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First time PC builder....need general advice.

B

Blakestr

[H]ard|Gawd
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Aug 11, 2004
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Okay. Today I just ordered the following from Newegg:

Athlon 64 Cpu 3000 + for socket 754
Abit K8V Pro for athlon 64
X-Dream II Case w/ 350 watt Powersupply...
Kingston 512 DDR 400...
Windows XP Home (finally broke down and bought)

Currently I have Radeon 9800 Pro 128 MB...
Intel P4 1.4 Ghz (old mb, unupgradable, most is 1.6)
SB platinum 5.1 live


My goal is to be playing Half-Life 2/ Doom 3 on high settings 1028x740 with an average framerate of at least 45 fps. We'll see. I might add more ram with more money.
I based a great deal of my decisions on word of mouth, reviews, and the Doom III hardware guide on this site. Very excellent stuff. But here's the thing...

I've never built a computer before. Ever. Little experience, installed CD-ROM drive, Video Card, Network, Harddrive. All simple stuff. I've never put the fan on a CPU or power supply or put a CPU on a motherboard. People tell me the whole thing is simple. Okay. Fair enough.

I would just ask, does anyone know of a good informative guide out there on building a computer, the things to do and the things NOT to do. If so, please refer it to me. I've never done ANY overclocking and my hardware tweaking experience is limited...I remember trying to configured a 14.4 modem to play dialup Doom with a friend.

Obviously I'm apprehensive. But building a computer has been something I've wanted to do for a long time. Like a hump that if I get over, that will give me a little more freedom in my gaming future.

My question is vague and general. But, can anyone, please give me a link to a FAQ or guide that is generic on building a computer, yet simple for a clutz like myself. Tell me the things you wish someone had told you. Don't worry, I won't be offended by something you may think should be overly obvious. I remember when I was in middle school and installed a cd-rom my friend kept telling me to ground myself and I kept thinking, "ground myself...did I do something wrong?" (Now you see the moron).

Thanks again for all your help. I look forever to shooting you in the face with a double barrelled shotgun, with an average frame rate of 45 fps. :)

Blake
 
Thanks alot, that should definately make things easier. If anyone else has that or other pointers, tricks of the trade, let me know. Thanks marshal that looks real good. Nuff said indeed.
 
I would advise getting an anti static wrist band before starting although, if its really humid it doesnt really matter. Check all connections twice and keep things neat and tidy so that everything is easy to get too. Also, I would advise getting someone who has built PC's before to give you a hand or at least supervise you so they can tell you if you are doing something wrong.
 
This applies more to disassembling a computer, but still...

"Always use slightly more force than you think is necessary."

My friend told me that, and it seems to work for a while, especially if your rig has been unchanged for a while. Things tend to get stuck where they are.

In general, though, I guess it would be "Don't be afraid of breaking everything, because you probably won't."
 
I live in Florida in the rainy season. I will probably install over hardwood floor so no carpet static. I don't know anyone personally who could help me supervise though...
 
CellBlock said:
This applies more to disassembling a computer, but still...

"Always use slightly more force than you think is necessary."

My friend told me that, and it seems to work for a while, especially if your rig has been unchanged for a while. Things tend to get stuck where they are.

In general, though, I guess it would be "Don't be afraid of breaking everything, because you probably won't."
Click to expand...


This is true. I think a lot of people get scared about snapping stuff in half and it takes them a half hour to install a stick of RAM because it takes them forever to get enough pressure to snap it in.

Most things are a little tough to get in.

The processor is probbaly going to be the scariest. Just remember to line all of the prongs up and don't force it down too hard. you can chip it and that will have a negative effect on your performance, if not ruin it entirely. Be careful when putting the heat sink on since if you press too hard you may ruin it.

Anyways you'll probably be alright. If you are really nervous find an old POS system and disassemble it entirely then reassemble it. It will allow you to put all of the pieces in and you will only ruin a 133mhz processor than your brand new uberprocessor
 
Don't worry about chipping the CPU. The Athlon64 comes with a heatspreader that is pretty tough. Just make sure it slips into the socket without any force and it is lined up. Pretty much everything else is a piece of cake, it just may take some time.
 
Buckus said:
Don't worry about chipping the CPU. The Athlon64 comes with a heatspreader that is pretty tough. Just make sure it slips into the socket without any force and it is lined up. Pretty much everything else is a piece of cake, it just may take some time.
Click to expand...

I dunno... my friends have chipped athlons...

if its not lined up well then it will chip easily...

so bottom line is just be careful when installing
 
0ri0n said:
I dunno... my friends have chipped athlons...

if its not lined up well then it will chip easily...

so bottom line is just be careful when installing
Click to expand...

Not to put too fine a point on things, but Athlon XP's had their core exposed, so chipping the core means basically destroying the processor.

Athlon 64's do not have their core exposed, so chipping shouldn't be a problem.
 
im not sure what type of power supply comes with that case, but keep an eye on it generic power supplies can cost a lot of money in burnt out components, just a little heads up. Building a computer is about as easy as insert part a into slot a, its all simple stuff that anyone could do. Just take your time. as for the thermal paste a thin layer will be good just enough to cover dont blob it on. have fun post your results
 
My power supply is a 350 watt PS that comes with the ATX case, that X-Dream II from newegg and xoxide.com. Is that good enough?
 
You heard that response in your other thread.... I say Antec True 430. Thats what I got on a pretty similar setup (when its done :( ). It will allow for some upgrades and is realatively cheap.
If thats not your style (for whatever reason) look in the power supply section, and look mostly at the "What PSU do you have" thread. You can find people who have similar setups as you. And what they have for a PSU.
Seriously though, generic PSU's can kill your system and that thing is too expensive for you to break because you didn't get a good PSU.
 
I listened to you guys and went out to a PC store (didn't want to wait) and bought one from the guy. He said it was just like an ANTEC True 430 (I didn't mention it the brand so I doubt he was trying to con me). It looks pretty solid as well.
 
it was just like an ANTEC True 430
Click to expand...

He might have tricked you into buying one.
Look the labels on it and tell us who made it. It's just like, doesn't mean that it is.

-nertil
 
A few tips/hints/tricks i have learned:

- Don't EVER panic while building. Never.
- Always make sure that the power cord is plugged into the wall before you tear your computer apart because it wont boot up.
- Triple check EVERYTHING
- Make sure your processor is in correctly before pulling the lever back into place.
- Don't close up your case until the computer is working properly (as in it boots, Power and HDD LED's work etc...)
- HAVE FUN!!! :D
 
Read ever manual. Asked many questions. Triple checked everything. Used guide on www.pcmech.com/byo Asked more questions. Possibly annoyed other forum go'ers.

Installed everything...turned on, almost flinching. No smoke. No sirens. The lights turned on, BIOS started up. CD-Rom, harddrive, all working. Video card appears normal.

Could I have built a computer on by "myself"? No problems?

Temperature is holding at 82.7 constantly.

THANKS EVERYONE!!! (Hope I didn't jinx)

Formatting/installing XP as I write. Thanks again.
 
Congrats, Blakestr :) When you say your temperature is steady at 82.7, you mean Fahrenheit, right? If so, you're in great shape.

Wish me luck, I'll be trying to do the same in a week or so :)
 
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