Building first time..

[360bhp]

Going to build my new system tomorrow! And Im a bit worried about blowing something.. Again! lol

Anyone got any tips?


Far as im aware I....

Screw motherboard into case
Put in PSU
In goes CPU, lock it into place. Put a blob of thermal paste on the top
Place heatsink over it, and screw it down
Fit in HDD
Put in ram
Put in grfx card, and sound card
Connect up all power leads, ide cables, and fan cables
Switch her on
Install windows
Install drivers for grfx, sound etc


Anything I missed?

[BUFF]

I usually find it far easier to fit the CPU & HSF while the board is out of the case & then fit the assembled unit into the case.

[chuckskull]

Yeah definetly put the CPU in before putting the mobo in the case, it's a horribly fiddly job most of the time, even worse when the case gets in the way.

You should find some way to earth yourself too, anti static wrist band is the simplest.

[piranha]

Need to install motherboard drivers,
xp sp2,
anti-virus software,
internet,
download updates and .net framewroks from microsoft
install gfx and sound drivers


and dont rush - mistakes are then made.

[Noni]

http://sysbuild.corsairmemory.com/report.aspx?id=2

[hibby]

Oh, and a nice way to earth yourself: Once the PSU is installed, plug it into the wall socket but make sure the poweris switched off at the wall. Now, as long as you remain touching the metal case, you'll be earthed. Plus, if you have an anti-static wristband then this can be attached to the metal case to give you more maneuverability.

[-ChEM-]

things that arent in your list:
check the jumpers on the motherboard (look in the manual)
Screw motherboard into case
connect all the case-motherboard wires... if you dont do this youll poo your pants when you try and turn it on and you get absolutley nothing
Put in PSU
In goes CPU, lock it into place. Put a blob of thermal paste on the top
Place heatsink over it, and screw it down
Fit in HDD
do this later once youve tested it turns on with just mobo/cpu/ram/gfx (for gods sake dont forget the cooler)
Put in ram
Put in grfx card, and sound card
sort out master/slaving of your CD/DVD drives and PATA HDDs before you screw them in
Connect up all power leads, ide cables, and fan cables
Switch her on
Install windows
Install drivers for grfx, sound etc

[chuckskull]

connect all the case-motherboard wires... if you dont do this youll poo your pants when you try and turn it on and you get absolutley nothing

Have to admit I've done that at least once

[djhworld]

My first build was around three years ago and to be honest, you'll be fine.

When I ran into any trouble/was unsure of stuff I just went on the other computer, logged onto here and posted on the forum.

Got help within 2 - 3 minutes of posting and was able to continue with the build.

Oh yeah and everyone is right about the fact of fitting the CPU/HSF prior to inserting the motherboard, it makes things one heck of a lot easier!