I am in the first stages of considering an upgrade, and the following is my speculation at the moment, definitely subject ot revision:

 

1. Asus P8Z68 Deluxe/Gen3 Motherboard

2. Intel Core i7 2700K CPU

3. Zalman CNPS9900MAX-R CPU Air Cooler

4. G. Skill Ripjaws X Series F3-12800CL6D-4GBXH Memory (2 each for 8GB total memory)

5. EVGA 025-P3-1579-AR GeForce GTX 570 Video Card

 

My first question concerns the memory. Assuming Nick's advice on previous systems is still valid, I chose the above memory in order to have the Cas Latency timing as low as possible which is 6-8-6-24. However if I remember correctly dual channel memory is recommended if not required in some configturations rather than the four channel sticks I have listed or memory performance will be reduced. Is this four stick configuration ok, or would I be better off with a dual channel kit even though the Cas Latency timing would be increased slightly (i.e. G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB with two 4 GB sticks (Model F3-10666CL7D-8GBRH with Cas Latency of 7-7-7-21 or equivalent)? In addition to this, would I be better off significantly to increase the memory size in spite of what may be available relative to Cas Latency?

 

My second question is in regards to the Video card. I have read some posts that say getting a GTX 580 would be a waste of money as a GTX 570 or even a GTX460TI can give the same performance (Increased voltage assumed). Which would be the best for the above configuration? For that matter, in my present system i have an EVGA 01G-P3-1180-AR GeForce GTX 285 Graphics card I have been pleased with. However, I do not know whether this would be compatible with the upgraded MB/CPU.

 

Thirdly, for what it is worth, my present specs are attached below of which much would be retained for the upgrade. Would the above speculated upgrade bring performance worth the doing, or would I be better off delaying any purchase until the next generation hits the market? I realize how subjective this question must be.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks:

RTH

 

Present Primary System:

ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 LGA 1366 Intel ATX Motherboard

Intel Core i7-975 Extreme Quad Core CPU

Scythe SY124010L CPU Fan

6GB (3x2GB) 240 Pin DDR3 1600 OCZ3P1600LV6GK Memory

WinXP Pro 64 Bit

EVGA 01G-P3-1180-AR GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512 bigt DDR3 Video Graphics Card

24" Viewsonic VA2431wm LCD Primary Monitor

24" Viewsonic VA2431wm LCD Secondary Monitor

Nvidia version 270.61 drivers for GTX 285 Video Card

1 Western Digital Velco/Raptor WD3000HLFS 300 GB 10000RPM WATA 3 GB System Harddrive

1 Western Digital Velco/Raptor WD3000HLFS 300 GB 10000RPM WATA 3 GB FSX Harddrive

1 each Segate 320GB SATA FS9 Harddrive

1 each Segate 320GB SATA Backup / Utility Harddrive

Std. Floppy Drive

2 Each CDRW/DVDRW

PlusDeck 2C Audio Tape Player/Recorder

Konica Minolta magicolor 2400W Laser Printer

CH Pro USB Pedals

CH USB FlightSim Yoke

Microsoft FFB2 USB Joystick

Logitech Keyless Keyboard

Logitech cordless mouse

High Speed Cable Internet/email Service with Router

Corsair HX1000W Modular 1000 Watt Power Supply

SuperPower ATX Full Tower Case with sides Customized for more ventilation

Note: Keyboard and Mouse are shared with a secondary Core 2 Duo Computer for WinXP Pro 32 bit programs, WideFS6 (FS9) and Wide FS7 (FSX). Implementation is by Synergy Free Software.

Note: CPU Overclocked to 4.0. GPU is not overclocked

 

Present Secondary System:

ASUS P5N-SLI Motherboard

Intel E6600 Core2 Duo CPU

Zalman CNPS7700-CU RT CPU Fan

4 GB KST DII800 Memory

WinXP Pro 32 Bit

NVIDIA Evga Geforce 8400GS 512MB DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card

23" HPw2338h LCD Primary Monitor

21" Viewsonic Pro Series P815 Secondary Monitor

Navidia version 182.50 drivers for Video Card

1 each Segate 250GB UIDE Harddrive

1 Each Segate 80GB SATA Harddrive

1 each Maxtar 40GB UIDE Harddrive

Std. Floppy Drive

CDRW/DVDRW

WINTV

HP 4315v Printer/Fax/Scanner/Copier

Epson Perfection 2480 Photo Scanner

MicroTech Z!O! Flash Card Reader

Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Sound to Creative Inspire 5.1 5200 Speakers

BFGR 1000 Watt Power Supply

Note: Keyboard and Mouse are shared with a primary i7-975 Computer for WinXP Pro 64 bit programs, WideFS6 (FS9) and Wide FS7 (FSX). Implementation is by Synergy Free Software.

For the RAM get two sticks of 4GB you want dual channel.

 

I'm not sure on the GPU. Some are saying the slower interface on the new 680's hurts FSX. Apparently the 580 is still king. Though I really like my 570 - run 8xSQ AA with nvidia inspector. The only time it bogs down is with payware in multiple cloud layers.

 

I'd consider an SSD for the OS, just a small 80GB or something.

 

Everything else looks good. Oh, maybe the cooler, I'd go for the corsair H80 myself. I really like my H60.

 

What case will you be getting?

4 x 2GB sticks will work in dual channel too in that system. RAM sticks are not dual-triple or quad channel, they're just RAM sticks.

The number of active channels only depends on the amount of RAM that you have in each channel.

 

So since that's a dual channel CPU, if you have the same amount of RAM in both channels, you have it working in dual channel:

 

2x4GB, or 4x2GB, but if you had 2x2GB + 1x4GB you could have 8GB in 3 sticks and still dual channel operation (provided that you install the 2x2GB sticks in one channel, and the 4GB stick in the other channel)

Thanks for the quick response Ryan and Dazz:

 

I will be useing my existing case. It may not be too pretty, but it is a big tower and I have modified it with ridiculous ventilation. Noisy beast, but I have gotten use to it.

 

Thanks again:

RTH

Hmmm I was under the impression 4 sticks isn't great for OCing... perhaps that's a thing of the past?

Hmmm I was under the impression 4 sticks isn't great for OCing... perhaps that's a thing of the past?

 

Don't get me wrong, I would still get 2x4GB sticks, just because they're much better value and you still have two free slots for future upgrades. My personal experience with OC and 4 sticks is that it doesn't tamper with CPU overclock in any meaningful way, but it's harder to run RAM at the listed timings.

 

I just wanted to clarify the channels thing, but if I was to get RAM now it would be 2x4GB sticks. If you want fast RAM, there are those 2133 CL9 for some $70.

I would think they will run at 1600 CL7 if what you want is tighter timings

Current revised considerations:

 

1. Motherboard: Asus P8Z68 Deluxe / Gen3

2. CPU: Intel Core i7 2700K

3. CPU Liquid Cooler: Corsair H80 (CWCH80) High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler

4. Memory: Mushkin Enhanced Redline 8GB (2x4GB) 240 Pin DDR3 SDRAM 1600 (PC312800)

5. EVGA SuperClocked 015-P3-1582-AR GeForce GTX 580

 

Notice the following changes from my original speculation:

 

As recommended, I am going with two sticks of 4GB memory rather than four. Cas Latency is slightly higher (7-7-7-24), but I believe your replies have confirmed that two stick installations are a bit eaiser to work with relative to timing.

 

I am considering for the first time liquid cooling. This will be a new thing for me and a bit of revision to my normal procedures would probably be advised. I currently run everything 7/24 and seldom turn my systems off. I have done this for years and thus far have not even had a fan to fail. I assume that with liquid cooling this would be ill advised as surely a liquid pump would have a much shorter life. If anyone is running an H80 24/7, I would appreciate your confirmation that this has worked for you without a problem. I considered the H100, but it would be a bit of a hassle to modify my case for this, and the top is partially under the top my desk anyway.

 

I have also revised my video card from a GTX 570 to a GTX 580. I still wonder if this is overkill and not really worth the additional $150 from some of the posts I read.

 

Your thoughts?

 

If I don't hear something really bad from someone relative to the above specs. I will probably order these components later today from Newegg..

 

Respectfully:

RTH

 

 

1. Motherboard: Asus P8Z68 Deluxe / Gen3

2. CPU: Intel Core i7 2700K

3. CPU Liquid Cooler: Corsair H80 (CWCH80) High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler

4. Memory: Mushkin Enhanced Redline 8GB (2x4GB) 240 Pin DDR3 SDRAM 1600 (PC312800)

5. EVGA SuperClocked 015-P3-1582-AR GeForce GTX 580

 

Looks great! You are going to be blown away by how much faster it is than you current i7 975 system.

So far so good, but there are a few things I wish I had considered more carefully that maybe someone else might want to think about:

 

1. Full tower cases have been recommended by many for cooling purposes. Well mine over does it and is too large. My case has two sections with the power supply in the top. For the recommended H80 installation, the tubing is not long enough between the radiator and CPU pump. A bit diggy, but I let the radiator hang outside the case which although is a bit unusual probably adds to the cooling a bit. The fans are running at room temp rather than case temp.

 

One major concern! I discovered a drop or two of liquid but the leak seems to have stopped. Thankfully it is in the section outside the case. I have not decided whether to return the unit yet as temps. are normally running in the high teens and twenties at the present time and I have not seen any more liquid. In a warm room, the highest temps I have seen are in the low 30's at idle, only a couple of degrees above case temp. The 580 GTX GPU temp. is in the fifties.

 

2. Upon installation I realized that there are no IDE provisions on the motherboard. Therefore, my old CD/DVD burners as well as my floppy drive became history (yea, I know floppies went the way of a few other things). Power connections were also an issue but thanfully I discovered that I had adapters in my rather large junk archives. Two new SATA units are on order but I wish I had included them in my original order as I am presently dead in the water unable to install needed software (LAN, Audio drivers etc.)

 

3. Setup is a bit different and takes a little bit of getting used to. Reactivation of both the OS and FSX with MS is also a hassle. I have three days according to the popup and hope I get my burners in time to not have to reactivate twice assuming reactivation may be requred after they are installed. I tried FS9, but of course it needs to see disk 4 to startup. I tried an old no CD FS9.exe from long ago, but it tells me my LDS 767 is illegal (which it isn't) and shuts down FS9 during startup. I don't want to change anything until I get all of my ducks installed and in a row.

 

I THINK I am going to be happy with this upgrade but it probably will be my last. Boy, do I hate hassles in my old age!

 

Respectfully:

RTH

For what I believe will be the final upgrade for an old Senior Citizen, I have installed the following:

 

P8Z68 Deluxe/Gen3 Motherboard

Intel I7 2700K CPU

4GX2|Mushkin 997057 Memory (7-7-7-24)

EVGA|015-P3-1582-AR GTX580 R Video Card

 

I have returned my leaky H80 CPU cooler for an exchange from NewEgg and am presently running with the default cooler. CPU Temps are running in the 40's to 50's C. My overclock attempts have been with relatively minor settings, but I am trying to learn the procedure for when I get my new H80.

 

_{From anyone that has a system composed of components similar to my upgrade, a step by step of your BIOS setup sure would be appreciated. In particular, where is the new CPU speed displayed (I know I must be blind as a bat.)?}

 

 

Three items also confuse me relative to the initial setup after installation of my new components which may or may not have anything to do with being able to overclock successfully .

 

In a Google Search, I have found threads that advise disabling "SixEngine and "TurboV" and to use only the BIOS setup for overclocking. If I leave them enabled, When I boot up, I get the following 3 error windows that pop up:

 

1. "AcOcItemSetBase

Cannot get any information from group 3"

 

When I close this window, a duplicate pops up or is behind it. I am successful in closing the second one.

 

2. "SixEngine.exe

Assertion failed. IsSupported(), file C:Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\MarkLib\omc;ide\da;o\asis\Source\{power Gear.epp, line 378"

 

When I close this window, another window pops up:

"SixEngine.exe

Abnormal Program Termination"

_{I am able to close this window.}

 

_{3. "TurboV}

_{EAcessViolation"}

 

_{I am able to close this window with no additional reaction or problem.}

 

_{With "SixEngine" and "TurboV" unchecked in MSConfig>Startup, I get none of these error windows when she boots up.}

 

_{I have downloaded and installed the latest versions of "AI Suite II" amd "TurboV" from ASUS support. Initially I was not able to get these to install from the MB Support CD that came with my MB. Again, a number of posts advise ignoring these utilities and only making adjustments within the bootup BIAS.}

 

_{Should I uncheck and disable "SixEngine" and "TurboV" in MSConfig and ignore them or pursue these items some more?:}

 

_{Finally, I know there are no stupid questions, but I sure do hate to show my ignorance concerning the following. I have tried overclocking slightly as per the advice given in a couple of posts: The first is the pinned "BIOS Settings Examples Displayed" thread in the "MOBO, RAM, CPU's....." forum at AvSim..}

_{The other is the video from "kingstone" in the "CPU Upgrade" thread. My problem is that I cannot confirm that I am overclocked, or at least do not know where it is displayed. Unlike with my original P6T Deluxe/i7 975 system which displayed the overclocked speed in the bootup window, this system retains a lower speed indication. I see the posted examples I mentioned are the same way so I assume this is normal. My overclock speed is indicated in the "target" but I don't know if has been initiated yet. If I have overclocked, where is the active overclock speed displayed? Temps also do not seem to be rising as expected either.}

 

_{FS9 is blown away with frame rates running well into the hundreds. At remote locations like my home airport KLWB FSX runs in the fifties. However at KJFK they are in the teens or even single digits. I do not think my overclocking is taking.}

 

_{Any help would be appreciated.}

 

_{Respectfully:}

_RTH

Update:

 

Thanks to the advice of NickN at SimForums, I am in the process of updating my Operating System to Windows 7.

 

To be Continued:

RTH