Can you help me learn how to build a computer?

E

EGS

banned
Hi everyone. :)

I'd like to learn how to build a computer, for custom PC needs etc. Can you help me?

Firstly, if any of you can provide me with a list of key components I'll need, that would be great. Second, if you want to link me to a video that isn't too long and difficult to understand for putting the components (hardware) in place and installing, that would be great too. :D

Basically to help me learn, I am going to be taking apart and rebuilding my current computer. I have an SATA and IDE hard drive right now. I'd like to learn everything I can about putting the hardware, such as the motherboard, processor, etc in as well as installing.

I'd like to know how to do this properly, without getting electrocuted and/or damaging the hardware.

Along with all that, I'd like to learn how to set up two hard drives and configure it into RAID 0 and RAID 1 etc set-up. I'd love to learn how to dual-channel RAM, processors, and video cards as well. :p

The final thing I'd like to learn is how to install an operating system. I've never done it before, but I guess it won't be too hard?

I guess I will have to format both of my hard drives (C: and D:) first. How can I go about doing this? I don't want/need any files on it...I've made a back-up of every important file for my new computer.

Thank you!
 
if you want a tutorial video, go to youtube or google videos and search for 'building a computer' or something like that
 
EGS said:
And how to I properly "discharge" myself so I don't get electrocuted...?
Click to expand...

Connect the PSU up inside the case. Plug it into the mains but switch it OFF. Constantly touch the case (PSU would be a better idea) and that will discharge any built up static in you (you won't get electrocuted so long as you don't fiddle around inside a PC with the power on). I do this every time I move or touch a component when building a computer. Or you could buy the static wrist bands but both methods work.

Rove.
 
Okay well I did something horrible.

Thankfully my laptop didn't sell on eBay, lol, or I'd be ****ed out of a computer.

I was taking some things apart to see how hard it was to rebuild it. It's not hard at all...but now my monitor doesn't display anything. Computer goes on, monitor is hooked up, but nothing displays.

I fear that I ****ed up my video card somehow.
Can anyone help me? Why doesn't anything display? I turn the computer on, and it makes like 3 beep noises. >_<;

Hwellppp!
 
The video card is an nVidia GeForce FX 5500 AGP by the way. >_<;
I don't know what is happening or why it's not working. :( The onboard video output isn't working either, though nothing on that ever did really work (ie: 10/100 network interface, sound etc)
 
are you sure its a video card problem? when the computer starts up do you get any beeps? if you removed the heatsink there is a very good chance you need to re-apply thermal paste. if the CPU overheats it will give a blank screen and it may appear to be a video problem. that has happened to me before
 
Did you remove your ram?

If so, you need too put them back in Firmly.

And if possible, put em back in slots you pulled them out of.

If that doesn work, Swap Sticks around
 
What are the three beeps like? As in one long and two short etc? Take a quick look in your motherboard manual as there is usually some information on the BIOS beeps for your particular motherboard. Have you connected all of the power cables to everything that requires them?

Rove.
 
What I would do is check that your components of your computer is all connected and if you didn't turn the switch on the PSU.
And also check that your computer's graphic card is connected with your monitor as well.
 
Did you plug in the 4pin connector? Either the black and yellow one or the 20+4 one. Try resetting the BIOS. The integrated sound and stuff probably didnt work cause you didnt install the drivers.
 
I didn't touch the RAM at all. The video card is in place properly where I found it and yes the monitor is plugged in correctly. -_-;

I did remove the heatsink fan and cleaned it with rubbing alcohol because that thang was dusty. I also cleaned the processor with rubbing alcohol.

Note that when I see clean I just mean wipe it on the top.
 
EGS said:
I did remove the heatsink fan and cleaned it with rubbing alcohol because that thang was dusty. I also cleaned the processor with rubbing alcohol.

Note that when I see clean I just mean wipe it on the top.
Click to expand...

if im reading your post right, that dust u cleaned off was prolly thermal paste.

you NEED thermal paste!!!!!

you need to buy some AS5 and reapply that compound!!!:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
 
EGS said:
Nevermind wtf? It's working today and I didn't even do anything differently...

I am so confused. :confused:
Click to expand...

u said you removed the heat sink from the CPU and cleaned the surfaces between them right?

if u did this.......you have to have to reapply some kind of compound between them to transfer the heat or your CPU will fry!
 
Boomer said:
u said you removed the heat sink from the CPU and cleaned the surfaces between them right?

if u did this.......you have to have to reapply some kind of compound between them to transfer the heat or your CPU will fry!
Click to expand...
How long do I have to do that? :eek:
How do I know if it was thermal paste? It was gray and nasty.. :eek:

How long till my CPU fries?? And where to I put the thermal paste?

The heatsink was really weird! It's just a big block of metal steel with the fan ON TOP...I don't understand how the fan even cools the CPU because the big block of metal is in the way!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top