after system is complete

[ammo]

After I build my computer, I don't know the first thing on how to set everything up to run properly. Can anyone help me? I don't even know what BIOS means. I'm guessing something something operating system.

[Cricket]

Originally posted by ammo After I build my computer, I don't know the first thing on how to set everything up to run properly. Can anyone help me? I don't even know what BIOS means. I'm guessing something something operating system.

What are your system specs? What motherboard are you using?

Is the system assembled yet?

Have you booted it and gotten the 1 good POST beep yet?

BIOS is short for "Basic Input/Output System". See here.

On most motherboards you would hit the Del key during the first boot screen to enter BIOS. When you first boot up your system, look in the bottom left hand corner and it should tell you which key to hit to enter Setup.

Have you read the PC Mech "Build Your Own PC" tutorial yet?

Cricket

[ammo]

I just read that and it helped a lot but I have the feeling I'm goin to need more help than that.

I'm using an intel D845PE 400/533 motherboard and it's not assembled yet. I'm just trying to learn as much as I can before I start.

[Cricket]

Originally posted by ammo I just read that and it helped a lot but I have the feeling I'm goin to need more help than that. I'm using an intel D845PE 400/533 motherboard and it's not assembled yet. I'm just trying to learn as much as I can before I start.

INTEL motherboards are the easiest motherboards to setup...just read the motherboard manual really well before you begin. Make sure you follow the instructions for the BIOS/setup jumper (to enter BIOS for the first time). And pay close attention to the front panel header pin locations...can be confusing.

Set up the motherboard, CPU, heatsink, 1 stick of RAM, video card and power supply out of the case for the first POST. If it POSTs, install the motherboard into the case and go from there. Don't rush.

Don't worry, it's really not that hard to put a computer together (there aren't that many parts involved). Just prepare yourself before you start. If you run into any problems, come back here and let us know what's happening. We'll be happy to guide you step-by-step if necessary.

Cricket

[ammo]

Thank you Cricket


Why only one memory card at first?

[Cricket]

Originally posted by ammo Why only one memory card at first?

It's for troubleshooting purposes...if you had 2 or more sticks installed and a problem came up, you wouldn't know which stick was at fault. With just 1 RAM stick installed, you know right away that stick is faulty and needs to be replaced.

The more parts you have installed on the motherboard when you first try to boot up, the more parts you have to troubleshoot through if problems arise.

Cricket