System up and running! Thank you!

[tgznyc]

Guys I can't thank you enough for helping me get my system set up! It was my first computer build but I must say it was pretty easy. It was all pretty much common sense and following directions from the motherboard manual. Thank God all my parts arrived working!

Here is my post:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/255315-31-final-thoughts-purchasing


Of course I still have a few more questions for ya!

1 - I have Vista 64 installed, along with all my drivers from the accompanying cd's. The only thing I haven't upgraded yet is my BIOS. Should I go ahead and upgrade my BIOS to the newest version or should I stay with it since it is running fine? Most of the upgrades seem to be to recognize other RAM but I am having no problems recognizing mine.

2 - I installed my oem hs/fan, but I ordered a larger one for overclocking. I plan on installing it tomorrow. Where can I find information on OC'ing my E8400, and my DDR2 1000 RAM?

3 - I'm using the pretty lame Vista 'widget' cpu monitor. Where can I get other monitors that will give me detailed info about my system? I'd like to know my cpu and case temps, cpu ram hd usage, etc etc. As much as I can know. I'm trying to become a true tech geek.

4 - All my fans are set on low, but I remember reading somewhere that there is a monitor that will automatically raise them all if the system needs it. Do you guys know any more about this?

Thanks again guys you have really made my first system build a pleasure. You cant understand how excited I am. Thank you!

 

[geofelt]

1- DO NOT update your bios unless there is a problem you have that is fixed by the update. A failed bios update is one way you can permanently render your motherboard useless. If you must, read enough to be able to do it right the first time, and be plugged in to a UPS.
2- OC is not my thing.
3- Use the vista task monitor. For a lower level look, click on the performance tab.
4- You might be thinking about Speedfan. I like the way it shows your cpu temp in the taskbar. Past that, I set my fans at a decent level, and just let things heat up a bit. A constant fan noise is less obtrusive to me than one that changes according to load.
---good luck---

 

[nukemaster]

1 - Install drivers off the manufacturers websites. The CD drivers may be out of date. You only need to update the bios if you have a issue that may be resolved by this update.

2 -
HOWTO: Overclock C2Q (Quads) and C2D (Duals) - Guide v1.6.1
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/240001-29-howto-overclock-quads-duals-guide
Also read the temp guide to better understand temps on your cpu
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/221745-29-core-temperature-guide

3 - For basic use the taskmanager in windows give all the info on cpu and ram use. HWmon by cpuid is a good program to see temps and log the max temps. There is lots of other software, but i like hwmonitor. For temps, Realtemp is more accurate.

http://www.cpuid.com
http://www.techpowerup.com/realtemp/

4 - In your case, the fans can only be controlled by the switches since they are not connected to the motherboard. Most boards can control fans connected to them like the cpu fan(and case fans if they connect to it).

 

[tgznyc]

Anyone know a good program that will tell me what the temp of my graphics card is, along with how hard its working or other good info?

 

[emp]

Atitool if you have an Ati card.

 

[nukemaster]

GPU-Z

or ATI's own CCC

http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

 

[tgznyc]

Thanks guys!

Last question I can think of.

Do you guys suggest I put my comp to sleep or hibernate at night?

My old pc I used to just leave on fulltime and let it idle at night but with my new 'baby' that I hand built I want to take a bit better care of it. What is my best choice?

 

[emp]

Personal preference I guess. I turn mine off everyday after I'm done using it. (Do something to keep your planet alive We're already tearing it to shreds as it is with our 350W+ systems

 

[tgznyc]

Seems like so many people swear by hibernate I was hoping to get some opinions. I appreciate yours as well though emp.

 

[nukemaster]

Mine goes off at night, but i have a low power system for file serving/downloading/music(i need this on at night )/ect. that is on most of the time.

Leaving it on will not hurt the system too much(some will disagree, but IMO hdd wear is minimal in 24/7 use), but it does waste power and generate heat.

I use hibernate on my laptop all the time and my parents always use hibernate on there desktop/laptop too.

More ram makes hibernate take longer to activate/wake. just keep that in mind.