1st Build, in need of assistance!

[Reincus]

Dirt2 won't get your CPU loaded anyways. You'll want to run Prime95 for checking max CPU temps and stability. Also, get a software monitor to check temps for CPU and GPU. Prime95 is also how you check stability if you do any overclocking. 1 hour run is considered stable in most circles, followed by a 24 'burn run' after your final overclock. You will never punish your CPU under normal use like Prime 95 does, that's why if it's stable for 1 hour then you should be good.

 

[Tek-1]

Regarding the thermal paste, it's probably fine, but if you want to clean up the little drip, just use a Q-tip.

BIOS is not a good way to check load temps since they drop off within 1-2 seconds of unloading the CPU. Start CoreTemp before testing, and take note of the Max temperature it reports after you test.

Cool, good to hear about the paste, and CoreTemp...

You'll want to run Prime95 for checking max CPU temps and stability. Also, get a software monitor to check temps for CPU and GPU

Yeah will do. Unfortunately I have to sit through a 10 hour work day thinking about all this before I get to test anything. I've read just about every thread regarding new builds, and need to download these programs to help test the system.

Thanks for the comments! Sorry I'm such a newbie! I guess everyone starts here at some point :\

 

[Reincus]

You need to get Remote Desktop set up =)

 

[Tek-1]

You need to get Remote Desktop set up =)

heheh, I was thinking about that last night. But the build went into the wee hours of the night and I needed to sleep & didn't get around to it. I think I'd rather keep an eye on the hardware and software in person anyway. For now.

I'll probably post again after stress tests with the results. You guys are just way smarter with this stuff than I am. The input / feedback I'm getting is priceless.

 

[Reincus]

Careful with that benchmarking/stability stuff... that's the path that leads to the darkside. Soon you will be moving sliders, editing bios, flashing video card firmware... just so you can get that extra few MHz for that 1% better benchmark.

 

[Tek-1]

Careful with that benchmarking/stability stuff... that's the path that leads to the darkside. Soon you will be moving sliders, editing bios, flashing video card firmware... just so you can get that extra few MHz for that 1% better benchmark.

I can't wait! F#@* work! I want to go tinker!