Building 1st computer

[darbykidd]

Hi. For my own personal sense of accomplishement I'm wanting to build my first computer and have some questions. What are the basic things I need to get in order to get it up and running? What kind of setting up will I have to do once everything is hooked up and the power is turned on? (as far as in Windows Setup) Thanks for the help. Feel free to email me if you don't want to post a huge response.

[daveleau]

First, I would have to ask what the system is going to be used for and then I would proceed...
Dave

[Deanna_L]

If you are building your own first computer and you have never done it before, I would not suggest spending an inordinate amount of money on the first one you build. It would really be a shame to "shock" an expensive processor or motherboard in learning how to build one. I would go with a less expensive model for your first time building one. Each motherboard and processor can be so different in what they require for their hardware to function properly. Things such as do you want to put your own heat sink and fan on it, or purchase one that already has these on them would be a really important question. If you don't get one that already has them attached, then I suggest for you to practice by putting the thermal paste on something else first. I suggest a good book on building a computer as a necessary purchase and also to have a technician who would be willing to help and to answer your questions. Even though it is not hard to build your own computer, some peoople have "fried" motherboards, by making a simple mistake, or doing something that worked with another board, but not the one that they are building.

[daveleau]

Ok, with a K6-3 450...not too bad. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
I assume you have decided on the components and the motherboard, so...
What you will need, once everything is hooked up and ready to power on is below:
1- Windows 98 CD
2- Windows 98 boot disk
3- Driver cd (whether from the manufacturer or from a compilation of downloaded drivers fromt he web)

On the driver cd, you will need drivers for all of your components but you probably will not need any drivers for your motherboard although they are out there as well.

Once everything is put togehter, boot up with the boot disk inserted into the fdd (fdd= floppy, hdd= hard drive). When it asks you how you want to start (3 options) hit SHIFT F5. This takes you to a DOS prompt. Type in FDISK. If it is a new drive, there will be no partitions. Create a Primary Partition. You can set the size during this stage. If you want two partitons, then you select a smaller size for the first one and then after it has finished, you create an extended partition and then logical drives. After these are done, you reboot and then type Format c: at the DOS prompt (you get to DOS like I said above). After you have formatted all partitions, reboot and chose option 1 from the boot disk (boot with cd support). With your cd in the cd-rom drive, it will take you through the setup. Once it is done, you have to load the drivers for each card. Start with any motherboard drivers you will install (if any), then do video and then the order is not necessary.
If you need any more clarification, let me know.
Dave

In the above post, do not worry to much about shocking your system but DO be aware that if you shock yourself (static electricity) on your system, you will probably kill your system. Just touch the case before touching the mobo or anything else electronic to ground yourself.

[This message has been edited by daveleau (edited 01-24-2001).]

[darbykidd]

Dave,
The computer is going to be mostly used for gaming, but I'm not wanting to spend much money. I've got a somewhat older processor (k6-3+ 450) that I'll be putting into it that will be good for a couple years. i know the basic components I need but as far as what to do once they are all hooked up is what I'm not sure on. thanks for the help

[jadison]

Building a Computer:

Question 1: Intel or AMD?
Q2: What are you going to be using the computer for, games, office apps., ??
Q3: How much money are you willing to spend for the whole setup?

If u go with Intel and are willing to spend about $6-700, then here's a good setup:

-700MHz Celeron
-64MB PC133 SDRAM
-10GB Ultra ATA
-Floppy drive
-48X Max CD-ROM
-Soundblaster 64V PCI
-Intergrated Intel 3D AGP graphics
-56K V.90 Winmodem
-15" monitor (.28dp)
-Windows ME
-Harmon/Kardon speakers
-generic keyboard
-Logitech First Mouse+ Wheel


Or if your're willing to pay the $$$

-1GHz P3
-128MB PC133 SDRAM
-40GB Ultra ATA/100 7200rpm
-Floppy Drive
-12X DVD-ROM
-8x4x32x CD-RW
-Sound Blaster Live! Value
-32MB DDR ATI Radeon
-56K V.90 Modem
-17" Trinitron monitor
-Altec Lansing ACS-340
-MS Intellimouse
-WIN ME

But of course I'd go with AMD, I'll be back to give u an AMD based super system!

-=jd=-
A.K.A. computer super freak