I just build my first computer, a few questions...

[SuperH20]

First of all, my friend gave me some Artic Silver 2, but I decided to just install the processor like the instructions said, it is an Athlon64 3200+ Venice, if I overclock it later, will using the artic silver make a large difference?

Secondly, I bought a 250GB hard drive, but it only shows up as about 140GBs in Windows, also when i first put it in and started it up, it made a grinding noise exactly every 4 seconds.

Lastly, I bought an expensive Enermax powersupply, but it only has a 20pin power cord, it works, but the motherboard has 24 pins.

thanks for any help ; ;

 

[suicidalpigeon]

theres some differences in the uses, but i don't know the exact amount. you'll need sp2 for the os, then rightclick my computers icon>manage>storage>disk management>set partition. you shouldn't have much of a problem using a 20pin with a 24pin. see the stickied psu thread on this section of the forum for more details.

 

[theMan]

you have to install SP2 for your hard drive to be above 137gb. as for the AS, i dont know maybe a few degrees.

 

[wpshooter]

If you are going to use Artic Silver, get and use Artic Silver 5.

 

[SuperH20]

is there anyway i can merge my harddrive so its all one partition?

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Why do you want a 1 partition 250GB drive?

 

[Kyanzes]

Actually this problem was already addressed in SP1. Still, it won't hurt to install SP2 ofc. If you already have any of them installed (SPs) then your problem resides in the BIOS of your controller. It is possible if you are using a fairly old one. It can also be true if the controller is integrated on your mobo. In either case a BIOS upgrade can help (if SP1 or SP2 didn't solve your problem).

 

[boomerang]

This article should help.

I'm concerned about the grinding noise. The manufacturer of the drive will have some software you can download and run to check out that drive. You should do this. It should be under warranty and they will replace it if the diagnostic indicates it is bad.

Welcome to the forums!