So now what?

Compequip

New Member
I just recieved all the componets for my new build. Where do I start? I'm assuming I start with the case, then the mobo then start adding from there, correct? Or should I go to the local comp. store and have them build it for me??? I got the antec case with the asus p5q-e mobo and all the reg. stuff except the video card I got the 4870 man this thing is big!!!:D
 
put the little brass hexagons into the motherboard tray, then put the motherboard on to that the screws go into the standoffs, do all the cable wiring you can at that point
 
Start with the motherboard. Open it up, take the anti-staic raping out and put it onto the box. Install the CPU, Video Card, Ram into the motherboard.

THEN take the faceplate out of the back of the Case that came with it, and snap the one that came with the mobo intoplace (audio almost always goes on bottom). Put the brackets in the holes, and line up the back of the mothboard with the faceplate. Secure the mobo and your done with that step.
 
You mentioned you have a video card. Depending on whether it is PCI, PCI express or AGP, press the card in is coordinating slot straight - not at an angle, and firmly in the slot. Secure the card by screwing it in - see below.


Remember to use thermal paste to put on your processor before installing the heatsink - otherwise, the heatsink will just be a big block of worthless metal in your case.

I'm sure you are using SATA technology for your hard disk. The cables are usually red and are narrow - almost the size of a standard household appliance cord. Attach that cable to your hard drive and to the SATA connectors on the motherboard. (should be labeled; usually in a cluster) Now, if you are using any other technology - IDE, SCSI or what have you, it's pretty similar - just with different cables. Repeat with your optical drive, and any other drives.

I hope your power supply came with SATA power connectors, if not, you will have to wait for SATA power adaptors to arrive - they are inexpensive little things that snap into standard power connectors (molex). What's next, hmmmm.... Connect the case fan(s) to the motherboard - these connections will hopefully be labeled FAN - if not, look for three-pronged posts usually coloured white. Your case should already have a fan, usually in the rear if the company that made the case had any care.

Now, you have your memory. Take the modules by the sides, never touching the the gold plating (contacts) if you can avoid it as skin oils, over time, can affect the connection. Line up the modules with the memory slots. There will be a notch in the memory module; line that up with the slot. Push in until they snap in place. Don't be too hard! You should be doing this before you have put the motherboard in the case.

I'm sure that's all your components. I hope you are not doing this on carpet and, likewise, I hope you are grounded. Good luck!
 

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I don't think I'm going to take this challenge..... I bought the antec 900 case there are 4 fans from the factory, I'm going to order 2 more which makes 6 total. I'm now going to be ordering a fan controller. I purchased a DVD drive with a 65-1 card reader 3.5" and a floppy 3.5". Problem is I only have 3 useable bays, and it only gave me 1 adapter to use 1 3.5" so it looks like the floppys out. Plus updating the mobo, possible O.C. the cpu to 4.0 GHZ and loading all the drivers???? I dunno, but I think I'm going to pay the local shop $150.00 to do all this. Besides if something goes wrong, there responsible....:confused:
 
get an external dvd drive, and go get a guide like the pcgamer "pc building bible" or something like that, at most its a half hour job, if your worried about zapping your computer, go to best buy or someplace and buy a 4 dollar anti-static wrist band, and either attach the cord to the case(i would recommend) or there is a prong or something you can stick into an outlet(the ground, if you don't know what im talking about, dont do it)
 
Search on YouTube or Metacafe or any video sharing website "Assembling a PC", or watch the Discovery's How It's Made TV Show (in one of the episodes is shown how to assemble a pc).
 
dialup maybe, books also make great referance, the site its hosted on could crash/become unavialable, books can't crash :P
 
Dude build it yourself. It's really not that hard. Just make sure your grounded.

There are plenty of websites out there that will guide you step by step. Save that $150 for some games.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1NxsHpaL_s


That video was great. It made it seem so easy, but I'm a freak about neatness and those wires bugged me. They needed to show cable mgmt. HEHE... Anywho I know a little about computers and have assembled a few back 5-10 years ago, but haven't messed with them since. Other than a HD, PSU replacement or to add ram.... Maybe I'll assemble myself and post questions as I go on and hopefully get some help from you guys. I need to order some more stuff from NE before I start. BTW what's the easy way to transfer music and doc. files from one CPU to another. I was thinking of a memory stick, but how do I network them together??? Or should I post questions like this in a new thread? Thanks again for all your help.:)
 
i think you can just link the two between cat5e cable and then transfer the files that way
You neewd a crossover cable to directly conenct the computers together, normal cat5 is only good if you have a router/hub.
 
Search on YouTube or Metacafe or any video sharing website "Assembling a PC", or watch the Discovery's How It's Made TV Show (in one of the episodes is shown how to assemble a pc).

+1, I used youtube vids to send to friends instead of actually walking them through it.
 
I have the computers connected thru a cat5 connection and a router, but it will not allow me access??? Maybe I have to set up a network of some sort? If this doesn't work, I'll get a 16GB flash drive and load and unload files this way... And yes I started the build last night. I had to order thermal compound, 6 switch fan controller, Creative labs sound blaster for vista. This should do it. Hopefully, I'll recieve these products by Wednesday. So I can finish...:D Then I'll ask for more help like, finding drivers, errors and how to O.C.....:cool:
 
do i google search, but i think you can just set up a shared network/connection through the two of them and you should be able to transfer the files freely
 
yeah once uve physically got the network up , and assigned IPs, you need to configure windows networking

xp has a nice network setup wizard. basically give each pc a unique name, but ensure they are on the same workgroup, then turn file/print sharing on and explore via "my network places"
 
open case
put in standoffs
put in motherboard IO plate
screw in motherboard
align cpu and install
install and paste HS/Fan assembly
install RAM
screw in power supply
install drives
connect power cables
install cards
check everything has been done and looks okay
close case

then boot with minimal peripherals (keyboard) to check its working. Go into BIOS, configure settings, and leave idle for 1/2 an hour while you watch the temps and chek your fans are working

then boot properley and install OS (much easier to slipstream first)
 
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