New builder questions

[akassasin]

I just installed my AMD 64 3500+/heatsink and I'm a little worried at the noise made when pulling down the lever to clamp the CPU to the motherboard (before puting on the heatsink).

Is it normal for it to make somewhat of a crackling sound when doing this??

also, I touched the bottom of the heatsink, not realizing the thermal paste rubbed off... just a little came off on my finger but i was wondering if i need to go get some paste from the store and re-do that.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Now there are going to be 500 people here that sya yes, you need to reapply the compound, but in reality, unless you plan on breaking the world record for OC, just put the damn thing together and use it. As for the sound, its normal

 

[SrGuapo]

Yeah, try it out and see how it runs... If your temps are really hot, you definately want to replace the thermal paste. It is usually good to have a tube laying around anyways, in case something happens...

 

[akassasin]

Another dumb question
Do case fans get plugged into the motherboard along with the PSU?

 

[Infohawk]

I think most fans have a cable that goes into some motherboards for monitoring / throttling purposes.

Did you buy the retail processor that came with the heatsink? If so, don't worry about adding extra thermal paste. Of course if you're overclocking then maybe you need it...

 

[akassasin]

Yeah, the heatsink/fan came in the same box as the CPU.. all AMD.

Once I get this all set up how do I check my temps?
Also, how do I check to see what speed my processor and memory are running at?

thanks for all the help everyone

edit: I bought a DFI Ultra-D so I plan on trying to overclock my 3500+ to at least 2.5-2.6 ghz. Not that I know how.. but thats my plan.

 

[Tea Bag]

Originally posted by: akassasin
Yeah, the heatsink/fan came in the same box as the CPU.. all AMD.

Once I get this all set up how do I check my temps?
Also, how do I check to see what speed my processor and memory are running at?

thanks for all the help everyone

edit: I bought a DFI Ultra-D so I plan on trying to overclock my 3500+ to at least 2.5-2.6 ghz. Not that I know how.. but thats my plan.

Your temps, and memory / processor speed are listed in your BIOS. Check the manual for your board and it will tell you the options you need to adjust. You can also check temp by using a utility like Motherboard Monitor in Windows.

As for overclocking, read this.

 

[akassasin]

damn, looks like a nice guide - thanks

 

[Reiniku]

its a shame that you lost some of that paste, because i believe that its Shin Etsu... as good as as5

 

[akassasin]

doesnt look too spendy though from newegg.

I really didnt lose a whole lot it, i barely touched it, just a bit on the surface rubbed off...

 

[Reiniku]

dont worry about it then... that much of a decrease of tim is.. well nothing :b