newbuilder3 :
How delicate are CPU's when being installed. I mean can you touch the side with your fingers or do you need gloves. I keep hearing about contamination of the thermal grease etc. Just need an idea before i begin my first build how to handle some of this stuff
You need to be in a clean-room rated to HEPA 10, and using an ESD station rated to 500KV. OK, I'm exaggerating a bit. HEPA 3 will suffice.
Seriously, do try to use proper anti-stat measures. I prefer to build the MB up to the level of the CPU, HSF and ram outside of the case, on the MB's anti-stat bag and with a wrist strap plugged in to the bldg. ground of a well-tested power outlet. I've never lost a CPU yet that I know I didn't kill.
Too much? OK, build the MB with the case next to it, PSU installed, power connected, and turned on. This will ensure a good ground, well as good as your bldg. gnd can get... Touch the case frequently to dissapate whatever static you might have.
Nah, forget it. Just throw the damned thing into the MB and pray a lot. Forget I said anything.