A new build log

Mr Doovde · 9 Jan 2010 at 22:59

I stuck it directly to the back plate as I didn't like the idea of adhesive on the motherboard. As you say, it's still between the motherboard and backplate so it should be fine. Thanks arknor.

JW1993 · 9 Jan 2010 at 23:12

Edit: Woops your question was answered :O

Mr Doovde · 14 Jan 2010 at 19:30

Hello again. It's been awhile, but things have been pretty hectic. I've finally managed to put the standoffs in the case and screw the motherboard to them.

I've also attached the heatsink fan and used the correct amount of thermal paste (I hope). Though as shown by the yellow circle, I think I may of rotated and attached the heatsink's fan in the incorrect position? Although it does seem to fit properly, and the arrows indicating airflow suggest it should be fine.

The fan's cable is positioned at the bottom of the fan (as indicated by the tiny arrow) if that's any help. Is this lead allowed to touch the heatsink in anyway whilst it's connected to the cpu fan header and the computer is running? I ask this, as at the moment it is hovering between the the case fan's grill and the heatsink. I'm wondering if it might rub against the heatsink during the fan's operation etc.

The hard drive is also installed although it is not positioned the same manner as shown in the build guide. It faces towards the side of the case:

I've installed the hard drive so that its ports are at the back of the above picture:

The exposed circuitry is on the underside of the 3.5 bay. This seemed to be the only way to install it, so I'm hoping I will be fine. I must admit, the Fortress's instruction booklet is not much help for a beginner like me.

If everything is ok, I will now start to attach some of the headers.

arknor · 14 Jan 2010 at 19:35

looks fine

Mr Doovde · 14 Jan 2010 at 19:51

Thanks arknor. Onto the next stage then.

Essexraptor · 14 Jan 2010 at 20:15

Nice looking job so far Mr Doovde

Mr Doovde · 14 Jan 2010 at 20:22

Thanks Essexraptor.

eddie86 · 14 Jan 2010 at 20:55

Looks good. You are going about it in exactly the right way too, if you aren't sure it's much better to ask. Good luck with the rest of it! Keep the pics coming

Mr Doovde · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:21

Thanks eddie86. It's a real blessing to be able to receive help on this site. I'm trying to fit the front panel headers into he motherboard at the moment. I've tried to take a picture of my dilemma, but my camera has no light adjustment and it needs a flash in even mildly dark places (which is far too bright).

I've pushed some of the headers into the bottom row of pins with the writing facing downwards towards the bottom of the board (as in greywolf's picture):

When I start to insert the headers in the top row of pins, does the writing need to face upwards instead? I ask this as my board seems to be one that allows me to insert the pins both ways.

Shakeel · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:49

on the black part of thw wire htere will be small arrow which means postive. in this case you have the cable the right way. the power header is above the reset header. you currently have it above the reset header

eddie86 · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:54

Shakeel said:
on the black part of thw wire htere will be small arrow which means postive. in this case you have the cable the right way. the power header is above the reset header. you currently have it above the reset header

Yes and your motherboard manual should say which individual pin is +ve, -ve, ground etc

Mr Doovde · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:59

Sorry, I should have been clearer with my question. The picture above is from greywolf's build guide at the top of the hardware section. I've looked at my motherboard booklet, so that I can make sure that I insert the headers in the correct pins. For the top row of pins, should the writing face upwards instead? Many thanks.

eddie86 · 14 Jan 2010 at 22:27

I think the writing should face upwards...BUT..

For my power led button for example there is a black connector with writing on, on the back there is a triangle/arrow above and therefore denoting, the positive pin. This is matched to the positive pin on the header, as denoted by your motherboard manual.

I presume yours is the same...

Mr Doovde · 14 Jan 2010 at 22:42

Thanks again everyone.

Shakeel · 15 Jan 2010 at 01:15

Mr Doovde said:
Thanks again everyone.

just look for the +ve and -Ve pins

Simps · 15 Jan 2010 at 03:25

Looking good. I should be doing mine tomorrow too

First upgrade in 6 years..

Mr Doovde · 15 Jan 2010 at 21:46

Good luck Si Lad. I've fitted all of the front panel headers, and the USB header, but I'm a little stuck when it comes to the Front Panel Audio Header. There only seems to be enough room for either the HD Audio or AC'97 Audio header . Which one should I choose please?

Shakeel · 15 Jan 2010 at 21:58

Mr Doovde said:
Good luck Si Lad. I've fitted all of the front panel headers, and the USB header, but I'm a little stuck when it comes to the Front Panel Audio Header. There only seems to be enough room for either the HD Audio or AC'97 Audio header . Which one should I choose please?

you can use either one. i just plug the hd one in

Mr Doovde · 15 Jan 2010 at 22:02

Ok, thanks very much Shakeel.

eddie86 · 15 Jan 2010 at 22:10

Hey Mr Doovde, glad to see it's still going ok. What's left to do?

I've got my new build tomorrow

just taken my GFX card out and replaced with the original Radeon X800 which has now been moved to 'legacy' products on the AMD drivers website, it can't be that old can it?! Time flies!

Anyway, good luck with the rest of it, I'll be tuning back in for pics of the finished article!