Issues with my new build

[sjetexas]

I am in the middle of building my new PC. I've built a PC only once before, so go easy on me..

Components that are involved with my issues :

Abit IP35 Pro
Core2Duo E6750
EVGA 8800 GTS 320MB
Antec P-182 case
Seagate SATA Barracuda 320GB drive


System POSTs and I am in the midst of setting up Windows. BUT...I have the following issues/questions...

1) The 8800 GTS won't properly seat all the way into its slot. Well, it seems seated in the slot, but it is still sticking up too much for me to actually secure it with a screw. I'd say its a good 4-5mm too high. I can wiggle it. It's working and I don't plan to ever move my PC around, but is this abnormal or a common issue with these big video cards? Not sure if it's the card or the MB, as I have no other cards to install on the MB and this is my first PCI-E card.

2) For the life of me, I don't know how to secure the hard drive into the case. I am using the middle slot bay/cage on my Antec P182. The drive slide slot thingies don't line up right with the screw holes on the side of the drive, and even if they did (I can screw one in on each side to test) it doesn't seem to slide into the bay. I had no problems installing the DVD drive into it's bay. What am I missing here? If if I just rest the drive in the bay (it's sitting on some little rubber padded offsets on the drive slot/cage), is that really bad?

3) When I first boot the PC up, it states there are no disk drives connected. However it does boot up into Windows XP fine. Is this because I don't have a floppy or IDE drive installed?

4) When I go into the CMOS, on the page it has info on the processor speed, type etc...a half of line of text is garbled and flashing. It's just one part on this one line (processor speed I think). This cause for concern?

5) Not sure how to get the PC speaker working. With the little cables on the case (always have the hardest time getting these plugged in right), I don't see one for speaker. I see one labeled AC97, I know this is the integrated sound, but not sure why it needs one of these cables? I am not sure if any of those little cables is plugged in right, as there are no apparent lights on the front of the case. The power and reset switch are working though.

Thanks for any help!.

 

[QueBert]

1. I haven't dealt much with newer model video cards, but I've had this exact problem in numerous computers I've built. This is how I resolved it, and I'm NOT suggesting you do the same, I'm sure somebody more knowledgable will chime in about the 8800's. The bottom of the PCI bracket was too long for my cases, I'd cut off about 1/4 of an inch at the bottom and the card would slide right in the slot. It's possibly that the notch at the bottom of the card is bumping the bottom of the case? I've had a ton of systems in the past where the video card was exactly as yours, just sort of "almost fully seated" one bump of the VGA cable and it could go out. It happened before, I never actually fried a card hehe. I wouldn't push it here, especially with an 8800, a slight movement if it's that close to coming out could fry your card or MB or both. Maybe search other forums for people with 182's and see if they're having mounting issues.

2. never used a 182, but it's generally not good to leave a drive unsecured. The spin fast and that will generate vibration which can cause problems if it's not screwed in. I've never actually seen any data on how harmful this is on drives. Most of what I've read is peoples opinions, maybe it's not a huge deal at all. But I'm more of a safe than sorry kind of guy.

3. So your HD is SATA? I've never seen a BOIS that doesn't pop up SATA drives when it's POSTING, you should be seeing the SATA ports. Since XP is booting I wouldn't say this is cause for immediate concern, but it's not something I would simply let go because techically your XP's still booting.

4. I would be concerned here, just for the fact it's definitly strange. What I would do it is check for a BIOS update, or maybe just a simple BIOS reset. Your MB will have a jumper you can switch to reset your BIOS. If you can't find it, look for the battery (watch looking battery) and pop it out and back in. I'd check for a BIOS update. Since your PC is up and running, I'm not really sure how vital this problem is, but I wouldn't forget about this.

5. Weird I've never personally had a MB that didn't have a PC Speaker plug, I'm sure they exist as unless you want to troubleshoot startup beeps, there's really no use for having one. If the PC is booting to XP you're not having any startup issues so a PC Speaker is about worthless.