[ShiningOdin]

Heya guys, I ordered a new motherboard, CPU, Ram, Heatsink, and case. It should be here tomorrow, so before I get to ripping parts out of my computer, probably resulting in its ultimate doom, I just wanted to know a couple things..

1) Will I need to reinstall an OS?

2) How exactly am I supposed to thermal paste my CPU? It is a Core 2 Quad Q6600, and I hear the "line method" is the best technique for them, and I have a pretty good idea of what to do there, but some pictures or something would be good, as I am afraid to do it wrong and have to wait another week for more thermal paste, along with the trouble of taking it off and everything <_<;

Thanks in advance.

[Prophet]

i think the only time you need to install your OS is when you install a new Hard Drive. As for the thermal paste i just put a few drops in the middles of the CPU and spread it around with my finder, enough to thoroughly coat the whole CPU.

[peterhuang913]

Originally Posted by Prophet

i think the only time you need to install your OS is when you install a new Hard Drive. As for the thermal paste i just put a few drops in the middles of the CPU and spread it around with my finder, enough to thoroughly coat the whole CPU.

Or when you change mobos.

[ShiningOdin]

Ah. Well see, I'm changing mobos, so I guess I will =/

[mikesgroovin]

Originally Posted by ShiningOdin

1) Will I need to reinstall an OS?

Probably not, depends on the OS though. Is it XP? I would just be prepared with your new motherboard drivers.

[ShiningOdin]

Originally Posted by mikesgroovin

Probably not, depends on the OS though. Is it XP? I would just be prepared with your new motherboard drivers.

Yeah, I have XP. And uh... what? Motherboard drivers To be honest, I'm not that computer savvy.

[mikesgroovin]

Originally Posted by ShiningOdin

Yeah, I have XP. And uh... what? Motherboard drivers

The CD that will come with your new board

[ShiningOdin]

Oh cool. =3

[ShiningOdin]

So, on to #2, I would appreciate some more info on thermal pasting. Especially pics D:

Also, when thermal pasting, after it is applied, do you leave it on there forever? Or do you scrape it off at some point?

[taintedplay]

driver wise. you need to install motherboard drivers, graphics card drivers (from website of manufacturer, ie xfx or evga) any pci cards like soundcards