Need some advice on building a rig

[Butcher]

I haven't put together a build since college and that knowledge has long been gone, by mid this week I should have all the parts to build a new system, any advice would be appreciated.

[FLOTSOM]

bestest advice i can give you is look up TillDeath here on the BBS and ask for his advice and help on any issues you may have.

good luck 

[Butcher]

He was building it, except I requested a refund I don't feel comfortable floating a large sum for over 4 weeks.

[Skuzzy]

Take your time.
Do not overtighten screws holding the motherboard.
Take your time.
Do not slather on 5 pounds of heat sink compound on the CPU.
Take your time.
Do not force plugs.  They are all keyed, but some will allow you to forcibly plug them in wrong.
Take your time.
Ground yourself and do not build it on carpet while shuffling your wool covered feet around!
Take your time.
Before touching ANY electronic component, touch some metal first to insure you are discharged.
Take your time.

Putting together the components is actually not hard.  The software, on the other hand....

Oh, and take your time!

Disclaimer:  If you chose to follow my advice, and you screw it up anyway,...it is YOUR fault.  I will not assume any responsibility for your choices.

[Flench]

So how much Heat sink should one use ?

[Butcher]

Hmm think what Skuzzy is trying to say is "Take your time?"  

Edited:

Thanks Skuzzy, I didn't feel comfortable building it myself, unfortunately I have no choice right now.

I did order a proper tool said for $7.50 off Newegg, has everything such as non magnetic tools and a grounding wire.

[Flench]

I see that ,I think but my last build I plasterd it all over the CPU and never had any trouble out of it . Got the Heat sink in a small tube and figured you supose to use it all ?

[Butcher]

I see that ,I think but my last build I plasterd it all over the CPU and never had any trouble out of it . Got the Heat sink in a small tube and figured you supose to use it all ?

Last PC I built didn't even have a heat sink, so yeah I am treading unchartered waters...

[Skuzzy]

Thermal compound should be micro thin and consistent across the face of the applied surface.  All it is suppose to do is fill the micro gaps in the surfaces to help with thermal dissipation.  Too much thermal compound can actually impede cooling of the CPU.

Apply a blob, then use a plastic spreader (cut a 1/2" wide strip off of a dead credit card) to spread it around, then use the edge of the dead credit card to scrap off the excess and provide a consistent coat over the face.

You really do not want to use your fingers, to spread the compound, as the grease/oils in the skin will contaminate the compound, not to mention what it might do to you.

[Flench]

Thank you Skuzzy . I am almost to that point in my new build . Good thing I seen this .

[Rob52240]

So how much Heat sink should one use ?

3 or 4 tubes is usually enough for my systems.  If I have any left over I try to save 2 tubes for the innards of my joystick and 1 to apply under my neighbor's windshield wipers.

[Flench]

and 1 to apply under my neighbor's windshield wipers.

Don't be giving me no idea's , hahahahaha

[Tigger29]

I found this video demonstrating the different methods for applying compound:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyXLu1Ms-q4

[Flench]

Hey thanks Tigger , great video .So I don't have to cover the hole platforum ? Don't know what I was thinking but was thinking it had to cover all of the surface ?

[cattb]

To much compound can actually act as a insulator and the heat from the CPU may not travel efficiently to the CPU cooler.