First PC Build Questions?

[astromashy]

Hi,
Firstly, what parts of a computer need fans/cooling. Do these parts come with fans? Does the case itself need cooling?. What does OEM mean? If I install a sound card that is 7.1 surround sound and I have a headset that has a 7.1 surround sound mixamp with headset what happens??? Can you recommend a website or video that thoroughly explains how to build a pc?
Thanks

 

[faster23rd]

1. The entire computer itself needs cooling
2. No, only the parts that experience the highest temperature loads get fans, and those parts are usually the GPU and CPU
3. Yes, the case itself needs cooling
4. OEM= Original Equipment Manufacturer
5. Well, if you have a 7.1 headset, that usually means that the headset has an on-board soundcard making your discrete sound card redundant


Here, take a look at this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roFb3TNePIg&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL8mG-RkN2uTwlcLU_rv29Gt4578XfgJm_

Or alternatively, ask help in the forums here

 

[C12Friedman]

Currently, there are three components that require active cooling, the PSU (which comes with fan if needed), Graphics card (which comes with some kind of cooling), and the CPU (most of the time it comes with a heatsink and fan). There are other areas that require some cooling but that's usually done with the case's existing airflow.
Airflow through your case is needed to dispel heat. For that, the absolute minimum would be one fan (sometimes just the PSU's fan is used) but often more is better. The key here is to keep the airflow as smooth (laminar) as possible
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer. But it can have a different meaning in Techland... Often when purchasing computer parts, you find "OEM" as a descriptor opposite of "retail". In some of those cases there may be other items (cables, drivers, etc.) needed to make the equipment work. When building a computer the use of OEM parts usually isn't a problem.
This is about the best video made (IMO, I do wish they would update it though) for how to build a computer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls It is outdated (the parts) but the assembly is the same