What should I do AFTER I build it?

[coreywhite]

Well, I'm just waiting for my parts to arrive. I'm planning to follow the guide on this site (along with a couple of others) when it comes time to actually build the PC.

However, what I'm not sure about is what to do after the PC is built. I've never built a computer, and I've been using a Mac for the last few years. I'm specifically looking for recommendations on how I should test and optimize the system after I build it. I've heard of programs like MemTest, etc. I'm interested in figuring out, as quickly as possible, whether any of my components are bad (specifically the RAM, since it has a large mail-in rebate, and I need to make sure I'm not going to be returning it before I send in the rebate).

What programs should I use to characterize and optimize my new build? Where can I find them, and in what order should I use them?

I'm not planning on overclocking my CPU, or at least not immediately - it seems like a bad idea since I'm far from an expert and my processor should be plenty fast anyway. However, I am planning on overclocking the video card (Sapphire X1950XT). Is there any reason that's a particularly bad idea? I've heard it's a great overclocker, and that seems like an easy and reasonably low risk way to significantly boost performance. Is there software that I should use for this beyond ATI Tool? Is there good software for testing stability and performance of a video card?

So, to summarize: I'm looking for diagnostics that I should run to make sure that my system is properly set up and that all parts are solid.

However, I'm also interested in just general purpose software and settings (again, I'm coming from a Mac background, so I'm not too familiar with much Windows software). What do you personally do, software-wise, after a new build? Are there any free programs that you really recommend to improve my experience? Things that you don't even have to think about - you just know you're going to install them as soon as you install Windows? (I think I'm covered for adware/spyware/malware/etc. I've downloaded and plan to immediately install AdAware, AVG (both the anti-virus and the anti-spyware), and Spybot.)

I'm interested even in the most trivial things; even software like RocketDock or Launchy, just things that make XP prettier and more functional (again, Mac user - what do you expect).

I think it would be great if someone could put together a stickied list of free/cheap software and utilities to go with a new build.

[peekaboo]

first, assume all your parts are in good shape and that everything will be ok.

now, here's what i usually do:
i install an operating system.
then i install an office suite.
then i install an antivirus.
then i install firefox.
i then install ccleaner and a defragmenter.
i make sure everything is up to date and i relax.

[shadowpr]

the important part is to relax....and enjoy your new build.....

that's the key.

[Alaron]

PCM's article on How to Proceed after Installing Windows: http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-to-proceed-just-after-installing-windows/

[Krazeee]

I'm not a big stress tester, but the first thing I'd probably do if I was interested would be to google 'stress test software' or some such keywords.

You could also go to www.tomshardware.com and look up any one of their reviews, look at the tests they put those systems under and then do the same. Of course, no testing can beat good ol' fashioned usage. Play some games for 6 months and then you'll know, heh.

[coreywhite]

Thanks everyone . . . yeah, I do plan to relax and enjoy the PC, once it's built. For the time being, I'm just waiting for parts, and just thinking about my new computer. It's fun, actually - reminds me of buying computer games 10 years ago when I was a kid and reading the manual on the car ride home, or before being allowed to use the computer. Sometimes reading the manual and thinking about the game were more fun than actually playing it . . .

Also, thanks Alaron for that link. That's a great article. I've also just noticed the Freeware Frenzy link in your sig (it was mentioned in the article) so I'm going to spend some time looking at that.

[Chazell29]

Thanks everyone . . . yeah, I do plan to relax and enjoy the PC, once it's built. For the time being, I'm just waiting for parts, and just thinking about my new computer. It's fun, actually - reminds me of buying computer games 10 years ago when I was a kid and reading the manual on the car ride home, or before being allowed to use the computer. Sometimes reading the manual and thinking about the game were more fun than actually playing it . . .

Also, thanks Alaron for that link. That's a great article. I've also just noticed the Freeware Frenzy link in your sig (it was mentioned in the article) so I'm going to spend some time looking at that.
Ah, thinking about it being more fun than it is, yeah thats the way it is here, i was really excited when i was researching parts, ordered them, and when i built it. Then after I built it, i was like alright now its just a PC nothign special. Felt like dissaembling it, and putting it back together. Good times good time.

[shadowpr]

Ah, thinking about it being more fun than it is, yeah thats the way it is here, i was really excited when i was researching parts, ordered them, and when i built it. Then after I built it, i was like alright now its just a PC nothign special. Felt like dissaembling it, and putting it back together. Good times good time.


that's why i like to constantly find things wrong or that i think should be better....gives me excuses to keep having fun...lol

[perkster]

i install firefox, AVG, spyware removers, make sure i have all windows updates, and then i install and test playing a game for a while on max settings then use each device and make sure everything works as it should, i dont do any further tests unless something doesnt work as it should.

however i do run something like superpi to test speed of processor and my recent build had software with it for checking temps of CPU and MB which are indicators of poor cooling or HSF not being on right