building my first PC

[eshtog]

well I am really new at this, I was wondering if its hard to build a pc? I have installed new hard drive and new cd-rw before is it a lot dofferent? also I heard that when the first time you power up your PC that you have to configure the BIOS I dont know but that sounds like its hard to do can somebody tell me if its really hard to build a pc?

 

[HansXP]

If you've just replaced hard drives and CD-ROMs, then it probably will be somewhat hard to do. My best suggestion would be to get one of your geek-friends to help you out as you're building it.

 

[AMDPwred]

Yes it's pretty hard. I'm in the middle of my first right now

 

[Impact55]

It's actually rather easy. I reccommend reading anandtech.com and the forums for a little bit to become more familiar with the hardware and probelms that other people have. If possible, yes a friend watching over you would be the best option.

 

[Hanpan]

it really depends,

it's kinda like drivinf standard. Installing a new hdd would be like driving automatic.

Automatic gives you most of the skills but for standard there is a little more to it. Once you can do it however it's really easy. As with driving however the real challenge is when somehting goes wrong.

Good luck with your project. With all the help available here you should be able to complete it with little problems

 

[nateholtrop]

its a trying experience but once you get that 1st boot its all worth it.

nate

 

[bjc112]

i wouldn't say it is that hard... but before you do it,, take a little time and read on here.. I LeaRNED HOW ON HERE!!!!! and built my first and upgraded several.. now all my friends need my help!!

 

[fishingeek]

I just got done with my first build and it went fine. The main thing to do is read the manual for your motherboard and take your time. Check and recheck all you connections and everything shoud go fine.

 

[acexg1]

I built my first one last Monday, and it wasn't too bad. Most of the information I needed to build it I figured out from AT or other sites. Besides, if you screw up, just ask for help on here.

 

[dowxp]

easy as heck. the hardest part is making it all work together.


"why the F*&K is this not turning on!?"
"..Crashing"
"..Wont INSTALL"
"..See the DAM Network!?"


haha. sigh..

 

[Medea]

It's not that hard, but you should approach it with as much information as possible. Decide on what your needs are, and then look into what components you want. Read the reviews on the the manufacturers of the components and decide which ones you want. Read guides on how to put a rig together. Take a look at Anandtech's guide and at PCMech's guide.

And - if you need help and/or have questions, post them. People are really great on this forum.

Good luck!

 

[urameatball]

have a geek watch over you the first time building your PC.
he/she will be able to troubleshoot all your mistakes pretty fast without any headaches on your side.
nowadays with jumperfree motherboards and all that other plug and play stuff... getting a computer to run isn't too hard. it's pretty much, start the computer, set the bios to pretty much autodetect everything and you're ready to go!

and installing all the components into your case isn't too hard... cuz all the parts will only fit in their specified area anyway. so as long as you don't force a CPU into the AGP port, you're gonna do great.

in other news... be careful putting on the heatsink , and if your floppydrive light won't turn off, then flip the floppy cable over

 

[Ausm]

Bangsailio hit the nail on the head...relatively easy to put together but you have to do your homework on component compatibility


Ausm

 

[Joony]

all you got to do it not fry the computer with static...then just plug everything in and hope it boots...

 

[Dundain]

It really isnt that hard, as long as your smart and take it in steps. (And for god sakes, READ how much voltage the processer takes and CHANGE the setting to that, dont leave it on max, hehe!). Here's a few tips I'd give.

1) Take things in steps. Start with just putting the motherboard in the case, then add the CPU and memory, graphics card, and then boot it. Make sure it loads fine. Then add the HD get into and install windows. Only then add other components.

2) Take breaks, dont try and do everything at once. If you get frustrated STOP, and go find something else to do for a while. And kicking the computer generally does NOT help (grins sheepishly)

But use the great resource you have here at your disposol. Almost any of us would gladly help a person get up and running, and addicted, to the world of tweaking