New build- questions

[AD-15]

hello,

I've just about finished my new system, and before I switch it on, I want to ask a few questions:

1) The AS5 thermal paste I used was applied according to instructions (http://www.arcticsilver.com/ins_rout...2intelas5.html [I'm using a dual core]), however, the line was not totally uniform due to difficulty with the syringe. Ie it is a little (about 1mm) thicker in places and slightly thin in other places. Is this OK?

2) Case connectors. I have case connectors for the speaker and microphone jacks at the front of my case, but I'm not using onboard sound. Should I bother connecting them?

3) Once I've installed and connected everything, what will happen the first time I switch it on? This is a totally new build, I don't even have windows on it yet. Should I go and set some settings in the BIOS?

4) In case the cooling system is not assembled correctly, and the CPU temperature begins to rise, what protection is there against it from being fried? Will it shut down straight away after a particular temperature?

Thanks!

[staffsMike]

1) No one is perfect.. that's fine.

2) Up to you really..

3) Well it will POST (hopefully) you can enter the bios to fiddle with RAM timings etc.. volts if it needs it and then restart. If you have a windows disk in and it recognises the CD it will allow you to boot from that and you can install away.

Without the disk in it it will just stop when it realises there is nothing on the HDD.

4) It will shut down if it overheats. Best to keep the case open and all fans blasting away until you know the temps are reasonable though i.e in the bios health check and then in windows with coretemp or whatever.

[AD-15]

hello,

Thanks man. So the front case connectors from the audio jacks will definitely not be used by the external sound card if they are connected to the motherboard?

[AD-15]

hello,

Sorry to be a pest tonight, but I also have a question about a connector on my motherboard, labelled "PWR_FAN". Can I safely attach any case fan to this?

[TAKTAK]

hello,

Sorry to be a pest tonight, but I also have a question about a connector on my motherboard, labelled "PWR_FAN". Can I safely attach any case fan to this?

yup, any fan can go on it

it's just named like that for a PSU fan connector if you had one.. but anyfan is fine

[AD-15]

Thanks yet again guys!

Just one more question:

I have set finished everything now, and have successfully got it to switch on, and have set the values in the bios.

However, I still do not have a new copy of Vista. I have the retail disc from another system. Could I use that to install Windows now on my new build, and then activate it later when I get the new disc and license? I hope so, I wanna try out my first successful build!

[staffsMike]

Nope, you need the key to install it. You can use any Vista disk (as far as I have seen so far) but you need the licence. Get linux if you want to see it working.

[TAKTAK]

Nope, you need the key to install it. You can use any Vista disk (as far as I have seen so far) but you need the licence. Get linux if you want to see it working.

i thought you could bypass the key bit?

and then have the 30? day free trial...

[staffsMike]

You might be right, never had to try. You can go 30 days without activation.. but that might be XP.. errr

Can't remember. Can't hurt to try it

[TAKTAK]

You might be right, never had to try. You can go 30 days without activation.. but that might be XP.. errr

Can't remember. Can't hurt to try it

i thought (unlike xp) you could tell it to bypass the key (im sure i did TBH.. cant remember how though..)

but you could always install it using your current key if it wont let you do it without a key, and not connect to the internet.. that way it is in activation mode...

[AD-15]

hello,

Thanks! But won't it end up trying to activate using the key I input during the installation stage when I finally come to activate? Or does it let me change the key to the new one?

I hope I'm making sense.

[staffsMike]

Well if it does happen to work without a key it will accept whatever key you stick in I expect. But if you install it with the other key and keep it offline you will probably need to reinstall.

I'm tempted to grab my vista disc and try it for myself now ..not bored enough yet though.

[TAKTAK]

hello,

Thanks! But won't it end up trying to activate using the key I input during the installation stage when I finally come to activate? Or does it let me change the key to the new one?

I hope I'm making sense.

install it viewing it as a temp solution

then re-install with your new key and disc

you probably can change the key in vista (you can in xp) but i've never tried...

[TAKTAK]

Well if it does happen to work without a key it will accept whatever key you stick in I expect.

But from memory the key defines which versions you can install so without it I don't see how it's going to work.

I'm tempted to grab my vista disc and try it for myself now ..not bored enough yet though.

if you dont put the key in then it gives you a list to pick from

edit: damn, this was supposed to be edited into the one above

[staffsMike]

Ninja Editted but not quick enough.. didn't read the question lol

Oh fair enough then.

[Mossy]

You should be able to install Vista off the disc then skip the key stage you will then have 30 days to activate with a valid key. If you intall Home Premium it has to be a hp key and so forth.