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I'm gonna put my first computer together and I'm nervous

I

imported_lamer

Member
Okay, I'm getting worried I'm gonna mess something up. When you ground yourself do you have to keep in contact with the case will you touch the cards and ram and stuff? I don't know I'm just worried. I've read through a couple articles about how-to build a computer but I'm just worried something will go really wrong. haha any suggestions?
 
Its easy, you shouldn't worry. The toughest part is getting the heatsink on (which is easy once you know how to do it).
 
If it doesn't fit - then it doesn't go there.

I always put the CPU, RAM and heatsink on the board before fitting in the case (also depending o the case I sometimes find it easier to wire up all the front ports before fitting)

Make sure the jumper settings are as they should be on the opticals and HDD's.

Get a wrist strap to keep yourself grounded (attach to the case chassis) or get a anti-static grouding matt - plugged into the mains.

On the first build, think, think, then think some more about what to do in which order.
 
Originally posted by: Monkey muppet
If it doesn't fit - then it doesn't go there.

I always put the CPU, RAM and heatsink on the board before fitting in the case (also depending o the case I sometimes find it easier to wire up all the front ports before fitting).
Click to expand...

Ditto that,

I always mount the CPU, Heatsink/fan, and memory before installing it in the case. With it on a protective thin foam pad, you can put pressure on without deforming anything too much.

I've never worn the wrist strap and never fried anything... just make sure you ground yourself before touching any components - usually touching the metal case will do that.
 
Don't forget the standoffs (little brass things that go under the motherboard).

Made that mistake once when I was rebuilding a 600MHz Celeron

The hardest part is the heatsink. Everything else either fits or it doesn't.
 
okay but I just have to like tap it right? also I don't have any anti-static pad to work on... I was just going to work in the garage with cement floors
 
Yeah, and after installing the cpu (+HSF), ram and vid card hook up the mouse, KB and monitor and make sure sure it P.O.S.T b4 putting it all in the case. Saves time, I hate putting in, takeing out, putting back in, etc. in case you need to trouble shoot. Just cuz a part is new doesn't mean it works properly.

Fern
 
Originally posted by: JustAnAverageGuy
Don't forget the standoffs (little brass things that go under the motherboard).

Made that mistake once when I was rebuilding a 600MHz Celeron

The hardest part is the heatsink. Everything else either fits or it doesn't.
Click to expand...

I spent a good few hours trying to work out why a home build system wouldn't boot - untill I figured out a put one brass stand off in the wrong place which was shorting the board. (for some strange reason I always put those little red washers between the stand offs on the board now)
 
keep it as simple as possible (the base essentials before turning on) then when everything is reckonised install the sound card, other HDD's and any other opticals, NIC, Modem and other PCI's after.

This saves a lot of time troubleshooting if it deosn't POST first time
 
step1: touch something else to ground yourself before handling parts to install.

step2: put setup/mobo on plain table, ie no fabric covers

step3: avoid assembly in room with carpeting/rubbing foot on carpet while install

note: wrist straps/finger cots are worthless gimicks if you follow above steps.
 
Originally posted by: Fern
Yeah, and after installing the cpu (+HSF), ram and vid card hook up the mouse, KB and monitor and make sure sure it P.O.S.T b4 putting it all in the case. Saves time, I hate putting in, takeing out, putting back in, etc. in case you need to trouble shoot. Just cuz a part is new doesn't mean it works properly.

Fern
Click to expand...
Great advice. Theres nothing like putting it all together and then realizing that your board is defective. Test it every step of the way, so that if something goes wrong, you have a good idea of whats going on.
 
Oh and one thing that you might thing silly - it happens! Do not force a floppy cable into an optical drive - Look very closely - they may look very similar, but they are very different - If you arent paying attention, you could bend/break some of the pins on your devices.

Also, Make sure you insert your ram *not flipped around*.

In addition, if something dont feel right, Don't force it. Take a step back, and ask yourself "Why is this being a b1tch to install?"

Finally, install the CPU Heatsink without the fan, then screw in the fan.

Good luck on your first build!!
 
make sure you install the floppy cables correctly too. i always install them backward everytime i put a new system together. won't boot if its on backwards.
 
Originally posted by: AngleDust
make sure you install the floppy cables correctly too. i always install them backward everytime i put a new system together. won't boot if its on backwards.
Click to expand...

Won't hurt if it's upside down though. Floppy drive light will just stay on. No harm to it though.
 
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