I'll try again........

[Mavman1]

Hi guys and gals......

New to the forum and thought I'd say hello.


Building a system from the ground up-(first one) and wanted to see if you like/dis-like and/or can offer up some advise that I'm positve I'll need-(pretty much a noob, computer wise) and look forward to getting.


I started this little project a few years ago, but it got put on hold due to my wifey getting pregnant and bringing a gorgeous son into the world anyway.........here's what I had bought and can hopefully still use.....


Antec Plusview1000AMG file server case.......pretty close to this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144118

Plextor PX-712A-(dvd+-R/RW CD-RW) opitcal drive:
http://www.plextor.com/english/products/712A.htm


After discussing it with the better half, I't was decided I could take said project off hold.....soo, I got pretty excited and started looking at all the "custom builders" sites out there recently i.e alienware ect. and after some research...this is what I have ordered so far........

4 of these case fans--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835129009
this--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835186134
and this--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16829102006


....this is the rest I have some what formulated:

MB--http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131073
Vid x 2http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130072
PS--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817153043
Processor-http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115021
Memory-http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820134009
OR
Memory-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145176
DVD-ROM--http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106068
Media reader-http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820176009
OR
Media reader-http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820176825
Hardrive-http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822136011
and
Hardrive-http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148136
OR
http://Hardrive-http://www.newegg.co...82E16822145141
Monitor-http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...9&sku=222-7175
or
Monitor-http://h71016.www7.hp.com/dstore/Mid...401/DDI%20Link


The primary use for this would be playing lots of Single player Vid games/Internet surfing/E-mail and to hold family pictures and the like..

..I'm also hoping it'll be a build to last for several years with only a few tweeks here and there.....

Where I'm torn is.....is this set up over the top?? The excitement of a build is still there, but now that I've settled down some, I'm wondering if this isn't TOO MUCH.....
i.e.

Do I really need TWO vid cards?

Would this be more than enough power for this set up rather than the 850w?--http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151028

Would the 11 in 1 card reader be just as good as the 28 in 1 for what little I'd do with it--(SD cards/xd cards/video cam/camera down loads)?

I see mention of Kingston memory mentioned on the forum as being not so good.....so I guess I'd be better off with the corsair.....correct?

Vid card brand......is the EUGA just as good as XFX? I'm not too familular with either.



Any and all comments, questions, suggestions and answers will be greatly appreciated.

THANKS


EDIT.......Any idea why some of my links aren't working........OK, it looks fixed.....they were missing the url tags

[Mavman1]

Oh yeah.....OS...I was hoping to go with Vista 32, it will work with older and newer games for a while.......then update to 64 when the SP1 comes out yes it'll work?

[marine63]

D: if i had that kind of computer ill be so happy
however u only need one video card since its a 8800 gtx
also vista is a nice choice since ull need it to work with ur vid card for the directx 10
get the 500gb hdd seagate
i myself think wats the pt of having soo much speed when u have little space you know?
will you overclock this? if not you wont need 800 speed ram just 677 speed yep go with corsair (if you get 677 get the 2x1gb corsair 677 value select highly recommended on this forum)
what you think about this dvd burner http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106070
also on july 22 theres a intel core 2 duo price drop :3
also check out the prices at zipzoomfly <3 free shipping could be the difference in a good deal you no
evga is like buddies with nvidia so buy from them but you should look at their clock speeds and prices

also when building a computer and not knowing what your doing is a pain in the arse cough excuse my British :P all im saying be prepared before going right into it.

did your cpu fan come with thermal compound or pad?
make sure you buy a anti static wrist strap or anti static gloves *intel recommend the gloves*

power supply i think i heard seasonic being awesome and quite but im not sure if itll be enuff for the proccessor and the 8800gtx
hmm think about getting a 8800 ultra MAWHAHAHAHAHHAH POWER MAWHAHA
naw im kidding even a 8800gts 320 would be fine...
also http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127281
check this video card out its cheaper and better clock speeds
your case its nice and its a shame that youll wont use the power supply that it comes with (give me it plz <3? )

doesnt your case also come wit like 4 fans? (gimmie those too if your not using <3)

you said u ordered them? how long ago? you really dont need a sound card... the motherboard sound is good enuff

i hope i given you good info... hey cricket where r u D:

[Mavman1]

Hi marine63, thanks for responding.

ha ha, no.....no, ya can't have my fans The case only came with two black one's and I may need one or both of those if any of the red led one's I orderd arrive doa or something *quickly knocks on wood*. Oh.....and it didn't come with a Power supply either......sorry.

Hey and thanks for the heads up on the "not needing 800 speed ram if I'm not OC'ing" because I don't plan on it.

AND THE PRICE!! http:////www.newegg.com/product/prod...82E16820145098
Can't beat that.

Only one vid card eh? Well the wife will be happy on some money saved.....THANK again.


The MSI Vid card does look as good as the others.....too much tunnel vision on what the "rig building sites" recommended on my end I guess..

Sadly, if the plextor I have didn't have a white face plate, and I wasn't trying to match up white faceplates on all...I'd give the dvd-rom you provided a link to a harder look, but thanks any way.

I haven't recieved anything yet......should be coming in the next day or so from newegg though...but near as I can tell-(from the NE reviews), the CPU Cooler comes with it's own paste, pre applied. I've already got the artic silver in mind to use instead.

Concerning the sound card, already ordered and being shipped......oh well.

I already have a wrist strap here at home......AND the anti static gloves saved to my favorites.

hhhmm, the power supplies still a concern though.....might just stick with the thermalake 850 or the Antec 850, just in case I add more hardware way down the road.

If I only got the one hardrive......it won't have any ill effects on gaming, flying around the web and uploading things and such?? Believe me, I'm a big noob where this is concerned.

Yeah, concerning the build....let's just say I'm "as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rockin' chairs".


appreciate your time, Mav

[marine63]

im glad you read all that
the ram u can buy that at zipzoomfly.com it costs i think 1 dollar more but has free shipping :3
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...tCode=85016-47
about the power supply you should ask one of the more experienced ppl of this forums like cricket... strange guy with a rabbit avatar... anyways good luck with that
i mean you COULD always buy two video cards and give me one <3?
sound card they should give u a few days to return it
i for got to give u a link to the gloves if you ever want to buy em http://www.directron.com/dirsthd.html
about the cpu cooler im sure w/e stuff they put on their fan is good enuff i mean then you have to order it and remove the old thermal pad etc the faster you get the computer built the faster you get it use it right ?
mayb since your not getting the sli you should look at some other motherboards mayb that way you can save some cash :3
and also as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rockin' chairs ....what?
also... http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195 is a powrsupply brand guide. it says the antec is top quality and should be used for high end computers like urs...
o-o 30 inch monitors... dude did u rob a bank or r u a drug dealer o-o (if drug dealer ull gimmie good price right? >.> <.<) anyways i dont no much about monitors but id go for the hp just for the anti glare but you should ask someone more qualified

[andper10]

What is your budget? Once you get into top end stuff you can downgrade and save a lot of money and only loose a little bit of preformance. Are you planning to overclock?

For the PSU I believe this is the cheapest one that is certified for 2 8800GTX's in SLI: $200 - PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad (Black) EPS12V 750W Continuous @ 40°C (825W Peak) Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, ULC, CE, CB, RoHS - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703009 - It also comes if an orangeish color if you like that better: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703008

For the CPU I believe that you wouldn't notice much difference between that $1,300 CPU and this $480 CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017 - And if you wait for the July 22nd price drop that should be even cheaper.

As far as the O.S. I would get a copy of Windows XP ($90 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116056 ) and a Copy of Vista Ultimate 32 Bit ($190 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116213 ) and do a dual boot (it seems like you have plenty of money to spend so this would ensure that all your games will be playable). As far as 64bit my understanding is that the drivers are too buggy and unstable, at least for the time being.

For the Hard Drive I would just do one - The Seagate 7200.10 SATA's have a good reputation around here. I would think that 500GB should be enough unless you are storing a lot of video on it. I know someone with a Raptor and they are LOUD. Wouldn't recommend them unelss you want a really noisy system.

$260 - CORSAIR XMS2 4GB(4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Quad Kit Desktop Memory - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145178 - There shouldn't be any harm in getting 4 sticks, especially since it will save you $100 ! You could get 2 of the 2x1GB Valueselect DDR2 667 Kits for around $160 but if you want this build to last a while it might be a good idea to spend the extra $100 over the DDR2 667 to have a little faster ram in case the new 1333Mhz FSB CPU's need faster ram than DDR2 667. Windows 32bit has this thing where only 3.5ish GB's of your 4GB of ram will actually show up in the OS, but I don't think that it actually harms anything. Having 4GB that only shows up as 3.whatever is still probably beter than only getting 2GB.

I do think that two 8800GTX's is over the top. But if you play a lot of games then you might use them. I beileive that EVGA has a step up program so that when you want to upgrade video cards you can send back your old one for a credit towards a new one. I think that it would be more economical to upgrade more often than to get SLI and have to buy more expensive versions of everything to support SLI in the first place. I think that going with a 22" monitor like this: $220 - Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support 300 cd/m2 700:1 - Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009094 and 1 8800GTX would save you over $1,000 and yet you would still have an amazing gaming computer. I think that if you get 1 8800GTX it actually won't be able to keep up in games on max settings at the extremely high resoultion that 30" screens use. And if you get a single 8800GTX you could probably downgrade your PSU to a Corsair 520 Watt to save some money (buy.com has it quite a bit cheaper than newegg right now) - http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-520w...203270716.html . And if you get a single 8800GTX you could downgrade your motherboard to an Asus P5K to save some more money - $140 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131180 . And if you are really into games it might be a good idea to keep the X-fi. Enjoy your build! It looks like it will turn out to be a very nice computer!

[marine63]

ummm u didnt read what i wrote did u... D:

[Mavman1]

he he.......guys, let's not start a fued.

Budgets about 3500....but keep in mind, I'm not rich by no means and this is a save/buy as I go project.

nope, nada no over clocking


The 30" or bigger monitor is something I REALLY want.....not small, yet not huge by no means and that will probably wait a year or so......I'm currently using a sony trinitron 21" view crt monitor, it's good enough for now. What worries me most.......is:
Will the graphics be as great and Frame rates be as good as they are with my crt with just ONE vid card on my up & coming new build??

Another thing......I'm wanting this computer system to last several years, I guess that's why I thought it wise to start with the Asus MB and 2.93 ghz processor that I mentioned in my first post and work off of them for the rest of the hardware, that way I can keep those for a longer period of time and swap out other things if and when needed. Am I wrong to do so?

andper10.......I'm likin' the PS you pointed out for it's orangish color alone.... , but it would/will? look cool in my case, since all the fans are red leds that I'll be using. I'm a little confused using the configurator......one says just under 400w and the other suggests a 750w PS....heck, I may be using it wrong to, I'm not sure.

hhhmmm, That XP/VISTA ultimate dual boot sound very promising...wouldn't I need two HD's for such a thing though"..hhhhmm...I might have to look further into that.

Now about that Memory.......I looked at the QVL for the MB at asus.com and I'm thinking it might be wise to go with what listed on that for Corsair and go with 2x1 gigs instead of the 4x2 I was initially thinking, don't ya think..http://usa.asus.com/100/download/pro...59/1459_10.pdf...or just not worry about it and go with the 667.....?

Hey Marine63, ok.....I got the link to the gloves AND zzf memory saved in my favorites

Well I think I'll go with the 750W PS andper10 mentioned........color/more than enough power for the system to grow if needed. THANKS.

HD's......you guy's are both saying that one might be sufficient and the seagate sounds like the winner. thanks.

THANKS for the suggestions guy's, keep 'um coming........good night.


p.s. Can anybody help with the monitor question(s)?

[marine63]

vista/ubuntu dual boot ftw
can i have ur 21 crt .. do u have a lcd tv? is it nice mayb hook it up wit tv tuner :O
about the monitor im sure the 8800 gtx wil be good cause the highest resolution is that of the 30 inch
D: about that lasting thing i myself would build a great computer for less money and when the ddr3 ram and other stuff become the norm and cheap build a new one... not exactly environment friendly wit all the trash like boxes and throwing out old components but meh... if nasa wont use my idea to burn all our trash by sending it to the sun well forget >.<
... a 3500 computer... i still think ur a drug dealer :l

[Katreat]

A few thoughts on SLI.

SLI, if using two of the top end cards will make your computer faster than non-SLI. A 30 in top of the line monitor will likely benefit from that speed in some applications, although I have never really shopped for those supper big monitors so I am not sure how much it would help. I think it would have to be capable of the very high resolutions to benefit from SLI.

Now, the big negative about SLI is that you spend a lot of bucks for just a little more bang. SLI is expensive and the advantage of it is very short lived! You say you will probably not get a new monitor for a year or so, well in a year or so the 8800 GTX will probably not be the top video card on the market. Since history has shown each new generation of video cards out performs the last generation in SLI, IMO you would be money ahead using one card now and buying the next generation when it is released.

I am pretty sure that with your 21 in monitor a single 8800 GTX will run just about everything at max frame rates so your SLI investment really wont even provide any benefit until you get your new monitor down the road. Buy staying with a single card now you can save close to $1000 on MB, PSU, and not purchasing a second video card. You can then use this money in a year or so to buy the newest video card when you get your 30 in monitor and your system will actually be faster than it would be your current planned SLI system.

SLI only makes sense if you need the power it provides “right now”. The expense of building it into your system negates the value if it is something you will need down the road because down the road there will always be something better.

Just my thoughts, enjoy your new computer. One video card or two that monster should scream………..

Kat

Another thing......I'm wanting this computer system to last several years, I guess that's why I thought it wise to start with the Asus MB and 2.93 ghz processor that I mentioned in my first post and work off of them for the rest of the hardware, that way I can keep those for a longer period of time and swap out other things if and when needed. Am I wrong to do so?

Well, I would not say you are wrong, you are just spending a lot for the last tiny bit of speed. Usually on any list of parts that one at the top is priced for the person who just has to have the speed or power right this minute. It is a lot of money for a very small gain and if you don't just have to have it you are money ahead buying a step down and upgrading a little sooner. Whatever you buy will be out of date next year.

[andper10]

For the 2.93 Ghz CPU yes it goes 0.33Ghz faster but do you really think it is worth over $500 more for that extra little bit of speed? Ghz is becoming less important and like Katreat said you would be able to upgrade/rebuild sooner if you keep that money that you will save. If you buy parts that are just a little less powerful than the bleeding edge you will have very similar preformance but it will cost you a lot less. As far as the QVL I wouldn't be too concerned about it. Corsair has the tendency to work well out of the box. If you want a system that will last I would get DDR2 800 because I doubt that the up and coming 1333Mhz FSB Intel CPU's will be able to run with DDR2 667. But that is just speculation. From what I have read a single 8800GTX will not be able to run max game settings on a 30" monitor because of its extremely high resolution. The more pixels the video card has to render per frame, the less frames it can render. However if you stick with your 21" CRT a single 8800GTX should be able to run max settings at 1600x1200 or maybe higher (if the CRT supports it). Then if you get a 30" down the road you can buy a better video card to power it and "trade in" your 8800GTX to Evga for credit towards the new one.

Yes I read what you wrote marine63. I was just trying to give specific examples of "some other motherboards", etc. No offense but you seem pretty new to computer building and some of your advice is a little off. For example experienced users say that zipzoomfly has terrible service if you have to return something. Now I personally haven't dealed with them but just be sure to read what experienced users (probably over 1,000 posts) have to say and learn from it. And as far as the antistatic stuff as long as you touch a bear metal surface before you touch any components you will be fine. I don't have anti-static gloves or wristband and I have built my computer and upgraded others and everything has been fine. But for an expensive build it might be good to have the peace of mind. As long as you don't wear a heavy sweater and shuffle your feet across the floor with fluffy socks on your way to pick up your components and then forget to touch some bear metal to discharge the static then you should be fine. And quit asking him for things, seriously. This is a forum for advice, not mooching.

[marine63]

id rather pay 5 bucks for some dang gloves than have to wait on hold to get something returned. thusly they wont have to go thru the terrible service at zipzoomfly and also many ppl here recommended it so there its more of a precaution than anything. and also.. D: words hurts u no T_T and DAMN RIGHT IM A NOOB U GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT!! >.< ... mooching? i call it recycling save planet earth the polar bears wont save themselves D: and also andper i hope the cookie monster comes over and eat all your cookies BAWHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Mavman1]

Well guys,

I think you've talked me outa' this SLI business ....besides, if I'm gonna do ONE vid card, and hey, I wanted to mention this.....was talkin' to a buddy and he pointed this out to me:

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16889022027
so why not and I agree.....I think it's a good thing and the best move..so, THANKS for the help in that area.....VERY MUCH appreciated!

Probably go with this MB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131180

and this Processor...http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115017
..I'm trustin' that it'll screeeam for a couple years at least!!-(I can still upgrade the PS/MB later if needed).

I think I'll stay with the 800 ram rather than the 667, let's just leave that as it is.

SO.......besides what changes I've pointed out above and these things below.....:

EVGA VID CARD--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130072

PS--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817703008--I think I'll stay with this one....I'll be QUITE COVERED by it for a long, long time.

Memory--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820145034

HD--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148136

and I ordered the 11-1 media reader and Lite-on dvd-rom from my list in my first post today, I think I'm pretty set. Just need the Hardware NOW, DARN IT!!.

now.......about them gloves. andper10....I don't mind the five bucks it'll cost me, I here ya though, don't get me wrong, BUT, if anything can go wrong when it comes to me, it's almost sure to do so. I haven't had any problems working on puters before-simple stuff-(installing memory/vid cards and fans), I've done well concerning those with no issue's.....yet with this being my first "from the ground up" build, I'd rather play it safe.

BEST NEWS YET--I found a local dealer/fixer/builder computer shop in town.....and their prices are close to what newegg and the likes want for theirs.....I'll probably order hardware/parts from them. That way, if somethings DOA or screwed up.....they can deal with the fix it/return it side of things. YIPPIE!

Well......I'm getting quite fired up about this build.....I'm certain that I'll have more questions down the road, but while I'm saving money for the "below" mentioned items, I'll be continuing to read up on the installation/bios and definately the "duel boot" senario--(I'm still very much interested in that).

BTW.....THANKS GUYS!!

If ya still have concerns about the hardware I've selected.....I'm most definately still all ears. thanks again.

[marine63]

Originally Posted by Mavman1 now.......about them gloves. andper10....I don't mind the five bucks it'll cost me, I here ya though, don't get me wrong, BUT, if anything can go wrong when it comes to me, it's almost sure to do so. I haven't had any problems working on puters before-simple stuff-(installing memory/vid cards and fans), I've done well concerning those with no issue's.....yet with this being my first "from the ground up" build, I'd rather play it safe.

BAWHAHAHAA i win >:3

i wish u the best of luck mavman

[Katreat]

Not sure I agree that a HDTV that can "double as a computer monitor" is quite the same as a computer monitor but I dont know much about that. I would check around some and make sure it will actually do the job you want. Other than that your list looks good and I think you will be plenty happy with the speed of your system.

Kat

[Mavman1]

Originally Posted by Katreat Not sure I agree that a HDTV that can "double as a computer monitor" is quite the same as a computer monitor but I dont know much about that. I would check around some and make sure it will actually do the job you want. Other than that your list looks good and I think you will be plenty happy with the speed of your system. Kat

Say Kat, I'm not so sure either.....I'll check back with my friend and see about the graphics/frame rates. I did see it playing Lord of the rings on DVD though.....not so shappy where that's concerned.


ALSO.....I got my gamer mag today and a monitor their advertising caught my eye.
What do you guy's think of this??>ViewSonic VX2835WM 28" HDMI W/ HDCP Widescreen LCD Monitor.......it's 1080p>

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16824116084

The recommended resolution for it is 1920x1200 The ONE vid card I'm looking at has a max resolution of 2560x1600

Think I'll still be ok if I went with this monitor and the one vid card with the hardware mentioned in my last post? I'm thinkin' so, but want to make sure.

Thanks, Mav

[marine63]

D: me wanty

[andper10]

Originally Posted by marine63 BAWHAHAHAA i win >:3

As I said before "But for an expensive build it might be good to have the peace of mind." I was just basically trying to say that most people around here don't use antistatic stuff. But it is probably a good idea.

Sorry if I offended you. If someone wants to give stuff away they will probably say so. Plus having some extra computer parts laying around shouldn't be harming the polar bears. And I believe that my cookies are still intact .

On the topic I would say that you should go for an actual computer monitor. I would think that text would be hard to read on a TV. Plus that TV doesn't have very high resolution. That 28" Viewsonic looks very nice. Also make sure on the warranty for the local dealer. Be sure that you can return stuff if it is defective and ask about restocking fees and such. Depending on how long it takes for you to save up for stuff your best options might change. Be sure to keep checking for new technology and price changes. Enjoy your build!

[Mavman1]

ok........I'm feeling really stupid and panicy concerning ide and sata working together.....so bear with me if this is a stupid question.....

Concerning interfaces.....

the E-IDE (ATAPI) interface PLEXTOR PX-712A I've had before my build got interupted years ago--

http://www.plextor.com/english/products/712A.htm

and the one with the same interface that I've ordered recently.....http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106068

will work with the rest that I'm going to be ordering in a few short weeks......

MB http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131180
GRAPHICS CARD-http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130072
POWER SUPPLY-(btw I changed to this one)--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817139002
PROCESSOR-http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115017
MEMORY-http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820145034
SATAHARDDRIVE-http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148136

correct............?

I would just set the HD as master with one cable to the sata connection on the mobo........and the plextor as the master with the Lite on as the slave with one (ribbon or round) cable into the ide connection on the mb........yes?

THANKS, Mav

[marine63]

yep...

[Mavman1]

Originally Posted by marine63 yep...

THANKS.


ONE more question guys before ordering parts.....concerning the OEM Seagate Hardrive:

By ordering the OEM version, the things missing will be the SATA cable, user manual and maybe a couple of screws......right?

BUT I'll be all right, because the necessary cables will come with the MB, I can probably get away with using some of the screws that came with the Tower AND I can download the user manual from seagate.com if needed right?

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.js...reqPage=Model#

If not....would be getting this from here be a good thing for me to do....?

http://www.pcnation.com/web/details....05&item=J88056


THANKS for your continued help with getting me started.

Mav

[Katreat]

You will be fine. Cable will come with MB. Screws are usually in the case already. I have never needed a user manual with a hard drive but if you do it should be avaliable.

Basically, OEM hard drives should be no problem. If you have a problem it is because another of your purchases did not come with all its parts. I suppose that can happen but is hardly a reason to go overboard and spend more money up front. You can also pick up screws and a cable at your local radio shack or computer store for much less than buying a retail version if that becomes necessary.

Kat

[Mavman1]

I'm near the end of the "out of the box build" to make sure the core components work, but I'm *subject line"........

Concerning this card--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130072

I do plug both PCI-E power cables from this power supply--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817703008

into the vid card, on this mother board--http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131180


Correct??

the last time I messed with a vid card, it was a replacement and it was AGP

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Mavman1 Concerning this card I do plug both PCI-E power cables from this power supply-- into the vid card, on this mother board Correct??

Yes, plug both PCI-Express power connectors into the video card.

Your attached picture is the size of a postage stamp...can't see anything in it.

Cricket

[Mavman1]

Originally Posted by Cricket Yes, plug both PCI-Express power connectors into the video card. Your attached picture is the size of a postage stamp...can't see anything in it. Cricket

Whew.......THANKS ALOT Cricket, just trying to make sure I'm doing everything right.

yeah, I tried adjusting the size-(was too big to upload), then I went to small......I'll try again.

[Mavman1]

ok, I went with this dvd rom--http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106068

because I already had this reader/writer--http://www.plextor.com/english/products/712A.htm

I put them in a tower very simular to this--http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144118

I'm trying to hook the 18" ribbon to the above mentioned drives that I put in the top two bays, then down to where they hook up on this mother board-(location is at the bottom of the MB )......well the ribbons about 8" too short....which rules out a 24" cable.

So here's my question:

Will this 36" round cable work?? http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16812104045

I'm not sure because I don't know if thats total length of entire cable or if thats length measured from the primary drive to where it hooks up to the mb....?

Can anybody give me confirmation as to what length one is or if a 36" one will work or not??


THANKS

[doubledragon5]

Should work, but 36" seems a bit too much..

[Mavman1]

Originally Posted by doubledragon5 Should work, but 36" seems a bit too much..

Ok, I went and bought one-(Just enough length, believe or not)

A new problem.......

I've now got it all hooked up, almost everything powered up,

The only thing in bios that shows up on first boot is my sata hardrive

there a power light on the reader/writer but not on the dvd rom, and the trays dont open on either of them.

I've made sure that powers plugged into both, the ide cables plugged into both and plugged into the motherboard.....

Any suggestions on what else to do??

THANKS

[Mavman1]

Originally Posted by Mavman1 Ok, I went and bought one-(Just enough length, believe or not) A new problem....... I've now got it all hooked up, almost everything powered up, The only thing in bios that shows up on first boot is my sata hardrive there a power light on the reader/writer but not on the dvd rom, and the trays dont open on either of them. I've made sure that powers plugged into both, the ide cables plugged into both and plugged into the motherboard..... Any suggestions on what else to do?? THANKS

EDIT--thought I should mention that the jumper is set to master on the reader/writer and the jumper is set to slave on the dvd rom. IDE cables plugged into the r&w first, then the dvd rom second....then to the mb.

[doubledragon5]

If your using a 40 pin cable on that round cable then have it set master slave. If its a 80pin cable then set it to cable select.. If your not getting any power to the reader and you have it set correctly then it might be a defective one and needs to be replaced..