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Hey guys, well i'm starting to build my comp tonight.. I was down at my grandma's house in GA the past couple of days.. She had a non working comp that my uncle had.. So I opened it and took every part out and re-built it.. I done good as far as the rebuilding go's but since it didnt work I didnt know if I done it right.. But the power did come on.. It was hit by lighting so the monitor was fried as well as other parts...But anyways i'm starting on mine, i'm gonna go slow and I think I will do well.. I got my PSU and Speakers today, both nice... I have a brand new anti-static wristband, I was wondering how do I use it? I assume that I just strap it on the most comfortable wrist and attach the gator clip to the case, right? and what should I do first? Put all the drives in and the HD then the PSU then the Mobo then lay it on its side and put in the ram and connect it all up??

I assume that I just strap it on the most comfortable wrist and attach the gator clip to the case, right?

You got it. Most of us never use one, but we do usually touch the metal part of the case before touching a sensitive component. A newbie should use it for sure.

Put all the drives in and the HD then the PSU then the Mobo then lay it on its side and put in the ram and connect it all up??

PSU should be installed first. Once you have the mobo, install the cpu and heatsink/fan on the mobo before installing it in the case. Then the ram. Place either cardboard or that foam backing that came with the mobo and the foam on the case at a corner, then attach all the wires from the case. The hd light, power, speaker, etc..

Then attach the mobo to the case. Be sure it all lines up, on the rear too for the keyboard, etc. Attach the cables for the drives, then install the hard drives, floppy(if u are using one) and cdrom drives. Connect cables and power cords, then install the video card.

That's it. Power on and hope it all comes on. If not, flick the switch on the psu. If so then go into the bios and correct it for the cpu you have and any other adjustments, then install the os. Once the os is installed, then install the other peripherals one at a time.

It is easier than it sounds.

Any problems, post back.

Originally posted by blade


PSU should be installed first. Once you have the mobo, install the cpu and heatsink/fan on the mobo before installing it in the case. Then the ram. Place either cardboard or that foam backing that came with the mobo and the foam on the case at a corner, then attach all the wires from the case. The hd light, power, speaker, etc..

Put the foam where? It did come with the mobo but what part of the case..

Also should I screw down the mobo b4 I attach all the wires to the mobo?

Just on the bottom left corner of the case, then have the anti static bag on it, then the mobo. By this I mean to have the mobo on the foam, on the corner of the case, and not installed yet. It's much easier to attach those little wires this way. You'll see. It's the only corner you can use.

Now, once you do install the mobo, do not use the foam. I just mean to use it when the mobo is on the corner to protect the bottom when attaching those case wires.

I see.. Also is it ok to just use a regular screwdrive?

So PSU first? Then mobo or can I install all the fans and drives?

Just any 'good-fitting' screwdriver is fine. Be very careful not to let it slip on the mobo.

PSU first, unless you have one that must install sideways in the case.

You can install the fans and drives first. But with some cases you won't have as much room to install the mobo. They can get in the way. Juts depends on the case setup.

8RDA3+ mobo and XP 2500+.. the case is a massive cheiftech/chenming

Then you can install the fans and have plenty of room. I'd still wait on the drives though, but you can install them in those removable bays. Then just slide em in once the mobo is installed. Either way. If you have them fully in and need more room, then slide em out.

Got the fan installed took a minute, I finally realized that I wasnt sliding it far enough over.. I love the removable fan and drive bays.. It made a "click" then it was in nice and tight... I took a break for dinner was having a little trouble geting the PSU lined up and screwed in but i'm going back and shouldnt have any trouble with it..

To a great start! Just follow your own advice and take your time.. GL and HAVE FUN! eGo

Thx eGo..... About the PSU should the internal fan be facing the top of the case or should it be facing down towards the mobo??

Also how do the drive bay clips work?????

Something I should point out that many people are suprisingly unaware of. Grounding yourself to the case does no good unless the case is grounded (plugged into the wall).

Most decent quality PSUs have a kill switch on the back for this reason. Leave the PSU plugged into the wall outlet but turn off the kill switch. That maintains a ground, but de-energizes the PSU.

If the PSU doesn't have a kill switch then you have no choice but to leave it unplugged. Ground yourself best you can to something else that does have a ground.

Unless conditions are very dry, the only things you really have to worry about are the ram and the CPU. These are very static sensitive when not in their sockets and should be handled carefully.

Most pros, as mentioned above, just make a habit of touching the case first before working on anything that's static sensitive (and don't move your feet until you're done with that part or you may build up another static charge).

Fit one way.. Otherwise the screw holes won't line up.. But the fan should be pointing DOWn when in the case.. eGo

Ok the PSU is installed correctly.. I will plug in the PSU and turn the kill switch off... Also when somthing is hit by static does it burn? or turn black?.. I got the CD-Drive in perfectly, as well as the floppy and the hard drive... Will start on mobo next.. I kinda got the order mixed up but the floppy and the cd-drive gave me some trouble and I needed the extra room.. But the mobo will be next.. The PSU is a bit confusing it has about 8 wires coming from it.. I understand where most of em go...