Installation
Test Rig:
Intel i7 920
ASRock X58 SuperComputer Intel X58 motherboard
Crucial Ballistix Blue Tracer DDR3-1600 6GB kit
Asus Matrix GTX 260 video card
OCZ EliteXStream 800 watt PSU
Kingwin XT-1264 CPU Cooler
Installation is very straightforward. Install the motherboard offsets into the motherboard tray. Install the optical drive into the ODD bay. Install the hard drive into the HDD bay.
Note the rubber isolation pads that isolate the power supply from the rest of the case to help cut down on vibration. Very thoughtful. Install the power supply.
Prep the CPU and CPU cooler base with isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth. Apply thermal compound per manufacturer’s instructions. Install the CPU cooler and memory onto the motherboard. Install the I/O shield that came with your motherboard into the opening in the case. Install the motherboard into the case.
Wire things up, install the video card, double check your work, and you’re done.
The SIM Software
After installing the Sim software, you will see the Sim dashboard. You have the option of using the included sensors to measure temperature around your case to help control fan speed, but I prefer to keep things simple. You will have to choose which case model you have as this software is used with more than one case. You will do this only once.
The Sim has four operation modes: Silent (default), 0dB Start, Performance, and Fanless. Performance mode runs all at 12v. Fanless mode turns all fans off until the mode is changed. Silent and 0dB Start operates on curves, Silent mode’s curve starts at 7v, where all fans are pretty much silent. 0dB starts with the fans off. Both modes run at 12v when the corresponding sensor reaches 70C.
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