Thermal Grease

[jeremy1701]

How do I know if I need to apply thermal grease to my CPU before I put on the heatsink/fan?

Jeremy

[lakerdonald]

#include <disclaimer.h>

It's really more of a what feels right thing, not so much of a cut and dry rule. Thermal grease really isn't necessary to my knowledge, but if you really want that extra "layer" if you will of cooling, you should just go ahead and put some on.

[jeremy1701]

Is there a cpu temp sensor on the MB, or is that something you have to get seperately?

Jeremy

[lakerdonald]

I think a lot of Motherboards have some sort of thermal temp gauge, but that really depends on how good a board you have. One thing, however, is many motherboards' guages are only readable by an lcd on the case, or via a system utility. i am rather sure that they make third party mobo thermometers available.

[UgoDeschamps]

Hey Jeremy every MB have a temp sensor without exception. even the oldest have some sort of a temp mesure system...
Look in your bios you'll find a temp in there...
also the reason all MB have a temp gauge, is for in not to melt... before it fries, it will "generaly" shut down completly... that of course how fast the heat gets up :P

[lakerdonald]

i meant a thermal temp guage easily readable by the OS

[jeremy1701]

This is the system I'm think of getting, what do you guys think? Linux compatible?:

Video Card:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...factory=BROWSE

Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...factory=BROWSE

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...factory=BROWSE

Fan:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...factory=BROWSE

Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...factory=BROWSE

I have this case:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...148-007&depa=1

[lakerdonald]

sweet.
that video card should work nicely. that would be the only place that there might be some issues, had you chosen one of the newer radeons.
but that looks pretty nice.
this your first home-built machine?

[UgoDeschamps]

Everything looks awesome.. although the RAM.. I've never heard of them... either Im ignorant or they arent among the "good" RAM company... but they're cheap for sure.. mabye thats why you've opted for it I always rely on either CORSAIR or KINGSTON...

[jeremy1701]

The RAM was for the price. I didn't really know there was a dif. It'll be my first home built all the way, although I've upgraded all the parts on my other machine, except the CPU (which is why I asked about the grease).

I'll let you know <delete>if</delete> when I decide to get it.
Thanks for you help,
Jeremy

**EDIT* if = when