A virgin looks for help @ AnandTech

[RazorFace]

If you guys were expecting some cutie, sorry. I'm not that kinda virgin. I'm considering the task of building my own (for the 1st time), but I'm slightly hampered by one small thing: I'm a quadripledgic & so I'll be asking someone to be my hands. Now, I have the requesit knowledge and I have instructed others for the purpose of removing and installing hardware like video & sound cards, harddrives, CD-ROMS, et cetera.

The one thing holding me back is the prospect of instructing someone (usually a sister or brother who are otherwise not hardware savvy) on the art of installing a mobo. The one thing that I have yet to attempt. There are a few things that give me apprehension:

* what comes with a case
- HDD & Power LEDs
- are these pre-wired in the case
- do I just plug them into the mobo
- are hardware power leads part of the PS
- is the PS mounted in the case prior to shipping

* does the mobo come with all the fastners required for mounting

* are the serial, parallel, ps/2 connectors part of the mobo or the case
- if part of the mobo, how tedious is it to make the fit to the case

I'm sure there are other things I've yet to think about, but then how can I, I have never attempted such an endeaver. Hopefully you's guys can point some things out. I'm looking to mate an Athlon with the KT7-RAID and the Antec SX1030. Other components might include:

2 IBM 75GXP's
1 GeForce (not sure which flavor yet)
1 Sound Blasdter Live! MP3+
1 Plextor 12/10/32
2 Mushkin 128MB PC133 HiPerf

So, can a virgin ;-) get some help?

 

[Brig]

Too bad on the non-cutie part

* what comes with a case
- HDD & Power LEDs..yes
- are these pre-wired in the case..yes
- do I just plug them into the mobo..yes
- are hardware power leads part of the PS..yes, prewired
- is the PS mounted in the case prior to shipping..yes

* does the mobo come with all the fastners required for mounting..fasteners come with the case

* are the serial, parallel, ps/2 connectors part of the mobo or the case..mobo
- if part of the mobo, how tedious is it to make the fit to the case..not at all, provided both are ATX style

Hope that helps a bit.

 

[Brig]

A couple more things I forgot to mention earlier:

IDE/Floppy cables should be packaged with the mobo.

Installation of all the components is relatively easy if you take your time and don't try to rush it, with one exception. Sometimes, depending on the type of clamp, it can be difficult to clamp the HS/F down onto the cpu without a real risk of breaking something. The retail hs/f that came with my P3 brought out the best in my vocabulary last night. Thought I was going to crack the mobo in half getting that clamp down (...and when the hs/f I want are back in stock again, I get to do it again). Anyway, like I said, just a couple of thoughts.
Good luck.

 

[eia430]

Razorface, if you don't mind a couple of suggestions... Non hardware people might not know little things you need to do... like first discharging static buildup before you start. Applying too much or too little pressure on different components, alignment etc. What happens with brother or sister does something wrong? (crack something or bend something) First time non hardware savy people will make mistakes. Can I suggest that you find a person that has done this before to do this for you? It's not rocket science but it is pretty easy to make a mistake and wind up with a non-functioning motherboard because of a slip that broke a trace. If you lived in the San Diego area I would be glad to volunteer my time to assemble a computer for you. If you don't live in the San Diego area, I'm sure you could find another experienced volunteer to assemble it for you. Perhaps a post here in Anandtech would net you someone in your local area that would volunteer. Good luck!

 

[RazorFace]

Brig:

Thnx, those where some answers I was looking for. I especially appreciate the heads up on the proc fan/hs. I knew that was going to be a delicate area.

Do u have an suggestion for a good fan/hs combo that I might instead use?

 

[RazorFace]

eia430:

U R spot on about that. The mobo/proc r my biggest concerns. I would dearly love to have someone w/ experience help me out. Unfortunately, I live on the right coast (the other big naval port ). Unless you'd like to fly out here; that'd be cool!

Seriously, in which forum would u suggest I cry for help?

 

[Brig]

You just did, Razorface.

Norfolk area ??

 

[RazorFace]

Close, I live in Va Beach...

U a Tidewaterian?

 

[Steven the Leech]

Here is a good place to get hs/fans


click here

 

[Brig]

Nah, strictly freshwaterian. I'm in Pa. You're just a bit too far for me to drive to in an evening.

Idea for you, though. You can get a mobo with the proc/hs/f already installed. Select the proc/hs/f you want, then put up a post in the motherboard and/or cpu forums. Seems to be a number of people on the board who sell this stuff. Although I certainly can't speak for them, seems to me one of them ought to be able to hook you up with what you need. Also may want to get your email in your profile (if you haven't already), so they can contact you offline. There seems to be board rules regarding advertising, but if you requested contact, I would think that would be ok. But...the JM in front of my name says it all...I don't know for sure. Anybody else jump in here .....?

Since you've done everything else already, installation of all other components should go pretty smooth for you, who ever it is that assists.

 

[RazorFace]

Brig:

PA, eh! My 'rents r from PA (Philly). Got uncles & aunts still there in the "city of brother love." Anyhow, thnx for the thought. I'll get on that email suggestion pronto. I'll add my ICQ# as welll.

Thnx again!