1st PC Build, Nervous and Need Advice!

[Poulsonator]

OK, I'm about to build my first pc. Here's the specs:

ATI Radeon 8500LE 128MB DDR Video Card w/TV-Out Retail
AMD ATHLON XP 2000+/266 FSB PROCESSOR CPU OEM
ABIT KX7-333 Socket A VIA KT333 Motherboard
Kingston 512MB DDR333 PC2700 Memory Retail
CHIEFTEC Server Chasis (Workstation Tower) Model DX-01WD-420W; Turbo Link Power Supply
Maxtor D740X 6L040J2 40GB 7200 RPM
Thermaltake VOLCANO 7 Variable Fan Speed Control

All of this above I can get for $615 (w/o shipping - Newegg and Googlegear). I know I'm missing a couple of things, but I'm not concerned about those installs.

Anyway, my questions:

1. What do you think? Good system?
2. I'm nervous for the processor - motherboard - Volcano heatsink install. I'm not sure about thermal glue (if I'll need it or not), what's involved exactly, etc.
3. I've seen some guides about assembling a new PC, but never one detailing the proc/mobo/heatsink. Any guides you know of?

I guess that's my main question. I'm just nervous about the above install as, obviously, it's the most difficult (I'm assuming) and it's quite important. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[DaiShan]

Nice hardware, relax you will do fine. Now: apply the thermal compound to the core of the cpu (the metal part that sticks up, apply a THIN layer, I personally would use Artic Silver, but I'm sure the grease that comes with the HS/f is adequate, after you apply it to the core, make sure the cpu is securely in the socket, and that the lever is down and locked, put on the heatsink, just line up the tabs, don't put an excessive ammount of weight on it, be careful, it will be difficult to get on, but don't damage your equiptment in haste. Next just plug the fan fron the heatsink into the fan1 header on the mobo (read the manual) and that is it.

 

[Poulsonator]

Thank you very much for your advice. I found a decent page that has some pictures on this:

http://www.waterwheel.com/Guides/how_to/cpu/CPU.htm

Anyway, another question about this - obviously, the thermal glue goes on the top side of the cpu (the side that does NOT have the pins, inbetween the cpu and the heatsink/fan). Should I put the glue on before or after I insert it into the mobo?

 

[Amber]

TenaciousJGP,
It looks like a very nice Rig when its all finshed
I would use Artic Silver newegg has it and use only a very little on your CPU, you put it on the small square in the middle of the CPU
put the CPU into the mother board first by lifting the little rod on the mother board, install the CPU push down on it a little and push the rod down that's on the mother board
I then like to clean the surfaces of the heatsink and the CPU(just the small square part) with isopropyl alcohol
I hope that this will help
post back after it up and running and tell us how you like your new AMD Rig

 

[Slogun]

Proper application of thermal PASTE is critical.

Here are the instructions.

 

[Poulsonator]

Thank you all for your advice. After reading a few more sites and seeing some pictures, I believe I'm ready!

I've also decided to go for a 1700+ CPU instead of the 2000+. I can get the retail 1700+ for $20 cheaper than the OEM 2000+. For my first build, I'm going to go for as much retail as I can. My next pc will definitely consist of more OEM parts.

Wish me luck. I'll post on here as soon as my new rig is complete and up and running (cross fingers)!

 

[Amber]

Slogun,
nice link