Yeah it's a looker all right, it also has amazing cooling performance.

Quick question, what is the thermal paste for?

You apply it ontop of your CPU before you put the heatsink on. As a rule of thumb, stock paste always sucks, so even if you aren't going to get the Sunbeam now, get a tube of OCZ Freeze Extreme off newegg, its like 7$, and use that instead of the stock Intel paste.

To remove thermal paste: coffee filters + rubbing alcohol. ALWAYS remove old thermal paste or stock thermal paste before applying new thermal paste. So when you get yours, assuming you aren't getting the Sunbeam yet, coffee filter + rubbing alcohol the paste off the Intel heatsink, apply ricegrain drop onto CPU, put on cooler. Same process if you do get the Sunbeam + paste now.

To apply: a drop about the size of a grain of rice in the center of the cpu before putting on the heatsink.

What technique do you use to spread the paste? I've heard everything from using some cardboard to smear it to using a finger. When I put mine on, I used the edge of a piece of cardboard.

You do not spread it. When the heatsink is placed on top and secured the pressure spreads it out, and the heat will do the rest.

Really? I always heard (and read) that you have to just in case it doesn't cover everything on its own.

I'm sure it doesn't really matter if you spread it or not.

Well, it's incorrect.

Letting it be spread by the pressure and heat is beneficial because it gets put where it's needed in a nice thin coat.

Well I'm basing this on the concept that any uncovered portion could badly mess up your rig.

That's so crazy, though, there are millions of sites saying you have to spread it. My mind has been blown.

My E2140 runs 1.6Ghz at stock. It is running 3.2GHz, 28-30c idle and always under 65c load. I didn't spread.

Sorry to hijack the topic, but I had a question regarding CPU temps (while you're mentioning yours). I'm currently using RMClock to monitor my CPU temp, but based on what the temp shows in my BIOS, RMClock is about 25-30 degrees off (in celsius). Is there a different program you use to monitor yours? I've been having throttle issues during the day (fun 90+ degree heat and no A/C = 50c idle) and have been trying to find an accurate measurement to monitor my CPU's temperature.

Coretemp is the only true temp monitor. All else is inferior.
http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/

you don't like smart guardian?

I am indifferent to it because Coretemp does the job I need it to do better than any tool I've encountered.

I just added my build to the cart, and noticed the card was 90$ -OMG! Then I noticed I'm being charged for the "free" gifts as well, which brings it back to 150.. lol

[Edit]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835202006

The manufacturer response states that you should not spread it over the entire surface.

Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on Jul 26 2009, 12:14 am by CecilSunkure.

Wow! Hmm maybe I should get some of that and reapply the thermal paste on my CPU. It may help me greatly, now that I think about it.

When I order these parts, am I going to have all the proper chords to connect each part together?

Yes. Every component should come with the proper cables. The mobo should come with a SATA cable. The PSU will come with the proper power cables.

EDIT: Meant motherboard, not HD.

Everything will come with the proper cables unless it is OEM/open box. That's the difference between OEM and Retail: OEM is an item in bubble wrap and an anti-static bag. Retail comes in a box you'd find on a shelf in a store, with accessories.

Your harddrive is probably OEM, but that's okay, because motherboards come with SATA cables, and the powersupply definitely has SATA power connectors. You'll be fine.

Ok cool.

Altogether the price is 809.15, that is including the CD drive, thermal paste, and the Sunbeam cooler, as well as a new keyboard (mine is pretty much junk atm).

If I include rebates, that lies at 774.15!

I'm excited!

[Edit] Both prices include 3 day shipping.