How To: Build your own computer - Page 4 - Overclock.net

SZayat · 03-09-09

nice work (:

StarryNite · 03-09-09

One of the most important things to remember when building a computer (or doing any maintenance inside the case) is always remember the rule of touching the case metal before putting your hands inside of the case itself. This little tip, especially in winter where static electricity is at an all time high, will save you many a misery of fried electronics later.

Secondly another tip (especially considering this is an overclocking forum) is when you apply thermal compound, make sure you apply a very thin coat. Some swear that the coat is so thin that it needs to be translucent (barely can see the processor below). You don't need to get that extreme, but you want to be sure to not ice your processor like a birthday cake. With some compounds that are conductive (can carry an electrical charge that can also fry electronics -- like Arctic Silver 5) you want to ensure no TIM gets transfered from your hands to anything electronic in the case (it's very easy to smear the goop). If you apply the heatsink and you see it oozing out the sides, it's too much. TIM is designed to fill slight imperfections between the processor and heatsink, and too much interferes with heat transfer.

Thirdly, when you have the motherboard in the case and are attaching the power supply connectors and various cables, ensure that every connection is as snug as possible. Common startup problems are caused by not pushing the Molex plugs in far enough (a common occurance with SureGrip Molex connectors, they go in so smoothly and can fall out the same), and forgetting a plug for the videocard.

Fourthly, the biggest headache upon starting the computer is configuring the BIOS. Computing has come a l-o-n-g way from manually setting IRQ channels and more, but with that mostly automatic now, some things are still not automatic (memory timings come to mine). This is when you sit at the BIOS screen with a motherboard manual and adjust what you need (and often the only thing you do need to change at first are things like the boot order -- so you can install the OS -- which means the first thing in the boot order will be for your DVD-RW drive, then the floppy, and lastly the HDD [for your first installation, because Windows XP will ask for drivers upon install [especially with SATA hard drives]).

All in all computer building seems intimating and a headache at the beginning, but as you remember the steps, it'll be with you for a lifetime. Been building computers since the Timex-Sinclair days, and although things have changed a lot since the early 80s, the basics have not (especially avoiding static electricity!). Make sure to read the manuals for your hardware; ground yourself before putting anything in the case; chose defaults for first/beginning builts and installs, and you should be fine. Tweaking comes later.

alex98uk · 03-09-09

Major problem here is the formatting and the wall of text. If you are learning to build a PC you want to take it in small steps. It would make sense to split the guide into clear chapters and make digesting information a lot easier to follow.

Perhaps offer a formatted version in .pdf or .doc/x?

StarryNite · 03-09-09

All anyone really needs is to write down some crib notes (reminders) and they'll be fine. A lot said can be reduced to a few sentences. The "filler" is to help educate, so they'll know why they're doing what they're doing.

Some how-to guides are just too much to digest. When they suggest anti-static mats and wristbands and full computer tool kits (from everything form a voltage meter and tweezers for jumpers onwards) it's beyond useful for a beginner.

robbyriverside · 06-23-09

I am a film maker, embarking on my first computer build.

After frustration with off-the-shelf PCs, I decided to take a day and build one. Found many DIY guides and this is seems like the best. Just the kind of thing for which I joined overclocked.

Can you make some suggestions about what will matter most for video editing throughput? HD & Firewire peripherals, of course. But it seems to me it is all about maximizing bus speed; wide and fast.

Am I on the right track? Can you make some suggestions?

Willing to spend $2000 to get it right, on a reasonable budget.
I use Adobe Premiere on Windows Vista.

Very appreciative.

About me:
I have been writing software for longer than I can say without feeling really old. Lets just say I was on the "Internet" in the 80s. Nuff said.
So I am very comfortable with tech speak. Please geek out on me!

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How To: Build your own computer

03-09-09	#32 (permalink)
StarryNite 4.0 GHz Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,465 Rep: 88 Unique Rep: 75 Trader Rating: 0	One of the most important things to remember when building a computer (or doing any maintenance inside the case) is always remember the rule of touching the case metal before putting your hands inside of the case itself. This little tip, especially in winter where static electricity is at an all time high, will save you many a misery of fried electronics later. Secondly another tip (especially considering this is an overclocking forum) is when you apply thermal compound, make sure you apply a very thin coat. Some swear that the coat is so thin that it needs to be translucent (barely can see the processor below). You don't need to get that extreme, but you want to be sure to not ice your processor like a birthday cake. With some compounds that are conductive (can carry an electrical charge that can also fry electronics -- like Arctic Silver 5) you want to ensure no TIM gets transfered from your hands to anything electronic in the case (it's very easy to smear the goop). If you apply the heatsink and you see it oozing out the sides, it's too much. TIM is designed to fill slight imperfections between the processor and heatsink, and too much interferes with heat transfer. Thirdly, when you have the motherboard in the case and are attaching the power supply connectors and various cables, ensure that every connection is as snug as possible. Common startup problems are caused by not pushing the Molex plugs in far enough (a common occurance with SureGrip Molex connectors, they go in so smoothly and can fall out the same), and forgetting a plug for the videocard. Fourthly, the biggest headache upon starting the computer is configuring the BIOS. Computing has come a l-o-n-g way from manually setting IRQ channels and more, but with that mostly automatic now, some things are still not automatic (memory timings come to mine). This is when you sit at the BIOS screen with a motherboard manual and adjust what you need (and often the only thing you do need to change at first are things like the boot order -- so you can install the OS -- which means the first thing in the boot order will be for your DVD-RW drive, then the floppy, and lastly the HDD [for your first installation, because Windows XP will ask for drivers upon install [especially with SATA hard drives]). All in all computer building seems intimating and a headache at the beginning, but as you remember the steps, it'll be with you for a lifetime. Been building computers since the Timex-Sinclair days, and although things have changed a lot since the early 80s, the basics have not (especially avoiding static electricity!). Make sure to read the manuals for your hardware; ground yourself before putting anything in the case; chose defaults for first/beginning builts and installs, and you should be fine. Tweaking comes later.

03-09-09	#34 (permalink)
StarryNite 4.0 GHz Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,465 Rep: 88 Unique Rep: 75 Trader Rating: 0	All anyone really needs is to write down some crib notes (reminders) and they'll be fine. A lot said can be reduced to a few sentences. The "filler" is to help educate, so they'll know why they're doing what they're doing. Some how-to guides are just too much to digest. When they suggest anti-static mats and wristbands and full computer tool kits (from everything form a voltage meter and tweezers for jumpers onwards) it's beyond useful for a beginner.

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