Contemplating on Win7 rig. Need advice!

[junglist1996]

I heard you!

I love the SSD so much that I've actually gone thru consecutive power cycles just to enjoy Windows loading up and shutting down.

[moshpit]

You sound just like me from last week. After getting everything up and running finally with an SSD, I had to go buy another because the experience was so shocking. I decided I wanted one for all of my games and apps to launch from as well as the OS drive I was already using.

I've never been as happy with a new build as I am with this one. And while alot of the other components contribute to that feeling, it's the SSD OS drive that really makes that crazy difference. And my boot time is exactly the same as yours, although it gets down to 12 seconds right after running the TRIM utility.

[junglist1996]

Having spent more time playing with the rig, I don't think I'll be building another computer w/o a SSD. This is seriously the 1 single piece of hardware that has made the most impact on the whole computing experience. Game levels load in seconds instead of tens of seconds or sometimes even close to a minute. Windows desktop shows up in about 13 seconds from the moment I see the Starting Windows screen after motherboard POST's. And I'm talking about being able to instantly use the computer the moment I see the desktop instead of having the hard drive thrashing for another minute or so while everything loads up. On the other hand, Windows boot up takes about 1 minute on my HTPC which is making me really wanting to get two 80GB SSD's for the HTPC and laptop. Too bad my tax payment is due in January 2010 so I should be saving up instead of spending more.

Gaming wise, I only have NFS: Shift installed currently. The CPU o/c seems to have really helped improve minimum FPS. The game mostly stays at 60FPS and sometimes dipping into the 40's and nothing less at 1920x1200 4x AA 8x AF. This would have pushed the old rig beyond it's capabilities making the game totally unplayable. Too bad I haven't installed any other game to play. I just bought Modern Warfare 2 today and will probably install it over the weekend. Also looking forward to Dirt 2 and its DX11 graphics.

I don't know if anyone else fell the same, but for some reason, the 5870's just remind me of their older brother 9700 Pro.



And now I gotta find the time to move the old stuff into the HTPC...

[junglist1996]

Thanks mate. I love this board. No complaint whatsoever.

[oasked]

Nice setup, good choice on the board too.

Looks really sweet now that it's all setup.

[junglist1996]

The Dominators don't like the TRUE exhausting upwards.

[caveman-jim]

Your TRUE is pointing the wrong way

[junglist1996]

Just finished 7 hours of Prime95 large FFT at 21C ambient.



Had to up the vcore to 1.25v as the previous setting resetted the machine about an hour and a half into the stress test. I'm not sure what's causing the exceptionally high temps. Maybe a reseat of the HSF would do the trick. I also read that the base of TRUE are known to have an uneven surface so perhaps I'll lap it in the future. Anyway, this is the 1st gen TRUE which I've had since 2007 so I should also consider getting some that's newer and better. I also got the C7 Corsair Dominator but couldn't get them run at the advertised timings at 1.66 vDIMM. But since I'm lazy, I'll settle with 8-8-8-24.

Apart from the above, I'm quite satisfied with this 1st attempt at overclocking an i7. And a big thank you to everyone who has contributed in this thread.

Now off to my Sunday morning ride.

[-n7-]

Nice! Really low vcore for 4 GHz

You'll probably be in some trouble if you run LinX/IBT though, as your P95 temps are already high.

[junglist1996]

Installed NFS Shift and did a few races. I'm glad that FPS never dips below 30 @ 1920x1200 4xAA 8xAF. This is a significant improvement over the Q6600 @ 3.2GHz + 4870 X2 which would struggle in NFS Shift with FPS going down to low 20's at times with no AA and AF. Everything on stock right now so I'm hoping I can raise the minimum FPS with a CPU o/c.

Running 8 thread Prime ATM to test for stock stability. I'll try to make this i7 sweat later on. RealTemp reports max temp of 65C after 20+ minutes of Prime so hopefully there's room for a nice o/c.

Update:

Currently got the 920 o/ced to 4GHz vcore @ 1.2375v in BIOS. Any lower, Prime95 would error within minutes. At current settings, Prime95 large FFT has been running for over 30 minutes.



Temps are on the high side but I guess still acceptable. I finally got sick of the IDE cable on the old DVD burner and replaced it with a Pioneer DVR-S18FXV. Instantly made the case seem less cluttered.

[moshpit]

All I can say at this moment is boot up is crazy fast, putting my previous RAID 0 array to shame. Or put it another way, I'm just not used to Windows loading in so little time. I think it's one of those things which once I get used to, there's simply no turning back.

Well, it's about bed time for me now and I'll start the overclocking and games tomorrow.

Fast boot up is blowing my mind as well.

[junglist1996]

Here's the completed build.











All I can say at this moment is boot up is crazy fast, putting my previous RAID 0 array to shame. Or put it another way, I'm just not used to Windows loading in so little time. I think it's one of those things which once I get used to, there's simply no turning back.

Well, it's about bed time for me now and I'll start the overclocking and games tomorrow.

[junglist1996]

Good call. I haven't used a stock HSF in so long that I completely forgot that I do have one in the box lol.

In any event, I'll try to get the exchange today and resume the build tonight after work.

My friends who are Mac fans will laught at this for sure.

[moshpit]

Wait, didn't you get a boxed Retail CPU? You could just use the stock heatsink unit to get it up and running and test everything out to make sure all is good to go.

[junglist1996]

Before resolving the driver issue with Tigger as a PhysX device, there's a more urgent matter which I need to sort out. Turns out the s1366 mounting kit I got for the s775 TRUE 120 doesn't work on my mobo as the metal parts would come into contact with the capacitors near the socket area. Apparently there's another type of s1366 kit which doesn't seem to have the same issue. I will need to go back to the shop and try to get an exchange for the other kit.

No TRUE = no build and the new toys look like this for the time being.

[moshpit]

You could try using Tigger as the PPU, though I doubt the drivers are out there for it, or if nVidia will let you run with it...

Sorry, Nvidia has disabled the use of Tigger as a PhysX device. Only authorized Pigglets are allowed.

[{0}Salamander{0}]

You could try using Tigger as the PPU, though I doubt the drivers are out there for it, or if nVidia will let you run with it...

[moshpit]

Tigfire, hehehehehe! Good for a morning giggle.

[caveman-jim]

[junglist1996]

You can't crossfire Tigger with two 5870's, thats only supported on 5900 series

I told him Tigfire won't work until 5900 but he insisted so I had to allow him to slip into the pic.

[junglist1996]

Geeze, I remember that feeling just last week. A ton of new toys sitting on the living room floor, just having took pics of it. I then proceeded to haul it all into the computer room and built the beasty. And the funny thing is, it wasn't too different from your build at all. I went socket 1156 this time since I already have a socket 1366 rig, but other then that, very similar build

So when does the siggy get updated?

I wish I can just build the thing right now. Too bad I'm once again intoxicated with some Macallan + sake at dinner earlier...

It's a tough trying to split 24 hours for 7 days each amongst work, mountain biking and gaming. Since I will be promoted to VP next month, it seems like my damn boss thinks that my work load can suddenly increase like crazy. So doing the upgrade within this week is pretty much out of the question. Hopefully I can spare some time this weekend to complete the build. If it can't be finished due to riding, I still got the whole of next week off work but I gotta finish it before leaving for Tokyo on Wednesday.

Will take pics when the build is done.

[caveman-jim]

Just completed various purchases from different places today.

You can't crossfire Tigger with two 5870's, thats only supported on 5900 series

[moshpit]

Geeze, I remember that feeling just last week. A ton of new toys sitting on the living room floor, just having took pics of it. I then proceeded to haul it all into the computer room and built the beasty. And the funny thing is, it wasn't too different from your build at all. I went socket 1156 this time since I already have a socket 1366 rig, but other then that, very similar build

So when does the siggy get updated?

[junglist1996]

Just completed various purchases from different places today.



I wish the whole process was slightly easier. Got the 1st batch of stuff last Saturday. Had to get the 2nd 5870 and the Corsair Dominator from another shop today. And I could only find Windows 7 Ultimate after checking no less than 4 different places.

And to make things more complicated, it seems like the new firmware released for the X25-M which I purchased last Saturday has the potential of seriously screwing up the drive. My original plan was to update the firmware of the SSD on my current rig and then do the full installation of Windows 7. But it seems like I may have to make some adjustments in light of the stupid firmware.

[junglist1996]

Ok, I admit there was a deficiency in my brain's processing power.

[caveman-jim]

If possible, can you please elaborate on what you mean on that? After a couple glasses of 30 year Glenfiddich and 18 year Macallan, I can't figure out what are you talking about.

A vertible torrent of whisky! Pass a bit my way

[junglist1996]

I want to be sure that if something happens to the only one I have, I won't lose that effect.

Now that's what separates the men from the boys.

[junglist1996]

I've had two Falcon's fail on me and G.Skill customer service has been mediocre at best. They don't support their customer base through the support forums very well either. Minimal at best.

Buying the Intel is obviously the best choice.

Also, I have the DA750 power supply and it has been great for me. I am currently running an OCed 920 i7 and 2 5870's in Crossfire.

I originally considered the GSkill Falcon, which I mistakenly took as the Titan in my earlier post. In the US, you would at least get direct access (forum or 1-800) to the manufacturer. Over here, I can only deal with their local distributors which based on my limited experience don't offer any kind of useful support, and the RMA process would not be enjoyable to say the least.

Thanks for reaffirming my position regarding the PSU.

[junglist1996]

There are plenty of people swarming around with spare bits and pieces you could borrow from, to get the Windows 7 DVD. Just SHA1 check it before you use it.

If possible, can you please elaborate on what you mean on that? After a couple glasses of 30 year Glenfiddich and 18 year Macallan, I can't figure out what are you talking about.

[moshpit]

Hah, I bet you Raid0 those suckers this weekend.

I thought about it. But then TRIM wouldn't work anymore. I don't wanna give that ability up. The utility says nothing about RAID support.

[caveman-jim]

Hah, I bet you Raid0 those suckers this weekend.

[moshpit]

For what purpose? Game installs seperate?

Honestly, not sure beyond just as a backup drive. I just love the drive so much I want a second one in case the first goes belly up. In my entire time in the PC industry, no single upgrade has had such a noticeable effect. I want to be sure that if something happens to the only one I have, I won't lose that effect.

[Ristogod]

Looks like the Risto-man went with a Torqx after all the G.Skill pain? Good choice. I love me Torqx. Going down to pick up a second one today.

For what purpose? Game installs seperate?

[moshpit]

Looks like the Risto-man went with a Torqx after all the G.Skill pain? Good choice. I love me Torqx. Going down to pick up a second one today.

Edit: Patriot has a nice little utility you can download to run TRIM on your Torqx if it's not one of the M28 models. The regular Torqx gets a nice little boost out of it. After installing Windows 7 to it, after all the drivers and apps get installed, running the utility cleans up everything after install and can cut up to 2 or 3 seconds further from your boot time.

I'm down to a 12 second POST to Login time now. 3 seconds to shut down. THAT is fast.

[Ristogod]

The G.Skill Falcon ones are the Indilinx ones & are okay.

I've had two Falcon's fail on me and G.Skill customer service has been mediocre at best. They don't support their customer base through the support forums very well either. Minimal at best.

Buying the Intel is obviously the best choice.

Also, I have the DA750 power supply and it has been great for me. I am currently running an OCed 920 i7 and 2 5870's in Crossfire.

[caveman-jim]

There are plenty of people swarming around with spare bits and pieces you could borrow from, to get the Windows 7 DVD. Just SHA1 check it before you use it.

[junglist1996]

Looks solid.

IMO, The Intel drive is worth significantly more per GB than any Indlinx is, & reviews focusing on OS performance agree with me.

So if it's cheaper per GB than the Vertexes, well, it's zero contest.

For the install of 7...if you can acquire the same version as you are receiving later, then you could just install that version & activate it once you get your 6 product key (assuming within 30 days).

From what I've read, the X25-M's only downfall is its sequential write speed but I don't foresee myself constantly writing large amount of data on the drive. I'm really looking forward to the switch to SSD.

Good point with your Win 7 suggestion but now I gotta find someone to lend me the Win 7 DVD...

[-n7-]

Looks solid.

IMO, The Intel drive is worth significantly more per GB than any Indlinx is, & reviews focusing on OS performance agree with me.

So if it's cheaper per GB than the Vertexes, well, it's zero contest.

For the install of 7...if you can acquire the same version as you are receiving later, then you could just install that version & activate it once you get your 6 product key (assuming within 30 days).

[junglist1996]

Just received the quotation from the shop through a friend.



All prices in Hong Kong dollars @ approximately US$1 = HK$7.8. Just disregard the Windows 7 OEM. I'm getting Ultimate Retail from another friend. A pleasant surprise is the price for the Intel X25-M. Seeing that it costs over US$600 on the Egg, I would have thought that the retail price over here would be way above the MSRP of US$440. But the price here is actually much closer to the MSRP and guess what? The Intel X25-M actually has the lowest $/GB amongst the 3 SSD's in the quotation. I think the decision has already been made for me.

Final configuration:

• 1 x Intel Core i7 920 (2.66GHz) CPU/8M BOX
• 1 x GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 X58,DDR-III M/B
• 1 x Corsair Dominator TR3X6G1600C7D DDR3 1600 6G Kit (2Gx3)
• 2 x ASUS A5870G1 EAH5870 HDMI 1GB DDR5 (with free copy of DiRT 2)
• 1 x Intel 160GB X25-M Mainstream 2.5" MLC SATA SSD SSDSA2MH160G2C1 (9.5mm)
• 1 x Windows 7 Ultimate Retail

How does that look?

Going to keep the current HSF, HDD's, DVD burner, case, PSU and other peripherals. The new parts are going to cost HK$16,688 which is about US$2,139. If there're no more changes, I'll probably get the stuff over the weekend. Only problem is that my friend who's getting the discounted Win 7 Ultimate for me was told that the O/S would only arrive in early November. Not having done anything to the Gaming Rig for about a year and having performance issues with NFS: Shift, I really want to do this upgrade ASAP...

[junglist1996]

The SSD you have listed is a JMicron POS!
DO NOT GET THAT SSD!

Make sure you are getting something with a Samsung controller (at the absolute worst), but really, ideally either Indilinx or Intel-based.

The G.Skill Falcon ones are the Indilinx ones & are okay.

Ya, thanks for pointing that out as I mistakenly though that it's a G Skill Falcon with an Indilinx controller. I'm now requesting from the shop a quotation for:

• Intel 160GB X25-M Mainstream 2.5" MLC SATA SSD SSDSA2MH160G2C1
• OCZ 120GB Vertex Series 2.5" SATA II 64MB Cache SSD OCZSSD2-1VTX120G
• OCZ 250GB Vertex Series 2.5" SATA II 64MB Cache SSD OCZSSD2-1VTX250G

Thanks.