Finally, Its Time to Build

[steeLh]

Yup, all my parts came today which was very exciting and now its time to start building my computer.

This will be my First build and Im looking forward to it. I've looked around and seen plenty of online guides on how to do it, but is there any you would recommend for a first time builder like me, maybe someting thats really detailed, because I really dont want to make any mistakes.

-Thanks

 

[Rob80]

Good luck. Since it's winter time you might want to take some precautions on keeping the static electricity down, avoid putting it together on carpet, wear rubber sole shoes & a anti-static braclet if you have one.

 

[Bonesdad]

Mech's guide

 

[Ricemarine]

Just make sure you don't break anything

 

[Bobthelost]

Make sure you go through the motherboard and connect everything it mentions that you can. Nothing like trying to work out why your computer doesn't work when you just forgot to connect the power switch.

 

[steeLh]

Would cardboard be a good surface to work on? Since theres not really any static coming from it.

 

[Bobthelost]

I've never had problems with static (yet). The risk is real but overstated for the most part.

 

[twitchee2]

it takes ALOT of static to ruin something, just use common sense and you will be just fine.

 

[steeLh]

So then cardboard is ok then? because I as planning on using the boxes my parts came in.

 

[Bobthelost]

I used my bed and my floor every time i built a computer, all i did was vacume it before hand to get as much dust out first, however i know that i don't get any noticable static off my floor.

Stick a sheet down on the floor if you want, or put the parts on a desk, or leave it in the packaging if you want. I don't know anyone who's had static kill a computer.

 

[Nick5324]

When I'm working on a build, I just touch the metal part of a lamp, or the case or PSU housing before i handle each part to avoid shocking any of my stuff. Mech's guide linked above is a good guide.

Edit: Look in your MB manual for the diagram for the case connectors (power switch, reset switch, power and HDD LED, etc.). Such a little thing, and yet always the hardest part for me

 

[teddyv]

I used both Mech's guide and this one:
http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_parts_list.shtml

both were invaluable!

 

[Akhen]

I remember that happening to me the first time I did a build, haha.

btw gl steeLh, building a computer is always a fun project.

 

[mastrduke]

i agree...that is the worst...my first build i read all kinds of guides and i remember seeing to make sure to connect all the power...well i tried to start up comp and it wouldnt stay on...itd go for a few secs and turn off...then i went back 30 mins or so later and realized there were 2 power connections for my mobo...man was i mad at myself for being sooo dumb

 

[Hacp]

My first build had 0 problems. I didn't need to read any guides, as I saw people building comps before and came almost 2nd nature.

 

[jlbenedict]

In regards to static.. just touch the case with your hands for a second to discharge any slight buildup of static ...

As already mentioned, the only way you could build up enough static would be to rub your feet/shoes on a carpet floor , purposely, causing enough friction to build up the static..

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: Bobthelost
I've never had problems with static (yet). The risk is real but overstated for the most part.

:thumbsup:

just remember not to force anything in. you may just putting it in backwards. i don't know about other boards but both boards i've bought had all the places labeled with what goes where so i hope you get lucky with that. it helps a lot for the first-timer

 

[teddyv]

The only real problem I had with my recent first build was the nVidia Lan. I think I reinstalled XP three times trying to get it to work, I was ready to RMA the board. Some kind soul sent me a private message asking if I had enabled it in the Bios, I guess to spare me the embarassment. This of course was not mentioned in any of the manuals

After a lot of time spent pulling my hair out over that it turned out to be a 30-second bios selection.