Where/who/how should I go about putting together my computer?

Question

I already have all the neccesary parts. I know they are all compatible together. It will be my first time and I am just a little unsure when dealing with something I know so little about. I have successfully put more RAM and a GeForce graphics card in before, which is about the extent of my prowess. Does anyone have a good internet resource or be willing to help me out with this? Also things like setting up a RAID (this is for gaming). Thanks so much !

Answer 1

Follow the motherboard manual carefully. You could power ON a bare set up to test midway if everything is OK. That means no FDD, HDD, CD drive and use onboard video if possible. The bare set up should post and be able to open BIOS menu. If everything is OK, complete your build. Do not forget to load all drivers immediately after an OS installation. Favorite softwares come later.

First build is very challenging, 2nd build is most interesting, 3rd and onwards would be like a walk in the park.

Answer 2

Before you set up raid, make certain that your motherboard will post. Install the video card, memory, and CPU. Put a thin layer of thermal paste on the CPU, and set the heat sink on top of it. Some heat sinks come with thermal paste on them, and all you have to do is remove the plastic film. Lock these in place, and install the CPU fan. Connect your power supply to the board, plug it in, and have your monitor connected and on.

Carefully, cross junction the power switches on the board with a plastic handled flathead screwdriver. Also, make sure you are grounded and free of static electricity while doing all of this. If it comes on, and posts, the rest is pretty easy.

At this point, if all is well, turn off the power supply and monitor and detach them from the motherboard. Also, take out the video card to make the installation of the motherboard easier. I use plastic non-static spacers where the metal parts on the underside of the motherboard touches the case. Then attach it with screws or plastic V tabs to secure it in place.

Install your DVD or CD drive then put in the power supply. Now you are ready to install the video card.

For the RAID, you need to determine if you want Raid 0, 1 or another kind. Check the internet for the type that best suits you. This would take a while to explain on Yahoo! ANSWERS.

Before installing any other cards on the motherboard, make sure you have the computer set up with your operating system on the hard drive(s). Most cards require that you install their drivers first.

Let me know if you need anymore help.

Answer 3

Putting together a computer is extremely easy. It's like child's play. It's really just a matter of 'popping' things into the right spots.

The motherboard's manual should tell you everything. And, more detailed instructions come with the individual parts.