Build me Gaming PC. Limit $1500.

[Olo401]

Had 2 problems though.. with the case i bought (shown somewhere in this thread) wouldnt fit my SSD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820139162 Sucks too because i looked and it said not refundable, so I really should figure out how to fit this in.

The SSD fits into a 2.5" drive bay (smaller than the standard hard disk).. most cases don't come with that size bay these days so you'll probably need to get a frame.

Other problem (not a problem, think was just my friend and I not knowing how to install it lol) but we couldnt figure out how to install the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835233029 into the PC, so right now im just using the stock one.

You might have one of the old version boxes that has the bracket that only fits LGA775 boards (the new version bracket will have a second set of holes for mounting on a LGA1366 board). If that's the case you can either have Newegg or Xigmatek swap it out for the new version, or purchase the add-on bracket kit.

[Brewski]

Cant really answer any questions on what my friend did as he is sleeping right now.

Was thinking about just running my pc down to the local pc store and have guy look at it, and also have him install the dark knight heatsink and maybe my SSD as well.

I'll keep updates posted for sure (:

Thanks again guys for the advice.. really got to lower this temp!

*Edit* and thanks for the link for that bracket for a 2.5 size, looks to me that will solve it, ordering it today thanks :D

[Olo401]

Yeah that Intel stock cooler is shitty.. What's your readings like in RealTemp?

[Brewski]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...ntitled1-1.png

Thats what im working with right now, and all im running is Limewire, Firefox, Aim and the evga utility program.
starting to think my friend installed the stock fan backwards or something.. about to switch to my other pc so i can take apart my main and still read all these posts.

[Reeno]

everything is put togetehr right, i put the back plate on for the custom heatsink but the screws werent goign in, everything was aligned...maybe iw as just to scared to put a little pressure on it since its not my pc.

EDIT: i didnt install the stock fan backwards either lol...did you do anything in your settings? is it set on dummy overclock or any overclock?

[Jintu]

those temps are redic. high for a fresh build, the aftermarket cooler is pretty easy to install, it should have come with some sort of 775 directions: gotta take mobo out and use the backplates with it. You can mount the ssd anywhere, you dont need a frame/tray, hell you can just lay it on the bottom or the case or tape it.

[Olo401]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...ntitled1-1.png

Thats what im working with right now, and all im running is Limewire, Firefox, Aim and the evga utility program.
starting to think my friend installed the stock fan backwards or something.. about to switch to my other pc so i can take apart my main and still read all these posts.

Hard to read it cuz it's too small (Photobucket auto-resized your screenshot) but if that looks as high as I think it does then the heatsink is DEFINITELY not mounted correctly. Even the stock cooler will get you down to 55-60.

[sruon]

I had to use windows magnifier to read it, I'm gonna guess either the heatsink isn't properly seated, either you wiped some of the thermal grease by mistake but still, it shouldn't be that high

[SaviorSelf]

How do you guys use the thermal paste? Dot in the center and then push the fan onto it to spread?

[Pikarya]

I personally apply 2 rice-sized pieces diagonal, then I spread it evenly till its 50/50 even with a clean razor. But yes, you can apply a rice/pea sized amount in the middle and then just put the heat sink FLAT on top of it, then compressing it while locking it into place so you get a perfect/equal amount spread around the base.

[Somniis]

How do you guys use the thermal paste? Dot in the center and then push the fan onto it to spread?

I don't know if it's necessary or not, but I scrape off the old paste and apply a rice-sized amount in the center. It spread fairly evenly when the heatsink is pressed on top of it. This seems to be the "standard" way to do it, but I suppose it doesn't matter as long as there is not too much or too little.

[Brewski]

I just installed the heatsink i bought heres before and after temps..

Before: http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...hKnightFan.png

After: http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...hKnightFan.png

To save time for those that the pic comes up small..

Before CPU Temp: 84degrees C
After CPU Temp: 21degrees C

:D good stuff.. my only problem is gone, time to game.

[Cayos]

Pre-spreading seems to create bubbles, so I've been going with the rice method.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyXLu1Ms-q4

[Olo401]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...r/IMG_0015.jpg

This was mine when I did it.. meant to make a BB-sized dot but it got kinda messed up.

[Kerberoz]

It's definitely worthwhile to spend the extra $5 on arctic silver, and completely remove the stock paste they give you. Use paint thinner or nail polish remover, rinse, dry completely, add good paste.

[CoronA1979]

MX-2 or MX-3 is what I use - Good Stuff..

The discussion of thermal paste is reminding me I need to tear my rig down to do some deep cleaning and redo the paste, lol. It's been a while :D

[levish]

Meh, one paste to the next 2-5c difference which means nothing in the real world.

I wouldn't remove expressly to change paste. Maybe if it came with the crud from 10 years ago you'd see more than 2-5c difference but not with anything shipping recently.

Going from 84c to 24c is impossible for one working heatsink to another, that sort of difference only happens if you did something like forgetting to take the protective film off, or if the heatsink is fouling on something and not making good contact with the processor.

Even the Dell PC's which I had at work would idle at ~55-60c and they were tuned to be silent and had very small heatsinks.

[Olo401]

Actually you'd be surprised.. there is a difference in thermal compounds depending on what the composition is, but it usually only shows up when your machine is under high load. The compounds with high silver content are the ones that provide the best results, tho there is one on the market that uses diamond as its conducting agent that has had some good results (I got a sample tube of it and it works fantastic).

BTW here's a chart I found that's actually kinda funny and appropriate (yes, they actually did test toothpaste and Vegemite.)

http://www.dansdata.com/images/goop/nofibgraph2.gif

[shidobu]

rofl toothpaste. "yo dog fuck yo arctic silver" im rollin with Crest mo fucka
Dat Tempt
http://www.bigfootsden.com/store.ite....rare.mint.jpg

[Celeras]

Arctic Silver 5 would probably beat the toothpaste ;p AS3 is from like 2002.