How to test without a case?

[Chappie]

Hi all,

Can someone tell me the best way to test my new system without a case? I have all the relevant parts except a case to put them in..I should have it in a few days. Is it safe to put everything on a wood table with the motherboard on the cardboard box it shipped in?? What about the hard drive?? Just put it on the table?

Sorry if this is a Noob question...LOL

thanks,

Chappie

 

[imported_Kiwi]

You're doing just fine. I was a little unsure about only one thing when I did it again, after a three year layoff from home building my own PC's. I was about to use a jumper across the pins for the power switch before I was reminded that "momentary on" was enough, so just touch a screwdriver's tip to those two!


😱

 

[Tostada]

A lot of boards have power switches on them now, so he probably doesn't need to start shorting pins to turn it on.

There aren't going to be any problems just plugging it in sitting on the table. The board uses the PSU ground, it doesn't need to ground to the case or anything.

 

[hardcandy2]

Keep the cat off the motherboard while it is turned on (and even while it is turned off : ) ) And no coffee cups anywhere nearby.

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: Tostada
A lot of boards have power switches on them now, so he probably doesn't need to start shorting pins to turn it on.

The only ones like that I've seen have been DFI, but my budget is so skimpy that my first A64 build is still in the future, even though I bought an MSI K8N Neo 2 Platinum MB already to be sure I had one available when I was ready -- all of the s939/ AGP stuff from upper tier brands except Epox has all dried up now.


🙁

 

[Nick5324]

Originally posted by: Kiwi

Originally posted by: Tostada
A lot of boards have power switches on them now, so he probably doesn't need to start shorting pins to turn it on.

The only ones like that I've seen have been DFI, but my budget is so skimpy that my first A64 build is still in the future, even though I bought an MSI K8N Neo 2 Platinum MB already to be sure I had one available when I was ready -- all of the s939/ AGP stuff from upper tier brands except Epox has all dried up now.


🙁

ASRock 939Dual SATA2 FTW! (ASRock = value line of Asus)

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Although I know AsRock and Asus are linked, there is a very large opinion backlog that says the AsRock isn't even "Second Tier" for most of their products, so I chose MSI. I already pointed out the budget situation -- I don't like returning stuff that doesn't work out. That ends up costing more in shipping and inconvenience than paying a little more.


😎

 

[f1y]

ASRock has the 3 year warrenty just like ASUS but I'm still an MSI guy to. How do you do that Jumping with a screwdriver to start a computer? what two pins now?

 

[Tostada]

ASRock boards have the best reviews of any cheap boards I've seen on NewEgg. They're probably a little above Biostar. I'd certainly get an ASRock, and even pay a little more for one, before I'd touch an ECS, PC Chips, JewWay, FoxConn, etc.

 

[jdkick]

Make absolutely sure that nothing is sitting on a conductive surface... anti-static mats are also good. Just connect everything as if it's in a case. Look at the headers on the motherboard and find the one that would connect to the power switch on the case (see motherboard manual if it's not labelled on the board, it should be). If the power is connected, just short the two pins with a small screwdriver and you should be good to go.

As Tostada mentioned, some boards (DFI) to come with power switches directly on the motherboard... but it's not that common yet.

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, Kiwi has it right. The proper two pins can be identified in the MB Manual and is usually called PWR SW. Some MB have it printed on the board next to the two pins. I keep a momentary switch on a lead with the two pin connector as I always test all components before putting it in the case. Helps with trouble shooting. Luck, Jim