Need help putting parts together!

G

guitarfly

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 27, 2007
Messages
145
Hi,

I just bought my parts for my PC. I got an X38 mobo with an intel quad. I also got a 8800 ultra. How do I actually put this whole thing together? I am guessing I need to install the PSU in the case first? then the get the cpu in the mobo? Then install HSF? After that put the mobo in the case? Also, how do I install the ultra 120 HSF? Please tell me any problems I could run into or stuff that could go wrong. I'd really really appreciate if someone can give me a step-by-step all the way up to OS installation (mobo firmware upgrades included?)

Sorry for so many questions... I have never built a computer before - just upgraded video cards, ram, etc.
 
I would install everything outside the case first. If you happen to have a removable motherboard tray though you can build on top of that if you want. Putting it together is honestly as easy as just reading the manual but here's a brief guide.

1) The Ultra 120 Extreme has a backplate so install that first behind the motherboard.
2) Put the CPU into the motherboard socket following the instructions. Close it securely.
3) Apply a tiny amount of thermal paste onto the CPU. Some people like to spread it with a credit card or other spreader, others like to just leave a tiny drop and install the heatsink on top which should spread the paste evenly if you install things correctly.
4) Install the heatsink onto the board. Read the instructions for the heatsink on how to do this. Short story, put the X Bracket through the open space between the contact part of the heatsink and the fins. Spread the X bracket as far as possible so it actually forms an 'X'. Put the heatsink onto the CPU. Put one of the screws into a hole and get it in far enough so it is solidly into the hole, but not anymore than that. Put in another screw and repeat until all 4 are loosely secure into their holes. Then tighten each one bit by bit until the screw doesn't turn anymore (screw one in a little then switch to another one. This is so that it evenly gets tightened so the heatsink makes contact evenly).
5) Install the graphics card into a PCI-E slot (assuming it is a PCI-E). If you have a x16 slot make sure to put it into the right slot (usually the top most slot).
6) Install your ram onto the motherboard. If you got 4 sticks, consider starting with just 2.
7) With everything still outside the case, attach the 2 cables for the power supply to the motherboard and PCI-E connectors for the graphics card if needed.
8) Plug the power supply in and see if the system POSTS.
9) If everything is smooth up to this point, then unplug the power supply from the motherboard/video card and install it into the case.
10) Install the motherboard into the case.
11) Install your hard drives and optical drives into the case.
12) Wire everything up and you should be good to go I think.

I may have forgotten somewhere in there but that's a quick synopsis though. Basically just follow the manual though and you shouldn't have an issue.
 
Anchen said:
I would install everything outside the case first. If you happen to have a removable motherboard tray though you can build on top of that if you want. Putting it together is honestly as easy as just reading the manual but here's a brief guide.

1) The Ultra 120 Extreme has a backplate so install that first behind the motherboard.
2) Put the CPU into the motherboard socket following the instructions. Close it securely.
3) Apply a tiny amount of thermal paste onto the CPU. Some people like to spread it with a credit card or other spreader, others like to just leave a tiny drop and install the heatsink on top which should spread the paste evenly if you install things correctly.
4) Install the heatsink onto the board. Read the instructions for the heatsink on how to do this. Short story, put the X Bracket through the open space between the contact part of the heatsink and the fins. Spread the X bracket as far as possible so it actually forms an 'X'. Put the heatsink onto the CPU. Put one of the screws into a hole and get it in far enough so it is solidly into the hole, but not anymore than that. Put in another screw and repeat until all 4 are loosely secure into their holes. Then tighten each one bit by bit until the screw doesn't turn anymore (screw one in a little then switch to another one. This is so that it evenly gets tightened so the heatsink makes contact evenly).
5) Install the graphics card into a PCI-E slot (assuming it is a PCI-E). If you have a x16 slot make sure to put it into the right slot (usually the top most slot).
6) Install your ram onto the motherboard. If you got 4 sticks, consider starting with just 2.
7) With everything still outside the case, attach the 2 cables for the power supply to the motherboard and PCI-E connectors for the graphics card if needed.
8) Plug the power supply in and see if the system POSTS.
9) If everything is smooth up to this point, then unplug the power supply from the motherboard/video card and install it into the case.
10) Install the motherboard into the case.
11) Install your hard drives and optical drives into the case.
12) Wire everything up and you should be good to go I think.

I may have forgotten somewhere in there but that's a quick synopsis though. Basically just follow the manual though and you shouldn't have an issue.
Click to expand...

Awesome - thanks alot. What do you mean by "POSTS"? Do I need to do anything special when handling the cpu? Will acid from sweaty hands damage it?

Thanks again!
 
post = power on self test, aka the beep you hear when you turn on your pc. if something goes wrong you should hear beeps then look in the mobo manual to figure out what they mean.

don't touch the pins on the cpu, try to keep your hands clean and dry.
 
133 said:
post = power on self test, aka the beep you hear when you turn on your pc. if something goes wrong you should hear beeps then look in the mobo manual to figure out what they mean.

don't touch the pins on the cpu, try to keep your hands clean and dry.
Click to expand...

Got it - thanks. Anything else I should be careful to do or not do while putting all this together?
 
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