Components For Starting To BUILD

[dickieboy]

I am new to building a PC and after doing a bit of research, I have settled for purchasing the following 3 components for starters. I will be purchasing all items from Computer Builders Warehouse ( local shop in Las Vegas). They have agreed to install the CPU to the MOBO for me....gratis.

Antec P180 Computer Case; AMD ATHL64 3700/1M SKT 939 RT.....and
ASUS SKT 939 NF4 A8N-SLID DLX

At a later date I will purchase the PSU and appropriate Memory. Then even later I will get to the drives and cards. I am retired, have plenty of time and
will be going slow....like a tortoise.

I purchased the PCmechanic CD for "building a computer" and have been reviewing it...almost daily. I have a lot to learn.

I wonder if anyone has a comment or suggestion that would be helpful in getting me started on the right track. Thanks in advance.

[scomac]

Just take it slow and follow the CD. I would suggest getting an anti-static wrist strap for when you're working inside the case (if you haven't already gotten one). When you do begin building, make sure you have an area that has plenty of light and a workbench that is at a comfortable height.

If you have any questions/concerns during your build, just remember that there are many people here that will be happy to assist you.

Have fun building that new rig!

Scomac

[dickieboy]

Thanks for your encouragement. I intend to start on Monday, a few days from now. I notice, under Security you indicate you have a hardware firewall.
I assume this is the "router".

I disabled the XP Firewall because I, too, have a router (linksys). I assume that is proper because I have been told the rounter acts as a firewall. ???

[flanzig1]

One thing to remember is DO NOT set circuit boards on antistatic bags. The out side of the bags are conductive. So, with that just think of putting together a computer as putting together a kids toy that has "some assembly required" You already have a great set of instructions in the PCMECH CD.

Yes you are correct about the hardware firewall. I also use a software firewall. (Zonealarm)

[scomac]

Yes, my router has a built in hardware firewall. I do have the XP firewall enabled as well. You can have both. The router's firewall is independent of the operating system. You can also run a software firewall as well (ZoneAlarm, Sygate) if you feel it's necessary along with XP's firewall.

Scomac

[dickieboy]

With your suggestion, I got an anti-static wrist strap. Also, I have a set of individual, small & screw drivers and needle nose pliers, etc. I have a separate "demagnitizer and magnetizer" device. Does it make sense to MAGNETIZE my small tools. Will it have a bad effect insofar as anti-static conditions are concerned. In other words, should I DEMAGNETIZE the small tools?? Dick J.

[flanzig1]

Don't bother with the demagnetizer. If you need to put a screw into a tight place, use a small piece of Scotch tape around the head of the screw and the screw driver.

[Mavrick813]

Flanz,
Scotch tape! Awesome tip! Never even considered it!

[USMDude]

Originally Posted by dickieboy With your suggestion, I got an anti-static wrist strap. Also, I have a set of individual, small & screw drivers and needle nose pliers, etc. I have a separate "demagnitizer and magnetizer" device. Does it make sense to MAGNETIZE my small tools. Will it have a bad effect insofar as anti-static conditions are concerned. In other words, should I DEMAGNETIZE the small tools?? Dick J.

Having something magnetized won't cause static electricity. Magnetism and static electricity are different, and each can zap certain components in your case if you're not careful. Basically, make sure you're using that anti-static strap correctly by attaching the alligator clip to an unpainted metal surface (like the inside part of the computer case). As for the magnetized parts you most likely aren't going to be doing any major installation stuff where you'll need them (small crevices in HP desktops come to mind ), but do keep them away from things like floppy disks and hard drives as well as any other magnetic media that I forgot to mention here. You'll wipe one of those bad-babies clean with a magnetically-charged screwdriver if left there long enough. Happy building!