Author Topic: Building a computer: Success! (Read 4196 times)

Phoenix Dark · « **on:** November 23, 2008, 03:42:05 PM »

Ok I got my case today, now I have all the pieces I need to build my computer. I'm using this site (among others) as a guide
http://hubpages.com/hub/Put-A-Computer-Together

Since I don't have an ESD bracelet is there anything I can do to get around that?

fistfulofmetal · « **Reply #1 on:** November 23, 2008, 03:47:31 PM »

touching the metal frame of a plugged in computer will dissipate the static charged

Purple Filth · « **Reply #2 on:** November 23, 2008, 03:47:49 PM »

Quote from: Thanks But No Thanks on November 23, 2008, 03:42:05 PM

Ok I got my case today, now I have all the pieces I need to build my computer. I'm using this site (among others) as a guide
http://hubpages.com/hub/Put-A-Computer-Together

Since I don't have an ESD bracelet is there anything I can do to get around that?

If i remember correctly yo can just touch the metallic part of the case before starting, it should dispel any static.

edit: beaten

Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich · « **Reply #3 on:** November 23, 2008, 03:50:18 PM »

use the standoffs that come with the motherboard to mount it. do not neglect to do this.

Vizzys · « **Reply #4 on:** November 23, 2008, 04:01:00 PM »

so you got a intel yeah? 775 right?

good luck with the heatsink part

anyway ive put computers together without a bracelet, just touch metal and dont build it on a carpet or something

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #5 on:** November 23, 2008, 04:03:27 PM »

Quote from: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on November 23, 2008, 03:50:18 PM

use the standoffs that come with the motherboard to mount it. do not neglect to do this.

It didn't come with any standoffs

Draft · « **Reply #6 on:** November 23, 2008, 06:35:50 PM »

The standoffs either came with the mobo or the case. There's no other way to mount the mobo inside the case.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #7 on:** November 23, 2008, 06:44:30 PM »

I used the standoffs that the case had, as well as some from my old computer

mobo is in

edit: whoops I was putting the psu in backwards. I turned it around and got it in

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #8 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:10:37 PM »

According to the website, putting RAM into the mobo is the next step. The mobo manual lists installing the CPU as the next step. Does it matter which one you put in first? I just installed the RAM but obviously can take it out just in case

Vizzys · « **Reply #9 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:14:57 PM »

it doesnt matter no

id suggest putting the cpu/heatsink on before you put the mobo in the case

ram is much easier to install

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #10 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:15:59 PM »

hm I already have the mobo in the case. No matter, if it's too tough I'll take it out again

Vizzys · « **Reply #11 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:16:55 PM »

you can try, its possible
dont forget to plug the fan in

Ecrofirt · « **Reply #12 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:21:15 PM »

I'd like to build my own PC, and I probably should do it at some point. And even moreso, I should probably know how already.

I'm just so afraid that I'll order components that don't mesh well with each other or something, or I'll get a case that won't work well with my motherboard or some shit.

Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich · « **Reply #13 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:43:09 PM »

so are you done yet PD?

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #14 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:45:28 PM »

I put the cpu in and secured it. The next step: "apply thermal interface material onto center of IHS on the socket surface"

I don't have any of that. Is that a problem? $:-\$

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #15 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:47:54 PM »

my cpu came with thermal paste already on it (some greyish substance.) Yours probably does too. I didn't use anything besides that and it has been running strong since (1 year + 2 months.) I even overclocked it, still fine.

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #16 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:48:30 PM »

no, if you aren't planning to overclock, the thermal tape on the fan's contact plate should more than suffice

Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich · « **Reply #17 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:50:21 PM »

wow, it's taking you forever; I could build the damn thing in 20 minutes or less. black people and electronics smh

anyway it depends on who you ask; I would personally plug everything in first to see if it works, order and apply the paste afterwards. CPUs nowadays come with some manner of thermal paste pre-applied anyway.

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #18 on:** November 23, 2008, 07:53:43 PM »

Quote from: Ecrofirt on November 23, 2008, 07:21:15 PM

I'd like to build my own PC, and I probably should do it at some point. And even moreso, I should probably know how already.

I'm just so afraid that I'll order components that don't mesh well with each other or something, or I'll get a case that won't work well with my motherboard or some shit.

most mobos fit into medium sized towers. otherwise, you just need to match up ram timing with the mobo, CPU type with the mobo, and make sure there's a PCI-E slot for the GPU. also, you'll need sufficient wattage in the power supply.

Building it is easy like Ikea furniture. If you hit the power button for the first time and it doesn't turn on, then the hard part of diagnosing begins. Otherwise, it's cake.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #19 on:** November 23, 2008, 08:45:38 PM »

*it's taken so long because I've had to make some stops and I'm gonna eatl*

Ok, the DVD drive and HD were easy to put in. All I need to do now is install the gpu and start connecting wires

huckleberry · « **Reply #20 on:** November 23, 2008, 09:23:12 PM »

Make sure to check to see if your graphics card needs its own power connector. Sounds pretty elementary, but you will feel like a goddam fool for messing around inside the computer for an hour looking for the reason why your new build won't work only to find out it's because you didn't hook up a silly power connector.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #21 on:** November 23, 2008, 09:42:50 PM »

Make sure to double check that everything is secured and plugged in before you try to turn it on.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #22 on:** November 23, 2008, 10:21:32 PM »

Thanks for the tips guys. I installed everything into the case. All I need to do now is connect the wires, which I'll do tuesday (finals/cramming tomorrow).

So far so good

Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich · « **Reply #23 on:** November 23, 2008, 10:23:41 PM »

Quote from: Thanks But No Thanks on November 23, 2008, 10:21:32 PM

Thanks for the tips guys. I installed everything into the case. All I need to do now is connect the wires, which I'll do tuesday (finals/cramming tomorrow).

So far so good

you are awesome. did you mean the wires to the switch/LEDs and stuff; or have you not at least connected the power supply?

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #24 on:** November 23, 2008, 10:28:07 PM »

All the wires (LED/switch/psu/etc) except the heatsink fan, which I did immediately so I don't forget.

demi · « **Reply #25 on:** November 23, 2008, 11:09:08 PM »

haha, you're gonna fuck it up. how do you not know how to build a PC? dont they run an intro to computers class at your fancy college?

Ecrofirt · « **Reply #26 on:** November 23, 2008, 11:51:41 PM »

The thing that really bothers me, I guess is how do I know for sure that the mobo I get will fit into the case? Lke, let's supposed the motherboard has onboard USB ports, an onboard Parallel port, onboard serial port, etc, onboard video, etc.

Do all cases have a common spot for all of those? I'd imagine different motherboards are laid out differently so things might not match up.

demi · « **Reply #27 on:** November 23, 2008, 11:55:04 PM »

Yes they do

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #28 on:** November 23, 2008, 11:58:03 PM »

Quote from: Ecrofirt on November 23, 2008, 11:51:41 PM

The thing that really bothers me, I guess is how do I know for sure that the mobo I get will fit into the case? Lke, let's supposed the motherboard has onboard USB ports, an onboard Parallel port, onboard serial port, etc, onboard video, etc.

Do all cases have a common spot for all of those? I'd imagine different motherboards are laid out differently so things might not match up.

There are different types of mobos and cases: ATX and microATX; ATX ones are bigger than micro ones. The cases are labeled similarly as well. I fucked up earlier by buying an ATX mobo and trying to fit it into my old microATX case. Luckily I found a mid tower case (ie ATX) on Craigslist and bought it today.

They come with I/O panel shields so all the various ports will fit. You just stick the I/O panel into the case, slip the mobo in, and fit it so that all the ports (mouse, usb, audio, etc) are inside the panel and bam yer ready to rock

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #29 on:** November 24, 2008, 02:18:25 PM »

3870. Figured it'll do everything I want, and my psu gives me the option of upgrading to a better card in the future

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #30 on:** November 25, 2008, 10:46:41 AM »

Ok I plan on finishing this today. Right now I have to connect wires and attach fans; the case I bought has space for a back fan (I bought a 120mm one) and two side fans (hopefully I'll be able to connect one 8mm fan to a side).

Couple questions: the directions for the gpu say I should delete the previous graphic drivers before installing the new gpu. My old computer broke but I'm reusing the HD from it. As I've said I bought a new mobo. Will I run into any driver problems?

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #31 on:** November 25, 2008, 06:41:36 AM »

Another day, another delay: the mobo has one IDE connector, and the HD and DVD drive both need one (they don't have SATA). I'm going to try to buy a SATA compatible DVD drive off Craigslist before turning to newegg.

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #32 on:** November 26, 2008, 12:07:35 AM »

one ribbon supports two ide devices. set the hd's jumpers to master, and the dvd's to slave.

demi · « **Reply #33 on:** November 27, 2008, 09:58:21 AM »

Quote from: mojovonio on November 27, 2008, 09:40:54 AM

Why did you buy an IDE drive?

lrn2read

Quote

Couple questions: the directions for the gpu say I should delete the previous graphic drivers before installing the new gpu. My old computer broke but I'm reusing the HD from it. As I've said I bought a new mobo. Will I run into any driver problems?

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #34 on:** November 27, 2008, 03:57:13 PM »

Quote from: Professor Prole on November 26, 2008, 12:07:35 AM

one ribbon supports two ide devices. set the hd's jumpers to master, and the dvd's to slave.

ahhh
http://freepctech.com/pc/001/installing_ide_devices.shtml

Thanks man

edit: is there a way to move the slave down the cord? I could just put my HD closer to my DVD drive of course

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #35 on:** November 27, 2008, 05:11:23 PM »

I was able to set it up; I just moved the HD up a bit.

I just connected all the psu stuff. Now I have to do these tiny little cords that go on the side of the mobo; this looks tough.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #36 on:** November 27, 2008, 05:37:21 PM »

Quote from: mojovonio on November 27, 2008, 05:12:15 PM

Quote from: Thanks But No Thanks on November 27, 2008, 05:11:23 PM
I was able to set it up; I just moved the HD up a bit.

I just connected all the psu stuff. Now I have to do these tiny little cords that go on the side of the mobo; this looks tough.

What tiny little cords? From the PSU?

The little cords that are for the LED, speakers, USB, etc. Any tips on this? I see where to connect the speakers but none of the little cords are listed for USB.

Cord labels: -VCC, +VCC, -D, +D, Ground 1 and 2, Speaker 1 and 2, LED stuff

I see where Ground and speaker cords go, as well as the LED stuff. Dunno about VCC or D and they aren't listed in my motherboard's manual. Like I said, I have everything else connected except these little cords (that go into the pins)

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #37 on:** November 27, 2008, 10:59:19 PM »

Yes sir

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #38 on:** November 27, 2008, 11:00:33 PM »

look in yer mobo manual

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #39 on:** November 27, 2008, 11:11:54 PM »

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157130

ah I see where the "D" pins are.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #40 on:** November 27, 2008, 11:37:09 PM »

eh

I have the LED stuff connected. Can I just not connect the front panel USBs? I just don't see how to do it; even by connecting the stuff mentioned in the site you linked, I'm still missing multiple cords, and have others have don't have corresponding pins. sigh

I'm completely swamped. I'll look up some more info online but right now I dunno what to do. I don't even see a power (pwr) button cord, so I doubt the computer will boot on. Instead I've got shit like TPA +/-, TPB +/-

edit: Power sw=power switch. ok

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #41 on:** November 28, 2008, 12:01:12 AM »

It's a mid tower case. I bought it off craigslist actually. There's no brand sticker on it

I connected the power switch and front LED stuff. I'm gonna connect my fans now. After that I'm going to hope for the best and turn it on

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #42 on:** November 28, 2008, 01:12:35 AM »

Turned it on, didn't work. I'll troubleshoot tomorrow

demi · « **Reply #43 on:** November 28, 2008, 01:54:28 AM »

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #44 on:** November 28, 2008, 04:10:18 PM »

holy shit it's on

edit: I don't hear any fans though

edit2: The Windows XP screen came up on the screen. It was loading for a few minutes but I manually turned the computer off since the fans weren't on.

Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich · « **Reply #45 on:** November 28, 2008, 04:41:32 PM »

which fans? The CPU fans or the ones on the case?

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #46 on:** November 28, 2008, 04:43:31 PM »

None of them came on. I'm looking at the connectors now: I've got the cpu fan connected to the mobo, same with the 120mm case fan.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #47 on:** November 28, 2008, 05:06:05 PM »

I had the 120mm connected with an adapter cable (so it would reach the pins easier). I took off the adapter and connected the fan's cord to the pins and I'm pretty sure it'll work now. I just don't want to turn the computer back on unto I'm sure the cpu fan will work.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #48 on:** November 28, 2008, 05:17:59 PM »

Fans are working; god they're quiet. I'm getting this message:

"Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in in selected boot device and push a key"

I looked it up: has to do with my hard drive apparently

demi · « **Reply #49 on:** November 28, 2008, 05:24:50 PM »

Change your boot setting in BIOS?

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #50 on:** November 28, 2008, 05:30:35 PM »

To do that I just press f1 or esc once I start the computer right. And set the HD to boot first?

demi · « **Reply #51 on:** November 28, 2008, 05:31:13 PM »

It should tell you what button to push when you turn on your PC. Usually it's the ESC key. And yeah you would set it to HDD

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #52 on:** November 28, 2008, 05:57:44 PM »

Got it. Now it's asking for Windows. I'm gonna start installing now

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #53 on:** November 28, 2008, 11:53:49 PM »

This is my first post on my new computer

Ok, I got XP running. I had some trouble with the internet initially and called Comcast; talked to them for an hour smh. Anyway it turns out I installed a modem card instead of an ethernet card, so once I switched them I had online access. I've got all three of my fans running, things sound good, look good, etc. Now I'm gonna put the graphics card CD in and start installing drivers

Demi

Drinky

Kosma

Arbys

Mojo

Erco

TVC

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Borys

[close]

Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich · « **Reply #54 on:** November 28, 2008, 11:57:23 PM »

great, awesome.

Don't bother with the CD that came with your graphics card as newer drivers are probably available on the manufacturer's website anyway

Fragamemnon · « **Reply #55 on:** November 29, 2008, 12:12:47 AM »

Quote from: Thanks But No Thanks on November 28, 2008, 11:53:49 PM

Now I'm gonna put the graphics card CD in and start installing drivers

go to ATI's site and get the latest catalysts from there. never use the drivers that come with your video card if you have net access.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #56 on:** November 29, 2008, 12:33:51 AM »

Alright I downloaded them from the site.

Downloaded this:
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

System currently at 31 degrees (CPU at 30)

Success

*=I have no audio. I'll open up the case and look at the pins tomorrow

demi · « **Reply #57 on:** November 29, 2008, 02:22:45 AM »

Is it on-board audio? Make sure you run the motherboard driver disc.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #58 on:** November 29, 2008, 02:38:33 AM »

EDIT: Downloaded the drivers for the USB and audio - both work now. I've got my iPod connected and I'm listening to the music I had on this HD. God I'm so glad I didn't lose any of the albums I had stored

Demi

:bear

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #59 on:** November 29, 2008, 12:08:35 PM »

download cpu-z (http://www.filehippo.com/download_cpuz/) and gpu-z (http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/) and post screencaps of the results

also congrats! everyone who uses a computer significantly should build one at least once, if only for the confidence it instills

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Author Topic: Building a computer: Success! (Read 4196 times)