PQI RAM - good? Asus p5B v P5B Deluxe

**alex** · #16 26th May 2007, 08:38 AM

Before i comment could you post the price differences between the cards?

I base everything on bang for buck.

**cyberspacegenie** · #17 26th May 2007, 04:55 PM

Here is a very rough conversion into GBP (no pound sign on keyboard!) from Yen. I've now found and added a gigabyte with Zalman fan.

ASUS EN8600GT silent (fanless) ---------------------------- 105GBP
Asus EN8600GT (with fan) -------------------------------------- 90GBP
Asus EN7900GS ---------------------------------------------------- 95GBP
Sapphire Radeon X1950 PRO --------------------------------- 115GDP
Galaxy GF P79GS-SP/256D3 (with coolermaster fan)--95GBP
Gigabyte NX79T256DP (7900GT with Zalman fan) ------ 130GBP

As I understand it the Sapphire is the best in terms of performance, but I'm not sure about noise levels with this. I am little worried that everything else will be quiet and this will be quiet noisy in summer temps under a load.

I'm not sure how the 7900GT compares with the x1950 pro, but with zalman fan I think its likely to be quiet. I've read the x1950 with zalman fans are quiet but I havent seen one here in Tokyo.

The 8600GTs are quiet and DX10 compatible but I`ve read that the performance of the cards is not so good. Originally I was looking at the 8500 but opinions on this were worse. (8500GT is about 65GBP).

As you can see they are pretty much in the same ball park so any advice on this is really helpful. I'm not planning to replace the card in the near future after buying it. As I said I my uses of the computer will be for design work (quark, photoshop, web work maybe some video at a later stage), music, movies and games occasionally. Basically a very good all rounder, so I think it makes sense to get the best I can get for now within my price range.　

**alex** · #18 26th May 2007, 11:17 PM

ASUS EN8600GT silent (fanless) ---------------------------- 105GBP
Asus EN8600GT (with fan) -------------------------------------- 90GBP
Asus EN7900GS ---------------------------------------------------- 95GBP
Sapphire Radeon X1950 PRO --------------------------------- 115GDP
Galaxy GF P79GS-SP/256D3 (with coolermaster fan)--95GBP
Gigabyte NX79T256DP (7900GT with Zalman fan) ------ 130GBP

As I understand it the Sapphire is the best in terms of performance, but I'm not sure about noise levels with this. I am little worried that everything else will be quiet and this will be quiet noisy in summer temps under a load. - Nope, the 7900GT beat's the Radeon in overall power, but a lot of this is going to be game-dependent. The 1950 has more pixel pipes, but less vertex shaders. So a game that has a lot of outside scenes and/or textures will run better on the Nvidia, as an example.

I'm not sure how the 7900GT compares with the x1950 pro, but with zalman fan I think its likely to be quiet. I've read the x1950 with zalman fans are quiet but I havent seen one here in Tokyo. - The X1950 pro was introduced as direct competition to the 7900GS. I've a Zalman VF900 myself, (see pic), very very quiet even with the fan turned to peak rpm. I can't recommend one of them enough (or the VF700) if you're after strong cooling performance partnered with low noise volumes.

Check Zalman's website if you go this route but as far as I'm aware the only main-stream series' of cards that arn't supported by either of these coolers are the 7800GS.

The 8600GTs are quiet and DX10 compatible but I`ve read that the performance of the cards is not so good. Originally I was looking at the 8500 but opinions on this were worse. (8500GT is about 65GBP). - It's a shame in a way,but you've got to measure DX10 gaming compatability against gaming performance. Are you likely to play DX10 games when they come out? (Crysis is the first). Do you really need good gaming performance built in to the pc? how avid a gamer are you?

As you can see they are pretty much in the same ball park so any advice on this is really helpful. I'm not planning to replace the card in the near future after buying it. As I said I my uses of the computer will be for design work (quark, photoshop, web work maybe some video at a later stage), music, movies and games occasionally. Basically a very good all rounder, so I think it makes sense to get the best I can get for now within my price range. - If you're not bothered about DX10 gaming I'd have to say the 7900GT with the Zalman. I have a 7900GT with the VF900 as i say, it's a very quiet setup, can't emphasise that enough.

**cyberspacegenie** · #19 27th May 2007, 09:07 AM

HI Alex, as always your feedback was exceptionally helpful. The fan on the 7900GT isnt the VF900, I dont think this one is as good. It will be a few weeks before I go out and get all the parts so depending upon availability (there is only a limited stock) most likely I will still go for the 7900GT.

If its not available then I may consider getting the Asus EN7900GS and changing the fan to a VF900 (about 20GBP) - are they easy to fit?

I think that I've more or less decided all the parts now. I'll go for the Arctic 7 Pro in terms of HSF. I'll make a final decision about the p5B-E Plus and P5B Deluxe nearer the time as there are sometimes special price offers (for example there is now a special on the p5B deluxe wi-fi - same price as deluxe) so I'll decide on the best value at that point. Everything else is as per my earlier post above.

The Hard Drive and DVD-burner that I am going to get are both SATA. I've read somewhere that I may need to get a floppy disk drive to set up the Hard drive. Do you know if this is right? Most likely I will stick with XP pro for now until Vista becomes a little more stable.

Generally speaking is there anything that I should be aware of or think about in terms of building it. I've read for example about Using Arctic silver to improve cooling (got to read up about how to use it). Any hints or tips would be greatly appreciated - as it will help to reduce the chances of me messing up!!

**alex** · #20 27th May 2007, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by cyberspacegenie

HI Alex, as always your feedback was exceptionally helpful. The fan on the 7900GT isnt the VF900, I dont think this one is as good. It will be a few weeks before I go out and get all the parts so depending upon availability (there is only a limited stock) most likely I will still go for the 7900GT.

If its not available then I may consider getting the Asus EN7900GS and changing the fan to a VF900 (about 20GBP) - are they easy to fit?

I think that I've more or less decided all the parts now. I'll go for the Arctic 7 Pro in terms of HSF. I'll make a final decision about the p5B-E Plus and P5B Deluxe nearer the time as there are sometimes special price offers (for example there is now a special on the p5B deluxe wi-fi - same price as deluxe) so I'll decide on the best value at that point. Everything else is as per my earlier post above.

The Hard Drive and DVD-burner that I am going to get are both SATA. I've read somewhere that I may need to get a floppy disk drive to set up the Hard drive. Do you know if this is right? Most likely I will stick with XP pro for now until Vista becomes a little more stable.

Generally speaking is there anything that I should be aware of or think about in terms of building it. I've read for example about Using Arctic silver to improve cooling (got to read up about how to use it). Any hints or tips would be greatly appreciated - as it will help to reduce the chances of me messing up!!

The vf900 is very easy to fit, you don't even need a screwdriver. If the ram chips on the card have heatsinks though check the spacing before attaching the cooler as you may need to use the (included) low profile ones that come with the cooler. If you do go this route though ENSURE you fit the plastic washers that also come with the cooler or you risk blowing your card.

You'll also need to clean off the original T.I.M off the chip before applying though.

If you're still going for the original drive, no, you don't need a floppy to set it up. This could refer to some drive's where they default to SATA , as opposed to SATA 2, when installed. This isn't the case on the one you've spec'd.

Yup, Arctic silver 5 is the T.I.M to purchase, proven to provide 8 times the conductivity over the usual generic gunk. Don't over apply though, just enough of a dollop to cover the chip when the cooler is attached.

Regarding points to watch out for, have a look at my thread in the Articles forum entitled 'building your beast'. If this helps/doesn't help, and you've some questions by all means post back.

**cyberspacegenie** · #21 29th May 2007, 04:08 PM

Thanks again Alex, your posts and article were very useful (look forward to the one on BIOS).

Its going to be 3 or 4 weeks before I pick up all the parts and put it all together. Hopefully I will all go well. I'll put a quick note on here when its done.

Just one final question - you may or may not be able to help - I downloaded the manual for the asus MoBo. In it has a Qualified Vendor List (QVL) for RAM. PQI isnt on the list. Only Corsair and Micron. It says check the asus website for an updated version but despite searching I haven't been able to find the list on their website! Have you come across this list?

If PQI isnt on the list does that mean that potentially I may have compatibility issues? I could go for Corsair but its double the price of PQI. Is it better to get something on the list?

**alex** · #22 30th May 2007, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by cyberspacegenie

Thanks again Alex, your posts and article were very useful (look forward to the one on BIOS).

Its going to be 3 or 4 weeks before I pick up all the parts and put it all together. Hopefully I will all go well. I'll put a quick note on here when its done.

Just one final question - you may or may not be able to help - I downloaded the manual for the asus MoBo. In it has a Qualified Vendor List (QVL) for RAM. PQI isnt on the list. Only Corsair and Micron. It says check the asus website for an updated version but despite searching I haven't been able to find the list on their website! Have you come across this list?

If PQI isnt on the list does that mean that potentially I may have compatibility issues? I could go for Corsair but its double the price of PQI. Is it better to get something on the list?

No problem pal, anytime. If I ever get the Bios article finished then you're welcome to have a read!

Regarding the QVL, don't worry. This is simply a list of ram that Asus has certified works on their boards at a specific speed (stock, non-oc'd) on a specific fsb
(in your case 1066mhz) at the default voltages (1.8v for DDR2).

As the manufacturer of a particular type of ram has pretty much tested their ram the same, to ensure it runs at the stock latencies/speed/voltage, then you'll be fine with the one you've stipulated.

Just incase you're a tad concerned despite what i've put above, i've put an email through to Asus support, I'll post when i get an answer.

Yeah, do post back and let me know how you get on as I'd be interested. :)

**cyberspacegenie** · #23 30th May 2007, 05:40 PM

Thanks for taking to trouble to do that - its very kind of you and its very much appreciated.

I just find out that prices of CPUs are supposed to drop around July 22nd in anticipation of new ones being launched. I've decided to put off the final build until after this date. It may mean that I can get a better CPU for my money and the price of GPUs should hopefully be lower by then too. As its only 8 weeks it seems like a wise thing to do.

Just a very quick PSU question. If I decide to experiment with overclocking (and I think I probably will, although not crazily) then is it better to get a higher rated PSU? E.g. get the Antec solo and a separate PSU rated at 500w? Or alternatively look at something like the new Antec Sonata III which comes with an EarthWatts 500W PSU. Or will the NeoHE that comes with P150 suffice?

Can you recommend a good (and quiet) PSU? I'll check on Silent PC Review too to see what what people are recommending on there.

**alex** · #24 31st May 2007, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by cyberspacegenie

Thanks for taking to trouble to do that - its very kind of you and its very much appreciated.

I just find out that prices of CPUs are supposed to drop around July 22nd in anticipation of new ones being launched. I've decided to put off the final build until after this date. It may mean that I can get a better CPU for my money and the price of GPUs should hopefully be lower by then too. As its only 8 weeks it seems like a wise thing to do.

Just a very quick PSU question. If I decide to experiment with overclocking (and I think I probably will, although not crazily) then is it better to get a higher rated PSU? E.g. get the Antec solo and a separate PSU rated at 500w? Or alternatively look at something like the new Antec Sonata III which comes with an EarthWatts 500W PSU. Or will the NeoHE that comes with P150 suffice?

Can you recommend a good (and quiet) PSU? I'll check on Silent PC Review too to see what what people are recommending on there.

Firstly, if that's the case regarding cpu's then yeah, wait. You've lost nothing except a bit of time if it turns out not to be the true. But you'll be gutted if you purchase now and there's a big drop in prices such a short period of time later.

Considering the spec you've quoted I can't see a problem with the psu with the case, even with some oc'ing.

Best bet is to try it, if you get problems then purchase another. Otherwise you'll have an already decent psu sat around doing nothing.

I can't say it any more fairer than that. :)

**cyberspacegenie** · #25 29th Jul 2007, 06:13 AM

Hi Alex,

I thought I would post some pics of my build since your help was invaluable. Its a little different to the original specs I was looking at .

The spec is as follows:

Case: Antec P150

CPU: Q6600 (didnt plan to get a quad but the price drop on 22nd July made it suddenly very affordable so I went for it.)

MoBo: Asus P5K-E/WiFi

Graphics: Asus EN8600GT Silent (passive)

RAM: Transcend DDR2-800 1GB x 2 Heatsink:

TR Ultra 120 Extreme with MX-2 thermal paste

HD: samsung HD501LJ DVD:

Asus DRW-1814BLT white

Fans: Scythe S-flex fan 1600rpm 120mm (x 2), Scythe Kaze jyu fan 1500rpm 100mm, Antec Spot cooler

Fan Controller - Scythe kama-Meter (wasnt my first choice but works really well with the case in terms of looks. Will only go down to 7volts approx. but at this level you cant hear the fans so I`m happy with it)

Yesterday the temp in tokyo was 36 degrees C, and the computer lives in a room where there is no aircon! Hence there is a balance here between sound and temp. this is why I got a fan controller so when temps go down I can easily undervolt when it cools down. also the reason why I got 1600rpm fans.

Temps
The ambient temps make a big difference as you can see, hence the temp range. temps in degrees C

CPU idle: 32-37 (using Speedfan), 42-47 (using TAT and RM Clock)
CPU load: up to 46 (using speedfan) up to 58 (using TAT and RM Clock)

MoBo 38-45 (speedfan)

HD: 31-42 (speedfan)

GPU: 55-65 (speedfan)

Aux:?????? This seems to be a random temp 125 degrees. I've read that others have experienced the same thing.

I got the Antec spot cool, which is basically a fan on a bendy rod, for free when I asked for a discount in the shop. I hadn't planned to use it but it came in very handy to lower the MoBo temp - without it the high ambient temps send the MoBo temp close to 50 degrees It seems a little odd that the MoBo runs hotter than the CPU but this seems to be something to do with sensor positioning on this board, from what i have read.

Some Pics

Front.
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/ima...21a9eb47e2.jpg

The kama-meter works well with the case.

inside.
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/ima...9e9ecb7d1a.jpg

Complete with fingerprints on the heatsink! The fan controller creates quite a lot of extra cables. I routed one the fan controller sensors out the back of the case to get an idea of the ambient temp around the case. I

f you look at the pic of the front you'll see it was reading 34 degrees when I took the picture. I originally put this temp sensor on the heatsink. I slipped it between the cross mounting that keeps the heatsink in place.

The kama-meter went crazy as soon as I switched on the computer as the reading here was 100 degrees. Not sure what to make of that.

inside again.
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/ima...8b22ebd56b.jpg

The Antec spot cooler has blue LEDs on it. They are quite helpful for working out what the fan is blowing at. The Spot cooler is at the top of the case blowing on the mobo and memory.

Apart from the aux temp issue and what happened when i put the sensor on the heatsink, I am quite happy with it. The fans cope quite well with the heat situation and when the temp goes about below 27 degrees I can turn them down without affecting temps and it is virtually silent.

**Dave Hybrid** · #26 29th Jul 2007, 07:08 AM

Looks good, nice job. :)