VIrgin at installing the board

[zzzreyes]

Well I am following all the specs from my other computer to the tooth!
now is there any common surprises or problems that are common in forgetting when you first (or usually) install a motherboard.
I am starting the system from bare bones, bought the empty case, have the board and set up the pins to slap the board on top... I found some springs which I still don't know what they are for...
Any tips will be appreciated.

[bell1]

Static electicity is one of your worst enemies! Wear a wrist strap(grounded of course) or at least ground yourself by touching the metal frame of the case before doing anything!
My $.02 worth.

[Emc2]

Just some pointers for you on connections that my dad drilled into and should be drilled into everybody who's building for the first time:

1. On the power connection to the MB, Black Wires in

2. On all IDE connections, the red stripe signifies PIN #1; look for a little "1" in the corner of the connection on the motherboard: this ensures you don't hook IDE's up backwards

3. NO STATIC your best bet is stick with a wrist strap like Bell said, just go spend $4-$5 on one; worth it in the end

4. DONT mess with jumpers when you don't know what they mean. Make sure you completely understand the manual concerning these.

5. Experience and Patience are a must; if it's really your first time (sounds perverse, doesn't it?) putting a system together, you probably won't get it right the first time. Don't rush anything, because most of the time there's something you missed which means you have to break open the case again.

[This message has been edited by Emc2 (edited 02-23-2000).]

[deep_sky]

another pointer is to leave the case off until you are absolutely sure that everything is working and you do not plan on updating your computer any time soon. i keep mine off since i have to work on it so much....

[Emc2]

--Turning your computer on without the case disrupts the airflow over the components inside, thus that little fan in the back is working for nothing. This is especially dangerous on overclocked CPU's and motherboards where the voltage is up a little. You don't have to screw it down, just put the case back over it before you turn it on.