I'm new to all this...

[Xster]

Well, i've been shopping around for a computer and started to learn about the wonders (and headaches) of computer shopping.
My questions are listed below:

1) What is a shim?
2) If i buy a boxed processor, do i still need a shim?
3) If i buy an OEM processor, do i need a shim AND a heatsink?
4) What is the best heatsink to get?
5) What is thermal paste?
6) If i buy an OEM processor and a separate heatsink, do i need thermal paste?
7) I plan on getting an Antec Performance Plus 1040 or 1080 case, both black, are these cases a good choice to go along with my configuration? Will there be any problems with cooling/overheating of the CPU? I've heard that coolermaster cases are the best but does it really matter all that much?

I plan on getting an Athlon XP 2200+ (the thoroughbred) with an ASUS A7V333 Mobo with RAID. Along with that, 512 MB of Corsair DDR 3000C2 Ram. And an IBM 120GXP 120 GB Hard Drive.

Any help with these questions would be greatly appreciated.

-Xster

[GroundZero3]

Thermal paste connects the cpu to the fan, and it is reccomend to use it. Or you can use thermal pads to connect the cpu and fan together for better heat transfer to the heat sink takening stress off your cpu

An OEM (original equipment manufacturer) is a company that uses product components from one or more other companies to build a product that it sells under its own company name and brand. (The term is sometimes mistakenly used to refer to the company that supplies the components.) IBM is an example of a supplier to the OEM market (and IBM is also an OEM itself since it uses other companies' parts in some of its products).

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definit...214136,00.html

OEM chips will need a fan. ALL new CPUS do

the main purpose of copper shim is made to prevent damage the CPU core , if you are after cooling please think before you buy this product! thunderbirds had this problem of breaking when trying to put the fan on

[ragtop]

1) What is a shim?
Thats a thin piece of metal or plastic that goes between the processor and heat sink to help prevent you from crushing the core if you don't install the heat sink properly.

2) If i buy a boxed processor, do i still need a shim?
Shims are optional - I never use them, and I've never damaged a processor - but some people like the extra measure of protection. If you aren't used to working on delicate mechanical devices, the shim is probably a good idea.

3) If i buy an OEM processor, do i need a shim AND a heatsink?
Again, shim is optional, but yes, you will need a heatsink

4) What is the best heatsink to get?
There's lots of good ones. If you aren't planning on overclocking, an inexpensive Coolermaster or Thermaltake unit will be adequate, as long as its rated for the processor speed your using. Be careful about the "high performance" heat sinks - they cool great, but many of them are incredibly loud. Be sure to ask about noise levels before you buy.

5) What is thermal paste?
That's the stuff that goes between the heat sink and the processor - to insure good contact and good heat transfer.

6) If i buy an OEM processor and a separate heatsink, do i need thermal paste?
The heatsink usually comes with cheap thermal paste or a thermal pad, but it is highly recommended that you remove the cheap stuff that comes with the heat sink, and use some good stuff. (I use Arctic Silver 3 - most will agree that is about the best you can get)

And by the way - Welcome to TechIMO

[surreal]

Regarding cases, just depends on how much you want to spend.
The Antec case should suit your needs.

Also by your questions maybe you need some basic computer building knowledge?

A quick search on google turned up this..
How to build a computer

Build your own PC

Good luck on your project.

Welcome to TechIMO Xster!

[Xster]

Thanks a lot for all the help guys. I have a feeling TechIMO is going to help me a lot with my computing needs. Thanks again.

-Xster

[bill197169501]

Xster:
Can't go wrong with the Antec case - great design,IMO. Antec
power supplies are also highly rated. I personally think the
Coolermaster cases are way overpriced.
Looks like you have money to burn, so why not go with that same
case design, only in lightweight aluminum, including a 420 watt
PS - don't know how good the PS is yet. It is a Chieftec case,and
can be found at www.Newegg.com for $129 + $18 Fedex Saver
shipping. (Also has an acrylic side panel).

As far as CPUs,for a few extra bucks, I tend to buy the retail-boxed. Even though you may use another heatsink fan combo,at
least the retail-boxed CPU comes with one ; but more importantly to me, is the 3-year mfr warranty. OEMs come with warranties from the vendor that's measured in "days."

- Bill

[RamonGTP]

The ASUS A7V333 is a good board, however I would look into the EPoX 8K3A+ The reason I say this is becuase I've worked with both and have found the EPoX board to actually be a better board. Its possible that the A7V333 board I worked with may have just been a lemon, but I had a lot more stability issues with the ASUS, I haven't had ANY with the EPoX unless I get too crazy with my overclocking. The EPoX is also costs a little less.

-Ramon

[I Dunno NEthing]

WELCOME TO TECHIMO!!