This is a complete step by step guide on how to assemble a PC from a box of parts to a working computer with WindowsXP fully installed, updated and tweaked. This guide will take you from parts to software the right way.
I had the pleasure of an email from a concerned SM reader about this article. I thought I'd share and address a few comments.
"Recommending a 365W PSU as minimum?? Most machines will run on 300W without any problems unless you get some cheap brand. "
It is true that most PCs will run on 300W but I feel better about recommending a minimum of 365 W for two reasons. 1) A bit more power headroom for future expansion and 2) exactly what the person said..."unless you get some cheap brand" which we know that a lot of less expensive cases come with "cheap brands". Recommending min 365 W will be a step towards a problem free PC.
"Also, you state that the master device always goes on the end of a ribbon cable. Wrong. Unless your motherboard is ridiculously picky it doesn't matter if you put it on the closer one to the board or the one on the end. In fact, it doesn't matter if you have two drives and put the slave on the end connector and the master on the other one. "
Perhaps so but good habits should be set in place from the very start. I did not state that it was right or wrong. I said to get in the habit of it.
"Let's see...oh, IDE cables have FEMALE connectors, not male, where the drives have the MALE connectors, not the female."
I may stand corrected. After reading this comment I looked around and I saw cables named both ways. BUT for arguments sake the male PIN is in the drive while the female side receives the PIN. EIDE cables have female connections (that oddly enough insert INTO the male receiver. But I stand corrected (rather I sit at this moment.) My apologies for the error.
"Also another good idea when building a machine is to assemble the board outside of the case to test and make sure that your board, CPU, RAM, PSU and video card are all working properly before sticking it into the case. That way it's less troubleshooting if you run into a problem."
Perhaps for a seasoned enthusiast but this article is for the new DIY PC builder and that's a pretty tall order for someone who's never done a build before. Remember...this guide was written for people NEW to PC building and as only a guide to learn from and adapt from.
yes cables are female... Scsi has male ends... easily confusable after years of working on both types... We wont hold it against you MM.. fantastic article...
"Also, you state that the master device always goes on the end of a ribbon cable. Wrong. Unless your motherboard is ridiculously picky it doesn't matter if you put it on the closer one to the board or the one on the end. In fact, it doesn't matter if you have two drives and put the slave on the end connector and the master on the other one. "
(disclaimer... this is not directed at MediaDude in any way but rather the nameless poster who attempted to correct his article)
I am sorry kind sir but I have to politely correct you. I have built several thousand PC's and been in the buisness over 20 years and your post is simply... Uhhhhhh..... wrong... wrong.... wrong... Please!!!!!! do not in any way take this post as derogatory to you personaly in any way or form. I belong to a group which trys to prevent the spread of erroneous information via the internet and I am required by our bylaws to post this response or risk a terrible physical beating by our Master. You wouldnt want that now would you?
It does matter and has nothing to do with a "ridiculously picky" motherboard though.
Cheers and have a Blessed Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry but in Firefox this thing is WAY bigger then 1024x768 and I dont know what the hells up with that. Maybe this page and fourm was optimized for IE but I cant read it when half hte page is off the screen... way to annoying.
Comments
Passed the link along to a friend who wanted to build her own PC. She was very thankful
I've never, ever, EVER had issues with using magnetic screwdrivers on computers. And I've used one on a good 100+ systems now.
NEVER EVER BUY CHEAP MEMORY!!!!!!!!!!!!
edit: Great article
Neither have I but...for new user sake it is better to be safe than sorry.
I definitely could have used this in my more naive days, I'm sure it'll help a lot of people
"Recommending a 365W PSU as minimum?? Most machines will run on 300W without any problems unless you get some cheap brand. "
It is true that most PCs will run on 300W but I feel better about recommending a minimum of 365 W for two reasons. 1) A bit more power headroom for future expansion and 2) exactly what the person said..."unless you get some cheap brand" which we know that a lot of less expensive cases come with "cheap brands". Recommending min 365 W will be a step towards a problem free PC.
"Also, you state that the master device always goes on the end of a ribbon cable. Wrong. Unless your motherboard is ridiculously picky it doesn't matter if you put it on the closer one to the board or the one on the end. In fact, it doesn't matter if you have two drives and put the slave on the end connector and the master on the other one. "
Perhaps so but good habits should be set in place from the very start. I did not state that it was right or wrong. I said to get in the habit of it.
"Let's see...oh, IDE cables have FEMALE connectors, not male, where the drives have the MALE connectors, not the female."
I may stand corrected. After reading this comment I looked around and I saw cables named both ways. BUT for arguments sake the male PIN is in the drive while the female side receives the PIN. EIDE cables have female connections (that oddly enough insert INTO the male receiver. But I stand corrected (rather I sit at this moment.) My apologies for the error.
"Also another good idea when building a machine is to assemble the board outside of the case to test and make sure that your board, CPU, RAM, PSU and video card are all working properly before sticking it into the case. That way it's less troubleshooting if you run into a problem."
Perhaps for a seasoned enthusiast but this article is for the new DIY PC builder and that's a pretty tall order for someone who's never done a build before. Remember...this guide was written for people NEW to PC building and as only a guide to learn from and adapt from.
Gobbles
Otherwise a great "how to", with great pics.
I wish, I would know your site, before Mr. Bill Gates, and save myself and zillions others so manies hours fighting with either hard or software..
One last word...Thanks
(disclaimer... this is not directed at MediaDude in any way but rather the nameless poster who attempted to correct his article)
I am sorry kind sir but I have to politely correct you. I have built several thousand PC's and been in the buisness over 20 years and your post is simply... Uhhhhhh..... wrong... wrong.... wrong... Please!!!!!! do not in any way take this post as derogatory to you personaly in any way or form. I belong to a group which trys to prevent the spread of erroneous information via the internet and I am required by our bylaws to post this response or risk a terrible physical beating by our Master. You wouldnt want that now would you?
It does matter and has nothing to do with a "ridiculously picky" motherboard though.
Cheers and have a Blessed Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jesus still loves ya!
Tex
Best guide i've ever seen !
but i have question
how can i know the heat of each part??
and what is the normal temp for PC ??
thanks agian