Computer build expectations

[Eriol]

Ok, Im about to build my first machine and I want to make sure I understand the steps.
I think I have the actual assembly down and understood, but once that is done Im a little confused. Once I turn it on for the first time what should the expected result be(installing the OS, going into bios,, drivers, etc..)

Here are my specs (previously posted and recopied)
Case: Raidman Horizon
PSU:XCLIO 450W 450BL BLK RTL

Mobo: Asus A8N-E Athlon64 nForce4 Ultra Socket 939 4DDR Audio Gbe Lan PCI-E x16 PCI-E x3 PCI x3 SATA Raid ATX

Processor: AMD Athlon 4000+ San Deigo Core

HD: Seagate 300GB Serial ATA 7200rpm

Memory: 2 sticks 512MB DDR400 Kingston

Optical Pr: DVD Rom Sony 16X
Optical sec: Sony 16X Double Layer DVD+/- RW

Video card: VGA EVGA|GF 6800GS 256-P2-N386

[rspassey]

Once you turn it on the first time you will have to enter BIOS and configure you hardware and settings. After than, you will have to set the boot order (this in done in BIOS) so that your CD ROM drive is the first to boot. Insert your OS cd in the optical you set to boot first and save your settings (F10) and your computer will reboot and boot into the Installation CD. You may have to load your Drivers for your SATA drive (you will be prompted to do so) and them proceed with installing your OS. If it is windows then it is very straigh forward and you will just make the partitions, format the harddrive, and let it do it's thing.

[doctorgonzo]

Once you turn it on for the first time, you are going to make sure everything powers up, the fans are running, and you aren't getting any nasty sparks or explosions. Then you will be waiting for the POST beep and some kind of display on the monitor. It may prompt you to go into the BIOS to adjust some settings. Then, it will give you some kind of "non-system disk error" because you don't have anything on the hard drive and you don't have anything in the floppy or CD drives. If you get that far, everything is good, so you can put your Windows/Linux/BSD/other OS CD in the drive and reboot to install the OS.

[Eriol]

Thanks Ryan and gonzo

[Eriol]

I have another question, my video card supports SLI, however, I'm not planning on using that feature and didnt really think about when getting the other parts. Do I need to worry about the card not working b/c another piece doesnt support SLI.

[rspassey]

No, with only one card you do not need and SLI mobo or PSU.

[Eriol]

Thanks enuf, but the mobo and everything is in the mail, I really cant see me using SLI anyway.
BTW I like your photo

[bitTRL1000]

You should not need to install sata drivers during the WinXP install. I have the A8N-E and a WD Sata HD and XP installed without drivers.

[rspassey]

Originally Posted by Eriol BTW I like your photo

Thanks, that is my PC looking at it from the back right hand side.