Advice on first pc build

i_am_mowerman · 29 Aug 2006 at 16:38

Hi, I ordered my pc components this morning, and they will arive tomorrow.
I haven't built a PC before, so I was wondering if there's a tutorial link or maybe someone could briefly explain the do's and don't's etc.
I have a case, 2x dvd drives, floppy and HDD already. I ordered a mobo, cpu, ram, graphics card, and a psu.
I take it mobo should be fixed in first? Or PSU? and then what do I stick on the board first, CPU? Do I need to be careful particularly with certain things?
And, as stupid as it may seem, do I need to prepare my pc before replacing mobo etc? like drivers for new card? And also Will XP boot up fine first go? or will It need me to reinstal something first?
I know it's stupid questions, but I really want to find out before hand.
Thanks

I can't wait!

MOBO:
MSI K9N Platinum nForce 570 SLi (Socket AM2) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard (MB-069-MS)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_MSI_205.html

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 3800+ 2.00GHz (Socket AM2) - Retail (CP-166-AM)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Socket_AM2_X2.html

RAM:
GeIL 2GB (2x1GB) PC6400 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2 Dual Channel Kit (GX22GB6400UDC) (MY-058-GL)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Geil_DDR2_Memory.html

GRAPHICS CARD:
BFG 3DFuzion GeForce 7600 GT 256MB GDDR3 TV-Out/DVI (PCI-Express) - Retail (GX-025-BG)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/7600_Series.html

PSU:
Seasonic S12 500W Silent ATX2.0 Power Supply (CA-001-SS)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Seasonic_Power_Supplies.html

Admiral Huddy · 29 Aug 2006 at 16:47

providing you have Windows XP SP2, it should all boot nicely. (you must change the boot sequense to boot from CD first). Once you have your anit-virus software installed (may I suggest AVAST), then pop along to the manufactureres websites to get the latest chipset and video drivers, then install them in that order. You should be fine after that. However, in future, make it easier for yourself and get the drivers on a CD first.

Just besure that when it comes to firing up the PC, make sure all your connections are in place including the CPU HSF..

Admiral Huddy · 29 Aug 2006 at 16:56

As for building i normally put the PSU in the case first along with HDs, Floppy drives etc.

Make sure you screw in the mobo risers or you'll short the mobo before attempting to fit mobo.

I normally place the RAM, CPU and CPU HSF outside of the case, placing it on a firm surface with an anti -static mat.

Gently lower the mobo on to the risers and screw home.

Then connect the power supplies (check mobo manual)

Then connect your Graphics card and any other expansion cards you have (keep the build simple at first though).

Make sure all your fans are connected. You should have one blowing air from the front and one blowing out of the rear and of course your CPU HSF connected to the mobo.

Check your MOBO manual for any settings you may have to make on the mobo and change were necessary.

Before firing up, make sure all your connections are secure.

go into the BIOS immediately.

Good luck dude..

:cool:

Sir Random · 29 Aug 2006 at 17:07

Any reason why you didn't go for a conroe? It seems like everyone here has built a new conroe rig in the last 2-3 weeks.

If the case is small, it may be easier to fit the cpu/hsf to the mobo before actually installing the mobo. Whether to install the PSU first, also depends on case size and layout. You should know by looking at it, if there might be problems installing the mobo after the PSU, or vise versa.

You should really do a fresh install of XP with a new mobo/cpu, but you may have problems activating it, since it's a new PC. I just bought a new copy of XP+SP2 for my new conroe rig.
If you want to try keeping your old XP setup, then make sure to uninstall the chipset drivers, and any onboard device drivers (sound, lan, etc) before putting it in the new rig.

i_am_mowerman · 29 Aug 2006 at 18:47

providing you have Windows XP SP2, it should all boot nicely. (you must change the boot sequense to boot from CD)

Yes, I have XP SP2 installed. however, I haven't got any discs for XP :O
As i bought this pc from TIME. I believe they sent me a CD to make a fresh install, but, I dont think its an official windows XP disc. What should I do now?

Psycho Sonny · 29 Aug 2006 at 18:48

why didnt you buy a conroe?

i_am_mowerman · 29 Aug 2006 at 18:52

Any reason why you didn't go for a conroe? It seems like everyone here has built a new conroe rig in the last 2-3 weeks.

I like the AMD logo

You should really do a fresh install of XP with a new mobo/cpu, but you may have problems activating it, since it's a new PC. I just bought a new copy of XP+SP2 for my new conroe rig.
If you want to try keeping your old XP setup, then make sure to uninstall the chipset drivers, and any onboard device drivers (sound, lan, etc) before putting it in the new rig.

How will I find all the drivers to uninstall? Also, would it just be mobo, graphics card? And if yes to graphics, I have Nvidia already installed, should I download and install the latest driver for Geforce?

Sir Random · 29 Aug 2006 at 19:03

Mmm, since you didn't build your current rig, it probably came with drivers pre-installed.
You can go into CP/System/Device Manager and uninstall the sound/lan/gfx etc drivers individually.

Do you have a genuine WinXP CD or just a system recovery disc?

EDIT\

Just re-read your last post.

You'll have to manually uninstall the chipset/sound/gfx drivers from Device Manager. Then hook it up to new mobo and hope for the best.
If it boots up ok, install the new mobo drivers ONE at a time, as it's easier to detect any conflicts with the old drivers that way.
Windows might ask you to re-activate XP because of the new hardware detected.

i_am_mowerman · 29 Aug 2006 at 19:38

Curious, would it be worth buying a new HDD (as i am planning to very soon anyway) and a copy of XP, and swap HDD with new one, and boot up and install windows fresh? would that work, and if so work better and easier?

Sir Random · 29 Aug 2006 at 20:08

Yeah, new HD + fresh XP install is the ideal solution.

You can then add the old HD as a slave, and have access to all your old docs/etc. You will need to re-install all your games & software under the new XP install though, you can't just run them from the old drive.

i_am_mowerman · 29 Aug 2006 at 20:22

Sir Random said:
Yeah, new HD + fresh XP install is the ideal solution.

You can then add the old HD as a slave, and have access to all your old docs/etc. You will need to re-install all your games & software under the new XP install though, you can't just run them from the old drive.

k thanks. I just hope I can get it to run all ok, and then if it does I'll order as cheap a XP home edition as I can, and I was thinking of a Raptor HDD.
Like they say, Rome wasn't built in a day

Admiral Huddy · 30 Aug 2006 at 09:49

Yes you will need to buy a new XP disk... The OS you were given was specifically provided with the machine you bought in mind. It safer to go with a clean install. Make sure you have this before you start your build and you have backed up all your volitile data etc.

Please please please make sure you read through the motherboard manual.. It's worth reading through it a few times just to be sure. A litle time spent in preperation now is a lot of time saved later when trying to resolve issues. Best to ask questions now, rather than later