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Tips for a first time builder.

B

BackFire349

n00b
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
24
Hey guys, I'm a regular lurker around here, I read but rarely post.

Anyways, I'm prepping for my first build, got most of the parts figured out (E8400, Geforce 8800GT, Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L, Corsair CMPSU-550VX), but I'm not here for suggestions about the components I've chosen (though they are more than welcome if you have any regarding my chosen components listed above). I'm here because I've never actually built my own PC before.

I consider myself fairly knowledgeable when it comes to components and such, I've watched some videos of people building computers recently to learn, and it looks like I can handle it. I'm just wondering if anyone has any general tips that they wouldn't mind sharing with a first timer that may make the whole thing go smoothly.

Thanks! And I apologize if there is already a thread like this.
 
Take your time....very important
Read the manuals....very important too
Use a clean table to put verything toghether, forget working on carpets (static is not your friend)
If possible, ask a friend with a bit more of knowledge to supervise the operation, in case you get stuck somewhere
Once the computer is up and running, monitor temperatures for some minutes, and run a couple of loops of memtest before starting the OS loading,

Best of lucks :D
 
OldMX said:
....forget working on carpets (static is not your friend)
Click to expand...

I second that! Every time my cat comes into my office she touches her nose to my server case and shuts the fucker down! She has been permanently banned by MAC address from my office!
 
sondo2121 said:
I second that! Every time my cat comes into my office she touches her nose to my server case and shuts the fucker down! She has been permanently banned by MAC address from my office!
Click to expand...

Thats awesome...Does the cat get shocked?...LMAO
 
@BackFire349 watching someone buliding a computer is not the same as bulid it your self

Listen to "OldMX" ....first........very important

1.put the PSU in the tower case first and tidy up all your power cables, this will give you a better work space in you case.

2. put the cpu in the MB, and then put the cpu fan on it don't force it in if it don't fit change it

3.then put the motherboard in your Tower case Remember never turn the screws to much or you will crack your MB

4. put your Graphincs card in last. and then contect the power leads

When buying things always check everything in the box even the LCD monitors run a test on it before you buy or do a research on the net

Just take your time bulid it and have fun.

You could take pictures of it as you bulid it that way you can always look back on it.

Good luck:):)
 
Zip ties are your friend ;) use them wisely.
Have fun, go slow, double check everything... and watch where you put that screwdriver... oh yeah and no electrically charged kitty noses.
Don't worry about it, before you know it you'll be building rigs for specific purposes, sleeving all your wires and hiding them :cool: and modding all your cases ;)... but I must warn you, this is an expensive hobby :) it's has been a gateway drug for me... I started building computers, then I got into audio, started building that :rolleyes: then digital photography :rolleyes: now I'm looking into getting a dSLR camera, damnit.

I wish you luck, and don't forget to have lots of fun... once you realize you just built your own rig the feeling is rewarding.
 
Thanks man.

So, how long does it usually take to build a system from scratch? What's the normal time frame? I know mine will probably take longer than the average, as it's my first time, but I'm just curious.
 
It took me about 5 hours to build my first rig, which was just a few weeks ago.

That included time frantically running around the house looking for my Windows disc, and troubleshooting why my 8800GT didn't boot (protip: plugging in the video card to the PSU helps).
 
BackFire349 said:
Thanks man.

So, how long does it usually take to build a system from scratch? What's the normal time frame? I know mine will probably take longer than the average, as it's my first time, but I'm just curious.
Click to expand...

I have built computers anywhere from 1 hour to 5 hours, this includes setup, install, and troubleshooting time.

I have always had to troubleshoot things whether it be a small issue or a major one. The easiest way to avoid these "issues" is to take it slow. That is usually my mistake. I agree with that being the best advise.
 
It has probably been mentioned above but always make sure u ground yourself before working with the components. A way to do this is to simply touch a grounded piece of metal before working to remove the static charge in your body.
 
@BackFire349

You are welcome.

It took me 4 hours to bulid my first rig and another 15mins to find why it didn't work (because I didn't plug in the 12v lead on the MB) we all problems first time

I have always use the Gigabyte MB good choice
 
Riggd said:
It has probably been mentioned above but always make sure u ground yourself before working with the components. A way to do this is to simply touch a grounded piece of metal before working to remove the static charge in your body.
Click to expand...

To expand on Riggd's suggestion, combined with RockSolid's 1st step: Once the PSU is installed into the case, plug it into the wall/surge protector, but leave the switch on the back of the PSU off -- this is what grounds your case. So, now, before you touch any component, touch your case to ground yourself. ;) Alternatively, you could get an anti-static wrist strap and clip it to a bare metal part of your case.

The guide Danny posted is the one I usually link to people. Read through it while waiting for your parts. Even after you've built dozens of PC's, you'll still forget some things sometimes -- like the rear I/O plate, plugging in all the mobo headers needed before installing any expansion cards, etc.
 
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