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[-0MEGA-] · 12-04-2007, 05:55 AM

Before we get any further, I would recommend connecting all the data cables to the hard drives and optical drives:

Now for the optional accessories. I'm sure pretty much everyone on this forum uses a dedicated video card, so not many of us think of this as optional. Before trying to install the card, make sure you have the correct video card for your interface (PCI, AGP, PCI-E). Then line it up with the slot and secure it to the PCI expansion slots on the case using screws. After that, connect the PCI-E power connectors (if applicable):

Now for the sound card. This is how to setup a sound card with an external I/O panel, however most sound cards do not include this. The first step is to install the sound card itself into the expansion slot using the same method listed above. To install the I/O panel, I would make sure any power/data cables are connected to the panel prior to installing it in the case, as it's much easier then trying to connect it afterwards. The install process is nearly identical to that of installing an optical drive:

Now I'm sure you're case looks pretty similar to mine, with wires everywhere and no real organization. I highly recommend doing some wire management to improve airflow and make the inside of the case look better overall. The first picture is before, and the second picture is after using some zip-ties:

Now the last step is to connect everything to the back of the computer:

Here are some pictures of my setup after everything is complete (excuse the dirty desk ):

12-04-2007, 05:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
[-0MEGA-] Diamond Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Concord, NH Age: 19 Posts: 26,400	Before we get any further, I would recommend connecting all the data cables to the hard drives and optical drives: Now for the optional accessories. I'm sure pretty much everyone on this forum uses a dedicated video card, so not many of us think of this as optional. Before trying to install the card, make sure you have the correct video card for your interface (PCI, AGP, PCI-E). Then line it up with the slot and secure it to the PCI expansion slots on the case using screws. After that, connect the PCI-E power connectors (if applicable): Now for the sound card. This is how to setup a sound card with an external I/O panel, however most sound cards do not include this. The first step is to install the sound card itself into the expansion slot using the same method listed above. To install the I/O panel, I would make sure any power/data cables are connected to the panel prior to installing it in the case, as it's much easier then trying to connect it afterwards. The install process is nearly identical to that of installing an optical drive: Now I'm sure you're case looks pretty similar to mine, with wires everywhere and no real organization. I highly recommend doing some wire management to improve airflow and make the inside of the case look better overall. The first picture is before, and the second picture is after using some zip-ties: Now the last step is to connect everything to the back of the computer: Here are some pictures of my setup after everything is complete (excuse the dirty desk ): __________________ Core 2 Duo E8400 @ 3.83GHz Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L ATI HD 3870 GDDR4 @ (840/2332) 4GB (2x 2GB) DDR2-850 500GB SATAII HD w/16MB SilverStone 750W +12V@60A 3DMark06: 11593 Last edited by [-0MEGA-]; 12-04-2007 at 06:09 AM.