Ok, as a continuation of my other thread. I installed everything...cpu, heatsink/fan, memory, video card, hard drive, DVD drive, fan controller, power supply, motherboard in case, etc. Then I connected all the power connectors that were needed, as well as wiring the power switch, reset switch, hdd led, front-case usb, and front-case 1394. I then booted up the computer, no errors or anything, went into the BIOS and just looked at a few values. So that's where I'm at. And now I have a couple questions before I proceed:
 
1) How can I go about making sure everything works so that I know I won't have to RMA anything immediately? The fact that I could get into the BIOS at least with no errors - is this an indication that all my hardware is properly functioning? (mobo, cpu, ram, etc.)
 
2) There is a cable for my case to hook up audio (speakers and microphone) in the front of my case. I never plan on using those (I'll hook up directly from the sound card), so should I just leave it unattached from the motherboard?
 
3) After I got in the BIOS, I only let it stay on for about 5 minutes, but both the case temp and CPU temp stayed at 32 deg C. Is this normal for a Q6600 and Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro 7? Not long enough to tell? If it's too hot I probably messed up putting the heatsink on.
 
4) I hooked my AC Freezer Pro 7 fan directly to the CPU fan header on the mobo versus both the mobo header combined with the fan controller. I noticed in the BIOS at first the system booted up and was 29 deg C, and the fan wasn't spinning. Then it'd spin for a few seconds, then stop. It didn't start continuously spinning until the temp got to 32 deg C. I noticed the CPU Fan speed setting was set on auto, which is probably why. How do I just get this thing to run on high/low or whatever? Would it be better to use the fan controller (which still would allow me to use the CPU fan mobo header for speed monitoring)?
 
5) And lastly, is there anything else I need to do before moving ahead with the OS install?

1) There is a nice utilities compilation on this site: http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html
 
We can use some utils like memtest to check the memory. The fact that you can access BIOS means you are about 75% OK. Sometime we encounter the problem during the OS installation, and sometime we find the problem after OS installed. I myself prefer to do stress test by keep my new CPU up and running for 24 hours (but after installing OS and some SWs like winamp or things) > this is just my habbit tho
 
2) I'm always connecting it just in case I might need it. But IMO you'll be fine leaving it unconnected.
 
3, 4, 5) Don't have any xp with Q6600 and this kind of fan But the others do I'm sure ...
 
6) IMO go ahead with installing OS, due to some reason ... (refer to no 1)
 
GL

1) write this to floppy/cd/dvd & boot it up for 5+ passes or 8 hours, whichever is longer:
 
http://www.memtest.org/#downiso
 
Holler me if you want more testing programs.
 
2) Doesn't matter.
 
3) Quite normal. Make sure it's under ~60C for B3 or ~70C for G0. Google cpuz & run it for the stepping.
 
http://processorfinder.intel.com/d [...] spec=sl9um
http://processorfinder.intel.com/d [...] spec=slacr
 
4) I used the mobo cpu fan header, but it was too loud. So I'm using my fan controller to control cpu, side & 2 top blowhole fans (4 in total). Keep in mind that some mobo won't post if there's nothing connected to cpu fan header as a safety feature. To work around that, you can disable the cpu fan speed detection in bios. I think you're using a Gigabyte boards which don't spin the cpu fan up at cold boot. Only after a while. You can force it to run at a constant speed. Just set the fan speed to a percentage.
 
5) The only thing to do would be set up boot order in bios:
 
FLOPPY
CD/DVD
HARDDISK
 
It's a generic order for the average user. Some would disagree, but they're experienced & instantly could tell why their floppy/cd/dvd isn't booting.

About the fans...
 
The zalman controller has a cable that lets you plug your CPU heatsink fan into both the CPU header and the controller, so that the motherboard can monitor the fan speed, and then that cable also goes to the fan controller so you can just control the speed that way. Would this be a better option?
 
And does anybody know a ballbark temperature that Coretemp should report for my processor/cooler combo (q6600 g0/ac freezer pro 7), that might be some indicator that my heatsink is installed correctly? I do know 100% though, that the pushpins are fully locked through to the other side of the mother board.
 

Ok, you mean the FANMATEII? It's fine.
 
I don't think you can expect to have the exact same temps as others since every build is different & everyone is in difference places. Some people use watercooling; some on phase change. You're on air. I do think your cpu cooler is installed correctly.

1)  boot to bios is good.  I give you 95% chance for success.
2)  I hook them up, but it is not needed.
3)  32c is good; the cpu can go>65c.
4)  The bios may have some options on how the cpu fan control should work.   If the cpu does not need more cooling, then the fan may slow down, or even stop.   As long as it runs under load, you are ok.
5)  If you can, run memtest for a pass or two to check the memory.   If you can't wait, go ahead and load the os.  If something flaky happens, go back and run memtest.   After the os and drivers have been installed, run prime95 to stress the system.
 
---good luck---