new system

[nerdherd]

Good morning everyone. I am in the process of installing my first system. First one was a byo system from Fry's. The mobo was installed already and I just need to install cpu, fan and drives.
I checked the tech faq and it states to install stand offs. I got an Epox 8kah+ and want to make sure I install it correctly. My mobo didn't come with standoffs, where can I get this?
Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

[Theslowone]

Standoffs are for the mobo to the case, for the mothereboard will not be sitting right against the case but on stud-like things.

So that part you probably don't have to worry about if all you have to do is install the drives, cpu.

 

[nerdherd]

That is on my first system. I am building a new one with the epox mobo. Sorry if I was not as clear on the first post.
Are there supposed to be plastic washers on the screws that hold ino the mobo. I got it refurbished from newegg.com
thanks again everyone.

 

[Theslowone]

You can use them but they are not always needed, the last four systems I built didn't have the plastic washers going inbetween the mounting screw and the mobo.

 

[altonb1]

If you are removing the old mobo from the old case and remounting into the new case, you may be able to just unscrew the old standoffs. You can purchase more standoffs at a local Comp USA (I assume, as I have never actually looked for them myself) or similar store. Then again, many times you will have extra standoffs shipped in the bag of screws/slot plates,etc. that shipped with the case. Check your bag and see if they are there.

 

[nerdherd]

Good evening everyone. Got the system running. The case has the threads raised already so there is no need for the standoffs. Sorry for the waste of bandwidth. I have her running smoothly now.
What does burning in mean? Do I leave her on the whole night?
Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[altonb1]

A burn-in is usually running a series of tests that completely use the processor, video card, etc. repeatedly in order to determine if the system is going to remain stable. A burn-in would run for a set period, such as 24 hours, 48 hours, or whatever you chose. basically, it uses the theory that if it doesn't fail out of the box and it doesn't fail within 'x' amount of time, the system is probably okay to run for a normal lifespan without failing.

 

[nerdherd]

Altonb1, She is running pretty good right now, time to oc some.
I notice a few little problems. First, once in a while she hangs up when booting up. Bios won't even load, she just goes to detecting ide drives. Have to press the reset button to get her to boot up.
Next is, I tried to install the extra usb ports into the usb2 connector. When I did that, the mouse no longer shows up. I have the mouse plugged into the regular port and not into the usb port. Uninstalled the extra usb ports and she is running fine again.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[DaiShan]

have you done any overclocking yet? if so turn it off, you must unlock the chip first, then your mobo may require a bios update (don't think it will) then you can start fiddling with oc'ing, also you will need the latest via 4 in 1 drivers, next you should go to www.usbman.com and check under the via section for specific fixes for your setup, I suggest the usb filter driver and pci latency patch.

/edit, try to keep pci slots 4 and 6 open as they share irq's with usb devices.

 

[nerdherd]

Haven't done any ocing yet. Want the system stable first. thanks for all the tips.