Installing new stuff...pitfalls to avoid?

[BassDodger]

OK- relative N00b here...
I have an ASUS A8V Deluxe board running a AMD 4000 with an ATI AIW X800XT- all this in a silly-cheap case with same power supply. Lately, the rig has been shuting down after a few minutes under ANY load- I narrowed this down to the video card as it does this when checking for artifacts using ATItool...SO, I bought a few things to hopefully alleviate these problems and high temps:

IDLE

video card 46 C
CPU 46 C
MOBO 87 F (forgot the C value)

UNDER LOAD

Video card 70+ C
CPU mid-high 60's C
MOBO 88 F

NOTE the MOBO temps seem not to change too dramtically

Here's my response- throw money at it with

ZALMAN CNPS7000B-AICu

Thermaltake Extreme Giant III

Thermaltake X Pure Power 480 watt (THIS needed to be done anyway)

I got this stuff and had a few questions for yas:

What's the best way to remove thermal old thermal grease from the CPU and GPU?

The new coolers come with 5v and 12 V options- should I just set them up for 12v?

Oh, and any other advice concerning any pitfalls I might encounter...?

Thanks In Advavce,

BassDodger

 

[imported_Kensai]

99% Isoprophyl alcohol + paper towel + q-tip.

Stick with 12V if you want good cooling.

 

[mdchesne]

no paper towel! lint free cloth

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: mdchesne
no paper towel! lint free cloth

I prefer paper towel. Store doesn't have any lint free cloth. Too lazy to go out and buy any.

A careful tech and paper towel works fine.

 

[CrimsonCutie]

Lint free cloth is $0.99 for 2 at walmart in the jewlery department for cleaning your glasses...

 

[IEC]

Originally posted by: Kensai
99% Isoprophyl alcohol + paper towel + q-tip.

Stick with 12V if you want good cooling.

Or get a fanbus/controller like the Zalman MFC-1.

 

[Leros]

Ive always used paper towel. I have great temps, no problems. You people might be a bit OCD about the lint free towel.