1st Build Installation Advice

[Caskey_10]

Hey i'm building my 1st PC this Christmas. I already have the PC parts but was wondering what installation tips you could give me. I read the tutorial offered by the site but just wanted to make sure there's no other trade secrets to miss out on.


Here's what the build will be:

Processor: AMD Anthlon 64 X2 5200+

Mother Board: ASUS M2N - SLI DELUXE

Case: APEVIA X - Pleasure - BK Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Case

PSU: Ultra X - Connect 400 Watt Power Supply
- Has the revolutionary Modular Power Cables

Hard Drive(s): Western Digital Caviar SE (320 GB) - SATA

Second Hard Drive (Current): Maxator (120 GB) - IDE

RAM: A - DATA 240 PIN DDR2 2 GB

Cooling Feature: Vantec PCI - FAN
- Used to help cool my video card that lacks a built in fan

CD DRIVE: Basic Dell Stock IDE Drive (CURRENT)

DVD Drive: External Backpack DVD + RW (CURRENT)

Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1

Video Card: ATI Raedon 9550 (AGP 4x/8x) (256 MB) - CURRENT CARD

I/O COMPONENTS


Monitors: (DUAL) Dell 17 Inch LCD, Insignia 32 Inch LCD TV (S-Video Hookup)

Sound System: Logitech Z - 5300

Keyboard/Mouse: Dell Mulitmedia Keyboard & Mouse Set (Any good replacement recommendations?)


I'm getting a major overhaul from my old Dell that was built for when XP first hit the market. (Still have original single core processor and motherboard, everything else has been replaced).


Suggestions?

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech. There are no real tricks to it, just take your time. Ask any questions you have and read your manual.

Do you have a new video card? Your motherboard has PCI_Express and your Radeon is AGP. It won't fit.

I'd also suggest a new power supply. Ultra units are very poor quality.

[Caskey_10]

Originally Posted by Alaron Welcome to PCMech. There are no real tricks to it, just take your time. Ask any questions you have and read your manual. Do you have a new video card? Your motherboard has PCI_Express and your Radeon is AGP. It won't fit. I'd also suggest a new power supply. Ultra units are very poor quality.

I was wary with the PSU choice but all the reviews on this model where really good, no bad quality issue's with it. Also the lifetime warranty on the Unit also attracted me (it is a free warranty w/ registration). Also the modular design of the cables was also nice to help improve the airflow.

As for video card the board has three regualar PCI / AGP slots so the Video card should fit. If not I have a older PCI - E card my dad had but replaced due to only having 128 MB on it.

Next year I plan on going out and spending some dough on a high end card.

[Alaron]

The Asus M2N-SLI Deluxe has 3 plain PCI slots and 2 PCI-Express slots. There are no AGP slots. You'll need that other card. http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?mo...01&l3=301&l4=0

Here is our own in-house Ultra review: http://www.pcmech.com/article/ultra-power-supply-review Worth a look.

[Caskey_10]

Thanks. I'll have to hope I get a quality PSU becasue it is already under the X-Mas tree.


Well I guess my little bro is going to finally get a Video Card for his dell!
I though AGP worked through PCI....they nearly look alike

I may need a new card faster than I think...


Also one quick question:

What are your thoughts on using a Anit - Static Wrist Strap when Installing processor's and Mobo's? I've heard you need it, then i've heard you don't. So i'm all confuzzled about it.

[shadowpr]

I personally don't think you need it. Just don't build on a shag carpet.

If you want, touch the metal of the case every once in a while.

[Caskey_10]

I think I may still spend the 3 bucks just to be on the safe side (if I can even find one anywhere).

Also Alaron thanks for showing me the Ultra Article. Very informing. It really helped to show me what to look for once I have the PSU installed and to help makes sure if it is defective or not.