Noob building questions

Backwoods166

Backwoods166

New Member
Title explains it, here we go...

1. Does it matter which slots I put my ddr2 ram into? Can i space them out for better air flow? My last dell with RDRAM was strict about not doing this.

2. I have read the sticky about building and the other thing I am unclear about is the cpu/thermal compound/heat sink construction. Do I put the compound on before or after cpu is seated.

3. Do I attach heat sink before or after cpu is seated.

4. How do I spread compound on cpu? Push it around with my finger?

5. Do I do all of these before or after mobo is installed?

I am putting together this

q6600
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound

I also got the compound cleaning kit and anti-static wrist strap.
 
You have got good parts to build with, now don't mess it.
Answers:
1. You should put your DDR2 memory in slots that are recommended by the manual. Usually they would be the same color but may be opposite. In most cases you will first occupy slot closest to the CPU and then next one of the same color (on your mobo it would be 2 yellow slots). In that config you will enable dual channel operation. But if you have any problems with it - DDR2 can be placed in any slots, not like RDRAM.

2. Usually most Coolers will have compound preapplied, and if you are not good with building PCs you should leave it there. Otherwise place your mobo on the table, on something soft, install CPU, then apply (in not pre-applied) small bit of compound and spread it with putty knife of something similar. Layer should be even and smooth, no garbage or holes in it. Don't put too much. Don't touch CPU surface with your fingers (oil).

Install memory after that. Then install back plate for the mobo connectors on the case, install snadoffs and then put your mobo in. Install PSU, drives, videocard in the end. Check all connectors (most important mobo 24, CPU 4(or 8) and videocard 6 or 8 pin cables.
 
1. If your using 2 sticks, you have to put them in certian slots for dual channel

2. After, the CPU is aliitle hard to handle if it has compound on it before you drop it in place.

3. How are going to install the CPU heatsink without the CPU in place first?

4. Two ways. Put a small amount in the middle (size of a grain of rice) and let the heatsink spread it out. Or spread it out even your self before mounting the heatsink with the same amount.

5. I do it afterwards, but its up to you. Depends on how much room you have in your case.
 
1. Yes it does matter. If you look on your motherboard you will see that the RAM slots are red and yellow. you must have equal amount of memory in each colour, so if you have 2x2gb of RAM then put 1 stick in 1 red slot, 1 stick in the other so there is 2GB in each colour


2. to put the CPU and heatsink in do the following:

1. Look for the notches in the CPU. they will line up with notches on the CPU on the mobo.

2. Once it is in and secured put the thermal paste on

3. Put your heatsink on. If it takes one or two cracks to get the holes lined up it doesn't matter so long as there is a decent amount of paste making contact to the CPU and heatsink


3. As said above, put and secure the CPU with the clip and then put the heatsink on

4. The finger will do but an old credit card or thin bit of soft flexible plastic is better

5. If your case has a removeable mobo board then put the mobo on that, build the system then slide the board back in. If it doesn't, i find it easier to put the mobo into the case first, then RAM, and graphics card and stuff that has no wires because it's less clutter and stuff, then any other order so long as power supply is last.

The power supply thing you will find different people have different views on this, i find it easier to put it in last because the wires otherwise just get in the way

When you get going though you will notice most of it is self explanitory or explained in the mobo or component manual so if you are unsure, check there first, if you are still unsure just pop back here ;)
 
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