How to assemble it all

[userofcomputer]

Hi all.
I'm about to build a pc for the first time. I'll soon have all the parts and stuff, the only problem is that I'm not completely sure how to assemble it.

As far as I know, I just put the CPU on the motherboard, and put the heatsink and fan on it (do I need to apply any thermal paste, and if yes, do thermalpaste come with my A64 retail?.
Then I put the RAM in, then I screw the motherboard onto the case.
After that I install the PSU, the graphics card, HDD and DVD-drive.
When that is done, I just do all the cabling stuff, and then I can start the computer and install Windows (I don't need to configure anything in the BIOS right?).

Please correct me if I'm wrong, and I would really appreciate any link to a good (and up to date) guide to assembling a pc.

 

[DaveSimmons]

this might help: http://www.mechbgon.com/build/index.html

 

[teezee3000]

Yea something like that, Im sure the processor will come with some thermal paste, i would suggest arctic silver 5. The key thing to any install dont panic when it doesn't work the first time you power it on (unless u see a flash of light and a puff of smoke) its probably a card that needs to be reseated or a drive cable needs to be tightened.

 

[Cook1]

Look at mech's guide, it's like the "official" guide round these parts for new builders.

 

[userofcomputer]

Thanks for the quick answers

 

[drum]

If you are using a retail heatsink and aren't planning on overclocking, the paste that comes already on the heatsink is fine.

 

[Fern]

Hi userofcomputer,

Yes, Mech's guide is an execllent reference.

In additional I suggest you consider first assembling the mobo, cpu (with HS+F), ram and gfx card on a phone book. Hook up the PSU, mouse, KB and monitor and see if it will P.O.S.T.

I do that cause just because parts are new doesn't mean they work and I hate wasting time putting the parts in the case, then taking back out the of case etc.

After I confirm it POSTs (parts are all good etc) and check over the BIOS, before installing the OS etc. I hook up a floppy (can be an optical) and run Memtest86+ overnight to make sure the ram is operating perfectly (can be in the case for this I guess, although I leave it on the phonebook on my workbench).

If for some reason the ram is flukey, it will crap up your install and you'll have to do it again.

Good Luck with your build :thumbsup:

Fern