Parts are here...time to build!!

[imported_MrMax]

They're here! I'm doing my first build and will probably need a hand getting things straight. Im going to start tomorrow after work but am posting this to see if anyone has had any experience dealing with the parts im using could give me some info before i start. Any tips/trick would be more then welcomed. I'm building a budget pc about 650CAN$ so far, plus $400 for the LG204 wide lcd i had to get
Ive got...

xion case
antec true power 480
asus p4p800 se motherboard
evga geforce 6800 (agp)
P4 3.0ghz 800mhz FSB 1MB cache(i think its a prescott)
80 gb western digital sata HDD

im also using 2 512 sticks of samsung ram for now but am in the market for some new stuff if anyone has some for sale.

like i said before id appreciate ANY help you guys could give, id rather not fry anything and end up with a 700$ paperweight

-thanks

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Start with a minimal set up outside the box (PSU, MB, one stick ram, GPU, hdd) and have fun!

 

[TechHead87]

You and I almost have the SAME setup! My graphics card is an Nvidia GeForce 6200 tho. Just make sure you apply the CPU correctly, use some arctic silver 5, and you should be good to go!

And yes, that p4 IS a prescott. I call them PresHott's for a reason! Make sure you get a good HSF for it (I use a ZalmanCNPS7000 somethin or other). I'd do a good 3dMark06 run after all is said and done too! Enjoy your new system.

HSF
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118113

Only downside to this is, whenever you decide to upgrade your graphics card, your AGP choices may be limited. From what I can tell, PCI-Express is the way to go nowadays. I kinda wish I'd have researched that a little more before I built my system last spring.

 

[jackschmittusa]

Agree with MagnusTheBrewer, set it up on the bench first. Make your bios settings while you are doing it. Be careful of the tabs on the i/o plate that none get stuck in front of any ports. I usually hook up all the data cables first, then the power cables. Use zip ties if necessasry to keep wires away from any fans. First run in the box, leave the cover off, so you can see inside.

Good luck.

 

[Zedtom]

Take your time with your first build. Everyone here likes to brag about how fast they can get a system up and running, but it doesn't pay to rush and have to backtrack when you can't get the computer to start up.

The thrill of success when I built my first box was similar to when I rebuilt the engine in my Eagle Talon and started it for the first time.

 

[TechHead87]

Originally posted by: Zedtom
Take your time with your first build. Everyone here likes to brag about how fast they can get a system up and running, but it doesn't pay to rush and have to backtrack when you can't get the computer to start up.

The thrill of success when I built my first box was similar to when I rebuilt the engine in my Eagle Talon and started it for the first time.

I couldn't have said it better! When I work on/build/watch a system build, I never try to rush anything. If anything, I try to go as slow as possible.

I've rushed through an upgrade/build before, and it came back to bite me...Hundreds of thousands of dollars aren't grown on trees. Take your time, double check the work, and all should be well (if you know what you're doing).

 

[Mavtech]

I rushed one time and forgot to ground myself. I walked across carpet and walked over and touched the motherboard. Had to get a new mobo. So, remember to ground yourself either with a grounding wrist strap or keep touching the steel on the case.

 

[Soggysocks]

I've been building systems for more than 12 years now.

My 1st piece of advice is to read the directions. And For each of the componets you have directions or at least layout info. # 1 Rule...make sure all components are compatible!!!!!!!!

I'm not familiar with the case but all the other parts are top notch. Before we go any further here.....did you get the right processor for the board you have? P4's come in 2 varieties and also the motherboard. You have the choice between socket 478 and LGA 775. Best check you have the right one of each before you go foward!!!!

Make sure you position the standoff's properly so you don't short out your board . Then connect all case options that you plan to use before adding other components....front usb/firewire ports...lights...temp/fan monitors...case fans...audio ports. You may want to...and I do...mount your CPU, fan and Memory, on the Mo-board before mounting in the case. Just makes things easier.

Too much heat sink compound is as bad as too little. Cover the cpu with a thin layer and apply the heat sink. lift off once to check for bear spots....re-apply if you need to fill voids. The stock heat sink a fan is ok if you are going to run at factory set speeds.....but if your thinking of over-clocking or want a better HS & fan then TechHead87 is right the Zalman is a good choice. Make sure its the all copper version. Copper disappate's heat better. "http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118115" ....this one is good.

This should get you started....Post more if you run into snags...good luck and have fun.

 

[imported_MrMax]

yeah ive hit a snag with my HDD. the system wont recognise it ive tried switching the cables out, changing the port im plugging it into and etc. nothing seems to work. so ive come to the conclusion that either ive got a bad drive or a bad motherboard? im going to take the drive into a local computer shop to see if he'll test it for me.

 

[Severian]

since it's a SATA drive, you probably need the drivers on a floppy for Windows setup to access the drive. Get the drivers on a floppy disk, then hit F6 when you first start the WinXP setup, it'll prompt you briefly at the bottom of the screen.

 

[imported_MrMax]

i got the drive oem and have no disks with it. where can i get the drivers? (model number--> wd800jd)

-thanks

 

[jackschmittusa]

The disk for the mb should have the drivers.

 

[mechBgon]

Here's my contribution: http://www.mechbgon.com/build