Well haven't seen the stock cooler for an AM3 yet, but the stock cooler for the phenom is impressive enough, the only stock HSF that(well I seen anyways) has copper base and heat pipes. As far as stock goes its decent.

I am not worried about that the stock hsf is for an AM3 anyways as I will hopefully able to use my V8. If not, I will have to look for something thats as good.

Aftermarket CPU solutions is the shite!

The HSF you got off me is from my AM3 processor (945). It's the same as the one as my Phenom X4 9850, just a little cleaner, since it was never used.

Yeah it has the copper base and heat pipes as well. Haven't decided on cooling yet though, I kind of want to avoid the complex water cooling systems and look for something self contained like the domino or h50.

Self contained is fine. The 99 dollar solution is apparently no better than a V8 so I wouldn't expect insane overclocking. I may have to go that route myself if I find my V8 doesn't like AM3.

I may head to MB later today to at least pick up the board and maybe the Ram.

Well I broke down and went and picked up the board and ram today. ( thanks S! )

I am anxious to get the build going. In a couple weeks when I get the 965 I will post some photos of the build and some mild overclocking results and benches.

I also really like the fact that Asus gives you BLACK Sata cables. Thank you Asus for that ! No More Red - Amen. Just makes things look neater with the case that I will be using as it also has a black interior.

But not a black mobo

yeah I know - its one thing about the M3A32-MVP that I really liked. Definately makes it look bada$$.

Awesome j can't wait to see the final build. Must kill ya havin that board there and no chip to stick in it! Lol

Mine should be here end of next week.

Glad u went xms3 cuz the xms2 is an excellent performer.

Yeah it is somewhat killing me phonix that I dont got a cpu to drop in - all in good time. The board layout is awesome and well thought out and great price too.

Been doing a little reading about the 965 and this board. There is a known issue if the bios version hasnt been updated. If it hasn't it will need to be flashed ( something I would do regardless) only there would be a problem, the board won't work with a 965 unless its flashed. kinda catch 22.

This from Asus: "The C3 X4 965 (125W) needs BIOS revision 0605 or newer in order to be recognized by the motherboard. The X4 965 (140W) will work with this board from the initial BIOS revision on. "

So fingers crossed this has a later bios revision or I am going to be peeved lol

As for the Corsair ram - well wasn't hard to choose really. This ram is known to be O.C'd to 2000Mhz with no volt increase. I have had great luck with memory, several brands but wanted to give Corsair a go. I read good things. I am going to play with mild oc'ing the memory and the cpu.

Now only if I had a 700 or 800D for the new gear lol

Id make sure to have the new bios update on a thumb drive then just incase

already downloaded lol

http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpus ... ct=1&os=30

Doesn't look like I'll have a problem with my board, always update the bios anyways.

Board's in Montreal, CPU might not be here til next monday.

Can't wait!

Oh, and are you getting the C2 or C3 revision of the chip, I made sure I got the 125w C3 revision. Hopefully a bit higher clocks, especially once I get my H50.

I will be doing the C3 if at all possible. I was looking at the H50 that Steve-O picked up and its quite the rig. His temps are awesome. It may very well have convinced me to go that route instead of air.

Also looks pretty simple to install too.

I need a Phenom II 965 ! I will be down by friday am (day off) to pick one up - please put one aside !! I will call in the am from work to hopefully reserve one for Friday AM pickup!

New build for Friday !

call in the morning.