building new computer, need advice for first-timer!

right, here's what i'm looking at buying thus far

i have spare fans, spare HD and at least 2 sets of CD/DVD drives

anything else i need? recommendations/replacements on various parts?



This post has been edited by Rath! on Nov 19 2007, 05:12 PM

Have you got a screwdriver kit, they're kind of handy. Also configuring BIOS can be a bit hard first time round, so have a poke around on your old PC first. I assumme you've checked the motherboard, CPU, RAM and graphics card are all compatible?

yes, all compatible

you're going to need to buy an OEM OS too unless you plan on using linux (don't count on the one that's on your hard drive now working with a new motherboard without being reinstalled)

This post has been edited by Xgoff on Nov 19 2007, 11:22 AM

actually if it's xp and you have your cd you might be able to put it in and do a repair install which lets you keep your programs and settings etc
it's worth a try anyway

oh dear, how would i go about doing that?

like right now i have a WD SATA 180 GB HD with XP, some random ASUS mobo; any way other than the boot from CD method to make it work?

You could always try Knoppix or DSL, which will work, as long as your tell BIOS to boot from the right place. Also, be careful with USB. Wiring in your front sockets wrong could result in burning your house down.

More top tips:
Build it in a room without carpet, and don't wear a jumper. Give yourself a good three/four hour block for assembly. If its your first time, you do not want to start something and come back to it later, you don't want to forget you were plugging in a fan or something.

Buy cable ties, you'll need them so that you can keep the loose power cables away from any fans in the PC, and make sure you give the graphics card fan/ heatsink as much room as possible (I almost burnt the computer shop down after blocking a GPU fan)

Final tip. Space your two HDs apart from each other so there's space for heat to disapparete. You'll crash less often too.

thank you for the advice, but what do you mean by wiring in the front sockets wrong?

from what i can see on my current computer, it seems fairly straight forward from what i can see on my current computer

i guess i'll have to refer to the mobo manual constantly, then

since i have no cable ties hanging around the house, i assume any plastic non metal/conductor tying things will work?

yes, i understand the importance of grounding yourself to stop yourself from shorting out the equipment through static shock, so that's set


also, my HD problems are solved, my friend has a spare Windows XP CD lying around, and i can use the serial key that's on this computer right now

or be like me and shove all the extra cables into unused drive bays

good idea

The USB sockets.
Red>White>Green>Black>Dummy
Or I think so anyway...

bam

you might wanna think about a higher wattage PSU

that's the same one i have and it doesn't have a very high amperage on the 12V rail

so a 500w Thermaltake, then?