Building my own rig

[Harry_O]

I just purchased a new Micro/ATX Case and this is my first Build, I need a suggestion on what Mobo I should purchase and why?

[Alaron]

We need to know what you plan to use the computer for and what your budget is. Also, do you have a preference for AMD or Intel?

As a general rule, we recommend Asus boards, as they are high quality.

[Harry_O]

Just wanted to say thank you, I plan on using this computer for mostly multimedia, music, video etc. Once again thanks!

[Harry_O]

I just wanted you to know that I purchased a ASUS P5Q-EM DO LGA 775 Intel Q45 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard and 4 gig of Kingston HyperX 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 along with a intel core 2 duo CPU is this a good start for my first build? I havent started assembly yet still need two fans and HDD and a copy of OEM Windows Vista 64 bit, but am I on the rite track?

[Alaron]

Yes, that sounds like a good start.

We recommend Western Digital Black Hard drives.

[Harry_O]

Hello
I am building my new rig my questions is this: My motherboard is a PQ5-EM-DO by ASUS and I didnt get any standoff screws with it, I did however get standoff screws with my new case and they are brass, is this all I need before I install the board?
Also should I use thermal paste with on my CPU my heatsink has pre-applied paste on it, Thanks.

[jdeb]

you can use the stand offs that came with the case and the pre applied thermal is fine.

[glc]

Please don't start new threads on the same build. Threads merged. Thank you.

- Admin -

[SaPPeR]

I would suggest an after-market CPU Cooler as well for your new build!

[glc]

Why? The stock cooler must be used to keep the 3 year processor warranty and it does a plenty good job unless you are going to be heavily overclocking.

Sapper, your avatar is bordering on good taste for this forum - please replace it. Thank you.

- Admin -

[SaPPeR]

Originally Posted by glc Why? The stock cooler must be used to keep the 3 year processor warranty and it does a plenty good job unless you are going to be heavily overclocking. Sapper, your avatar is bordering on good taste for this forum - please replace it. Thank you. - Admin -

Because I have the same CPU and the stock fan is worthless! Not to mention the 4 plastic retaining pins which seems to breakoff quite easily due to the poor design. Do you work for Intel admin? Because I can't imagine anyone who has this process ever wanting to keep the stock CPU fan. Perhaps your just unfamilar with this processor. Here is my rigs setup below, if anyone ever needs some help on new builds just ask.

Gigabyte EP45-UD3R P45 775 R (rev: 1.1),
Intel Core2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale @ 3.16 GHz (EO),
8GB DDR2-1066 G.SKILL PC8500CL5D (CL5-5-5-15)
SAPPHIRE 100259L Radeon HD 4870 512MB GDDR5 256-bit PCI-E 2.0 X 16
2 X WD Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0GB
LG DVD+R 6X Blu-ray SATA Super Burner MD-GGW-H2OL
CREATIVE SB X-Fi XTREME Audio 7.1 PCI-E
Cooler Master 830 STACKER-1000W PSU Real Power Pro

[Alaron]

Sapper, since you did not remove your avatar when asked, I have removed it for you.

__Moderator__

[jdeb]

I do not care for the stock fan as well but glc is right in regards to warranty... but the best part of your response was the comment "Perhaps your just unfamilar with this processor" aimed at glc...LOL that man has probably forgotten more about intel then we will ever remember... his dog is probably named prescott and his wifes name is probably Wilmette.

[glc]

Install with the motherboard OUT OF THE CASE and in your hand. Support the board behind the processor area, verify the pins are in the locked position, and snap each pin down in the hole WITHOUT twisting in a X-pattern. Click, click, click, click - done!