec009.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/firef...42/antec001.jpg

OMG... Windows XP can't recognize that my drive is larger than 131 GB, I guess this is a size restriction because it doesn't have any service packs on it. Guess I'll have to slipstream a CD w/SP2 on it. Good thing I have another computer sitting here. I feel kinda blasphemous doing it on Linux though. edit: Oh great, I can't. "In DOS: Type the name of the service pack followed by '-x' and press enter."

Well, it seems to be running. CPU is at 33 C and MB is at 33 C. Makes sense since it's hot in my room. Just updated the BIOS. I still need to rearrange the cables and pickup another fan here probably tomorrow. I'll post some pictures once everything is ship-shape.

Almost ready to press the button. Phew, this is hard work. My hands hurt from all the thumb screws. The Zalman CPU cooler is HUGE, this is the biggest and strangest designed cooler I've ever seen. It was almost impossible to install, I hope I did it right.... pictures don't even do it justice.

OK, so I have a question already. The Zalman 9700 NT cooler, I checked out their website and there's a nice video showing how to install it. I understand everything except the retention guide. What's the difference between a horizontally oriented retention guide versus a vertically oriented retention guide?

Well, I just got all the parts in, that was a big box.... phew! I got the Q6600 with the GO stepping, woot!

Well, if you're used to Windows, I guess you should just use that. IMO there are security issues with having a Windows server but I guess they're no more severe than running XP or a regular desktop. However, there are easy ways to transfer files and have remote access if you are away using Linux. You can setup an FTP server very easily that allows you to upload and download files. Once you have the computer setup, why not just both Windows and Linux for a little bit and see what you think?

The mobo is pretty old, an Intel, can't remember the exact specs off the top of my head. I tried using the USB ports on my mobo as well as an addon card I have, same issue so it's probably hardware related... Guess it's time to get a new mouse.

Yep, tried different ports. Same problem. Should I try reinstalling the driver?