-=PCTechTalk=- Attn: Handsomeblk Build a computer

I have changed motherboards before and have taken apart and put back 
together a few computers but have never built one from scratch.  I can not 
imagine it being a difficult thing to do.

Use a grounding strap attached to your wrist or frequently ground yourself 
to a grounded wire, pipe or whatever.  If you leave ALL of the power cables 
disconnected during the process, you can plug the power cord in to a 
grounded outlet and into the computer and then use any bare metal to ground 
yourself.  Once you connect power to the motherboard, you apply a little bit 
of juice to the MB even if the computer is turned off, so be careful once 
power is applied.

First, select the features you want on your motherboard... get the right MB 
for the CPU you want to install.  CPU SOCKETs come in a variety of sizes and 
compatibility.  Check them carefully.   The easy way to do this is to buy a 
package deal that includes MB and CPU.

Most MBs come with a lot of stuff built in... audio, video, drive 
controllers etc.  Look at those closely to be sure they meet your needs.  If 
they don't, look to be sure they can be disabled (manually or automatically) 
so you can install upgrades.  Make sure the MB has enough expansion slots of 
the right type to install the upgrade cards.

Select a tower and power supply.  They can come together or separately.  Get 
the largest power supply consistent with your budget.  With all sorts of USB 
and Firewire products getting plugged in you need all the power you can get. 
I would suggest 450 watts at a minimum.  Also, select some form of extra 
cooling.  Either fans or water cooled or whatever.  Make sure the size and 
shape of the MB will fit in the case.  MBs generally have standard form 
factors but it has been so long since I bought one I don't know what the 
current ones are.

Then select a hard drive, SATA is faster if your controller supports it.  I 
would get a small one (60 to 100GB) for installing the OS.  I would also get 
a single optical drive that can read CD and DVD ROMs.  I would use plug in 
external devices for all additional storage, a 3.5" floppy drive and disc 
burners that I needed.

Put the motherboard in the case first and attach the power cables to it. 
Then, the order you install the other components is not important, so do 
that based on the size, shape of the case and the location of the various 
brackets to hold the devices.  Install the expansion cards, if any last.  If 
the various cables are long enough and easily moved to get them out of the 
way, plug them in as you install the devices.  Otherwise wait until you 
finish to plug every thing in.  Don't forget the small cables that connect 
the audio from your optical drives to the MB or audio card and the cables 
that connect the front mounted ports and indicator lights to the appropriate 
connectors on the motherboard or expansion card.

Touch everything at least twice to check for loose hardware and cables. 
Pick the case up and tilt and turn it to listen for loose or lost screws.

Close the case (if necessary), plug in a keyboard, mouse and monitor then 
plug in the computer.  Turn it on and check for smoke or sparks.  Boot to 
Setup and make sure everything is recognized.  You may need to tell it the 
harddrive type, boot order and other things (such as boot with NUM LOCK 
turned on).  If you get lost or worried, exit without saving, turn off the 
computer and post a cry for help.

Insert your OS disc in the optical drive and restart the computer.  Install 
the OS and you are done.  Congratulations.

Did I forget anything?

Don

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <HandsomeBlck@xxxxxxx>
To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, December 31, 2006 10:38 AM
Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: " Dell, or Compaq ? "


> lafalot,
>     I've often pondered building my own machine. But I really have no idea
> where to even start researching the project - what tower size, component
> compatibility, needed extra hardware (screws, brackets, cables), in which 
> order to
> install each component, etc. I've been so fortunate to never had to do a
> restore, or reformat.
>
> HB
>

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