You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
New Computer-follow up
- Thread starter Arnie
- Start date
Quote from pspr:
Building a computer is fun and easy. But did you remember:
CPU fan
Extra Case Fan(s)
Sound Card if not on MB
Nic card
Fax/Modem
Necessary internal cables
Anti Static wrist strap
(there should be 2 serial, 1 parallel and several USB ports built into the MB)
And Maybe:
Speakers
Monitor
And, don't build it while standing on carpet. Go to your basement or garage preferably standing on cement.
pspr,
Case has one fan, I may have to get another
Reviews say the sound on the mobo is pretty good
Forgot the nic card, thanks for reminding me! I hear 3Com are the best.
Also forgot a modem!
I was going to see what cables came with everything before ordering. I may use the round kind as that will impede airflow less than wide flat ones.
For now I will use 2 existing monitors. I would really like to get LCD but they are just too much. I was thnking about getting 2 19" samsung CRT's.
I will def ground myself, plus my office floor is hardwood, not carpet.
Quote from complex:
if you ever need any help, pm or email me, i'd be happy to assist.
Thanks for the offer, I may just take you up on it. I found some pretty good info on tomshardware.com. I have read about a "burn in". What is that? Also, will I just be able to load Win XP or will I have to format/partiton HD? Thanks.
Quote from Arnie:
Thanks for the offer, I may just take you up on it. I found some pretty good info on tomshardware.com. I have read about a "burn in". What is that? Also, will I just be able to load Win XP or will I have to format/partiton HD? Thanks.
burning in is running the computer for a short while (maybe 24 or 48 hours, up to a week) in order to test all the components and connections in the computer. the theory is that if a part is going to fail, it will fail during this burn-in period.
windows xp will automatically ask you if you want to format the hard drive if it isn't already formatted. i recommend you let xp handle it.
Reading up on Power Supplies can be in and of an education all by itself!
It is not a very glamorous piece of equipment for your computer, but it is tremendously important. Note: Do not go by the stated total wattage of the product; instead, check the 3 rails for their stated wattages ( +3.3V, +5.0V, and +12V rails ).
Remember, a Radeon 9800 Pro during intense gaming can draw about 75 watts of peak power. Moreover, your +3.3V rail is the rail that supports your AGP slot and your RAM. Make sure that this rail can handle all of the power demands of your system.
The +12V rail supports your micro-processor.
A typical Pentium 4 at 2.60 will require 110 watts at peak use.
You might want to go with a power supply unit from PC Power & Cooling down in Southern California. Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to power supplies!
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/power_supplies/index.htm
It is not a very glamorous piece of equipment for your computer, but it is tremendously important. Note: Do not go by the stated total wattage of the product; instead, check the 3 rails for their stated wattages ( +3.3V, +5.0V, and +12V rails ).
Remember, a Radeon 9800 Pro during intense gaming can draw about 75 watts of peak power. Moreover, your +3.3V rail is the rail that supports your AGP slot and your RAM. Make sure that this rail can handle all of the power demands of your system.
The +12V rail supports your micro-processor.
A typical Pentium 4 at 2.60 will require 110 watts at peak use.
You might want to go with a power supply unit from PC Power & Cooling down in Southern California. Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to power supplies!
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/power_supplies/index.htm
Quote from Arnie:
For now I will use 2 existing monitors. I would really like to get LCD but they are just too much. I was thnking about getting 2 19" samsung CRT's.
Arnie,
I don't know how close you are to best buy stores but they have 19 in. viewsonic CRT flatscreen monitor (ultrabrite A90f+) for $229 - not a bad buy for a pretty nice monitor. Before the lcd's became prevalent these viewsonics were selling for around 500 bux if memory serves me correctly.
Quote from Luto:
Have used them for the past 5 years in over 40 machines and no problems. Drivers are better tested than Nvidia too.
Don't forget the thermal goo for the heat sink either!
The processor I ordered says its a "retail box" with heatsink and fan. I would think they would include that. If not I can probably get it at Radio Shack.
Waggie,
I've spent untold hours reading up on everything. The case I really wanted had 4 fans but is too wide to go where I want it, so I settled for a basic box with PS and one fan. It says I can add an additional fan in the front. The box I wanted also had a thermo display on the front and 2 speed controls for fan. Its amazing how hot these things can run. Gammers are especailly obsessed with keeping things cool. Lot of good info at tomshardware. I will just have to see how it runs.
I've spent untold hours reading up on everything. The case I really wanted had 4 fans but is too wide to go where I want it, so I settled for a basic box with PS and one fan. It says I can add an additional fan in the front. The box I wanted also had a thermo display on the front and 2 speed controls for fan. Its amazing how hot these things can run. Gammers are especailly obsessed with keeping things cool. Lot of good info at tomshardware. I will just have to see how it runs.
Quote from waggie945:
Reading up on Power Supplies can be in and of an education all by itself!
It is not a very glamorous piece of equipment for your computer, but it is tremendously important. Note: Do not go by the stated total wattage of the product; instead, check the 3 rails for their stated wattages ( +3.3V, +5.0V, and +12V rails ).
Remember, a Radeon 9800 Pro during intense gaming can draw about 75 watts of peak power. Moreover, your +3.3V rail is the rail that supports your AGP slot and your RAM. Make sure that this rail can handle all of the power demands of your system.
The +12V rail supports your micro-processor.
A typical Pentium 4 at 2.60 will require 110 watts at peak use.
You might want to go with a power supply unit from PC Power & Cooling down in Southern California. Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to power supplies!
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/power_supplies/index.htm