Tips for builders

hehehe your sarcasm is legendary.....

like chandler from friends.... ( http://www.friends-tv.org/epguide.html )

just don't let it destroy you..... :evil:

hey stormbridger,

does this thread include tips about purchasing new pc parts?

Do Not Stick * Mr.FORK -into- Mr.WALLSOCKET


:dead:


* from Children's Book: "Why Can't Mr.. Fork and Mr. Wall-Socket Be Friends?" ( not a very good seller)

This is true, that would serve the same purpose while leaving the earth ground.

While on the subject of PSUs, remember to switch the PSU on (if it has a switch) Also make certain you have the voltage selector in the correct position for your outlet voltage.

BTW, someone asked about buying parts, sure, I'd consider that part of building the system. It is part of the process.

It was me.

Here are a few tips...

1) Set up a budget
2) Make sure that you know what you're purchasing...do your homework(read lots of reviews)so never rush
3) Ask for user reviews, most of them are better than those done in pc labs.
4) Some pc parts like speaker system requires self testing and evaluation..be sure that the sales guy allows you to do so

Wall outlets & breaker boxes? Who plugs directly into a wall outlet? Not I!

"Surge Protectors", gentlemen. Use 'em. Place them so that the power switch (which kills the power out of them) is easily accessible at all times. Plug your comp, monitor & auxillary fans into a 'SP' & eliminate the need to unplug & the possiblility of damage from surges, spikes & low-voltage too. :grinthumb

Cheap insurance & the 1st 'add-on' I buy. Don't leave the store w/o one.

HTH,



Phantasm,

The 'Your Reply' box *will* auto-scroll: you're not running out of room. There's also the 'edit' button: if ya think of something else > you CAN add it to an existing post. Really. :rolleyes:

HTH,

I almost forgot about the surge protectors, mine are all wall mounted and hard wired so they are my "wall outlets" I tend to forget that others may not use a surge protector.

Adding upon that tip, I'd also recommend running your modem through it too, so get one with the right connections for your modem.

Most people don't think about their modem but lightening is the number one killer of helpless modems.

How about the UPS(uninterrupted power supply) thingy? It is fit to be discussed in this thread?

I made this post "sticky" since this is a very good topic that should have plenty of value for awhile.

Just a random suggestion, but if you have problems getting your system working properly, using the process of elimination works wonders.

To find problems, eliminate what doesn't have them:
In order to figure out what is wrong, you need to find what the root of your problems are. Removing system components and software out of the equation can help you identify what is the cause of your troubles.

Don't flash you BIOS unless you have to
Try not to update your BIOS like you might update your video drivers.. It's a bad idea. While flashing your BIOS can be very helpful, it can also bite you in the butt - Creating new problems and even trashing your system totally. Only flash your BIOS as a last resort or if you know the problem is specifically your BIOS.

Don't cut too many corners
A bargain PC is great, but make sure you know what you are doing. If you can't do it right, then you probably shouldn't be doing it all... Many people are on a tight budget and it should be a battle to get the most out of your money instead of spending as little money as possible. Otherwise you may end up with a real lemon of a PC.

Online retailers have awesome prices
Places like www.newegg.com have great prices and online prices are almost always cheaper than stores since they don't always have the overhead of running a store. Sometimes you can even get free shipping and shopping online is a great way to save some cash.

Think ahead
Plan what you are going to buy, and make sure what you are getting won't be outdated a month later. Manufacturers change sockets, memory types and other standards somewhat frequently and it is a good idea to buy components that can meet future requirements and standards... A good examples of this was the transition from 423 pin sockets to 478 pins. The 423 was just a temporary socket until the Northwood came out... Now 423 owners have to buy a new motherboard to upgrade their P4 in the future.

Oooh another smart alec! Wow!

Yes, I know that.

However, I believe that if you have several important and seperate points to make, its far easier if they are in seperate posts. How many times have you seen a really long post and not bothered to read it, purely because of its length?? Maybe that post had important information that you might have missed....

In any case, I really think its up to me to post in any way that I like.

It's always meant in a friendly banter manner. Sometimes this doesn't come across well on posts. I'm not worried about it destroying me. More worried about reaching 3k posts and the highlander post count system of chopping off heads coming into effect *gulp*

1) That's my first suggestion.
2) If it won't power on, check to see that the 220/110 switch is in the correct position before you assume the power supply is bad.
3) Buy the best components from the best manufacturers that you can afford. This is especially true for the motherboard and memory.
4) When working on a computer always touch a metal ground(to discharge static electricity) then unplug the power supply. Don't just switch it off, unplug it.

I wish when I built my pc that I would have used Arctic Silver. It is much easier to use at first before that crap that comes on the bottom of your processor melts and turns to glue. Buy some Arctic silver before you put it together not after. Like it has been said before, take your time. Put in one component at a time. Luckily my brother has built many pcs, so I had him to call for help. But once you do it, it gets easier every time.


PS: I have only built 2, but it was alot easier the second time

Another tip is to never buy a pc from a store or online... Like a dell or hp or alienware or falcon nw... These companys are just plain out rip offs. If you can't build your own pc try a site like www.internetishop.com. You can configure your own pc for VERY cheap and you have the FREE option for them to put it together for you...

Hold on, shouldn't this go in Cooling and Modding? It says "and PC building discussion" in the summary. Just a thought, I always nitpick...

ALL very good building basics.(that some of us have learned the hard way). My only 2 cents that wasnt mentioned would be,Make sure your power supply is capable of running EVERYTHING!!More is More.

I know it may seem a little off topic but...
What is the actual point of Arctic Silver anyways?