Any pointers on the actual PC build please?

[Damage Inc]

Hi guys,

Ive only built about 5 systems in life...which should me I have a clue (which in a general sense I do) but the last build I did was 9 years ago:
Athlon 1800+, gforce 4xxx or other, win2k...512mb ram...IDE HDD and opticals...you get the picture.

Ive not been near a modern rig for ages due to real life, studying for a degree and stuff.

Just got some quick questions:

Do people have a build order preference? assemble mobo outside first? etc
At what point in the build do you first try to see if it POST's?
From the above rubbish computer - what do I need to be aware of in terms of new rules for connectors/cables/...i mean do HDD's still have master/slave jumpers?

Man....im so out of touch i dont actually know what i should even be asking...

Crucial one here....once it boots...what order do you guys installs software and drivers for best results? im particularly talking about:
O/S
mobo drivers
graphics drivers
O/S updates
network drivers etc.

Sorry for all the questions - Im just looking for a bit of a heads up before i spend the weekend building the rig i bought here last night.

Thanks to anyone who takes time to reply to this
Dam

 

[Slashiem]

Generally considered to put cpu and heatsink and RAM on first. Then mount inside the case.
Plug in the other stuff like graphics and place in HDD, then wiring.
When everything is plugged in.
Only master and slave are used in IDE drives and not implemented in SATA.
Generally, I install OS then graphic drivers or other periphals. I use most of windows drivers than are included and then windows updates and that does it own things.

~Slash

 

[Cupra]

you need network drivers before os updates or you wont get on the internet to get the updates

 

[Damage Inc]

at what point during this process you install the manufacturers graphics card drivers?

o/s > network drivers > updates +SP 1 > gfx drivers?

Dam

 

[Namistai]

I'd recommend putting the gfx drivers on before updating - sometimes Windows updates will download a driver for your gfx card, but to save any aggro it's best to put the real deal on first That's my preference anyway.

 

[BlackBat]

If I remember correctly:-

1).Install PSU in the case.
2).Fit CPU, cooler and RAM in MB, then put into the case (remember to fit risers first).
3).Put any fans in the case, then optical and hardrives, followed by graphics, sound cards, etc.
4).Wire up nearly everything (regarding hardrives, only wire up the hardrive you are installing the OS on).
5).Plug everything together and power up.
6).Check BIOS, then install OS.
7).Install any drivers you need on the CD provided with the MB (e.g. network drivers) and any other drivers you need (graphics card, sound card, etc).
8).Wire up any other hardrives (with the PC off, obviously) and check for OS updates (with the PC on, again this could be pretty obvious). These two can be done in any order.

As mentioned, if you buy SATA drives you won't have to mess about with master/slave settings.