New Computer: Few Hardware Questions

I'm looking at buying a new computer seeing as how mine is getting old... I'm buying each part individually and putting it together myself, so I just have a few questions as for whether or not the the cooling for my system will be sufficient. I'm planning on keeping my old case and fans, and just upgrading the core stuff (motherboard, cpu, ram, video card, etc.)... Right now, I only have a 80mm fan on the side doing intake, and I'm relying on powersupply for exhaust (I'm also upgrading my power supply). These are the specs for the computer I'm looking at:

Intel Core2Duo E6850 CPU
ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP ATX LGA775 P35 Motherboard
BFG 650W Power Supply
OCZ Platinum XTC PC2-6400 2x2GB RAM
EVGA e-GeForce 8800GT Video Card

If I'm not going to be overclocking anything, will the system get too hot under typical use? I think the most load it will go under is some gaming, but not even like the super new games where I want to push the graphics as far as possible.

Also, would the stock fan be enough for the CPU or would it be recommended that I buy a better heatsink? Thanks for any help in advance!

 

I am a cooling nut, I would put more fans in the case. What kind of case are you putting it all in, and what kind of options for fans do you have?

A 120mm intake and a 120mm exhaust fan should cool it very well. If you are not overclocking, the stock should be ok with decent airflow in the case.

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Oh just shows how much I haven't touched the hardware aspect of my computer. I also have a 80mm exhaust on the back. It's in an aluminum case, and unfortunately no more options for fans. I was thinking if the cooling wasn't enough then I'd spend some extra money on a new case and some larger fans.

 

Look closely at the front of the case, you may have a place for a fan. Post the specs of the case and I will see what I can find.

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There seems to be room for a fan (at least I can feel ventilation underneath the front of the case) but I can't really see for sure. There's too many other stuff blocking the way that I think it would make it almost impossible to install the fan anyways.. lol As for the specs.. I don't know the specs. This is a really old case and I don't even remember what it's called...

 

I definitely agree with everyone, add more fans to your case. I have a 90mm in the front blowing on the hard disks, an 80mm on the side blowing on the video card and a 120mm exhaust on the back. It still gets around 55c inside the case under load so the more case fans the better.

 

If I were you I would pretty much leave the old PC alone and get new drives and case for the new one as well. This way if you have any problems with the new PC you can use the old as a backup. I personlly like Antec cases, they are roomy inside for good cooling and they have very nice removable sections for the hard drives in many of their models. Your biggest problem will be "should I get a case with a powersupply or without" and that depends on how future proof you want the PC. Getting a separate powersupply (I also use antec for supplies) means you can have much more power than you need now but will have plenty for the future (comes in handy if you buy a board with sli but start with one card at first or end up with eight sata drives). The problem is you often limit your choice of cases since many come with modest supplies. If money is not an object, having an extra supply is nice (I have two).

 

There are a couple of other options to cooling. If you just want to keep the case you have try a PCI slot cooling fan, or one that goes in an empty 5.25 drive bay. Also keep in mind that the more air you have pulling out of the case, not only increases your flow, but evacutes the heat. Mine is set to intake in the front, and exaust out the back and side

 

Dremmel tool lets you install fans where you want to..



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I know some people I don't want to see a screwdriver in their hands, around a PC, not to mention a dremmel tool.

 

Hey, just a idea

that's a VERY similar set up to what i bought at xmas time

cost me around £500

When your spending that much, a extra 20-30 pounds for a nice case with good cooling isnt really that much

just my opinion

 

Thanks for all the suggestions from everyone. I think I'm just going to sit tight for another couple of months, and when I have a bit more money saved up towards this computer I'll just go for a complete overhaul with a new case and more fans so I don't have to worry about cooling issues down the road.