i would definitely recommend removing the heatsink to swap the fans since you dont want to be torquing on the heatsink trying to get the fan detached. Then I'm going to need some very detailed instruction on how to do that. I don't even remember how I got it on the first time, except that I had to ...

I have this HSF: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003 I bought it a little over two years ago. Lately, the fan has been emitting a slight rattling sound. It doesn't always do this - it just starts after my PC has been running for a couple of hours, and some days it doesn't...

For the sound card to properly calibrate the speakers, it either has to physically move them, or be able to hear them. I was thinking more along the lines of me telling the drivers where the speakers are, listening to output, and making adjustments based on what I hear. IIRC, the Audigy can do that...

Thanks for the advice so far. Regarding the sound, I have a set of Logitech X-530's which are entry level 5.1 speakers. They're not really placed in the optimal positions for surround sound - the left and right speakers are about 30 inches away from eachother, and the rear speakers are mounted on wa...

So far (including some updates based on advice below) it's about $725 and doesn't include any non-stock cooling other than the CPU cooler. I'd rather not spend more than $800 in total. I doubt I will play anything more demanding than TF2 on this machine - maxing out Crysis is definitely not the goal...

Processor changed again.

Ok, I've changed the motherboard to the P35 from Gigabyte (the X38's seem too pricey, I think), and added the CPU cooling pack.

I would highly suggest you get a nice cpu cooler. Do you have a specific recommendation? I have no idea what's ideal these days. And some ddr2 1066. Would 1066 work at full speed on my motherboard? The specs sheet says it takes DDR2-800. I thought that meant anything faster than 800 would be wasted...

My current PC is as follows: 2.4Ghz Pentium 4 Geforce 6800nu 1GB DDR-533 My next PC will not be intended so much as a future-proof gaming machine, but so that I can play all the games released in recent years that I've chosen to skip due to my current one not being able to max them out. It will be u...

I was recommended a Scythe Ninja to cool my processor. I'm planning on getting a Core 2 Duo E6300, in an Antec P180 case. But I have some questions. Is there any reason not to get a Scythe Ninja Plus over the original revision? I will not overclock the E6300, or anything else. I plan on using the ma...

Is this the motherboard you recommend?

Also, is the northbridge passively cooled? It looks like it is from the picture.

I've heard that the best chipset for Socket T is the 975X. I'm looking at this motherboard, and it looks really nice, but also has the bells and whistles that I don't need. Any idea how much of a performance hit I would take if I stepped back from 975X to 965?

Consider replacing the TriCools with Nexus, Yate Loon, Scythe or Noctua, all of which are distinctly quieter than the stock Antec. My plan is to use the TriCools at first, and if the sound bothers me, replace them, probably with Noctuas. It's simple enough to do that at a later date if necessary. y...

I was planning on removing the top fan, and using the rear and bottom fans on low, with the hard drive in the lower chamber. Do you think that would provide enough cooling?

My PC will be on the floor, a few feet away from where I sit. I would like it to be inaudible when idle, and inaudible over background music when at high load (like when playing a game). It will be used for work, gaming, and movie watching. I do not plan on overclocking or using SLI. Here's my list ...