Doing it now

[Ahura]

OK so I purchased the case, Mother, video card, PSU, ram and CPU. They should arrive in liek 4-5 hrs. No HD nor optical drive nor OS yet. For now, I just want to make sure that all of the main things are function able first, especially ram. I am going to build the bare necessity first, then will finish it later.

SO w/ that, I need to know what to expect from the bare build. Liek from the start up, what the screen supposed to look liek, how to identify that the parts work, the ram is alive and not doa, same for Mother, video card and PSU. Mostly, how to identify DOA and living. Also, any precaution that could fry stuffs.


My building spot is title floor and wood table. No anti-wrist, just vinyl/latex glove, bind really good.

My case is the CM 690. So far, the case come missing plastic stand off thingy, the white transparent one http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=get...60&articID=620 ,only the metal stand offs. And one of the latch, I guess that what yu called it, for the top is broken. Not affecting anything, just got shorter than the other one. Is that a sign?

[Katreat]

Well, to make an initial test it is usually recommended that your follow these instructions.

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409

Never put it in the case, just start with an out of case build and check all your components.

Also, provide a list of all your parts so if there is a problem people can possibly give you a reason. Include what PSU you will be using, lots of people dont think of the PSU as a part but it is often the problem with a new build.

I would have waited to buy them all at once, going to be hard letting that computer just sit there waiting on an OS

Kat

[Ahura]

The OS, HD and optical drive are going to be on hold. Freaking UPS does not work on weekend.

Btw, I know the procedure, what I need help is identification. OK so I put everything together , monitor plugged and then shorted the circuit.....Now what should I be expecting? beside fans running.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Ahura Btw, I know the procedure, what I need help is identification. OK so I put everything together , monitor plugged and then shorted the circuit.....Now what should I be expecting? beside fans running.

If everything is okay with the core components (motherboard, CPU, CPU heatsink, video card, 1 stick of RAM, PC case speaker unless the motherboard has a built-in piezo speaker, power supply, keyboard and monitor assembled out of case) you should get an image on the monitor (1st boot screen) and depending on the motherboard you should get 1 beep from the speaker and then an error message saying the system couldn't find a bootable device.

Cricket

[dogdude16]

While you are waiting for a harddrive and stuff, you can always go in to bios and familiarize yourself in that.

[Ahura]

I see. A recap:

- One beep from speaker
- Non-bootable device error message (In this case is good)

For functionable core parts.

And what happen if, say my ram is DOA, the one stick? What is the sign.
Also, it should be the same thing if I switch to the other stick of ram if both are alive right?

Dogdude
Kay I guess

[Alaron]

If the RAM was DOA, you would have a beep code to let you know. Pop the second stick in and boot it up.

[Cricket]

Basically if any of the core components is DOA or defective the computer will turn on but it won't start up and you'll get nothing on the monitor except a message saying "No Signal" and you may (or may not) get BIOS error beeps from the speaker.

Cricket

[Ahura]

I see. Also, even w/ the Dual Channel ram wat/ever, (2 x1Gig), I can still independently use one stick in and it would work independently by itself right?

I also read from somewhere that if the CPU and ram are correct and alive, then the specs should shown when yu first start up w/ core parts build. Middle scroll bar, the first BIOS screen shot basically http://www.mechbgon.com/build/benchtest.html . IS that right?

[Alaron]

Yes, you can use 1 stick. But if you have two, use both.

Yes, the startup screen will show the system specs.

[Ahura]

I see, thank you for clearing that off.
ALso, if I use 2 sticks, then the number for Mem test be around 2 million right?

In the picture of that link, the guy use a 512 stick.

Sorry for the noob question, but I just want to know down to the barest question.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Ahura I see, thank you for clearing that off. ALso, if I use 2 sticks, then the number for Mem test be around 2 million right?

Yes, memory count should add up to 2048MB.

Cricket

[Ahura]

Halp!!

I cannot seem to get this ram http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220144 into the slot of this mother http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128014 . I mean it fit, but when I try to close the 2 clips, it won't fit. It look liek as if the Ram is higher than the slot or something.................. I try apply some minor pressur and even semi, but the ram feel liek it is stuck, I can pull out and fit back it, but it will not let the clips to fit into its two half-circle.

X>X

[flanzig1]

Ram sticks are keyed to fit only one way. Try turning the stick around.

[Ahura]

Nvm....I got it in the right way, it is not that hard to miss align it.

It was just that the "recommended force" from the manual is Very insufficient in order to fit the rams. It might be my Mother and the Ram, but pushing by the edges w/ the tips of thumb is Very painful and will not get yu anywhere.

I had to fit both of my thumbs on the edges in order to generate sufficient forces to push them down. And it hurt very much for the thumbs.



OK, here is post core parts question. I started it up and Magically it worked wonder! Ram is alive, Mother is fine, PSU is fine, Video card's fan spin and the card get a lil bit hot-not sure if that mean it worked.

I did not get the beep noise thing, but I DO get the Non-Bootable device screen right before the check screen of all my stuffs. Does that mean I am missing anything? I think it is my speakers, but I am not sure. I will buy new speaker and text it out again though.

Also, Cricket said that 2Gig should be 2048Mb right. Well, I got 2047Mb.....Does that mean I am missing anything?

ALso, another question. My case has 3 standard fans, 2 intake 1 exaust. I managed to get two to work w/ the 3 pins from Mother, the front intake and rear exaust, but now I have not idea how to get my other, side intake to work. From the Mother's diagram, I have no moar 3 pins on the board for fan.

THis is my PSU in case yu need the info http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817812004 . I plan to get liek 2-3 moar fans, for exaust etc, so I kind of want to know how to work them.

Thank thank thank

[Katreat]

Fans do not need to be plugged into the Mobo (only the CPU fan on heatsink needs to be blugged into Mobo). Your modular PSU should have plenty of cables to connect directly to the fans. The Mobo connection has the advantage of controlling fan speed based on heat build up but alot of people just make direct connection of all fans to the PSU and let them all run whenever the computer is turned on. This system pretty much insures you always have maximum cooling all the time.

Fans usually also have a bypass ( not sure if that is the term) connector so you can daisy chain (connect them end to end)them. You do not need a seperate PSU plug for each fan, you connect 2-3 fans together (daisychain them with the provided plugs) and then connect the end of the chain to the PSU.

Kat

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Katreat Fans usually also have a bypass ( not sure if that is the term) connector

It's called a "pass-through" power connector.

Cricket

[Ahura]

COuld yu please elaborate a lil moar on the "pass-through" a lil bit please. I think I get what yu are saying, but w/out visual, it is kind of hard to fully comprehend it.

By "daisy chain" do yu mean I can just use one cable from the PSU and connect up to say, 3 fans in a parallel fashion or some sort?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Ahura COuld yu please elaborate a lil moar on the "pass-through" a lil bit please. I think I get what yu are saying, but w/out visual, it is kind of hard to fully comprehend it. By "daisy chain" do yu mean I can just use one cable from the PSU and connect up to say, 3 fans in a parallel fashion or some sort?

See attached image.

Cricket

[Ahura]

I see. I think I got it, thank Cricket.

Btw, if yu use an aftermarket fan/heatsink, then the warranty of CPU is void!! I did not know that....
Do yu think the Artic Cooling Freezer 64 Proc 92mm would be good enough if I want to OC my CPU, x2 5200+, to say 2.8-2.9? I heard that yu can go stock for 2.8, but I do not want to lower the cpu's life just to save a few buck.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Ahura Btw, if yu use an aftermarket fan/heatsink, then the warranty of CPU is void!! I did not know that.... Do yu think the Artic Cooling Freezer 64 Proc 92mm would be good enough if I want to OC my CPU, x2 5200+, to say 2.8-2.9? I heard that yu can go stock for 2.8, but I do not want to lower the cpu's life just to save a few buck.

Overclocking will void your warranty too.

Personally, I don't even mess with overclocking...I prefer to just run my computers at stock speeds for stability and reliability...and I'm just not that interested in it, I have many other things to do with my free time then just play with my computers.

Overclocking isn't something you just do on a whim...you have to do your home work first, be prepared to spend more money on high quality parts, understand all the risks involved (like data corruption and possibly dead/fried parts) and possibly re-installing your OS numerous time. If you don't want to face any of these things, don't overclock.

Cricket

[Ahura]

I see hm....x.x

Btw, juts a quick question about the CPU installation. When I installed the CPU, which went successfully it boot up fine, I think I kind of screwed up on the heatsink I think. I know that the ideal install is the square of the sink fit the cpu itself perfectly,but I think I kind of miss place it. In panic, since it was my first time, I try to slide the sink while it still adhered to the CPU, damn thermal really sticky. DO yu think that is going to come back and bite me later?

Btw, just boot up again and checked out the BIOS. CPU's temperature hover around 35-37C and fans are around 1.5-1.7rpm. Also, what is the difference between System Fan and Power Fan? the two that are integrated into the Mother.

[blue60007]

Those temps look fine. If your computer runs without any problems (ie, crashes, freezes, etc.) then the heatsink is probably installed fine.

Not sure what the difference is, but what rpm's are they running at? If the motherboard has a real small fan on it, it will be running at a really high RPM compared to a larger one. Keep in mind only fans connected to the motherboard will reported. So that case fan connected directly to the power supply won't show up.

[Ahura]

I don't have any intergrate min fan on my Mother, my chipset use passive cooling. The two fans run at about 1.4k-1.6k rpm. They are the rear exhaust and front intake. Apparently I can pretty much connect any 3 pins power to the 2 slots, but I choose those two because they are kind of important I guess.

Also, has anyone ever experience fluid leak from Sleeve type fan case before? I just read off of SIlent PC something and they said Sleeve fan can apparently leak fluid......o.o

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Ahura Also, has anyone ever experience fluid leak from Sleeve type fan case before? I just read off of SIlent PC something and they said Sleeve fan can apparently leak fluid......o.o

If a sleeve bearing fan leaks any fluid it's only going to be a very small amount...nothing to be concerned about, although the fan probably won't last as long as it should. But fans are pretty cheap and if yours dies just replace it with a ball bearing type fan (they last longer).

Cricket

[Ahura]

I see, thank yu Cricket

Let see if there is anything that I should ask.......UM, is there any guide around that show what to do after everything is up and running? I think I need halp w/ that now. Kind of lost, not wure what to do next....

[Ahura]

OK here is another question if yu do not mind. How do yu monitor the temperature of the VGA? and does the fan and sink that come w/ an 8800 GTS really that sufficient to cool it even under heavy load? giving thtat he ventilation is fine.

-Answered

Another quick question. How can check to see if my Graphic Card is in good condition? and not all error here and there.

[liambl]

The nvidia control panel (usually installed with drivers) has a temp monitoring utility(or you can use one of many other programs). The heatsink on the 8800gts is usually more than enough to cool it under load. And you will probably know if something is wrong with the graphics card (screen corruption, glitches in games, crashes ect).

[Ahura]

I see. Thank yu Liam

OK question about HD now. My WD Cavia OEM has just arriveD. After reading the MOther manual, this is what I get from the SATA diagram SATAll 1/2/3/4/5/6. Next to iT is a small table of Pin No. and Definition, which I do not think is necessary.

OK my question is do I just connect my HD to SATAll 1? I only have 1 HD and one Optical SATAll.

Also, could someone kind of guide me through the whole installation and format and OS installation process if yu do not mind please. The reading is bit hard to understand.

I do not have a Floppy Drive....

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Ahura OK question about HD now. My WD Cavia OEM has just arriveD. After reading the MOther manual, this is what I get from the SATA diagram SATAll 1/2/3/4/5/6. Next to iT is a small table of Pin No. and Definition, which I do not think is necessary. OK my question is do I just connect my HD to SATAll 1? I only have 1 HD and one Optical SATAll.

Yes, connect the HDD to SATA 1 and the optical drive to SATA 2.

Also, reading the motherboard manual is highly recommended.

Originally Posted by Ahura Also, could someone kind of guide me through the whole installation and format and OS installation process if yu do not mind please. The reading is bit hard to understand.

Would help if you told us which OS you're trying to install. I'm guessing it's Vista so go here for instructions.

Cricket