View Single Post - Building a New Comp

znoopy1234 · Rated PG

Well, after sticking with my old Dell for way too long, I have finally decided to build a new comp. Since it is going to be in a rather public place, I actually preferred a heavier case, so I splurged my summer savings and bought a Xaser 3 V1000 (the steel one). Yes, I realize that most ppl believe that aluminum actually makes a difference in heat transfer, for a difference of 75$, I do not see this happening for me.

Did I mention I have never built a computer before?

Well, it took me over an hour to realize that the monster had neither come with drive rails nor a temp sensor... damn...
This revelation would have come a lot sooner had I known what drive rails were...

Just great... I am leaving for uni tomorrow (labour day) and my #*$&^*# comp will not even be ready. To make my situation worse, I purchased the case from Markham (not shipped) from Canada Computers, and although they have a loc in T.O, carrying the great trouble across streets and on streetcars is more than just a hassle (does anyone know if they can replace ONLY the missing parts?)

Well, besides from the case, there are a few other aspects of comp building that are on my mind. For example, the correct application of Arctic Ice. I tried to follow the instructions on the site, but does the film on the CPU have to be THAT even in order for proper conduction?

More questions...

The temp sensor. When it comes (if Canada Computers ever sends me one), how would it be positioned to measure the CPU temp? I have noticed that P4 dies are much smaller than older pentium and intel dies, and I worry about the amount of room required for a heat prob placed under a CPU.

Thirdly, my sound card. The mobo I bought is a p4c 800-e that all the forums claim is the 'best,' however, I have an 'older' SB Audigy 2 given by a friend that I prefer over the on-board sound that I do not know how to install since its size appears larger than the pci slots on the mobo (it does use PCI, right?).

All these prob seem like noob quests, and they are.
Any help would be great.