Help: Build PC (Intel or AMD)

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

I will probably be picking something up today at Tigerdirect.ca as I can't wait any longer to start putting it together Could you guys possibly skim over Tigerdirect.ca and give me any suggestions? I can't access it at work for some weird reason

Not sure what you're looking for in a case styling-wise, or how much you're willing to spend. The NZXT M59-001BK that you had your eye on is pretty out there (I prefer simple, cleaner lines that emphasize function over form, e.g. the Antec P183 houses my primary rig).

If you plan to make it a part of your HT, will you consider an HTPC case? Silverstone has some nice ones that will fit perfectly in an HT setup.

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Not sure what you're looking for in a case styling-wise, or how much you're willing to spend. The NZXT M59-001BK that you had your eye on is pretty out there (I prefer simple, cleaner lines that emphasize function over form, e.g. the Antec P183 houses my primary rig).

If you plan to make it a part of your HT, will you consider an HTPC case? Silverstone has some nice ones that will fit perfectly in an HT setup.

You were right .. I actually bought the NZXT-M59 and when I sat the unopened box next to the HT to get an idea of what it will look like .. turned out totally out of place. I ended up with a similar model to the HAF 932 that Ryoohki mentioned, I got the HAF 922 (Click Here) for $94. I think this looks just right, with the LEDs off it will look pretty darn good IMO

[urbanriz]

Quick question .. is it a good idea to remove the stock thermal from the heatsink and replace it with something better?

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

Quick question .. is it a good idea to remove the stock thermal from the heatsink and replace it with something better?

I would remove the stock thermal: a third party solution (e.g. Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound) will yield better thermal transfer from the CPU to the heatsink, ensuring that your CPU will run a bit cooler and thus, prevent overheating. To maximize your CPU's cooling results, an aftermarket heatsink is highly recommended (over the stock cooler), as they run cooler and quieter, whether or not you plan to overclock.

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

I would remove the stock thermal: a third party solution (e.g. Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound) will yield better thermal transfer from the CPU to the heatsink, ensuring that your CPU will run a bit cooler and thus, prevent overheating. To maximize your CPU's cooling results, an aftermarket heatsink is highly recommended (over the stock cooler), as they run cooler and quieter, whether or not you plan to overclock.

Thanks bro .. I ended up buying the Arctic Silver and also the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus. I put the thermal included with the 212 and from watching some videos on youtube.com used a plastic bag to cover my finger and gently spread it over the 212 prior to applying it to the CPU. Please tell me this is ok. I am not sure if I put too little, I put enough to try and cover the base but not too thick. Currently my Asus reading in Win7 is showing a temp of 35-36C is that normal with OC turned on via TurboV EVO tool. It has been running for approx 15 mins as of posting this. I believe from what I read this is normal but want to be sure.

[Toptube]

those temps are good. sounds like your layer of thermal grease isn't too thick!

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by Toptube

those temps are good. sounds like your layer of thermal grease isn't too thick!

Does it need to be a thick layer? I wasn't sure .. should I re-open, clean and reapply? When I apply it, should I put a pea size and NOT smother it like I did this time?

[BLindsay]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

Does it need to be a thick layer? I wasn't sure .. should I re-open, clean and reapply? When I apply it, should I put a pea size and NOT smother it like I did this time?

you dont want alot of it, just a thin layer to cover it, too much will hurt temps.

[Offender_Mullet]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

Does it need to be a thick layer? I wasn't sure .. should I re-open, clean and reapply? When I apply it, should I put a pea size and NOT smother it like I did this time?

One of the best ways is very simple to do: Put a small, pea-sized dab of thermal grease on the cpu. That's it. Then place the heatsink on top, just don't over-tighten it. That should spread the thermal grease out evenly.

[urbanriz]

Thanks all .. will try this out hopefully tonight after work and let you know ..

[Toptube]

your temps are good, I wouldn't go through the trouble of re-doing it.

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by Toptube

your temps are good, I wouldn't go through the trouble of re-doing it.

LOL .. Too late, did it last night, took me 10 mins so not too bad, my temps dropped to 33-34C. A little bit better, I have the HAF 922 with no side fan yet, hopefully when I get that it will make it better. Currently CPU fan, front, back and top fans are there.

Oh by the way this is with the machine OC'ed at 3.7 from 3.2, is it still decent?

Thanks all! Really helpful bunch with tonnes of info and much friendly than other boards I tried to get help on .. CHEERS!

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Can you post pics of the inside?

[urbanriz]

Sure will take some and post later in the week as I just to do some tidying up with wiring

[urbanriz]

Here is a pic of the inside as promised, sorry I am still working on figuring out how to wire manage a bit better:



Click the above to view ..

[Toptube]

you should put the CPU fan on the other side of the heatsink and have it "pushing" towards the case exhaust fan. Heatsinks genrally perform better when the fan is pushing into them rather than pulling away. You only have a "pull" fan when you have two fans mounted.

granted your idle temps are good, which means the heatsink is definitely doing a good job. But Your load temps will probably not be as good.

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by Toptube

you should put the CPU fan on the other side of the heatsink and have it "pushing" towards the case exhaust fan. Heatsinks genrally perform better when the fan is pushing into them rather than pulling away. You only have a "pull" fan when you have two fans mounted.

granted your idle temps are good, which means the heatsink is definitely doing a good job. But Your load temps will probably not be as good.

I thought by putting the fan on that side it push the air towards the fan that is already pushing sir out meaning essentially two fans pushing air out. If I have it on the other side the air will circulate inside the case no? Please forgive me I am a bit slow with this new build ... but have learned alot from you guys. What would be the best software to check temps as I am using the Asus software right now.

[Toptube]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

I thought by putting the fan on that side it push the air towards the fan that is already pushing sir out meaning essentially two fans pushing air out. If I have it on the other side the air will circulate inside the case no? Please forgive me I am a bit slow with this new build ... but have learned alot from you guys. What would be the best software to check temps as I am using the Asus software right now.

First, your primary concern is to get the heat off the heatsink as quickly and efficiently as possible. Pushing air into the heatsink is the best way to do this with most designs.

Second, exhausting air from the case is what the exhaust fans and power supply fans are for. But, alligning the CPU fan/heatsink with the an exhaust fan in a push/pull setup is ideal. With one CPU fan, you push into the heatsink, toward the exhaust fan. The exhaust fan is already pulling, so this will create a semi-linear channel of air. If you have a second fan, you can put it on the other side of the heatsink to pull away from the heatsink and towards the exhaust fan.

*any software that reports the temp from the motherboard thermometer is fine. The temp is soley based on that, so one software won't be any more/less accurate than another. Some software though can be set to record temps every couple of seconds for a set amount of time. This way you can do something stressful, like play a game or run Prime95 and get a tangible average for your load temps. Its been awhile since I've done this so I'm not really sure anymore what might do that for mobo temps. I used to use Rivatuner or ATI Tray Tools to graph videocard temps, that may have a mobo option as well.

It is worth noting that motherboard thermometers are often not super accurate, so temp monitoring from it is only useful for personal use to make sure that nothing is going totally wrong (its accurate enough for general use, but not spot on accurate). If you want accurate temps (for benchmarking is publishing) you'd have to buy a good aftermarket thermometer and then probably route a small groove for it into the Integrated Heat Spreader on the CPU (thats the metal shroud that covers the actual CPU chip/s) so then it would be sandwiched between the heatsink and the CPU (this is how [H]ardocp conducts temperature testing for their heatsink articles).

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by Toptube

First, your primary concern is to get the heat off the heatsink as quickly and efficiently as possible. Pushing air into the heatsink is the best way to do this with most designs.

Second, exhausting air from the case is what the exhaust fans and power supply fans are for. But, alligning the CPU fan/heatsink with the an exhaust fan in a push/pull setup is ideal. With one CPU fan, you push into the heatsink, toward the exhaust fan. The exhaust fan is already pulling, so this will create a semi-linear channel of air. If you have a second fan, you can put it on the other side of the heatsink to pull away from the heatsink and towards the exhaust fan.

My only problem is the there is no way to force the fan to push the air into the heatsink, it only pull it away. Check out the pic, the fan has clip now, vs the old model of the same Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus which has a bracket, click Here for the image.

I see the final installation in that review showing the fan on the other side pulling the air out but not on the back of the case to pull it out, click here.

Originally Posted by Toptube

If you want accurate temps (for benchmarking is publishing) you'd have to buy a good aftermarket thermometer and then probably route a small groove for it into the Integrated Heat Spreader on the CPU (thats the metal shroud that covers the actual CPU chip/s) so then it would be sandwiched between the heatsink and the CPU (this is how [H]ardocp conducts temperature testing for their heatsink articles).

Ok .. I am not that desperate and neither does it look like the computer has a high fever LOL!

[Toptube]

both images from hardware secrets shows the fan pushing into the heatsink. the second picture shows the ideal setup, where it pushing into the heatsink, but the whole thing is pointed towards the back of the case, to create a natural exhaust flow.

If for some reason your fan came backwards, you can remove the screws and flip the fan around. If you look on the clip, there should be some rubber bumpers. peel those off to reveal the screws. The cement on the rubber bumpers should be good enough to restick them. I would recommend sticking them just below the screws for the future.