building my first computer!

OMG! You have Zahlman in teh yuor PC!111eleven [grin]

I think my next computer I'll assemble myself. For now, though, I'm a 'pre-assembled-custom-computer-buyer'.

Yours seems to be a nicer computer than mine, but we have the same video card (except my 3rd party wasn't Sapphire). Hope you enjoy your new machine!

Nice, Dont fuck up, that sounds like pretty expensive stuff there.

Especially the graphics card. Even though mine was a third party Radeon, it was still one of the three most expensive parts of my new computer.

And Remember:
-Don't do it on CARPET!!! ><
-Don't mess up when dropping that 64 in the motherboard! ><
-Don't have a wool sweater on! >< (On second thought, build it naked. Safer. =) )
-Should have gotten the nVidia GT 6xxxxxx !!! =)

Quote:

Original post by WiseElben -Don't do it on CARPET!!! ><

If you absolutely have to do it on the carpet, don't do it in your socks. Put some shoes on hippy[wink] You're less likely to build up a charge with rubber soled shoes on.

Ooh, custom fan for the graphics card? That can be tricky... Good luck. ;)

I'll give you advice that seems simple, yet I've seen systems short out and destroyed because of it. Ahem...

USE ALL THE SCREWS

Also make sure there are no extra mobo mounting screws under your mobo. Sometimes htey put on extra, as apparently some mobos have unusual mounting holes. heh...unusual mounting holes.

You can't do this with a 2-pin plug, but if you have a 3 pin plug (Yay UK power supplies), plug the PSU into the wall, and switch it on. You'll earth the case which should discharge most of the static.

Quote:

Original post by Evil Steve You can't do this with a 2-pin plug, but if you have a 3 pin plug (Yay UK power supplies), plug the PSU into the wall, and switch it on. You'll earth the case which should discharge most of the static.

Actually, don't turn it on - earth is connected even when the power is off. And building the machine with the power on is just... no, don't do it.

Quote:

Original post by Evil Steve You can't do this with a 2-pin plug, but if you have a 3 pin plug (Yay UK power supplies), plug the PSU into the wall, and switch it on. You'll earth the case which should discharge most of the static.

We (USA) too have a grounding ('earthing?') plug in our outlets these days. Actually, for as long as I can remember, we've had three prong plugs. My room still has a couple 2 prongers, but that's because my grandpa built the house a long time ago.

Is it relatively cheaper to build your own computer than to buy a pre-built one with about the same specs? If you don't mind me asking, how much did you spend dman?

Quote:

Original post by Joseph Mahsman Is it relatively cheaper to build your own computer than to buy a pre-built one with about the same specs? If you don't mind me asking, how much did you spend dman?

it used to be but it isnt anymore. if you want something really high-end you can build it cheaper. but the average home user can get a dell for next to nothing.

Quote:

Original post by Cold_Steel Quote: Original post by WiseElben -Don't do it on CARPET!!! >< If you absolutely have to do it on the carpet, don't do it in your socks. Put some shoes on hippy[wink] You're less likely to build up a charge with rubber soled shoes on.

Unless you're already charged up by then..

here's the price run-down:


ordered from zipzoomfly.com and newegg.com:
Athlon 64 3500
Asus A8V-Deluxe Via K8T800Pro _____ $392.00

**got CPU and Mobo as a bundle deal


Geil 1Gb pc3200 ddr dual channel _____ $168.00

Sapphire Radeon 9800pro 128mb, 256-bit ____ $208.00

^^^^the above had free 2-day shipping from zip zoom^^^^

RAIDMAX ATX-889WBP 420W _____ $46.99

ZALMAN 8025 W/ADPT ZM-OP1 RT ____ $8.49

Total, about $830

not sure if you can get my exact system pre-built..some part brands might change during pre-building...but i didnt even bother looking it up...i just wanted to build a computer from the parts

I also build my own and I would unlikely buy a pre-made system because I know how much they're raping me :) Besides, it takes only few hours to get it all put together. I found the software installation to take the most time. But that goes also for a pre-build system when you decide to wipe the hd and reinstall. The BIOS can be a bit tricky but if you set everything on auto and browse thru the options like enabling usb ports if you're using usb devices and things like that then it shouldn't be too hard to make things work right out of the box. Two tips I have. Note the power plugs that plug into the mobo power switch and make sure you're not off by one or more pins. Check if your mobo has a variable front side bus frequency. Mine came set to 100mhz by default and needed to be switched on to 133mhz ie. 266DDR speeds. But probably new boards do this from the BIOS inistead of relying on dip switches or pins on the mobo itself. Been a while since I build a modern box.

if your hairy, don't do it naked. infact, don't do anything, ever naked.