Okay, the parts of my new PC are arriving and either late today or tomorrow I'll be looking at throwing it together.
Anyone got any hints or tips concerning putting the thing together, and especially configuring the mobo?
I've checked out some guides, but was wondering if anyone had annything the usual guides don't include.
Anything to do or not do? Any particular order?
Oh and the thermal paste, since my cpu arrived first I took a look, I'm assuming I just put the paste on the small rectangle in the middle rather than the whole surface...or am I wrong?
Cheers.


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Can't really go wrong now the days of jumpers are behind us. Be sure to take usual precautions to ensure no static (touching radiators, inside of case etc). I'd say simply plug the CPU, apply a VERY thin layer of compound (yes small rectangle only), attach the HSF, plug in RAM and then mount the mobo inside the case. Ensure the power is off on switch at back of PSU or the plug on the wall. If you leave your power plug in it should ensure your case is earthed. Plug in your other bits (handle from the edges, avoid touching chips, gold connectors etc). Ensure Master/Slave settings are correct on HD/CD/DVD. Switch on and enter the BIOS to set things like FSB ... best to keep everyhting running stock while installing OS and ensuring everything works perfectly. Have fun!
Well some mobos still use them but by far the most control is now found in the BIOS. You generally just get the CMOS/BIOS clear on the mobo. It's always best to check through the mobo manual and check the surface of the mobo before switching on.
If you have a HD and a CDRW it's best to put them both on as Primary on seperate channels (so use seperate leads). There's a little jumper on the back of HDs and CD/DVD drives to select between Master and Slave. I doubt you'll notice any perf defecit from using one lead and putting HD and CDRW on the same channel, but do put HD on as Master. The floppy drive uses a seperate 'less wide' cable. When you connect the cables note the red line on the cable which indicates pin1. For HDs it goes nearest the power input and floppy drives are usually marked with pin1.
