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Step by step? Day by Day?

N

Novaric

Member
Hrrmphf. I couldn't think of a good title. i know this is sorta covered in an article by Anand, but i wanted osme more specific info here. I am building my first build with the following parts:

1.4 ghz AMD Athlon t-bird
ECS K7S5A
2 256 mb 2100 DDR Kingston ValueRAM
MSI 831 (?) Geforce 2 Pro 64 mb graphics card
40 gb IBM 7200 rpm HD
Enlight 7237 w/ AMD-approved 300w PSU ( what brand i do not know...i'm not even sure if its REALLY 300w or if newegg is lying)
Creative Soundblaster Live! 5.1 PCI soundcard
Thermalright SK-6 HSF w/ Delta 60x60x25mm fan (4000rpm)
Aopen 52x cd-rom
extra Sunon 80x80x25 case fan

Now, the big question is how do i put this together? I know the basic idea, but a step by step walkthrough or some common pointers would be helpful. I'd really like to avoid some of these common problems i see here. Things i'm unsure of as of right now are:
1) will my PSU be enough?
2) will i need more cooling (for Graphics or HD? or case?)
3) does Artic Silver help much? am i likely to screw up the application?
4) how in the world is the "flashing of the bios" done and should i bother with it?

Basically I just want to know what sequence to install in and any pointers/tricks/pitfalls. Any info on this will be greatly appreciated...
 
1) Yes
2) You ought to put one fan in the front of your case to bring in cold air and one to take out hot air at the back.
3) Yes, and no. Just follow the directions at http://www.arcticsilver.com/instructions.htm
4) You should see the ECS website for detailed instructions about flashing the bios.

A couple of tips. If you press the power button and nothing happens, look at every single cable connection (both ends) to make sure they are all the way in. Also, check to see the small wires from your case to the motherboard (power switch, hdd led, etc) are on the right way.
 
case and power supply are fine.
crucial 2100 ddr is better than that kingston stuff (which is fine in its own right). www.crucial.com check hotdeals for 15% off.
if you arnet getting the retail processor you are going to have to get artic silver or some other thermal paste. you cant just put the heatsink on the chip, have to have an interface material. if you arent going to overclock id recommend the retail so you dont have to buy a seperate heatsink and fan. put a case fan in front and one at the top back. maybe a 92mm in and an 80mm out. you wont need extra cooling on the hd or videocard. you wont need to flash the bios, get used to building them first and worry about that type of stuff down the road, it's normally never needed, sometimes can get a little boost or get some extra features.

ill see if i can find a guide on how to put it together
 
For a man that can't even tell you the name of the power supply you sure blindly jump in there and say yes...

For me I wouldn't have touched a 1.4 with anything less then a 350watt approved psu...read recent threads, many point to possible 300watt psu as not being enough. Now I am sure there are a few 300watts that can do it, but not are psu's are created equal.

1) maybe, maybe not...need more info
2) 2 case fans minmum...3 may be nice if the psu can handle it...power issues are the most difficult to diagnos as seen here in countless threads of people pulling their hair out.
3) It can...I have never used anything other then the pad on bottom of hs and never had a problem to date...12 computers and counting. Don't believe all the hype and crap here from a few that have just built there first athlon rig. if heavy ocing I may recommend it.
4) I recommend flash only if you have problems, or you wish to oc or run win2k (special issue there I believe). Could be dangerous if done incorrectly...beware.
 
Duvie,

I ran my 1.33 Athlon on a 250W power supply. Now on a 300W because it came with the new case. Why would 300W not be enough?

Novaric,

A couple tips.

1. When you mount the RAM and CPU/Heatsink, do it with the motherboard sitting flat. I use a towel on a table, or sometimes use the padding from the packaging on the carpet. Don't bend the MB too much.

2. Don't put too much thermal compound on.

3. Disable the onboard sound (if any) before you install Windows. I personally don't like unneeded drivers cluttering my system.

4. I would check the ECS site for BIOS updates and make sure the update will serve you positively before flashing. No need to take the risk on something that won't apply to you.
 
Thanks guys, i'll keep these suggestions in mind when my parts arrive. I'm not planning on OC yet, so i don't think i'll ue ASII, i'll just use the thermal pads that come with my SK-6. I guess i'll just try the 300w PSU and if it is having problems i'll change PSU first. Also, why would crucial ram be better than kingston? will it affect my system or are you just saying crucial has less problems?
 
definitely go the crucial route...36 shipped from crucial.com...2nd day shipping on webpage only and very fast confirmation...
 
POwer supplies can be amd approved but doesn't mean they can run the whole line of tbirds...I had a 250watt that ran a 750mhz but couldn't do my 1.1 with all my devices...I then bought a supposed amd recommended 300watt and it couldn't handle the 1.1@1.2...I got a 350watt sparkle and no problems.

Be safe get big...that is my main device to all.

1) Make sure amd has it listed on webpage
2) 250watt up to 800mhz
300watt up to 1200mhz
350watt over 1200mhz
400watt plus for heavy ocing above 1500mhz

My two cents, but it has been helpful on my builds for other ppl.
 
no... get the 340 enlight P4 ready case from Newegg... that way... you won't have to worry about power probs! 😛
 
Great chhoice on the HSF... will keep you nice and cool...

MSI makes a decent pro...

Get a maxtor HDD...

And a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz instead of the soundblaster...

and you will be set to go.. good luck...

PM ME IF YOU NEED MORE HELP! 😛

Good Luck Bryan
 
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