My Computer Setup

[NavyChief]

As a new member I thought it appropriate to share a little about one of my hobbies - building computers.

My current setup is:

Motherboard: EVGA X58 LE
Processor: Intel Core i7 920
CPU Cooler: Corsair H50 High Performance Water-Cooled
Memory: 6GB Patriot RAM with OCZ XTC Memory Cooler V2
Hard Drive: 2x 300GB Velociraptors in RAID 0, 1TB Western Digital
Video Card: 2x EVGA GTX 275 (SLI)
Case: Antec P183 Performance with Custom Window
Power Supply: Antec CP-850
Monitor: ASUS 26" HD LCD & Dell 19" HD LCD
Headphones: Razer Carcharias
Keyboard: Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition
Mouse: Razer Imperator
Mouse Surface: Razer Goliathus Fragged Control Edition
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

The stock Antec P183 case was boring with no window and plain metallic interior. I modded it by putting in a clear window and painting the interior flat black. Putting a window in this case is no easy feat. The side panels actually consist of 2 layers of metal and 1 plastic. This serves to dampen any sound. It took some research and a dremel to complete the task. Now the interior is visible with the case closed.

The Antec CP-850 power is unique in that it will only fit in a few of their cases due to it's overly large size. The case I have is compatible and I love how it looks.

I started with 1 EVGA GTX 275 video card and wanted to try an SLI configuration to increase my graphic capabilities. I ordered and installed EVGA backplate covers for both cards and left a gap between them to increase airflow circulation.

There were many products for the CPU cooler and I ultimately went with the all-in-one Corsair H50 water cooler due to it's small size and the quiet cooling effect.

My current drive configuration consists of two 300GB WD Velociraptors in a RAID 0 configuration and a backup 1TB WD SATA drive. I also utilize an external 1TB WD drive for extra backup. My next purchase will be a Solid State Drive (SSD) to further increase my computer performance.

As you can see, I love the Razer products.

Attached are some photos of the gear.

[tehfunk101]

Wow, i love your setup!  That really is one of the best/cleanest looking pc's I've ever seen!

[Schlup]

I agree, that is a pro setup!  Great choice of parts and very powerful/highend.  One question though...your water cooling your CPU...have you overclocked it?  If so what speed are you running?

P.S. That is a HUGE mouse pad!

[NavyChief]

Thanks for the comments! 

I like the water-cooled Corsair H50 package since it alleviates some fan noise and the small size allows for better airflow around all the other components.

I had the large Cooler Master V8 air-cooled cpu cooler and ended up passing this down to my son's computer (he gets all my hand-me-down components as I get newer, more-powerful versions). The sheer size of the V8 tends to block some airflow from passing smoothly through the case. The extra fans on the V8 also add to the noise. I already have 5 fans (2 front, 1 top, 1 rear, 1 power supply) and they are enough.

The H50 is whisper quiet and low-profile. The only thing that sticks out are the black flexible hoses. I mounted the fan on the rear and turned the rear fan around so that it is pulling air into the case instead of blowing air out. The top fan is the only one pushing air out of the case. This also makes sense due to the fact that heat rises and the top fan is in the perfect position to get rid of that hot air.

I have not overclocked the CPU yet but I am planning on doing it shortly. I wanted to get all the cooling components ready before any experimenting.

I love the large mouse pad since it covers the desk nicely and allows me more flexibility on where I use the mouse. The mouse will not go off the pad during any large movements.

[Got_Amm0]

yeah thats a really nice setup. nice work

[Schlup]

I thought about getting one of those big gaming mouse pads but I just wasn't sure I was going to see a difference.  Have you noticed any advantages about it that pertain to gaming?

[tehfunk101]

I've thought about getting a larger mousepad before but then I realized there was no way it would fit on my tiny desk, and my mouse sensitivity is high enough that I rarely have to make such big movements. Moving off the pad is a real pain though

[Schlup]

I don't even use a pad, just the desktop.

[NavyChief]

I've thought about getting a larger mousepad before but then I realized there was no way it would fit on my tiny desk, and my mouse sensitivity is high enough that I rarely have to make such big movements. Moving off the pad is a real pain though

Before I got this pad my mouse would go off the edge of the pad - usually right at a critical moment of the game. The resulting confusion would usually end up with me getting killed. The larger pad alleviates (to a very large degree) any chance of this happening again.

A big factor was that my desk had the space for it! If you don't have the space, then don't get it. Find one that fits your area dimensions. My son had to get the middle size (the Razer pads come in three sizes) since his desk top was slightly smaller.

[Schlup]

Well I have plenty of desktop room for whatever, I just don't see how this will increase my accuracy over the wood on my desk.

[NavyChief]

Well I have plenty of desktop room for whatever, I just don't see how this will increase my accuracy over the wood on my desk.

Before the pad I used the smooth wood surface of my desk also. The mouse glide was good but tended to slip sometimes and register small movements when in fact I did not move the mouse at all.

The pad has a rubber bottom so that it won't slip around and the top has a woven-mesh material that allows the mouse to glide smoothly and precisely during use. The non-slip pads on the bottom of the mouse actually glide more smoothly over this surface than the wood.

This is from the Razer website "The Razer Goliathus Fragged Control Edition's research-informed weave pattern delivers just the right amount of friction to ensure pixel-precise targeting and optimal mousing response while keeping the glide smooth and consistent"

The real kicker was when I observed professional gamers at events and conventions using these type of pads. Many state they do not play without one. I used a smaller OCZ pad all last year and upgraded to the larger Razer pad this Christmas (one of my presents). I really do like the feel of this pad and would recommend it to others.

[tehfunk101]

Well I have plenty of desktop room for whatever, I just don't see how this will increase my accuracy over the wood on my desk.

some wood desktops don't have a good feel to them when sliding a mouse around, but they're all different and yours might be as smooth as a pad! as far as accuracy and tracking is concerned, i don't think the latest mice have the problems old optical and early lasers used to have.  My desktop doesn't feel great as a mouse surface, so i have the halflife 2 deathmatch mousepad from the Valve store, and it has treated me well!

[tehfunk101]

The real kicker was when I observed professional gamers at events and conventions using these type of pads. Many state they do not play without one.

I can second that.  The last LAN i went to, a majority of the gamers had pads similar to yours

[Schlup]

Well I guess I ought to pick one up and at least try it out...

[CoCoCountyKiller]

but when you are at a LAN war you should always
bring a pad cause you are not sure of the type of
surface you will be playing on!!

I have set up a few lanwar's and participated in a few also
you always want to be prepared for the worst
cause nothing sucks worse than trying to play on a plastic table LOL

co.co.