Computer Building Tips

[nukesub]

Hello All,

 

I would like to get some experience and feedback from experienced builders. I am about to build my own PC for the first time.

 

Some things I should mention:

 1). My desk is a tall desk clad in a thin layer of metal.

 2). I also have a wooden table I could work on.

 3). Basically all the floor at my place is carpeted

 

I assume it is not advisable to assemble my PC on the metal surface, especially if I am going to be checking if my Mobo posts before installing it in the case. Is this a real concern or am I just being paranoid?

 

Do I need a little grounding wrist wire thingy? Or will I be good to just touch a metal surface every couple minutes (as long as I don't rub  my socks back and forth across the carpet furiously).

 

Once assembled, will it matter if I place my tower on a metal surface (metal clad desk)?

 

Should I use AS5 or MX4 for the thermal paste? My buddy says MX4 is better b/c it is non-conductive (no concerns then with shorting anything out) and cures faster. However, I've also been told by some that in reality the difference will be negligible.

[Samppa221]

If you must use a metal surface i would put something like a towel on it.

[Amazingasian]

Either wear shoes on the carpet or stand on like cardboard or something.  Build it on the wood table.  Plug in your power supply and turn it on (i think) and touch the metal housing periodically.  Once assembled, it's okay to put it on metal.  I don't think you need thermal paste.  

[nukesub]

Either wear shoes on the carpet or stand on like cardboard or something.  Build it on the wood table.  Plug in your power supply and turn it on (i think) and touch the metal housing periodically.  Once assembled, it's okay to put it on metal.  I don't think you need thermal paste.  

 

I don't need thermal paste? Hmmm. I meant that last bit about thermal paste with respect to the CPU and heat sink connection.

[Amazingasian]

I don't need thermal paste? Hmmm. I meant that last bit about thermal paste with respect to the CPU and heat sink connection.

The heatsink usually comes preapplied with paste.

[nukesub]

The heatsink usually comes preapplied with paste.

 

Ah, okay I see what you mean. I don't believe mine does. I'm using an aftermarket CPU cooler. Not the stock CPU cooler that comes with it.

[Amazingasian]

Ah, okay I see what you mean. I don't believe mine does. I'm using an aftermarket CPU cooler. Not the stock CPU cooler that comes with it.

What cooler is it?

[nukesub]

What cooler is it?

Cryorig H7

[Amazingasian]

Cryorig H7

It comes with thermal paste.  Just not preapplied like most other coolers.