Self build noob!

[HappyFool]

Hello!

I (perhaps foolishly) decided to build my own PC.

I have a Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3P Rev 2.0, 4GB of RAM, an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, a DVD drive and a 500GB SATA HD and a NVIDIA 8800GT, 500W PSU, 12" fan at the back.

I've assembled my system, but have a couple of questions:

I've put in my HD and DVD drive and connected them via SATA cables to the motherboard. Do they need a power cable or does SATA carry power? I can't find any extra cables in the various boxes to attach to the motherboard...

My 8800GT has been installed, but does not have a power cable. I guess that the PCI16 does not carry power?

When I turn on my system, the fans on the mobo come on, but nothing else. For instance, the DVD drive will not function. Can't open it via the switch on the front.

I know these questions are vague, but any help would be appreciated.

Thank you and Merry christmas!

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: HappyFool

I (perhaps foolishly) decided to build my own PC.

I've assembled my system, but have a couple of questions:

I've put in my HD and DVD drive and connected them via SATA cables to the motherboard.
Do they need a power cable or does SATA carry power?

That questions tells us everything we need to know... :shocked:
STOP... Call a friend that has actually built a PC before.


BTW, They do require power from the PS.
You should still call someone in to help, before you lose $$$ from damage. :roll:


> Follow the flow for steps in correcting the problem <

 

[HappyFool]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: HappyFool

I (perhaps foolishly) decided to build my own PC.

I've assembled my system, but have a couple of questions:

I've put in my HD and DVD drive and connected them via SATA cables to the motherboard.
Do they need a power cable or does SATA carry power?

That questions tells us everything we need to know... :shocked:
STOP... Call a friend that has actually built a PC before.

No, this is how I learn.

I don't think that the SATA carries power, but since there are no extra cables for anything, I'm wondering what to do?

If you won't help me, I'll go elsewhere. Or maybe someone else could help?

 

[HappyFool]

Thanks, that is more helpful.

However, I don't think I'm at that stage yet...

I have everything installed - but there are no extra cables for the DVD or HD. What cables would I need?

I've managed to connect the GPU, but I'm still at a loss about how to connect my SATA HD and DVD to the motherboard?

If you'd tell me what info you need - or pictures - I could provide them.

 

[ihyagp]

SATA does not carry power. You get power from the power supply directly to the drives. Look at the squid of connectors hanging from the power supply, you'll see them there; if not, there's probably some adapters that came w/ the power supply, they'd look something like this - http://compuxellence.com/shop/...power_sata_adapter.jpg The only lines running between the motherboard and drives should be the SATA cables.

PCIe does carry a little power, but the vast majority of 8800gt's require a separate 6-pin power connector. Again, look for it hanging from the power supply.

Building a machine on your own is a great learning experience and can save you some money. Generally, the more powerful the machine, the more money you'll save. Give credit to the above poster though, he's right in that having someone who's built a machine there helps.

 

[HappyFool]

Originally posted by: ihyagp
SATA does not carry power. You get power from the power supply directly to the drives. Look at the squid of connectors hanging from the power supply, you'll see them there; if not, there's probably some adapters that came w/ the power supply, they'd look something like this - http://compuxellence.com/shop/...power_sata_adapter.jpg The only lines running between the motherboard and drives should be the SATA cables.

PCIe does carry a little power, but the vast majority of 8800gt's require a separate 6-pin power connector. Again, look for it hanging from the power supply.

Building a machine on your own is a great learning experience and can save you some money. Generally, the more powerful the machine, the more money you'll save. Give credit to the above poster though, he's right in that having someone who's built a machine there helps.

I do give credit, just that his original post told me to get someone straight away...which I can't do!

You've banged the nail on the head dude. I don't have two of those SATA to power adaptors. Everything is now connected - but I literally couldn't find a way to power the DVD and HD.

I'll order two of those now. Thanks so much!

EDIT: My HD and DVD will take these standard connectors, they don't need less pins or anything?

 

[jae]

Those are the standard SATA power cable adapter.

And next time give the brand and model number of your components when u have a question about your system. It helps A LOT.

 

[dbcooper1]

While you're at it, does your P.S have the 4 or 8 pin CPU power connector?

 

[DSF]

To cut to the chase, it would probably be easiest just to list the make and model of your PSU.

Any PSU bought recently should have at least two SATA power cables without having to resort to adapters.

 

[ihyagp]

Your power supply seriously doesn't have any SATA connectors? AND didn't ship with adapters? In 2008?

Kindly tell us the manufacturer of your power supply so we can never buy from them.

If the drives will accept the 4 pin, you can use those. You just won't get certain features like staggered spinup. Not really consequential for a desktop machine.

 

[HappyFool]

Not that I can see. My box didn't come with a power lead even though the equipment list said it would.

It's an A-Pod case bought from an online retailer. I emailed them on Boxing Day for the power lead, I wonder if it's supposed to have the power to sata too?

DSF, just saw your post, here are the details. I must say, my case is black - not pink!!

ATX Desktop
with ATX 500W (20+4), SATA PSU

Manufacturer - Eye-T
Model - N/A
Mainboard/PSU connector - 20-pin
Chassis Colour - White/Pink
Form Factor - ATX
PSU - 500W
Visible 5.25 - 4
Visible 3.5 - 2
Internal 3.5 - 4
Expansion - 7 Slots
Front Connectors - 2x USB and Audio
Front / Rear Fan Fittings - Rear 8/9/12 cm , Front 8/9/12CM
Cables Included - Mains Power Cable
Software Included - None
Warranty - 1Years Return To Base

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: HappyFool
ATX Desktop
with ATX 500W (20+4), SATA PSU

So where are your SATA connectors?
Did the faux iPod case come with the correct power supply?

Can you post a picture of all the cable connectors for your power supply?

 

[HappyFool]

There are SATA cables, but not POWER to SATA cables.

The PSU has a few bundles of wires that are power, but are female connectors, not male.

I've ordered some POWER to SATA for my HD and DVD drive.

See below:

http://img212.imageshack.us/my...mage=femalesataph3.jpg]

[/URL]

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: HappyFool
Not that I can see. My box didn't come with a power lead even though the equipment list said it would.

It's an A-Pod case bought from an online retailer. I emailed them on Boxing Day for the power lead, I wonder if it's supposed to have the power to sata too?

ATX Desktop
with ATX 500W (20+4), SATA PSU

Originally posted by: HappyFool
There are SATA cables, but not POWER to SATA cables.

The PSU has a few bundles of wires that are power, but are female connectors, not male.

I've ordered some POWER to SATA for my HD and DVD drive.

See below:

http://img212.imageshack.us/my...mage=femalesataph3.jpg]

[/URL]

If those molex power connectors are the only type from the PS, then you weren't shipped the correct power supply with the faux iPod case.

Please contact your vendor...

 

[HappyFool]

Contact my vendor and say what?

As I've never built a system before, what can I claim is wrong?

 

[Blain]

They sent you a case with the wrong PS.

 

[dbcooper1]

I haven't seen a recent PS come with a 20 pin connector; they've been 24 for sometime now. Hopefully you have the 4/8 pin CPU connector; won't get far without that..

 

[HappyFool]

Originally posted by: dbcooper1
I haven't seen a recent PS come with a 20 pin connector; they've been 24 for sometime now. Hopefully you have the 4/8 pin CPU connector; won't get far without that..

When saying

"molex power connectors are the only type from the PS"

I meant the only ones left.

My original question was how to attach the HD, DVD and GPU. The GPU is now attached and I have ordered two of these Molex/Power to SATA cables.

I'll plug 'em all in when I receive and see if anything goes pop...

 

[jae]

You should really find someone to help you with building as were arent able to physically see whats going on. I might just be lost on the subject.

You've said you didnt have SATA power connectors for the HD and optical drive. Now your saying you meant there isn't any left.

So what are the others powering?

 

[Blain]

"You should really find someone to help you with building as were arent able to physically see whats going on."

Originally posted by: HappyFool
No, this is how I learn.

If you won't help me, I'll go elsewhere. Or maybe someone else could help?

 

[Tbirdkid]

sata power cable looks like the data one for the sata only bigger. the 4 pin molex connector is going to look wide, and with female pins in it. They plug into the drives, fans, etc. The sata power connectors only plug in to one place, the power for sata drives. If you do not have any of those, use the molex ones that you plug into the fans. They are the same, and will work. As for the pci-e, they are needed to deliver power to the core of the graphics card. The pc will not fire up without it. You will also have to power the slot and the cpu with connectors. There is a 4 pin molex connector that probably goes into the motherboard just above the pci-e slot, and there is a 4 square pin connector that will plug in somewhere near the cpu.

 

[VirtualLarry]

This is like trying to learn how to swim, by jumping into the deep end of the pool without a spotter. Thread is too painful to watch.

 

[zerocool84]

Please take out your power supply and stretch out all the cable and take pics of it for us. Would make it that much easier.

 

[HappyFool]

Originally posted by: Blain
"You should really find someone to help you with building as were arent able to physically see whats going on."

Originally posted by: HappyFool


Uh, Blain. You were the first person to post something utterly unhelpful - you wouldn't even answer my question. You later edited your post to be remotely helpful.

Is this forum supposed to be a place to share knowledge and learn or a place to tell people to STOP...find someone else to do it. This is the way I learn. If I break it, I break it. I figured coming to a forum to try and explain my problem and get advice was the best idea.

I've followed the manuals, instructions and advice I've found on the web. I'm not just ramming components in with duct tape and sprinkling magic dust on them. But I've ran into some problems with power supplies. And it really looks like the retailer I bought it from hasn't included some of the correct cables.

jae - the only other cable from the PSU is the one for the motherboard. The rest are female Molex, which can't go anywhere. I have ordered two male Molex to SATA which will plug into the PSU and then go to the HD and DVD.

 

[Blain]

Please take time to read the posts. I was quoting jae and giving him your "No, this is how I learn" line.

"something utterly unhelpful"? I don't think so. I could tell from your post that you would benefit from someone actually there with you to help.
I think this whole rambling thread has proven that out. :laugh: