About to build my first computer (from scratch)

[bdenuto]

I?m about to build my first system from scratch.
Asus A7M266
AMD Athelon 1.33 GHz 266FSB
Tai-Sol CGK760092 Heatsink Fan
Lian-Li PC-60
Elsa Gladiac Ultra
(other standard stuff ? dvd drive, modem, nic, floppy)
The board came with the heatsink attached (with thermal tape). I?m planning to remove the heatsink and use some Arctic Silver II that I bought.

Any tips/hints would be extremely welcome.
I?m also worried about doing the wiring. Anyone possibly know what wiring connections might be missed?

 

[jj1492]

The comp looks pretty straight forward. There's only going to be a few connections to make. Each peripheral will need a cable for power and a cable for signal. Then plug the power supply into the mobo and you're essentially done. As for tips, don't cut yourself. It's sharp in there.

 

[mithrandir2001]

I personally think the first time builder should assemble a cheap Celeron system first, just to cut their teeth on the process. You don't even have to buy new parts. Intel systems are simply easier to build than AMD systems, if only because they seem to have less chipset/compatibility issues. Celerons run cooler and are less fragile than Athlons, so you have one less thing to worry about during assembly. Once you build the system and are happy with it, you can either keep it or sell it.

I don't think it is a good idea for a first-time builder to go hogwild on a maxxed-out Athlon system. AMD systems are really tilted towards performance - great, right? - but they seem to live closer to the edge. The A7M266 is fortunately an established board, but you still have to fuss over VIA 4-in-1 drivers and issues with the SB Live! and large file transfers between IDE channels. This is not an indictment against AMD...it's simply a statement that going with AMD involves an additional level of risk to the first-time builder.

 

[Shudder]

Since you asked for it -

Wiring: There's always the possibility of putting the ide/floppy cables on the wrong way.. either on the MB or the drive itself. A lot of newer ones have notches so it's impossible to do it, but you still can.

Also, as many systems as I've put together, I still get the floppy cable wrong from time to time. It's easy to tell because the light comes on and just doesn't go off.

There's no risk to putting the cables on wrong, it just won't work.

The analog cable connecting your dvd/cd rom to the sound card is something easy to forget as well.

 

[Atlantean]

and if you are worried about compatability issues, then maybe go with a hercules game theatre xp, or a santa cruz. Good luck with building it, here and here are a couple guides that might be able to help you

 

[4824guy]

The hardest part is mounting the mobo correctly in the case. You might want to avoid the Live 5.1 sound card because alot of people are reporting compatiblity issues with them

 

[Joemonkey]

another problem you may have is with that heatsink... it's HARD to take off, and kinda hard to put back on as well, i actually scratched the ceramic on my chip doing it. the pad that comes with it is pretty good, i wouldn't worry about changing to AS2 unless you are planning on OCing the hell out of it and those few degrees will matter.

 

[Entropy007]

Good Luck
I can't add much more than what's been said other than take your time and read the directions. I haven't put an AMD system together yet but that will change before I am much older

 

[clumsum]

Go for it ................ !!!
Athlons/Durons are great fun, just expect some work-arounds with compatability or other issues, may be a little more work, but you will learn faster and save money $$$$$$!

Try not to get frustrated, be patient, probably the main things I would mention are to:

Do not rock or tilt the hsf onto cpu when installing it, place it firmly on top of chip and then hook the securing clip onto the socket tabs ......... short side first, if there is a difference ..... Tai-sol CGK's are excellent as they attach to all three tabs on each side of the socket A and there is less chance of damage .......

From my experience, the graphics cards are usually the most difficult item to get working properly ....... (installing the drivers) ........

You will be proud you did it yourself ....... even if you need a little help,... this forum is excellent for that!
Good luck !!!