I finally got my 1st system built! What do you think?

[UglyCasanova]

Well, after waiting a couple months I finally ordered and the rest of my parts came in yesterday. I built my first computer built today. It was an experience because I hadn't so much as opened a case before this. I had a time with my heatsink, but managed to get it on. I am only 16 and can't afford replacing anything so I made sure I didn't break anything. Anyways, here it is:

Antec sx1030 case
Athlon 1.4GHz
Epox 8k7a mobo
512MB PC2100 Crucial DDR
Elsa Gladiac 920 GeForce 3!
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card
60GB Maxtor 7200rpm Ultra ATA/100 HD
Toshiba 16x DVD
16/10/40 Plextor CD-RW
2 extra 80mm fans (total of 4)
Samsung 955df

I don't know how it runs yet as I don't have an OS yet . I have to buy a floppy drive tommorow, but Windows 2000 hasn't came in yet. It turns on fine and all of that. I have the Windows 98 (not special edition though) CD, and I was thinking of putting that on there while I wait for 2k. Would there be any problem since it is the older version, not the SE? And would I have to reformat my HD to put 2k on. I won't be putting anything I need on there now, maybe a game or two but that's it. I just need to know if I can and if reformatting when get rid of 98 when the time comes. Otherwise I'll just wait for 2k. Thanks

 

[ledzepp98]

as for the setup...sweeeet, it doesn't get much better than that. as for win98...go ahead, it shouldn't be a problem if you really can't wait. i would definately format the drive to get rid of win98 when win2k arrives...enjoy

 

[UglyCasanova]

Alright, I gotta dumb question to ask. You can tell I'm extremely new at this but...how do I format it exactly? There, now I feal like a complete idiot, but since I got it done today without breaking anything and it turned on like it should on my first try I don't feel so bad.

 

[dowxp]

boot to cd and win2k will do it for you idiot style. =)

 

[UglyCasanova]

It'll do what, format it? I'm too impatient, but I got a GF3 and optimized version of Giants sitting in front of me. Anyways, it will probably be forever before Win 2k comes in. College bookstore is cheap, but god-awful slow!

 

[travws]

Take a look at this article http://www.tweak3d.net/articles/howtobuildapc3/3.shtml .

Also, as it says copying the cab folder off of the win98 disc is a great timesaver. After copying the cabs to whatever directory use banishi.exe to make windows look at that area first instead of having to browse to it.
http://ftp.pcworld.com/pub/system/file_management/?D=A

Hope this helps,
trav

 

[Chau]

nice setup, im about to get a new comp too and im getting almost the exact same parts u have

 

[TunaBoo]

BTW next time you turn it on, go straight into bios and hardware monitor and watch for 5 minutes. Watch CPU temp. If it hits 60 unplug it.

Doing that after major build/change saves 99% of fried CPU;s... but most people are too lazy.

 

[dowxp]

<< It'll do what, format it? I'm too impatient, but I got a GF3 and optimized version of Giants sitting in front of me. Anyways, it will probably be forever before Win 2k comes in. College bookstore is cheap, but god-awful slow! >>




it will initialize win2k setup and direct you to format. if u want win98 now, u can dual boot later. just pop in a boot disk, fdisk, create partition, reboot, type format c:, wait. setup win98, done.

 

[UglyCasanova]

Where is the temperature monitor? What is a reasonable temp for my cpu? If it does get that high should I buy another HSF?

 

[TunaBoo]

<< Where is the temperature monitor? What is a reasonable temp for my cpu? If it does get that high should I buy another HSF? >>



Temp monitor (physically) is a green thingy in your socket below CPU. Go into your bios under hardware monitor.

If it stays under 55 or so it will work. Ideally you want 35-40C, but it depends on a lot of stuff. If it is 60C or higher, you need a new HSF, or need to install it better.

 

[UglyCasanova]

I got a Cooler Master Ep - something - 6i11, and some generic thermal compound. The Cooler Master is rated for my 1.4 Athlon, I will probably put something better on there later though.

 

[TunaBoo]

<< I got a Cooler Master Ep - something - 6i11, and some generic thermal compound. The Cooler Master is rated for my 1.4 Athlon, I will probably put something better on there later though. >>




What is the temp in da bios?

 

[fakey]

<< If it stays under 55 or so it will work. Ideally you want 35-40C >>



keep in mind amds run extremely hot. it will work even if its over 55c. nothing will physically fry untill something like 90c. it just wont run stabily over 60c.

on my amd 1.3 i idle around 42 to 45c, and get up to 52 full load. no problems.

 

[rbV5]

Consider splitting your HD into at least 3 partitions. 1 for win98, 1 for win2k and one for applications and storage. Save you trouble down the road if you want to format, or try another OS.

 

[MallowJr]

it's nice how people say &quot;i get 10C on a 1.4gz and 20C under load&quot; ahem - you shoud list what equipment you're using to cool. I'm using stock HSF for a tbird 900 and i get 35C and 48C under load.