Hello computer geeks. I am looking to upgrade my modest rig, and I'm a little torn here. My CPU runs really hot at idle - 80oC - and I want to get a better video card, but cost is a concern for both of those.
What should I do to get better graphical performance and keep things cool? I could buy and put in new parts, but I don't know a lick about assembling computers and have no tools save for a few screwdrivers.
You can get a GTX 950 for $130-ish, should be fast enough for what you want:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp42951krIf your CPU is idling at 80°C there's something seriously wrong with how the cooler is mounted. Take it off, clean off the thermal paste, put new one on and reseat it.
Personally I wouldn't trust trying to ground yourself on any part of the computer itself. Any metal plumbing will probably do the trick, just touch a metal faucet.
Grounding yourself on anything other than the computer is a bad idea and could actually cause static discharge. All you want to do is to be on the same electrical potential as the computer, whether that's zero or a thousand volts doesn't matter, as long as it's the same.
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