New system, how should I go about putting it together? (first time)

[dcdomain]

This is the first time I'm building a computer from scratch and after a couple of months of acquiring parts, everything is finally here. After reading all the 'problems' other people had, I was just wondering if anyone would like to run me through what I should do. I heard about that plastic wrapper on the cpu incident, the person who didn't mount his mobo with the spacers and stuff like that. Don't want it happening to me =).

I'm at school right now (broadband), so I've gone through and downloaded most of the software/driver updates. By the way, which software dvd player is the best? I heard Windvd and Powerdvd were good. Which one would people recommend? Below is my internal configuration, are there any conflicts, problems I should be aware of?

MSi K7T Pro2A
1.1 Tbird (retail, comes with the Taisol... am I right?)
2 x 256mb PC133 SDRAM (512mb of cheap Zeus Components ram)
Matrox G400
Soundblaster Live! Platinum 5.1
Maxtor 81gb 5400 rpm
Maxtor 40gb 7200 rpm
Toshiba 12x DVD rom
TDK Velocd 12x
WinTV Theatre
Linksys network card
temporary modem (some crap one my friend will be lending me).

I'm going to be going with Win2k, and here is the drive configuration I'm considering:
Matrox 7200rpm primary master (probably 3gb partition for OS, programs and games right? and then the rest into 10-20gb chunks?)
Matrox 5400rpm primary slave (partitioned into 20gb partitions? or 10gb? I heard the smaller the faster the drive will be)
TDK Velocd secondary master (or should I switch this with the Toshiba?)
Toshiba DVD secondary slave

And what I meant by help was, the steps (and be anal!) Example: step 1, spacers, mobo... step 2 blah blah...

For the ones that would just drop in and drop a tip or two, I'm fine with that too! I spent a lot of time getting these parts and am totally paranoid. Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance.

[update] Let's not forget powersupply, and connecting the power cords. I've done a lot of modding with my current pc and know enough. But I want to be extra careful, what are some no-no's when it comes to connection the power cables, I've heard of people plugging them in the wrong way and frying everything...

dc

 

[Jeff H]

dc, I have a couple of tips. First, read that mobo manual, then read it again. Remember that everything you're going to do centers around that board, so take your time and do it right. Make doubly sure the standoffs line up w/ the holes in the board. I'd assemble the memory and processor on the board before you install it in your case.

Second, make sure you have the jumpers on your various drives configured correctly. I'm not a Via chipset expert, but check some of the postings on Anand re which drives to put on which of the four channels. AFAIK you don't want to put drives other than hard drives on the two ATA100 channels.

Third, if you have any history working on computers, you'll remember there was a time when you left the power supply plugged in, but not switched on, when you're working on your system, so you had a path for static dissipation. You do not want to do that today, because there's a current running through the p.s. and into the components, even when the p.s. is off.

There are differing camps of opinion re how to set up a system for operating system install. One camp says put the bare minimum in (hd, CD-ROM, video card) then do your OS install, then after a successful OS install put in the remainder of your components. The other camp says put them all in and let your OS sort them out. I've done both and can't give you a definitive opinion either way.

Good luck.

 

[dcdomain]

bump ^^^

 

[Impact55]

Where do you order anti-static wrist things?

 

[Unsickle]

Yo DC, Ben here.

1. Make sure you're grounded to the case at all times.

Install everything.

2. Boot and configure your BIOS for things that aren't autodetected (rare these days).... set your CAS latency to whatever is standard for your RAM, and CPU clock etc.

3. Format all drives, FDISK to partition. Go with whatever partition size you want.

4. This is always the hardest part for me... getting the OS installed. Sometimes the CDRom isn't detected even with a boot disk, and it gets to be a pain in the ass. Luckily the newer versions of windows have boot disks with pretty generic mscdex drivers that should work.

COPY the entire Win2K CD to one of your drives. You will install off of your local drive.

5. Install and pray!

 

[Unsickle]

Impact55 Don't worry about the ground strap unless you assemble computers every day.

Just get a wire and strip off both ends. Connect one end to your case, and loop the other end around one of your toes.

Grounded, done!

 

[dcdomain]

Thanks Jeff, thanks Ben (damn didn't know you were Unsickle...)

In terms of patches, updates, drivers. I have to install the Via 4 in 1 for this mobo too right? Cuz it was listed on the MSi site, so I just dled it with everything else.

 

[Dee67]

To borrow Jeff's camp thing.. I'm from the camp of doing the main stuff first.

set jumpers, spacer the motherboard, put in ram, install mobo, put in video card, hook up power to mobo, install floppy and hard drives, power cables to both.

Start the machine, just to make sure the hd spins, mobo starts.. shut it down.

Then add your data cables, and other stuff, install OS and hope for the best



click

 

[Rigoletto]

If you don't have a proper resistor on that wrist strap, you will put yourself at risk of getting zapped by electricity from the computer. Not at all clever. Unsickle is the grim reaper in this suggestion. I have never used real grounding. I just work with a part of my forearm touching the case, and I avoid wearing rubber or polyester which could whip up a special static charge. And I do leave it plugged in.
Gather all the information about fitting a computer together that you can, and endeavor to keep an internet connection to help you in the process. I suggest you print out the BIOS beep codes for your type of BIOS before you start.
PS don't come back in a week's time saying "why is my video card so slow" heehee...

 

[Unsickle]

Computer not plugged in of course. You just want the case/yourself/components at the same voltage.

 

[dcdomain]

Nah, I know the G400 is probably the worst component, but still a decent video card. I'm running my two Hitachi CM771's off of that. It's only to hold me over until the G-wait hundred (G800) finally swings by.

 

[dcdomain]

Bumpity bump... c'mon, you guys should have at least a tip each for me...

 

[TravisBickle]

certain bus mastering or sharing doesn't always work in a certain slot, like Slot 3 PCI in my Abit BE6. You'll want to keep the SBlive! out of that one.
Avoid static and it won't be that hard. It's just an adult type of lego. My tip is turn your face away if you have the case open and have fiddled since you last had the computer on. People have been scarred before by sparks and exploding components. Not many, I'm sure, but someone...

 

[dcdomain]

Travis, thanks for the heads up on the SB Live! sharing problems...

Can someone tell me what the Via 4 in 1 drivers are for? Does it have to do with the IDE channels?
How should I go about installing the updates for the mobo? Right after I finish the OS install?

 

[Jeff H]

Here's a couple more:

1) Get the latest Via 4 in 1 drivers from Via's website and use those, instead of the ones on the MSI distribution disk. Do this after you get your OS installed, but b4 you dive into software installs.

2) Get the latest SBlaster Live drivers (drivers, not Liveware) from CL's site. It will save you a lot of hassles w/ the sound card.

3) Disable Creative SB16 Emulation via Device Mgr., under Creative Miscelleanous Devices.

 

[Regalk]

1. Install CPU, HS/fan and SDRAM FIRST on the MB - be careful here.
2. Install MB onto tray (you don't have to use the red plastic washers unless if the screw heads will touch the circuitry. Remember to screw down all the metal stand-offs first. Try not to scrape the back of the MB when placing on tray. Use plastic stand offs ONLY if necessary (I rarely use them). AGain take your time - no rush
3. Plug in all wires (Reset, power etc) - wtach for orientation + -
4. Install HDs, Floppy, CDrom NOW (if you do this before then you run the risk of jiggling the HDs as you move the case around to install MB.
Install cables etc to HD, FD CDrom - watch the red strpe end (se manual)
5. Now install Video Card (STOP)
6. Power ON and pray IF OK
7. Boot up with bbotable floppy and install WINBLOWS
8. Install VIA 4in1 drivers NOW (www.via.com.tw or www.viahardware.com)
9. Install Video card driver.
If OK then install other PCI cards remembering to watch how IRQs are shared. generally SBlive is best in PCI 3 or 4. PCI 2 leave empty.
10. NIC goes in 5 or 6 if you have.
My simple to follow install guide.

 

[UKspace]

Regalk Thanks.

I am building a system with all most the same spec as dcdomain except I will be using ABIT KT7-RAID. It is a really useful guide. Ever thought of writing a book?

I would like to ask which PCI slots are the best to use for the following cards.

SB Live 1024 Value!,
Diamond v90 56K Modem,
TV Tuner Card,

Which PCI slots would be best to use?

I will use Win 2k/ME dual boot.

Thanks

 

[Rigoletto]

Please don't start talking about modems...

 

[dcdomain]

Might be getting that FreeDSL so I might not need a modem afterall...

 

[wonder mike]

do it very carefully!!

 

[dcdomain]

bump for the night...

Thanks Wondermike...

But I'm really anxious to build it... I'm going home in a few hours. Got three hours of sleep last night because of the final today. I'm going to sleep for 4 hours now before I head out on my 6 hour (if I'm lucky) drive home. And then I'll probably want to start building it right away... hope I don't do anything stupid...

 

[evapor8]

DC

You might want to have a look here:

http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/index.htm

It might be a bit simplistic for you, but it's worth a look.

Chris

 

[dcdomain]

Thanks Evapor8,

Wish I saw your message before I built my computer... anyway, everything's running fine, it's taking forever to format and partition the drives though... freaking 125gb's! =)