Best online guide for building PC

[nereus7]

Hey guys, I'm building my first PC tonight and I have an old PC Gamer that has a walkthrough for putting it all together and I also found one at: http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/index.htm

Anyone got opinions on what is the BEST online guide for a first-timer?

 

[Coyote]

No, but I would offer the following tips:

1) I like to test my new components outside the case to ensure that they are all working before putiing in the case. Saves time on taking out, putting back in etc if something doesn't work properly right off the bat.

Put the mobo on a phone book next to the case so you can plug in power supply and power button etc.

Initially, only install the cpu (plus the heatsink and fan), ram, and vid card. I hook up the mouse/keyboard and monitor as well (so I can see that it posts, and to get into bios for any changes).

Only after ensuring those function (pc posts) do I put it in the case.

2) Make sure pc is unplugged when adding/removing ram and vid card. I've lost parts due to the 5 volt standby current thata always on if the pc is plugged in

3) Know the diagnostic beep codes of your motherboard before hand in case of probs.

4) Check out mobo makers site for updated mobo manual that can be downloaded.

5) Take your time, enjoy, double/triple check everything before powering up

Good Luck!

Mobile XP 2600+ (11X200)
Abit NF7-S v 2.0
Maxtor 60GB ATA 133 7200RPM
512MB Corsair Twinx 3200LL
BBA 9800 Pro
Enermax Noisetaker 420 watts
Win98SE

 

[nereus7]

thanks bro Those are some good tips, that's a few less stupid things I might do to screw it up

Anyone got a link, too? Hoping to find a better one than that one

 

[Crashman]

I have a PERFECT guide because it's EXTREMELY SIMPLE and works NEARLY EVERY TIME!

1.) Plug the parts together
2.) Turn the system on
3.) Load the Operating System
4.) Load drivers

Seriously, if you want to find out what you can do WRONG during this process, just read the FAQ post at the top of most forums.

<font color=blue>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to a hero as big as Crashman!</font color=blue>
<font color=red>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to an ego as large as Crashman's!</font color=red>

 

[Coyote]

K, just came across this and remembered your post
<A HREF="http://www.omnicast.net/~tmcfadden/guides/build/index.html" target="_new">http://www.omnicast.net/~tmcfadden/guides/build/index.html</A>

Mobile XP 2600+ (11X200)
Abit NF7-S v 2.0
Maxtor 60GB ATA 133 7200RPM
512MB Corsair Twinx 3200LL
BBA 9800 Pro
Enermax Noisetaker 420 watts
Win98SE

 

[Johanthegnarler]

When you do finally slap the motherboard in the case, make sure all the solder points on the back of the motherboard ARE NOT touching the metal on the case. It will most likely short out making you be like.. wtf is going on?
Probably wont do any damage , but there's a chance.

Make sure you use the plastic or brass standoff screws to help prevent the mobo from touching the case.
My first system i built i didn't really think about the difference between the plastic standoff's and the metal screws they gave me. ^^



<A HREF="http://arc.aquamark3.com/arc/arc_view.php?run=277124623" target="_new">http://arc.aquamark3.com/arc/arc_view.php?run=277124623</A>
46,510 , movin on up. 48k new goal. Maybe not.. :/