building computer without having OS?

[stjustorm83]

I have all my components for my computer but still don't have my operation system which is gonna be windows xp. can i still build my computer and turn it on and configure the bios? I probably won't get my OS for about a week so will it still be alright if i just start building computer and turn it on? also concerned about doing this, because im using some arctic silver compound between the heatsink and cpu and wondering if it will dry up if i don't have my pc running and working? thanks for help in advance.

[DoPeY5007]

Dont know about the silver stuff, but yes to the other question, you will be able to configure the BIOS and all the hardware with out the OS

[Markel]

If Arctic Silver dries up, a LOT of us are in BIG trouble and are going to be VERY ANGRY!

You shouldn't have any problems getting into the BIOS and doing what you want. Just don't be surprised if you let it try to boot and you get an error telling you that no OS is found. ;)

[attgig]

yeah, but why wait?
download linux and do it right now. :)