Just got all my parts from Newegg today! Anyway, I will start building my beautiful system Friday night because I have homework tonight. So, any pointers for a first time PC builder?
I have some questions also:
1) How do I prevent static?
2) How do I prevent my computer from being infected with viruses because I will not be able to get an anti-virus program for a week or so.
3) Do I have to know about any special preparation methods before I build?
4) Is this how I build it in this order:
-prepare case
-insert cpu and cpu heatstink/fan
-insert RAM (btw I have dual channel, how does it work? I know it is faster than normal RAM, but do I need to install software or anything?)
-insert pci express 2.0 video card
-insert mobo using the metal slot thing that came with it
-install optical and hard drives
-connect psu to everything
-turn it on
-plug it in
Generally, is this how it goes?
Thanks, PC Builders.
1. Touch the metal on your case before you handle components or, if you are a bit more worried, purchase an anti-static wristband and use it according to the instructions.
2. The best way to be secure is to keep it off the net, but if you must use it, I recommend you avoid going to any off the beaten path sites, avoid downloading anything non-essential, and avoid using IE, I honestly haven't had a problem with viruses ever since I started using Firefox.
3. Remember to apply thermal paste, the MoBo standoffs, and plug in all the fans on the case. Also, read instructions on the paste and keep everything in/on the anti-static bags until it's needed.
4. That build order is fine, some people prefer putting their RAM and PCI-E cards in once the MoBo is in the case.
4. b. Dual channel ram works as long as the two RAM chips are in the proper paired positions. On some MoBos, they are stuck together, in others they are staggered. Check your MoBo manual to be sure.
[QUOTE=zanraptora;19495472]1. Touch the metal on your case before you handle components or, if you are a bit more worried, purchase an anti-static wristband and use it according to the instructions.
2. The best way to be secure is to keep it off the net, but if you must use it, I recommend you avoid going to any off the beaten path sites, avoid downloading anything non-essential, and avoid using IE, I honestly haven't had a problem with viruses ever since I started using Firefox.
3. Remember to apply thermal paste, the MoBo standoffs, and plug in all the fans on the case. Also, read instructions on the paste and keep everything in/on the anti-static bags until it's needed.
4. That build order is fine, some people prefer putting their RAM and PCI-E cards in once the MoBo is in the case.
4. b. Dual channel ram works as long as the two RAM chips are in the proper paired positions. On some MoBos, they are stuck together, in others they are staggered. Check your MoBo manual to be sure.[/QUOTE]
First of all, thank you.
However, I have to use IE to download Mozilla Firefox--is there any risk with that?
Then, I would probably use Firefox to download Steam.
I would most likely just be playing my games before I get my anti-virus protection.
Is that safe?
Something I would like to know... what are MoBo standoffs?
[QUOTE=FalcoLombardi;19495543]First of all, thank you.
However, I have to use IE to download Mozilla Firefox--is there any risk with that?
Then, I would probably use Firefox to download Steam.
I would most likely just be playing my games before I get my anti-virus protection.
Is that safe?[/QUOTE]
1. no
2. ok
3. i always install av among the first programs to go on but thats just me
2) Keep usb drives away from the pc and download a trial version of any well known anti-virus for the meanwhile.
About dual-channel, this is the correct layout:
[img]http://img.tomshardware.com/us/2007/10/17/parallel_processing/ram-dual-channel.jpg[/img]
And the incorrect layout:
[img]http://images.devshed.com/dh/stories/Dual_Channel/2.jpg[/img]
When I was replacing my 2400 for the new 4650 I noticed I had 2x 1gb in dual-channel layout and a 2gb in a spare slot. That certainly cancelled out any dual-channel from working. So swapped the 2gb for 2x 1gb from another pc (same model) and now I've got a dual-synthetic thing going on. The in-game difference is very noticeable.
Oh and yes the graphics card is very good. Borderlands max settings at 1280x720 was about 8fps average for the 2400, 22fps with the 4650 :D
[QUOTE=P3N15M4N;19495585]Something I would like to know... what are MoBo standoffs?[/QUOTE]
[img]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/bdrem1/Parts/Standoff/STANDOFFM3Alarge-10-2-BD.jpg[/img]
You screw those into the case and then screw the mobo into those.
It's really hard to download Firefox without IE unless you know what you're doing. I don't see a problem using IE to get Firefox.
Edit: I know what standoffs are now just never heard the word before.
[QUOTE=FalcoLombardi;19495543]First of all, thank you.
However, I have to use IE to download Mozilla Firefox--is there any risk with that?
Then, I would probably use Firefox to download Steam.
I would most likely just be playing my games before I get my anti-virus protection.
Is that safe?[/QUOTE]
1) No risk at all.
2) No risk there either.
3) Generally there's little risk but still download a trial anti-virus until you have brought one.
for 2, just use a free one they're better than all of the "popular" paid crap, Avast! should do
for build order:
-put PSU in Case, move wires out of way, [B][U]put standoffs in the case[/U][/B]
-put CPU, heatsink and RAM in/on MoBo (for putting RAM in dual channel, just check the MoBo manual to see which pairs of channels will work as dual, it'll either be 1122 or 1212 if you get what I mean)
-put MoBo in case, screw onto standoffs
-put graphics card/any other cards in MoBo, screw onto case
-connect front panel stuff (USB ports, power button, LEDs etc), use MoBo manual to show you where everything needs to go
-insert optical/hard drives into case, connect to MoBo
-connect PSU to everything
-turn on, install OS
I think that's everything, bit tired and it's been a while
most parts that might give you trouble will probably be solved by reading the manuals, usually just the MoBo one
also there's far less chance of getting viruses than you seem to think
[QUOTE=jechtman;19495598]2) Keep usb drives away from the pc and download a trial version of any well known anti-virus for the meanwhile.
About dual-channel, this is the correct layout:
[img]http://img.tomshardware.com/us/2007/10/17/parallel_processing/ram-dual-channel.jpg[/img]
And the incorrect layout:
[img]http://images.devshed.com/dh/stories/Dual_Channel/2.jpg[/img]
When I was replacing my 2400 for the new 4650 I noticed I had 2x 1gb in dual-channel layout and a 2gb in a spare slot. That certainly cancelled out any dual-channel from working. So swapped the 2gb for 2x 1gb from another pc (same model) and now I've got a dual-synthetic thing going on. The in-game difference is very noticeable.
Oh and yes the graphics card is very good. Borderlands max settings at 1280x720 was about 8fps average for the 2400, 22fps with the 4650 :D[/QUOTE]
Nice FPS gain, but IMO 22 FPS is too laggy for me. I would only play anything above 35.
Back on topic now, so I just put the RAM in the same colored slots?
Here are pics of the mobo:
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/ImageGallery.aspx?CurImage=13-131-406-TS&SpinSet=13-131-406-SS&ISList=13-131-406-S01%2c13-131-406-S02%2c13-131-406-S03%2c13-131-406-S04%2c13-131-406-S05%2c13-131-406-S06%2c13-131-406-S07%2c13-131-406-S08%2c13-131-406-S09%2c13-131-406-S10%2c13-131-406-S11&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16813131406&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=ASUS%20M4A785TD-M%20EVO%20AM3%20AMD%20785G%20HDMI%20Micro%20ATX%20AMD%20Motherboard[/url]
[QUOTE=jechtman;19495630]3) Generally there's little risk but still download a trial anti-virus until you have brought one.[/QUOTE]
Avast!, Microsoft security essentials, etc
all the good free ones are better than all the "popular" paid ones
[QUOTE=reapaninja;19495675]
-connect front panel stuff (USB ports, power button, LEDs etc), use MoBo manual to show you where everything needs to go
[/QUOTE]
Check the manual carefully during this part, if you plug the IEEE 1394 cord from the front panel into the wrong slot you can break the motherboard for instance.
[QUOTE=FalcoLombardi;19495697]Nice FPS gain, but IMO 22 FPS is too laggy for me. I would only play anything above 35.
Back on topic now, so I just put the RAM in the same colored slots?
Here are pics of the mobo:
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/ImageGallery.aspx?CurImage=13-131-406-TS&SpinSet=13-131-406-SS&ISList=13-131-406-S01%2c13-131-406-S02%2c13-131-406-S03%2c13-131-406-S04%2c13-131-406-S05%2c13-131-406-S06%2c13-131-406-S07%2c13-131-406-S08%2c13-131-406-S09%2c13-131-406-S10%2c13-131-406-S11&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16813131406&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=ASUS%20M4A785TD-M%20EVO%20AM3%20AMD%20785G%20HDMI%20Micro%20ATX%20AMD%20Motherboard[/url][/QUOTE]
yeah, for that MoBo it's 1122 so just put both in black, it differs between MoBos
[QUOTE=Veers;19495751]Check the manual carefully during this part, if you plug the IEEE 1394 cord from the front panel into the wrong slot you can break the motherboard for instance.[/QUOTE]
Really?
*panics
I just used that cord and put it in the wrong slot.
Just kidding.
But, really? It can mess up my Mobo?
Thanks for the heads up.
Touch those pretty gold pins on the bottom of the CPU :downs:
Okay, being serious now all I can say is use standoffs, don't mix up the front panel connectors, ehhh there is not much I can say that anyone else hasn't...
(also don't cut any of the PCI connectors to "make them fit")
Dual channel RAM usually is like that first picture that guy put in. Sometimes it's different. Make sure to read your mobo manual. Also, when plugging in the front connector. When the connecting the power button stuff, make sure to read your manual to where to plug it in, don't go by the colors...... I made that mistake the first time I built a computer.
[editline]01:28AM[/editline]
And golden rule of computer building: IF IT DOESN'T FIT, IT DOESN'T GO THERE!
another tip is don't rush, just because you see people saying they can build a system in half an hour doesn't mean you should try to
I took 2 hours with my first build, although that may have had something to do with it being for a friend, and having the friend around at the same time leading to obligatory bouts of pratting around
[QUOTE=FalcoLombardi;19495543]First of all, thank you.
However, I have to use IE to download Mozilla Firefox--is there any risk with that?
Then, I would probably use Firefox to download Steam.
I would most likely just be playing my games before I get my anti-virus protection.
Is that safe?[/QUOTE]
You're not going to get a virus just by using IE, i.e downloading steam via IE doesn't add some chance of getting a virus as long as you use valves site, firefox just has less exploits, it does not contain any form of realtime malware scanner, so you're just as likely to get a virus via firefox as IE. Though I find Firefox to be faster and more responsive than IE anyways, so you should still get it. As for AV protection, I don't use av, increase boot time noticably, and slows the computer down noticably, as long as you don't download random shit or torrents.
[QUOTE=GetOutOfBox;19496763]I don't use av, increase boot time noticably, and slows the computer down noticably, as long as you don't download random shit or torrents.[/QUOTE]
You guys r funneh.
1. Does not increase boot time noticeably (I did check, it adds 2 seconds on my computer)
2. Takes 4,700KB of RAM, which is a minuscule amount in modern computers.
3. How are you even going to know you have a virus if you don't have something to combat it?
[editline]08:17PM[/editline]
Also tons of good, free ones.
[QUOTE=reapaninja;19496094]another tip is don't rush, just because you see people saying they can build a system in half an hour doesn't mean you should try to
I took 2 hours with my first build, although that may have had something to do with it being for a friend, and having the friend around at the same time leading to obligatory bouts of pratting around[/QUOTE]
Oh, thanks for advice.
Was about to build it in 1 hour or less to prove to my cousins that think this is too much of a challenge to me.
Still, I will be the first to ever build a computer. ^_^
I will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to make sure EVERYTHING is correct.
[QUOTE=zanraptora;19495472]1. Touch the metal on your case before you handle components
[/QUOTE]
Useless if the power supply is not screwed into the case and plugged into a power outlet.
[QUOTE=ferrus;19498339]Useless if the power supply is not screwed into the case and plugged into a power outlet.[/QUOTE]
No it's not. The positive/ negative charge that your body holds is released into the chassis which contains negative and positive electrons that attract the positive/negative electrons that you have. Thus releasing your static charge making it safe for you to handle your PC parts.
Now of course you're not going to let off a large charge when you touch the chassis unless you're running around Grandma's shag carpet dressed in a wool suit she knitted for you.
It's more tradition for me than anything. Kinda like when Jewish people kiss the little box by the door before they go inside.
Rather be safe than sorry.
[QUOTE=Veers;19496798]You guys r funneh.
1. Does not increase boot time noticeably (I did check, it adds 2 seconds on my computer)
2. Takes 4,700KB of RAM, which is a minuscule amount in modern computers.
3. How are you even going to know you have a virus if you don't have something to combat it?
[editline]08:17PM[/editline]
Also tons of good, free ones.[/QUOTE]
He might be serious. I went for a few months without an AV, then downloaded Malwarebytes just to do a scan and it was 100% clean. If you have common sense, it really isn't that needed.
[QUOTE=ghostofme;19498465]No it's not. The positive/ negative charge that your body holds is released into the chassis which contains negative and positive electrons that attract the positive/negative electrons that you have. Thus releasing your static charge making it safe for you to handle your PC parts.
Now of course you're not going to let off a large charge when you touch the chassis unless you're running around Grandma's shag carpet dressed in a wool suit she knitted for you.
It's more tradition for me than anything. Kinda like when Jewish people kiss the little box by the door before they go inside.
Rather be safe than sorry.[/QUOTE]
Okay it's just I know people who've blown brand new motherboards with ESD, so as you say better safe than sorry. The wrist straps don't cost anything anyway.
read the manual, if you pay attention to what you are doing you will be fine
[QUOTE=JohnEdwards;19499524]read the manual, if you pay attention to what you are doing you will be fine[/QUOTE]
Thanks.
That's what I have been doing for the past half hour.
I will try to read the Mobo, Video, and PSU manuals before starting.
[QUOTE=jechtman;19495598]2) Keep usb drives away from the pc and download a trial version of any well known anti-virus for the meanwhile.
About dual-channel, this is the correct layout:
[img_thumb]http://img.tomshardware.com/us/2007/10/17/parallel_processing/ram-dual-channel.jpg[/img_thumb]
And the incorrect layout:
[img_thumb]http://images.devshed.com/dh/stories/Dual_Channel/2.jpg[/img_thumb]
When I was replacing my 2400 for the new 4650 I noticed I had 2x 1gb in dual-channel layout and a 2gb in a spare slot. That certainly cancelled out any dual-channel from working. So swapped the 2gb for 2x 1gb from another pc (same model) and now I've got a dual-synthetic thing going on. The in-game difference is very noticeable.
Oh and yes the graphics card is very good. Borderlands max settings at 1280x720 was about 8fps average for the 2400, 22fps with the 4650 :D[/QUOTE]
It doesn't always work like that. On some motherboards, dual channel is actually the two slots directly next to each other. On my Gigabyte P55M-UD2, it's the right most slot in each group for channel 0, and the left slot in each group for channel 1.
What he's trying to say is that RAM modules must be in the same color slot.
[QUOTE=Mr Drover;19500451]What he's trying to say is that RAM modules must be in the same color slot.[/QUOTE]
That's what I mean't yeah.
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.
