The Computer Megathread

[Teneksi]

Does dust (particularly on the heatsink fan) affect anything, and is there a good way to remove it?

Err.. I'm probably being a little too reliant on this thread. It's like I forgot Google existed or something on this question. I just like getting feedback from someone I know is helpful. Speaking of which, you're really helpful.

[Ad Bot]

[Ethan]

Don't vacuum your computer. Never vacuum a computer.
Use a can of compressed air, or some anti-static brushes to flick out the dust.
Dust is one of the main causes of overheating parts, especially CPU's.

[Teneksi]

All right. I was thinking of using compressed air. Why no vacuum, exactly? Alsooo, where should I take it to do this? It has a sizable layer.

[Becquerel]

Alright. Say I was stupid as hell and wanted to take apart a Microprocessor. Not remove it from the computer, but take the actual chip apart.
What would happen or is it not possible.

[Littledude]

I keep a can of compressed air next to me at the computer.
Occasionally I'll blow some dust out of the fans.

[Becquerel]

Why no vacuum, exactly?

I think it creates some major static discharge in the computer which could forget up the system.

[HerpaDerp]

Alright, I finally have enough money to purchase my new setup. Here's my final build list; please tell me if there's anything conflicting or can be improved.

Internal Hardware:

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
$220

GPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127562
$290

Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271
$125

Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016
$65

HD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
$70

SSD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148441
$110

Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314
$52

Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146061
$36

DVD Burner:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136236
$19

Total Price = $987

External Hardware/Software:

Monitor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059
$180

Keyboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823155044
$24

OS:
Windows 7 Home
$150

Total Price = $354

Total Overall Price: $1341

After all of these purchases, I will have just $43 left over. D:

Better case man...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146067


If you can't spend that much....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119240&Tpk=Cooler%20master%20storm%20enforcer


Like in the OP, it's best to have a good case with good airflow and cooling to make sure you have optimal performance of your rig. Or else you might have another heater in your house, it also can damage your parts in the long run if you don't have good cooling/airflow and dust filters and such. Also you won't have to clean up dust as much as lower quality cases.

[matthewbim11]

Yay Ethan!
I just made a thread but then Herpaderp redirected me here. So just letting you know he's doing his job.
Here's what I wanted to know.

So, I'm stuck with this computer until February.
Would it make life more bearable if I maxed the RAM out with this?
It takes forever for Google chrome to load up, and it's not helping that I'm on a wireless PCI card.
Also, I'm using Windows XP professional SP3 now.

Tl;dr: This computer is slow, would this help?

[matthewbim11]

I think it creates some major static discharge in the computer which could forget up the system.

Nah, it could just break some parts off and you would never know cause it sucked it up.

[Freeze]

If it's taking too long to load webpages, it would be better to get a wired connection, is that an option at all?

[matthewbim11]

No, not really. Its not just web pages. Its the literal loading of Google Chrome and other programs.
Its like a minute to load up the new tab page of Google chrome for the first time of the day, then its around 30 seconds. Blockland runs slow with no bricks. I have to set every setting to low.
But, would a wired connection help?

[Freeze]

It would only help with loading webpages and multiplayer connection I'm afraid. :c

[Legodude77]

Where are good places to get cheap (yet still descent) monitors?

[matthewbim11]

It would only help with loading webpages and multiplayer connection I'm afraid. :c

New:
Old:
Another Old one, I dont know why its higher.

[matthewbim11]

Where are good places to get cheap (yet still descent) monitors?

Newegg.com
Its a big ass computer and electronic online store that has a very, VERY good reputation.