Few questions before building

[mpickle]

Hi,

I'm going to attempt to build a PC this summer, and was wondering what specific things am I missing. So far, I understand the process to be this:

** Prep case & install Power Supply ( Take off side panel, etc...)
1) Install Hard drive, DVD, and DVD-RW drives
2) Install Processor in motherboard
3) Install RAM into motherboard
4) Install motherboard into case
5) Install Video Card into motherboard
6) Connect power cables from powersupply, hard drive, CD drive, etc...
7) Connect monitor, Keyboard, mouse, etc..
8) Turn on PC & configure BIOS
9) Install OS
10) Install drivers

Now, I have a few questions regarding this...

- What drivers should I save on a jump drive before I build?

- What do I exactly do with the BIOS if I don't plan to overclock?

- Do I need a heatsink if I don't OC, or will the standard one that comes with CPU be good?

I think that's it,

Thanks in advance,

Matt^

 

[EffeX]

Yep I just built a PC thursday and its working great...Make sure you have alot of Fans in your pc or you will have to do a ghetto cooling like me. I have a huge fan blowing right into the case lol.

 

[Slugbait]

Originally posted by: mpickle
- What drivers should I save on a jump drive before I build?

Latest videocard drivers, usually.

- What do I exactly do with the BIOS if I don't plan to overclock?

Normally, nothing. But you may wish to verify RAM timings are correct, fan speeds are showing, etc.

- Do I need a heatsink if I don't OC, or will the standard one that comes with CPU be good?

The stock HSF is fully tested and approved for the CPU you purchase...in many cases, the stock HSF is actually a bit overkill, and will support the processor over-clocked.

 

[Howard]

I would put in the drives after the motherboard is installed.

EDIT: Also, some HSFs have to be installed when the mobo is out of the case, IIRC.

 

[EffeX]

Originally posted by: Howard
I would put in the drives after the motherboard is installed.

Doesnt relly matter it makes it harder with more sh!t in the way.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Howard
I would put in the drives after the motherboard is installed.

Agreed, installing the board with hard drives and opticals in the way is a bitch.

Also some free advice for fist time builders, don't skimp on the case and especially the PSU. Get a case with good cooling and something you'll want to hold onto for awhile, I'm a sucker for brushed and black anodized AL so Lian Li gets my vote.

For the PSU quality is more important then quantity, in watts. If you are not going SLi or dual CPU you don't need more then 400 watts (general rule). Look at Seasonic, Forton-Source, and Enhance.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: EffeX

Originally posted by: Howard
I would put in the drives after the motherboard is installed.

Doesnt relly matter it makes it harder with more sh!t in the way.

Huh?

I take it you've never worked in really small cases before.

 

[bamacre]

I agree with Howard, better to install the hard and optical drives after the motherboard has been installed in the case. Here is my process...

1) Install Processor in motherboard
2) Install cpu HSF
3) Install RAM into motherboard
4) Install motherboard into case
5) Connect front panel connections to motherboard
6) Install Video Card into motherboard
7) Install Hard drive, DVD, and DVD-RW drives
6) Connect power cables from powersupply, hard drive, CD drive, etc...
7) Connect monitor, Keyboard, mouse, etc..
8) Turn on PC & configure BIOS
9) Install OS
10) Install drivers

Also, sometimes I find it easier to remove the rear case fan before installing the motherboard, then re-installing it after I have the motherboard installed.

 

[mauiblue]

If you are going to use Win XP Pro as your OS and you have any RAID controllers on your mobo, you will need a floppy disk drive to install the drivers at the beginning of the OS installation. You won't be able to install the drivers from a flash drive.

Have fun building and good luck.

 

[belazeru]

You forgot another step. 11) wipe forehead so sweat does not ruin components. I remeber my first build i was sweating like a fat man walking around the block. DONT FORGET TO DISCHARGE ALL STATIC electricity from your self!