Tell me about the first time you built a computer...

[slinky22]

I want to hear stories about first time computer builds from those who are more experienced now. I'm about to build my first computer and I think it would help me out a lot if I could some hear some stories about what other people went through and how they could have made it better.

To be honest, up until yesterday I had given up on the idea of building my own computer and wanted to just get a Dell. It wasn't until I found mechBgon's guide that I finally thought to myself, hey this doesn't seem that hard. I'm at the point now where I know I can build a socket 754 based PC, but I'm not yet sure I can get through the software end of things yet (ie. driver updates, bios configs, windows install etc.) I guess I'm just a little paranoid that something will go wrong.

So please, tell me about your first time.

 

[Aleksandar]

just one advice man try not to be too cerful and scared that you will brake something.
And the first time i got a comp up and working i was high...

 

[lavagirl669]

My first build went really smooth....just a few little kinks

It is indeed an incredible high to be finished with a build and running it
for a while with no problems!

I found this site to be very helpful:
PC Build link

Good luck!

*edit*
Rob (from the site) is also very helpful if you email him with questions.

 

[ferrarifreak93]

i wasn't exactly sure how to put on a cpu heat sink fan combo. you have to put more pressure on it then you'd think.

 

[Algere]

First time was extremely frustrating for me although that was a few years ago when back then hardware incompatibilities were more existing & before support forums like Anandtech. Although if given a second chance to go back, I'd still choose the DIY path which while was frustrating @ first was also a unique learning experience.

Today building a DIY system is easier as long as you follow the directions that come with the hardware/software for installation. I will say however that one of the challenging things that could pop up and to which I hear frequenty alot around here among other places is SATA hard drive setup but I bet most of the SATA hard drive setup problems would've been easily solved if the directions within the motherboard manuals were followed precisely.

 

[djdrastic]

Read the manuals , Read anandtech , think 2x times before you do anything . If unsure about anything ask a friend or an anandtech member.

PS the feeling after a succeful pc build is better than sex !

 

[mauiblue]

I built my first rig this past July. One thing I know is that it was easier for me to just purchase from one company the majority of parts. I chose Newegg. Obviously I could have gotten some items for less if I googled and searched or eBayed. But shipping would have broadsided me big time since I live in Hawaii.

When I started building, I was happy to say that I had *all* the items I needed to finish the system, period. It's pretty crappy if you are in the middle of the build and find out you are in need of a CD drive audio cable and stuff.

In hindsight, I would make sure that if my mobo has HD controllers, I would have the controller drivers ready (if it is not supplied) on floppy when I am ready to install the OS. My Soyo board came with a CD and some half-a$$ instructions on where to find the drivers on the CD and which files and folders to put on the floppy. I spent hours on hold with Tech Support until someone finally helped me find the correct combo of files and folders to put on a floppy for my ALi controller.

Oh BTW, if luck would have it, be prepared to find maybe one or more items DOA and have a backup plan. I found that my video card was DOA after I put the system together and I was devastated. Next morning, I was able to purchase a cheap video card just to finish the build and install my OS and software. I RMA'd the card and in a week I got it back.

It's a great feeling to get the ah heck to POST after all is said and done. It is even a greater feeling being able to turn it on everyday (almost three months for me) after you get everything installed and not have it crap out on you.

Have fun on your build, RTFM, and don't let the magic blue smoke escape

 

[otispunkmeyer]

hehe i bought my rig n put it together about 2months ago and i made a few mistakes on the way!!!!

first i put the ASUS K8N-E Deluxe mobo on my Antec p160's mobo tray, had it all screwed on nicely, then i went to put the cpu on, and before i put thermal paste on i wanted to check how to fit the zalman 7k cu. got it out then realised it had a back plate!!!! i was like man gonna have to unscrew the mobo now....only when i did it took the standoffs with it!!! when i got the mobo off i found asus already had a back plate on my mobo and that it was glued on, i was like thanks for nothin and it was a b!tch gettin that mobo back on the tray..NIGHTMARE!!!

next thinkin ill be ok with the asus glued on back plate i went to install the HSF (zalman cnps7000 cu) i took the plastic shroud away and screwed the nipples in, the asus back plate has petruding bits where the screws go tho, so the nipples not sit too high and the cooler doesnt make contact with the cpu......great. i tried isntalling the hsf to the balck plastic shround an that was ok except i could twist the hsf side to side, wasnt sure this was ok so i took it ok.........now the hsf is simply screwed directly into the mobos backplaet with 2 long screws, looks a little prcarious but its working excellent and its nice a solid.

man that was like 1600 quids worth of computer an i was so scared of killin it!!!

 

[powerMarkymark]

Originally posted by: Aleksandar
just one advice man try not to be too cerful and scared that you will brake something.
And the first time i got a comp up and working i was high...

I did break something...................the motherboard (now doubles as a paperweight) and I was not high!

That build cost me 2 Mobos. :brokenheart:

Marc

 

[jspeicher]

my first build was two summers ago. It went flawlessly. Research all of your components and ask for advice on what to get. The go through some good building guides and should have no problems. Take your time. It is so much easier than you think it would be, and you'll be asking yourself "why didn't I do this sooner". However, I would be cautious on my first build. I personally don't want to buy TWO mobos just because i broke one. Have fun.

 

[gururu]

thankfully, you won't have to fiddle with a builder-unfriendly win95. so I would just take extreme care in the heatsink/fan installation. I have bent cpu pins, not put good coats of thermal compound, and broke pieces of the fan attachment device before. Just think, if it seems unusually difficult, your probably doing it wrong. Most of the steps are easier than you think.

 

[globalcitizen]

I just built my first rig and you have to recheck everything you have. I forgot to buy thermal compound and had to run to Best Buy and get generic while it was closing down. Always double check you have everything

 

[CraigRT]

The hardest thing about building the first PC is plugging in the stupid LED/front panel buttons correctly.. it's sometimes still impossible given current manuals to get it right the first time. Otherwise, it's so easy to build a PC, everything only plugs in 1 way, you can't go wrong. the only other problems i had a few times were when i used to install floppy drives, sometimes it's easy to get the floppy cable in backwards.. no biggie, if you turn the PC on and the drive light is on constantly, pull the cable out and reverse it, problem solved.

those are the only problems i had on my first build. system powered up fine the first time (despite having the floppy cable backwards) and my power and hdd LED's were not working, so i reversed them too... voila!

 

[tphss]

My first built I did REALLY slow and carefully.
I had some trouble with the case, and I was a bit afraid applying the thermal paist (first computer I personally fully built was a AthlonXP Barton) and fitting the heatsink, that seemed very heavy (Volcano 12).
Read the motherboard manual on the things you are not sure about, or everything if you don't know the basics of pc/electronics.
Usually in the motherboards case, comes a big picture of the motherboard with all the connectors on the boards explained briefly, with a little experience that mostly all you need.

 

[KB]

I was a bit afraid of breaking things so I didn't push hard hard enough and didn't get any video output. I had to reseat the video card and push it in very hard before it worked. I also switched the positive/negative wires on the power switch case wire so the thing wouldn't start until I figured out the problem. If it doesn't start double-check that wire.

 

[Fern]

I haven't read Mech's guide in a while, so I may repeat some of his good advice.

1) Do pre-build planning to make sure you have the tools you will need. Small screw driver (I've one for pc building that has changeable bits), maybe a normal size one for case screws. Needlenose pliers, knife, sissors (sp?) and a flashlight.

2) Prepare youself a good worktable/workspace with good lighting and plenty of room to lay out components.

3) Good through a checklist of things needed like thermal compound so work is not interupted by unneccessary trips to the store. Also driver updates s/b d/l on a disk already etc. Same for some testing proggies like memtest86.

4)Have any instructions you need/want handy. Like "how to's" on instaling a cpu and applying the thermal compound.

5) First, and I think this is important, assemble your rig (mobo, cpu and HS+F, ram vid card and keyboard, mouse and monitor- no drives or pci cards yet) OUTSIDE of the case and make sure it posts. If there is a problem (and not all new parts are good parts) you won't be wasting time putting it in the case, then taking it all back then putting in etc. If everything looks good, put it in the case. If there's a prob after that you've got a case short, not faulty hardware.

6) Take your time and enjoy it. Pretty much no matter how slow you go, doing it right the first time is always quicker. So carefully read the mobo manual on connections.

7) above all take precautions, cuz borking new hardware is always a drag. So be careful to work on the mobo with the psu unplugged, or least turned off at the rocker switch in back. Many mobo's nowadays have a 5v standby current and you can bork ram or vid cards if it's on and you try to install/remove those.

Other than some USB or firewire ports, (which I sometimes have trouble cuz my cheap cases don't come with good instructions) everything is really pretty simple.


Good Luck and enjoy

 

[slinky22]

Why would I need pliers or a knife?

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: slinky22
Why would I need pliers or a knife?

For some of the small pin outs like speakers, LEDs etc, my fat fingers have trouble getting down in there when it's in the case. I've got a pair of small long thin needlenose that make it easy to attach the little connectors. If you drop a screw and rolls under/behind something, they make it easy to grab it.

Sissors (sp?) I use it to cut out plastic in the shape of a small putty knife to spread my AS5 easily. Open packages like the cpu box etc.

Why a knife? I'm from the Southeast and we alsways keep one handy (pocket knife)

Fern

 

[JSmile]

#1 STATIC ELECTRICITY can be a bitch.
#2 SATA DRIVERS-your new hd will probably be a SATA. Make sure you download the drivers and press F6 when it says if you have any SCSI/RAID drivers.
#3 STANDOFFS-the gold things that go between the case and mobo-i was a n00b
#4 CPU HEATSINK-get a retail A64 and its fine if you use the thermal pad, but don't touch it and TAKE OFF THE PLASTIC ON TOP OF IT!!!!
GET A QUALITY POWER SUPPLY-2 weeks after the computer is all good, you'll thank me.
Watch out for flashing things after your done, since that can mess up quite a bit.
#5 Have a very experience friend help you, or call someone/post on AT if you need any help.

 

[Lonyo]

Do NOT listen to bunk from PC magazines.
First computer I built, I put in the HDD and set it to cable select.
The computer wouldn't boot, and caused great paranoia and worry.

PC Gamer (UK) = suck.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: Fern
Sissors (sp?)

OK, the second time you're just asking for it. :roll:

www.dictionary.com

No entry found for sissors.

Did you mean scissors?
Suggestions:
scissors

7 entries found for scissors.
scis·sor ( P ) Pronunciation Key (szr)
tr.v. scis·sored, scis·sor·ing, scis·sors

To cut or clip with scissors or shears.


n.

1. scissors (used with a sing. or pl. verb) A cutting implement consisting of two blades joined by a swivel pin that allows the cutting edges to be opened and closed.
2. scissors (used with a sing. verb) Sports.
1. Any of various gymnastic exercises or jumps in which the movement of the legs suggests the opening and closing of scissors.
2. A scissors hold.


[From alteration (influenced by Latin scissor, cutter), of Middle English sisours, scissors from Old French cisoires, from Vulgar Latin *csria, from Late Latin, pl. of csrium, cutting instrument, from Latin caesus, -csus, past participle of caedere, to cut. See ka-id- in Indo-European Roots.]

Solid advice otherwise, though.

 

[Abhi]

http://www.omnicast.net/~tmcfa...uides/build/index.html

 

[tphss]

Any suggestions how to avoid Static electricity? I hate that.

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: tphss
Any suggestions how to avoid Static electricity? I hate that.

Keep touching the case. Don't wear socks only (ie. no shoes).
I hate the no-statitc bracelets.

 

[ColdZero]

First time was in high school, I think my sophomore year. The mighty K6-233, but it had 3dNow! so that made it ok , a FIC-1016 (I think) motherboard and 32mb of ram. It installed Windows 95 like a mother. I had a FireGL card....that didn't run Half-Life correctly. The system was awesome for my first, until I tried to get a TNT to work with it I laugh now that my video card now has 8 times the ram of my entire first system. I still have the case it was put together in, its got a celeron in there now acting as a firewall for my parent's house.

Edit...
And I remember reading Anandtech about the K6 before I bought it...and that Tom's site, before it sucked. (Better watch out for lawyers)