Building a computer - First time

[xipro786]

Hey, I finally got around to ordering my parts from Scan and they are due to arrive on Tuesday.

I was wondering if I should know anything before building it - Like precautions or what order to build it.

Also I have wood floors but not a anti-static wrist band and I've read that as long as you touch the frame of the computer frequently you should be fine. Is that true?

Last questions

Because I'm planning to use my old HDD aswell as a new one, should I install a fresh copy of Vista 64 on the new HDD or install it on the old one?

If I do install it on the new HDD will I be able to access the programs and files installed on the old HDD?

Thank You!

[Magnets]

Welcome to Corsair :: System Build Logs

Some people use antistatic wristbands, but most don't. Personally I've never used one, never had any problems.

If you build a new machine, you should really reinstall the OS. Also if your new drive is a different model, it's probably going to be faster.

[merple]

It's not as hard as people think to build computers, luckily stuff usually only fits in one way .
build order would depend on the case layout and how accessible it is.

I have an anti static wristband but never use it. Built on tables, the bed and carpeted floor and its been fine. Usually touch a radiator beforehand to get rid of any static I might have.

If you are going to install a new OS it would be better to do on the new drive as it will probably perform better because its a newer model. You will have to reinstall programs though, especially if you are going with vista 64. Getting to your files should be fine though.

[smargh]

Whenever I handle anything I wouldn't easily be able to replace (HD, memory, expensive motherboard) I try to always use an anti-static strap.

Sometimes I am lazy and just touch the metal pipe on a radiator if I am close to it, but mostly I use the strap, especially when I am handling hardware which is owned by someone else - I don't want have to tell them "umm sorry, I zapped your hard drive."

Note that touching a PC case won't always work - it has to be something which has an easy path to earth - i.e. power cable, earth strap. Some people make their own power cable with only the earth wire connected.

[999tigger]

Build as much of it outisde the box as possible.Attach your connectors ide sata put in the memory,processor, hsf.Will make it easy.

[xipro786]

Okay, I've put everything in and started it up. The first time it came on the bios screen came up and I just browesed through it.

But now after I restarted it because I wanted to install vista the computer won't show a image on my monitor

Help...

Oh yeah, its a abit p35 mobo, intel quad core 2.4, 4gb corsair ram, wd 500gb hdd and a radeon x700 GPU

Also the lights come on the mobo but nothing else happens. But when I turn the computer on it powers up then about 5 secs later it turns off and turns itself back on and stays on...

Ok i just tried the GPU on my old build and it worked... Does anyone know why it won't work in the new build?..

[CrazyMonkey]

Okay, I've put everything in and started it up. The first time it came on the bios screen came up and I just browesed through it.

But now after I restarted it because I wanted to install vista the computer won't show a image on my monitor

Help...

Oh yeah, its a abit p35 mobo, intel quad core 2.4, 4gb corsair ram, wd 500gb hdd and a radeon x700 GPU

Also the lights come on the mobo but nothing else happens. But when I turn the computer on it powers up then about 5 secs later it turns off and turns itself back on and stays on...

Ok i just tried the GPU on my old build and it worked... Does anyone know why it won't work in the new build?..

Check all connections, all wires and reseat graphics card. If you havent done anything to it and it worked once it should work twice

[Anastie]

Check all connections, all wires and reseat graphics card. If you havent done anything to it and it worked once it should work twice

Agree. If things are not pushed all the way in the come loose. (happened to me in the past )

[xipro786]

Phew... I checked everything twice and it was the RAM that was causing the problem.

Thanks for the advice! Now everything is working like a charm