First official build

[tjcinnamon]

I have configured and upgraded machines but this is going to be my first new build. Connecting the mobo to the case, organizing the cables. The whole 9.

I am getting a q6600 with GA-EP35-DS3L P35 with SCYTHE CPU COOLER|SCKC-1000, antec sonata case, and some corsair dominator.

My questions are:

What methods do you guys use to stay grounded while working with the components?

Should I just use prime95 to burn in the processor to make sure it's not defective? If so, how long should I run it for? Should I wait till the cpu is stable for a few days then overclock?

Should I use memtest to burn in my new Ram to make sure that is not defective as well? If so, for how long?

Should I try to burn in my new hard drives? If so, what should I use?

Thanks,
JOe K.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: tjcinnamon
What methods do you guys use to stay grounded while working with the components?

Keep touching an unpainted portion of the case.

Should I just use prime95 to burn in the processor to make sure it's not defective? If so, how long should I run it for? Should I wait till the cpu is stable for a few days then overclock?

Yes, run Prime 95 Small FFT's overnight, but make sure you enable error detection. And yeah, I usually use a new build for a few days at stock speed, because if I run across any irregularities, I want to know that it has nothing to do with my overclock. Plus, I always like to do all of my normal benchmarks at stock speed.

Should I use memtest to burn in my new Ram to make sure that is not defective as well? If so, for how long?

Memtest HCI is alot better at catching errors than MemTest 86. Run it overnight also, just not at the same time as Prime95.

Should I try to burn in my new hard drives?

Nope.

Thanks

You're welcome, Joe.

 

[silvercue]

hi Joe,

That's good advice.

Only difference for me is that I use a wrist band when building PCs. It has a metal connector you clip on a radiator (or similart grounded object). Means you are grounded, but free(ish) to move.

They are very cheap.

 

[tjcinnamon]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks!

 

[tjcinnamon]

Any suggestions for installing the CPU? Does it come with a tweezers or something to handle it?

 

[tjcinnamon]

Also, I for my other machine. I'm moving some ram around. Would it be okay to mix 2 different kinds of ram? 2x1gb of G-Skill PC6400 and 2x512 Corsair XMS PC6400.

 

[Syzygies]

Originally posted by: silvercue
Only difference for me is that I use a wrist band when building PCs.

Good idea. Whatever you do, do not let yourself be tempted by anti-static gloves. In the worst case they will snag and destroy the 775 cpu socket. (Repairs are possible but difficult.)

 

[Schfifty Five]

Originally posted by: tjcinnamon
Any suggestions for installing the CPU? Does it come with a tweezers or something to handle it?

Tweezers? You don't need tweezers. It's ok to touch the CPU. I mean if your fingers are greasy/dirty, then yeah go wash your hands before you do anything, but it won't hurt to touch the CPU. While it's ideal to hold it by the edges during installment, it's not like it will kill your CPU if you touch the die/heatsink or pin area. Of course ESD and excessive physical force will damage your CPU, but just light handling of the CPU is fine.

Also, while I'm sure you know what CPUs look like, I have to remind you that they aren't some tiny sized component that would require tweezers. These things are a couple inches each side. Just make sure you are grounded and have clean hands and you will be all right.

 

[dv8silencer]

Originally posted by: Syzygies
Only difference for me is that I use a wrist band when building PCs.
Good idea. Whatever you do, do not let yourself be tempted by anti-static gloves. In the worst case they will snag and destroy the 775 cpu socket. (Repairs are possible but difficult.)

Do not be tempted by anti-static gloves? So you are saying a person should not use them? Just want you to clear that up.

 

[poohbear]

Originally posted by: tjcinnamon
Also, I for my other machine. I'm moving some ram around. Would it be okay to mix 2 different kinds of ram? 2x1gb of G-Skill PC6400 and 2x512 Corsair XMS PC6400.

most mobos will tell u to use dual channel kits because they have the exact same chip type, i.e. ddr CH5 or BH5 etc. i knew which brands had which chips back when i made my opty 165 rig and NF2 rig, so i used them in conjunction before upgrading (used kingston and ocz together, but i knew they were both CH5 chips w/ the same specs, just from different companies). if you dont know what type of ram the 2 sticks of ram are, then its advisable to use dual channel kits. this is more important if u want to use dual channel, otherwise the mobo generally doesnt care in my experience.