Help with first build...

[Kalisperas]

I posted a question here a bit back, and everyone was very helpful, and so I'm back with more need of help. I'm in the process of building my first ever system. I've done my research into parts, pretty much nailed down my selections, and started the ordering process. Well, some of the initial parts have started to come in, so I need to start thinking about putting this thing together.

Here's the problem - I have no idea whatsoever of how to put a computer together. This wouldn't have been a problem a month ago, when I was working in a computer shop surrounded by techs, but I recently moved about 1200 miles away from there, and around here I'm about the most computer-saavy person I know, so there'll be no running to a friend for help. And while I know plenty about using computers, I know little about making them.

Now I know what all the parts are, where they go, and how they relate - but I lack any practical knowledge of how to put them all together in this nifty case, and this is where I need help.

What I want to know is, can someone recommend a good online guide for this? I've seen a few, but nothing very good. The ones I've found were pretty non-specific about what they consider the basics, which is an area where I'm pretty fuzzy. For example, the guide will say something to the effect of: "first you must mount the motherboard. Once that's done, then..." But I don't know how to mount the motherboard! I just got my case today, and it didn't come with any sort of manual, just a (pretty basic) diagram on the front of the box. I looked inside, and the power supply has all these wires coming out of it, none of them marked. There's a neon light in the bottom of the case with a couple of connectors coming out of it, and I have no idea where they go. There's a bunch of wires coming out of the front of the case, and I mostly haven't a clue what to do with these. I know a couple go to the USB headers on the motherboard, and at least these wires are all marked, not that it helps me much.

Now, I'm really looking forward to building this thing, as I love putting stuff together, but I was expecting the case/power supply to at least come with SOME sort of instructions as to what to do with all these connections. So can anyone recommend a good site/article/guide to help me out, or perhaps give me some from-experience pointers that won't be in such guides? In case it helps, the following is a partial list of the equipment I'm getting:

Case: Enermax 3051L-S3A w/350 PS
Mobo: MSI KT3 Ultra2
CPU: Athlon XP 2000 (undecided about HSF)
Video Card: MSI GF4 Ti4200 128MB
RAM: Geil PC2700 CL2 256MB
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE 80GB
CDRW: Lite-On 40x12x48

Thanks!

 

[Enkrypted]

This should help you out...

http://www.waterwheel.com/Build_A_PC/build_PC.htm

Let us know if you run into any snags...and keep in mind that all system builds will be different. If you run into something you're not sure about and if something doesn't make sense...stop and refer to that products online support and/or repost here again...

 

[CitrixEngineer]

The wires in most cases have a sequence of letters on them that is usually referenced in the motherboard manual - I bought an MSI KT3 Ultra a while back, and it seemed fairly well labelled;

After you have fixed the motherboard to the brass spacers (that you have already screwed into the bottom of the case...), if it is a tower case, then there will be a bank of connectors in the bottom right as you look at the case.

These will be labelled PWR, RESET, HDD, LED, SPKR or similar. The cables that come from the case will all plug into this bank somewhere, and with just about every case I've seen these days, the plugs have very similar labelling (Oh for standards!!!). Be aware that LEDs, like the HD LED will only work one way round.

The motherboard ATX power cable that comes from the PSU should be pretty obvious, and fits into the white socket to the left of the CPU. The other PSU cables all plug into disk drives, so no need to worry about them while you're installing the motherboard.

There are several fan connectors on the motherboard - fortunately, the one next to the CPU is labelled CFAN, and that is what it should be used for.

There are several USB headers that you can choose from when attaching any USB brackets or front panels - it doesn't matter which ones you use.

Here's a link to the manual

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/support/manual/mnu/spt_mnu_detail.php?UID=341&NAME=MS-6380E

- Page 13 has a table of all the connectors.

The CoolerMaster HHC-L61 is my cooler of choice - expensive, but efficient and quiet. There's a huge round-up of coolers on Tomshardwareguide for further reference. Don't forget to buy a tube of thermal compound, such as Arctic Silver.

Nice selection of parts - I like the case CitrixEngineer@yahoo.co.uk

 

[gargouille]

Geil is news to me...and I see (in upgrading my ken) that again T-T has taken me to the front in my quest!
(so much for sucking up) LOL

 

[Kalisperas]

Thanks for the replies! That guide was exactly what I was looking for. One question about the CPU cooler, regarding the thermal compund: a couple of places have said to apply a liberal amount of it, others have said not to use too much. So which is it? Also, is a shim a good idea, or unnecessary? Someone on this forum told me that the CPU core can crack very easily, so I'm a bit nervous about working with it.

Thanks!

 

[paparazi]

Assuming that the base of the heasink is completely spotless (no thermal transfer pad) you need to apply a mouse droppings worth of paste (very small amount) to the raised core.
Thermal paste isn't there to create a layer between the core and base, all it does is to fill in the microscopic inperfections between the two surfaces and expell the air (which is a poor heat conductor) allowing metal to metal contact where possible, and filling the surface irregularities with paste where it is not.
Fit the heatsink with the motherboard out of it's case, on a hard, flat, non conducting surface, that way neither the motherboard or CPU can flex with the possibility of cracking.
Martin
Please let members know if there advice has helped any.

 

[mudskipper]

Another point....

The normal 'white' thermal compound is pretty forgiving. If you put too much on, it tends to squeeze out all over the place, and that is that.

However, if you use something like Arctic Silver, it may be conductive (should say if it is, but be careful to read about it first). If so, you need to be very careful that you only apply a bit. If it accidentally drops on the wrong place, you could potentially short something out! (yes, I have seen it done....let's just say that the smoke must have been pretty thick in that room! The guy didn't just put the Arctic Silver on the core, he rubbed it all over the CPU, and then dropped a bunch all over the motherboard too! LOL I felt bad for him, but had to run to the back of the store so that he wouldn't see me laugh!)

As to the core on the CPU cracking, YES--IT IS FRAGILE. If you are careful, then you should be fine. 90% of the problems that I see on a first time new build is a cracked core. The biggest hint is that the heatsink will generally fit one way.

If you look carefully, you will see an area on the bottom of the heatsink that is 'notched' out. This should go on the side of the CPU's socket that has the large bit of plastic. Also, it may take a bit of force to get the heatsink on--this is fine, but don't go sliding the heatsink around the top of the CPU if at all possible. Scratches or small chips can be very bad!

other advise would be that:
a) if your LED wires are on the right pins, but are backwards (180 degrees off), then you will not blow anything up. It just won't work until you turn it around.
b) be sure to use the brass standoffs on the case backing to attatch the motherboard, but be extra sure that you don't put one where is doesn't belong. (this is a common problem for first builds).
c) NEVER NEVER NEVER run that cpu without proper cooling. I have had people tell me that they "only did it for 10 seconds". Just don't

Good luck on your build, and post back with any questions along the way! Mudskipper