Testing system build before going into a case

[Fruiteh]

I am building my first ever pc. I have a few questions on testing the system outside the case.

I've seen people use their mobo's box to system test. What I would like to know is do I use my stock cooler or my aftermarket cooler (liquid cooling)?

If I do use the stock cooler and everything has passed, do I just remove it and then use my aftermarket cooler? And I'm assuming I will have to use the thermal paste/compound in either case, so if I do go with the stock cooler first, I need to clean off the paste/compound on the cpu before installing the water cooler?

 

[MasterDell]

Unless you have a proper test bench, you always use the stock cooler to test the computer before installing a liquid cooler in the case. Even with air coolers, testing with the stock cooler is never a bad idea. Be sure to clean off the thermal compound using Q tips/cotton pads and 70% or 99% rubbing alcohol. 99% is best but in a pinch, 70% will do.

 

[mrmike_49]

Actually, it is better NOT to test out of case! In 20 years, building > a dozen pcs, I've had exactly one problem : a bad stick of RAM. Putting it together, than taking it apart again puts extra physical stress on everything: connections, wires, motherboard slots, cpu cooler screws. Plus the risk of shorting something out if the underside of the MB is not protected.
The ONLY good side is that it lets inexperienced builders actually SEE that the video card is all the way in the slot, that the RAM is all the way in the slot(s), etc. But then, you'll need to remove the video card for sure to install in case, and sometimes teh RAM also

 

[MasterDell]

Actually, it is better NOT to test out of case! In 20 years, building > a dozen pcs, I've had exactly one problem : a bad stick of RAM. Putting it together, than taking it apart again puts extra physical stress on everything: connections, wires, motherboard slots, cpu cooler screws. Plus the risk of shorting something out if the underside of the MB is not protected.
The ONLY good side is that it lets inexperienced builders actually SEE that the video card is all the way in the slot, that the RAM is all the way in the slot(s), etc. But then, you'll need to remove the video card for sure to install in case, and sometimes teh RAM also

I completely disagree. But we are entitled to our opinions.

 

[Fruiteh]

Thank you so much! That really helps me out. I've seen a lot of people do this type of testing, so I assume it's pretty safe .