Guide for building a PC

[Timmeh]

I'm going to build a PC from scratch for the first time (just to see if I can do it). I know pretty much what I have to do, but I wondered if anyone knew of any online guides or tutorials that can help me?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Toms Hardware scroll about 2/3 of the way down the page for a 2-part article. Just ignore any specific (out of date) parts recommendations.

What level of performance and budget are you thinking of? What will you use it for? Picked out any parts yet?

 

[JZilla]

Guides at HardForum.

Enjoy!

There really isnt much to it. Scarriest part for me is the cpu and Arctic Silver. If anything goes wrong just ask, and thou shall be helped.

 

[Timmeh]

I'm buying a second hand Athlon XP2700 + Motherboard off a friend, and will use most of the parts from my existing pc (GF2 GTS + SB Live). The CPU is already installed on to the mobo, it's just mounting and installing the motherboard in to a new case I'm worried about.

Thanks 🙂

 

[DaveSimmons]

Scarriest part for me is the cpu and Arctic Silver

If you buy a P4 retail CPU and use the very good included heatsink then you don't even need that step (heatsink has a pre-attached thermal pad). P4 retail heatsink units are very easy to install.

(ed) but in this case it's already attached, so building the system should be a snap. A screwdriver and a little time.

 

[JZilla]

Don't most hs have a thermal pad? I must admit I have always used the thermal pads. It scares the hell out of me thinking about applying Arctic Silver. And since I don't overclock or am hysterical about temps, I am sure that the thermal pads will work just fine.

Anyway Timmeh. If you have ever installed anything into your pc, I cant see you having problems. Even I can put a mobo into a case (did it 2 weeks ago), so you shouldn't have any serious problems.

 

[dmw16]

If you arent overclocking the thermal pad will be fine. I would just use the stock heatsink and fan. Takes the guess work out. Good Luck.
-doug