DIY computer thread

[Cochese]

There's been quite a few threads lately about hardware or software upgrades. This is the place to share builds or ask questions about building a computer, updating software or simply which prebuilt computer or laptop is best for you. Tablets, too.

There's some tools you can use to either figure out what you have in your system or compare how your system is running.

Futuremark - various system benchmark software
Novabench - benchmark software
Prime95 - a stability torture test for overclockers
NewEgg - great retailer that also allows you to store wishlist items to easily share a prospective build
OSX86 + TonyMacx86 Two great resources for a Hackintosh build
Crucial System Scanner Reminds you what memory you have, plus selected other components

[dbhost]

Another one to look into is Tigerdirect.com, they beat Newegg's pricing pretty handily on most items.

[BobSch]

Here's an article on things to look for if you're building your own machine:

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10t...042&s_cid=e042

[jussi]

If they have one in your area you may want to check out MicroCenter.com They pricematch Newegg, TigerDirect, Amazon as long as it's not less than they're cost. The guys in my branch are really knowledgeable which is a big reason I've gone there more often instead of Fry's. Even though it's longer drive.


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[Cochese]

The scariest thing about building or working on computers is the thermal paste on the processor. Get it right, and you have years of use to look forward to. Screw it up and you'll be buying new components - unless you take your time and check your results.

I just removed the stock cooler on my Core i5 and replaced it with a aftermarket cooler. My temps in the Prime95 torture test went from 90º under full load to barely touching 50º.

I don't use anything special. Q-tips, 91% IPA, and a razor blade. I used the IPA and Q-tips to clean the processor (and the old fan). The IPA evaporates pretty quickly. You can apply the new paste in a couple of different ways. I just put down a small grain of rice (sized) blob and use the razor to spread it out evenly and fairly thinly directly on the processor. If you can read the info on the processor, it's too thin.

When you put everything back together, take a detour into your BIOS screen. It should have a spot to check your temps. This won't be an accurate temp, but it will be good enough to see if you're about to fry your chip. Temps in the 20s, 30s or low 40s are fine to boot up and take more accurate readings from a variety of different programs. CoreTemp is a good one.

[BobSch]

...I just put down a small grain of rice (sized) blob and use the razor to spread it out evenly and fairly thinly directly on the processor. If you can read the info on the processor, it's too thin...

Thermal paste is funny stuff and proper application is important. Like glue too much is as bad as not enough. I like the idea of using a razor blade to spread it out.

[LCHIEN]

Thermal paste is a much better conductor than air but a much worse conductor than metal.
Sticking two pieces what looks like flat metal together can leave small gaps of air a few mils thick due to roughness or non-perfect flatness between the top of the heatsink and the CPU top.

The perfect situation is to have the paste fill the microscopic gaps but no more. The metal should be touching as much as possible and the thermal paste fill the rest. Too much paste and the metal won't touch!

[Cochese]

Thermal paste is a much better conductor than air but a much worse conductor than metal.
Sticking two pieces what looks like flat metal together can leave small gaps of air a few mils thick due to roughness or non-perfect flatness between the top of the heatsink and the CPU top.

The perfect situation is to have the paste fill the microscopic gaps but no more. The metal should be touching as much as possible and the thermal paste fill the rest. Too much paste and the metal won't touch!

Even lapping both the heatsink and cpu, paste is necessary. Doesn't really matter what kind of paste.

There is definitely such a thing as too thin. For most scenarios, the rice grain provides enough.

If you lapped down to 2000 and were willing to risk your $200 processor, I suppose it's technically possible to run it without. You'll still typically see higher temps because it's not a perfect process.

It's cheap insurance. 50° full load temps are well below specs. Cost/benefit beyond that doesn't add up unless you want to push 5GHz. Then you're looking at liquid anyway.

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