Noobie Question about installing CPU

[JoeFaheyx]

Hi, I am putting together my computer. This is my first build, and it is a lot more work than I though. I spend lots of time in the manuals. Anyways, when attaching the heatsink to the CPU, do you need to buy a certain paste? The heatsink already has the gummy material on it, so do I just place it on carefully as it is? It is a an AMD 64 by the way. Also, how do you suggest I start all of this assembly? I already have the CD drives in. I am also using the guide made by MechBgon= http://www.omnicast.net/~tmcfa...uides/build/index.html Since I have the drives in, should my next step be to plug in the fans, or start with the motherboard? I have a large case, so should I put the RAM and CPU on the motherboard outside of the case? Or inside? I am just a noobie struggling with my first build. Thanks! Open to any suggestions!

 

[cmp1223]

No, the AMD 64 Heatsink/Fan comes with the paste preapplied, it the grey square. I suggest you keep it covered in the plastic shield to prevent dust from getting on it. If you touched the surface of the CPU, clean it with Alcohol ot Xylene (Goof-Off I think) Clean it even if you didnt touch it, you never know who did touched it. Let it evaporate away for a few minutes before you put the HSF on.

I test fit the motherboard in the case first, know where to put all the brass risers. Then assemble the motherboard jumpers (if any) CPU, HSF, and memory outside the case on an antistatic bag. Always wear an antisatic wristband! Then lower it in the case. Before the motherboard, i put the PSU and optical drives in. Its easier than you think. Just go slow, make sure everything is secure, grounded. Make sure there are no loose screws lying on the mobo. Dont force anything!

 

[Rhin0]

I definately recommend mounting the CPU and HS/F OUTSIDE the case. It just is so much easier and you can make sure you get it on really straight and just in general it is better to do it outside. The ram is up in the air. I did mine inside the case others don't like to. For you just do it outside too.

That is great to hear you actually read instructions and manuals.
Do the fans last so they aren't in the way

Glad to see you didn't pound your 939 into a Socket A with a hammer
I'll be happy to help if you have any other questions!

 

[jvarszegi]

Another thing I found the other day on my first A64 build is that the little golden arrow pointed AWAY from the lever, not towards it. Whatever you do, don't try to force that sucker in. It should just drop in easily. Check the pin layout-- you should see four groups of missing pins on the chip; match them to the socket to make sure you're putting it in correctly.

 

[cmp1223]

Its alot easier just to match up the arrows like the instructions advise! Arrow on CPU to arrow on mobo!

 

[Twofootputt]

Way easier out of the case. Also, less flex on the mobo when you clip down the HSF. Not as bad w/A64.

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

I always do heatsink and fan outside.

If it's a new build, I do the memory outside too.

If I'm just adding more memory, I do it inside.

First I would just hook up the power supply, motherboard etc outside of the case to make sure it even works before you put it in.

I would do the hard drives and optical drives first.
Put the powersupply in next and place the cables out of the way.
Hook up the motherboard to the case (power switch, reset, etc)
Then put in the motherboard, cpu, memory, heatsink stuff in.
Put in your video card, sound card, etc in.
Connect cables and plug stuff in.

Enjoy

 

[jvarszegi]

Originally posted by: cmp1223
Its alot easier just to match up the arrows like the instructions advise! Arrow on CPU to arrow on mobo!

Yep, I'm sure your right. In my case, my fiancee decided to throw away the "junk" that came with my retail processor-- including useless things like the warranty, instruction manual, etc.

 

[JoeFaheyx]

THANKS EVERYONE!!!

 

[JoeFaheyx]

One last question. when you push down on the mobo to put the parts in when you are doing it outside of the case, won't it damage anything on the bottom of the mobo? Also, when I do it outside of the case, should I place it on an anti static bag, ontop of like the box that came with it or something? Can I use the bag that came with the mobo? Do I need to turn it inside out if I do? Thanks again!

 

[D1gger]

Yes it is a good idea to place the motherboard on the anti-static bag. No need to turn it inside out. I like to have a piece of cardboard or better yet, foam from the packing material under the anti-static bag to make sure that the bottom of the motherboard does not get damaged.

Just go slow and carefully and you will do fine.

 

[JoeFaheyx]

Would the foam from the package carry static?

edit: Well actually, it would be under the anti static bag, so it wouldn't really matter I don't think.

 

[JoeFaheyx]

I am now going to put the CPU and RAM on the motherboard outside of the case. I was wondering, does it matter which ram slot you use? I am putting in a stick of 512mb, and I plan to get another one in the future. So does it matter which slot I put either one in? In the mobo manual it has a chart for the slots that are best for certain sticks of RAM, should I follow this? By the way, its an MSI K8n NEO2...THANKS!

Edit: One other thing, should I have the power supply set to off when I put in the mobo at first? I turn the power supply on to ground myself.

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

I was wondering, does it matter which ram slot you use?

I normally put it in the one closest to the CPU socket as that's generally slot 1. However if the manual tells you to put it in slot 2, 3, or 78 then do what it tells you.

Motherboard manuals are about the only ones I follow to the letter when setting up.

After everything works though, it gets put back in its box never to be read again until something breaks.

 

[jvarszegi]

Originally posted by: JoeFahey
Edit: One other thing, should I have the power supply set to off when I put in the mobo at first? I turn the power supply on to ground myself.

Yes! Turn it off! You should only have to have it plugged in to ground yourself.