Help needed: Basic PC building questions

[cheddar]

Hey folks, hope you can help me out. I jsut purchased the components for a new PC, my last build was a few years ago so I am very rusty.

Questions:

1. OK my motherboard (Abity IP35V) has the following headers for connecting fans:

• CPUFAN
• SYSFAN1
• AUXFAN1
• AUXFAN2

I know I plug the heatsink fan into the CPU header but I wanted to know if it is wise to plug the three case fans that came with my Coolermaster 690 directly to the motherboard points?

I have a 500w Antec PSU, not sure if that matters, the reason I am asking is that it would simply keep the case less cluttered rather than connecting them to the PSU as I wouldnt have to use those adapter things.

2. Next question is about the AUDIO headers on the case, I have one 'clump' of headers together, kind of glued together, but I also have individually headers.

Am I right in thinking that I simply use the clump and plug that into the motherboard if it fits (99% certain it does), and that the single headers are for motherboards that have a different header setup?

3. Next question is about the IO plate thing, I have never understood what to do with these. does it simply fit in the hole and the ports like mouse/keyboard/USB fit through?

The IO panel that came with the motherboard has very sharp points coming out of the sides of the holes, do I tear those off?

Thanks folks

 

[hp7909]

I know I plug the heatsink fan into the CPU header but I wanted to know if it is wise to plug the three case fans that came with my Coolermaster 690 directly to the motherboard points?

If 3-pin then it means it doesn't draw a crazy amount of power & can be simply plugged into respective motherboard headers. There's also the added bonus that, if mobo supports it, then the fans can be controlled to reduce noise.

2. Next question is about the AUDIO headers on the case, I have one 'clump' of headers together, kind of glued together, but I also have individually headers

New mobos use 'HD' audio spec headers therefore the connectors are different from the old AC'97. Most cases cater for both. For this you'll have to carefully refer to your mobo & case manuals.

3. Next question is about the IO plate thing, I have never understood what to do with these. does it simply fit in the hole and the ports like mouse/keyboard/USB fit through?

Yes. Insert it first before mobo from the inside. Might need some force & careful you don't cut yourself (done that many times). For the USB, keyboard, etc openings simply bend the flaps towards you/upwards. They should simply lie touching the mobo ports.

 

[cheddar]

New mobos use 'HD' audio spec headers therefore the connectors are different from the old AC'97. Most cases cater for both. For this you'll have to carefully refer to your mobo & case manuals.

Thanks for the reply, i'm good with everything expect the 'HD' audio, the cable with the healers has the following on it:

AC97 Plug
HD Plug
Individual pins all colored differently

I assume I just connect the HD Plug to the FP-AUDIO thing on the motherboard and leave the other two alone?

One other thing that has been bothering me is how to make sure I attach the headers for the power switch etc correctly.

I understand how to make sure they are on the correct pins but does the orientation matter, because each header can be kinda flipped around the opposite side I am assuming. That sounds confusing so I am not sure anyone will understand me.

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So in the above example if the power switch used pins 1 and 3, I could connect the header to pins 1and3, but the header could be facing two directions, does the direction or orientation matter?

 

[hp7909]

Headers for power, HD led, etc are fail-safe i.e. plug-in the wrong way & they simply won't work instead of getting damaged