Novice builder - Hints and tips please.

samjolly

samjolly

samjolly

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Joined
6 Oct 2008
Posts
38
Hi All,

I am about to be brave and take the take the big plunge into self build. I was wondering if you could provide some hints and tips.

My spec will be a Silverstone Sugo M-ATX Case, Q66 CPU, 8GB RAM, Gigabyte GA_G33M Mobo, 2 x Seagate HDDs, CDROM drive, Corsair 480 W PSU. Designed for running multiple virtual server in a virtual network.

Thanks,

Sam
 
Take your time (leave a whole day aside if possible, it shouldn't take that long but it is much better than rushing) and don't force anything is the best advice I can give. Parts should only go in one way, if they don't fit together fairly easily then check again that you have them correct. If you are in doubt then feel free to ask here, there will probably be a few people who have had similar problems.
 
Thanks for the comment.

What about precautions to prevent static damaging components - I always seem to see folks using those wrist things.. Also I guess it is about common sense in not touching connectors etc.... Basically I am terrified of damaging components by accidentally doing something or not doing something as the case may be.... However with the right guidance I am more than happy to get into this.... apart from the fact that it would be not be possible to get a similar specced PC for the money.

Sam
 
I think the risk of static damage is somewhat overstated and probably a throwback to when components were extremely sensitive. If you remember to touch something earthed; radiators normally are or plug in your PSU but do not switch it on and remember to touch either of them before handling any components and you should be fine. Don't wear lots of nylon and run about on carpet before building and you should be fine. :)

You may also like to refer to this Corsair build guide, it is slightly out of date but the basic principles remain the same.
 
Most importantly: Cut the head off a small goat, and dance the tarantella naked under the full moon before you open anything.
 
Sam ( not Ben's brother are you) are you using any replacement termal interface material or the normal paste that comes on the CPU? If you are going to use an uprated replacement (AS5, or MX etc) then make sure you read all that before you start.

It's best to put the motherboard on something flat to pre-install the ram before installing it in the case. If you do it in the case it can be a bit worrying if the motherboard flexes a bit :-s

KEEP YOUR MAGNETIC SCREW DRIVER AWAY FROM THE RAM !

Good luck and enjoy it.
 
hi there i was like you never touched a pc in my life allways brought them taylor made last pc cost me 1500 then realised i could build the same sort of pc for half the price anyway you might of seen this thread of mine have a look it is pretty good even got pics of each stadge so it will give you an idea off what to do heres the link let me know what you think.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17927553

also never done any overclocking either and i tool the plunge at that and now i got it at 3.5ghz from 2.4ghz im well chuffed and im sure you can do it as well happy building and remember take your time its not a race to complete it took me a whole day but the end result was i didnt have any problems booted up first time as well, not bad from a beginner.

just started playing crysis warhead and man it rocks it have it all on full and it runs better than i thought!!
 
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ohhh yeah keep wife an small children out the way when u start to build , things have a habit of getting broken or disappering ;) small fingers an nosy ness cause a look of grief :D

top tip : don`t throw the boxes away or the manuls an keep all u`re Drivers CD`s safe in one place together so U can find em ;)
 
If your using high end air cooling, you might need another pair of hands to help get it attached to the motherboard/cpu. Those things are a nightmare to put on alone lol.
 
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