PCA Forums

I am going to get a new system for christmas.

P4 2.8 w/ HT
80 gig hard drive
512 Ram
ATI Radeon 9600 Pro

Is it going to be hard to put this puppy together? This is the first computer I have built myself, and I was just wondering what I am going to be looking foward too.

I'd start by searching Google and these forums for similar threads as there are many threads started by first time builders seeking advise.

The actual assembly of the hardware won't be difficult. These days, all parts are form-factored so that it will only go in one way in one place.

My experience has been that the most frustrating part of any computer build is the stupid LED connectors from the front panel. Typically mobo manuals give pretty good maps of what LED should go where, but if you get a bad one, expect to spend a while playing with LEDs to figure out what goes where.

What LED's are you talking about?

Yah I agree with the damn LEDs. They're the connections for your power switch, power light, hard drive light, and so on. Sometimes they are not explained to clearly which goes where.

Oh ok, I see, any tips on how to make it easier?

The best tip is to read the manual that comes with the motherboard. Building a computer is fun, rewarding and easy if you take your time and follow directions.

It is easy but do go real slow. Always touch the metal part of the case first before touching sensitive parts like ram, cpu, video card to discharge static.

I just built another system and had the exact LED problem the guys are talking about. Those connectors are so tiny and the instructions aren't always detailed as they should be. Had it all put together and no power. Lights came on but no fan. First thing I did was reverse the power sw connector. Booted right up.

If you'll be using a floppy and it isn't working, just reverse the cable connecting to the floppy. That's happened to me more than anything.


Any questions about anything or if any help is needed, just ask. People here love to help.

my best suggestions to avoid premlems is to build the system with the bare minium to begin with
motherboard, 1 stick of ram , cpu, hard drive and video card.... load your os then add all addition hardware piece by piece

I guess I'm the only one that noticed you did not list a motherboard??

Oh, sorry, Im gettting an asus p4p800

Very Easy, should not take long at all. Like Blade said, make sure you touch an unpainted metal surface of the case. Be very carefull with the CPU, HSF combo. Those components always have the most delecate parts.

Remember if it is not going in, dont force it. Pins on a P4 bend easy, and are a bitch to get straight. Most other connectors (except the LEDs) will be keyed, so you cant put them in wrong. On drives however pin 1 always is on the side with the power connector (incase it is not keyed)

should be real easy to setup
most beginners struggle with heatsink fitting, front panel leds
but youve got great help here

Some guy at my moms work said that I shouldnt build my own computer cause its a nightmare, he said that the motherboards never work because they wernt tested long enough, so he said that home built computers never work, is he right, or just dumb?

I've built over 15 computers myself that have all worked great.. I'm sure that there are others here who have built hundreds.. Yes, sometimes you can have problems, but if you're patient and know what you're doing and use your resources you can get it figured out.. eGo

LOL, he said 99% of motherboards dont work, and that I should buy a dell, LOL