First Time Computer Building Questions

[xeodragon]

1. Are these guides good for a first time builder? Which one should i mainly use? Can you guys please check over the guides to tell me which one's the best? Most of these guides do not show current parts. Any better guide recommendations are welcome.

http://www.pcguide.com/byop/ (huge guide, maybe some unnecessary info?)
http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/ (no instructions on testing mobo before hand)
http://www.omnicast.net/~tmcfadden/guides/build/index.html (doesn't really show how to install a PCI-E video card, kinda scared that it has missing parts)

2. I presume I should download all my OEM product manuals and have them handy?

3. Any idea on how long it'll take me to build my first pc?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Bulldog101598]

Hmm, I have concerns about you building a computer if you're worried about not knowing how to install a PCIe card. It is no different than any other card and impossible to insert the wrong way. Are you sure you want to be doing this?

 

[shoRunner]

exact same as an AGP card except the slot looks different

 

[GuitarDaddy]

The last one you linked is great, MechBgon is an Elite member here at AT and extremely helpfull. If you have any problems or questions about his guide just PM him here, he will go out of his way to help and is very patience with beginners.

It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to build your rig, it will take awhile longer to install the OS and software and get everything setup just like you like it. Good luck and don't worry it's all very easy

 

[xeodragon]

thanks for the help guys. well, i've never really upgraded my comp, this will be my first custom built computer, and 2nd overall computer. I'm sure i can install w/e if i have good instructions/guides.

Ya i was thinking of using mechBgon's guide along with the guides that come with the parts. thanks for the support guitardaddy.

 

[Some1ne]

2. I presume I should download all my OEM product manuals and have them handy?

That's not entirely necessary...most of the parts are just kind of pop-in and go. What you'll want to pay attention to (and probably have the manuals for) are:

1. Installing the motherboard in the case.
2. Installing the CPU and RAM in the mainboard.
3. Mounting the CPU HSF.
4. Hooking the PSU up to the mainboard.
5. Hooking up the case jumpers to the mainboard pins.

...the other steps, like installing the graphics card, and drives, and other things are all very simple and straightforward.

3. Any idea on how long it'll take me to build my first pc?

Since it's your first build, and you sound fairly inexperienced, I'd say budget a full afternoon and evening for it. Just read through the instructions, and take your time when working, and it should be fine.

 

[slsmnaz]

Originally posted by: Bulldog101598
Hmm, I have concerns about you building a computer if you're worried about not knowing how to install a PCIe card. It is no different than any other card and impossible to insert the wrong way. Are you sure you want to be doing this?

Were you 100% positive you were doing everything right the first time? Maybe he's never seen the pci-e slot and card and didn't know. Instead of crapping why don't you help.

MechBgon's guide has helped too many people to count. I trhink it should be required reading for anyone's first build. It looks like a daunting task to begin but it goes pretty smoothly. Just have a 2nd PC ready to post ?'s here Good luck, it's worth it.

 

[w00t]

The 2nd one has video's and is current.
the 3rd one is also very good from a member of these forums.

 

[mechBgon]

I will be happy to help with questions when I'm here, but be aware I'll be on vacation (a real vacation, not the I-got-banned kind ) so if I don't reply, that's the reason

 

[Fern]

I presume I should download all my OEM product manuals and have them handy?

May not be a bad idea for the mobo manual. Sometimes there are helpful updates not included with the original one in the box.

I suggest benchtesting the mobo with only cpu (with HS+F), graphics card (or onboard if it comes with mobo), and ram before installing in the case. Hook up KB, mouse and monitor. Then PSU and make sure it POSTs before putting it in the case.

If there is a problem (and not all new hardware comes w/o defects) you won't have to go through the drill of putiing it in, then taking it out, then putting back in etc.

Take your time and enjoy the build :thumbsup:

Fern

 

[xeodragon]

wow thanks for all the help guys. ill keep this comp handy when i start my build.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

I think for you, the best thing to do is to pop your computer open (the one you're on now) and take a look inside. First thing you want to do (and I'm not kidding, even though this might sound funny), is point to your components and name them.

Then you want to look at where all the cables are going to. Ex: Your harddrive cable connects where? Look at the writing on your motherboard next to where you hook your harddrive. It should say something like PRI_IDE, or SATA1 or something similar. Find out what those mean.

Hooking it up, I'll guarantee you, is fun. Just follow the instructions, no need to be a rocket scientist.

The two hardest parts about building a PC is
1) Picking your parts
2) Troubleshooting

As for #1, I'd definately stick around at AT for 2 months and ask around. Read reviews on every product you look at (nto just newegg reviews, take a look at the AT reviews and other reviews, AND take a look at user experience! This is important). Do plenty of research before buying your parts. THAT, my friend, will save you LOTS of problems for #2:

For #2, you might not even have to do this. If you do plenty of research, and your parts aren't DOA (Dead On Arrival) or messed up (sometimes hardware might arrive "messed up"), then I don't even think you'll have to troubleshoot. When problems DO occur, you have to RMA your parts (return the parts to the guys who made it, and they'll ship you back another one). If you find out that your parts aren't DOA/messed up, it's most likely a hardware conflict. Provided you do plenty of research when picking your parts, the possibility of hardware conflicts will be minimal.

Good luck, and have fun of course.

-The Pentium Guy

 

[coomar]

start with the mobo (well start with the cpu but their are only 3-4 cpu options really) and try to find a forum for it, that way you can see what issues it has with specific products and what kind of support you'll get

i remember looking at the tomshardware guide before i built my first computer

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: coomar
start with the mobo (well start with the cpu but their are only 3-4 cpu options really) and try to find a forum for it, that way you can see what issues it has with specific products and what kind of support you'll get

i remember looking at the tomshardware guide before i built my first computer

That's an excellent point/suggestion :thumbsup:

One of the first things I look for also is a forum on the mobo I am working with. Helpful things like a listing of the beep codes and their meaning, non-compatible ram, info left out of the manual etc.

Fern

 

[poisonthewell]

You'll be fine - I didn't have much of an idea of what I was doing during my first build. I used Mech's guide (to whom many of us are eternally thankful) and had no troubles.

Just be sure to take your time and have patience. My 1st build took about 4 or 5 hours but I haven't opened the case since.

 

[xeodragon]

thanks guys, i'll take all your points into consideration.

 

[Topweasel]

Try this site very informative. Without it I wouldn't have understood how to do anything.

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