Looking to build a PC

[msdstc]

Well no, it wouldn't. You have to get the wire color codes from the case instructions, then the locations from the motherboard.

Alright doing this now, will update in a moment. Thanks!

 

[captaincranky]

Alright doing this now, will update in a moment. Thanks!

Actually, the front case wires are marked, you don't have to go so far as the instructions......

 

[msdstc]

Actually, the front case wires are marked, you don't have to go so far as the instructions......

Got everything setup except for the speaker... can't seem to find that plugin? Everything else is plugged in except for that.

edit- to clarify I see where I'm supposed to plug in for the speaker, but there isn't anything to plug into there. Where would I find this wire? Is it coming from the case or the powersupply?

 

[captaincranky]

I see where I'm supposed to plug in for the speaker, but there isn't anything to plug into there. Where would I find this wire? Is it coming from the case or the powersupply?

If the speaker wires aren't included in the harness already, the speaker may be shipped in the fitting pack. This isn't what you're thinking of as a "loudspeaker". It's a little piezo-electric jobbie, smaller than a dime.

And yes, getting into the BIOS is a great sign, it means the machine POSTs, and it should be smooth sailing from here.

There's no harm, no foul, if you don't hook up the front audio hearder yet. AS long as the rest of the lights and USB are functional, you can let that go for later.

 

[msdstc]

Damn alright, well I'm going to have to look around for that. I gotta head out for a bit I'll check around through my stuff see what I can find. What happens if I can't find this piece or it didn't ship? Is it possible it wouldn't come with it?

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

I just guessed and checked.
I got it after a couple tries, nothing dead. Obviously the riskier of routes though.

 

[msdstc]

Well I've checked through everything... it doesn't look like my mobo came with an internal speaker. Is that normal?

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

Uh no I don't think so.

 

[msdstc]

Uh noi don't think so.

hmmm well where would it be? Would it be seperate from the motherboard?

edit- is it part of the mobo or is it part of the case?

edit edit- ehhh reading reviews, sounds like the Antec 300 series don't come with case speakers. If that's the case no big deal. Here's my question though, can I take the speaker out of my old computer and toss it in this computer?

 

[mailpup]

Typically the little black plastic piezoelectric speaker will come with the case, not the motherboard. That said, occasionally the motherboard will have one built-in but not usually. Refer to the motherboard manual as to the location of the speaker headers. They will be with the front panel headers. If the case did not provide a speaker, you can buy them separately. If you wish, you can use a speaker from your old PC.

 

[msdstc]

Typically the little black plastic piezoelectric speaker will come with the case, not the motherboard. That said, occasionally the motherboard will have one built-in but not usually. Refer to the motherboard manual as to the location of the speaker headers. They will be with the front panel headers. If the case did not provide a speaker, you can buy them separately. If you wish, you can use a speaker from your old PC.

That's what I'll end up doing... not too worried about it. Everything's setup and running! Windows 7 running like a dream .

Quick question, as I'm going to go around the forums and search and whatnot, but if this isn't appropriate you can lock it, but what do YOU guys personally recommend for anti-virus? I've gotten all sorts of conflicting reports on free vs. pay, and whatnot. What is your choice?

 

[Leeky]

The UK's Computer Shopper magazine did a feature for its February 2011 publication, on many AV's, and the recommended were:

Best Buy: Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2011 - best in test
Budget buy: AVG Free edition 2011 (free). - 2nd best in test

I would also add Microsoft Security Essentials to that list as recommended, and BitDefender AV as well.

For the record I use Microsoft Security Essentials on all my W7 computers, and BitDefender AV on all my Linux installs and computers.

You'll find however that peoples views in response to that question will vary as much as the information you've already found.

 

[captaincranky]

The UK's Computer Shopper magazine did a feature for its February 2011 publication, on many AV's, and the recommended were:

Best Buy: Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2011 - best in test
Budget buy: AVG Free edition 2011 (free). - 2nd best in test

I would also add Microsoft Security Essentials to that list as recommended, and BitDefender AV as well.

I use the AVG 2011 (free) on my, ".go anywhere, click on anything" computer. It's almost bulletproof. I say almost, so as not to jinx myself. (No problems yet, in 3+ years, through 3 versions of AVG free).

AVG has a bit higher system load than some others, particularly M$E. That said, it also includes a link scanner, anti spyware, and anti-rootkit protection. So, it's very close to a "security suite" package, sans the firewall. The Windows 7 firewall is regarded as competent, hence it completes said "suite".

A decent cleaner could be added. For example , "CCleaner", or the freeware version of "Advanced System Care" available here in downloads.

Here's a solved thread about motherboard speakers, (complete with pictures), @ Tom's Hardware"; http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/280402-30-built-speaker-posting-beeps

For me the BIOS speaker is important, since I set my CPU temp warning very low, (@60C). I don't use air through most of the summer, and a temp warning this low, just gives me a nudge to crank up the case fans to full.

 

[msdstc]

I use the AVG 2011 (free) on my, ".go anywhere, click on anything" computer. It's almost bulletproof. I say almost, so as not to jinx myself. (No problems yet, in 3+ years, through 3 versions of AVG free).

AVG has a bit higher system load than some others, particularly M$E. That said, it also includes a link scanner, anti spyware, and anti-rootkit protection. So, it's very close to a "security suite" package, sans the firewall. The Windows 7 firewall is regarded as competent, hence it completes said "suite".

A decent cleaner could be added. For example , "CCleaner", or the freeware version of "Advanced System Care" available here in downloads.

Here's a solved thread about motherboard speakers, (complete with pictures), @ Tom's Hardware"; http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/280402-30-built-speaker-posting-beeps

Sounds smart. I'm OCD about the temps. I'm running about 33-35C right now, which obviously is safe, but do you think that's safe for basically idle? Just making sure. I'm upgrading from a prescott here, and those things used to run on fire, so this seems like ice to me.

The UK's Computer Shopper magazine did a feature for its February 2011 publication, on many AV's, and the recommended were:

Best Buy: Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2011 - best in test
Budget buy: AVG Free edition 2011 (free). - 2nd best in test

I would also add Microsoft Security Essentials to that list as recommended, and BitDefender AV as well.

For the record I use Microsoft Security Essentials on all my W7 computers, and BitDefender AV on all my Linux installs and computers.

You'll find however that peoples views in response to that question will vary as much as the information you've already found.

I've had all different conversations, and checked all different forums and this seems to be the usual outcome either way, so it seems everyone of them has a solid rep, but different people will argue a different brand. I had a few sites say AVG, a friend say avast, and now a lot of people recommend MSE. I'll probably go with AVG in the long run.

For me the BIOS speaker is important, since I set my CPU temp warning very low, (@60C). I don't use air through most of the summer, and a temp warning this low, just gives me a nudge to crank up the case fans to full.[/QUOTE]

 

[captaincranky]

My my Prescott, ATM, is at 50C doing not all that much, in a cool house. That said, the idle temps you're reporting are good, and about in keeping with a stock HSF.

Stock HSF assemblies tend to vary temps more than the better aftermarket cooling "solutions". In that under load, they heat up quite a bit, but do return to idle temps fairly quickly after the task ceases.

Judge temps in the bigger picture, by reading the motherboard sensors, and the HDDs as well.

 

[msdstc]

Everythings looking nice and cool across the board. I am looking into good CPU coolers though (here's the OCD kicking in). Which would you reccomend and how much should I expect to spend?

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

For a CPU cooler, $50 max.
You're probably going to want an air cooler right? I guess you could use water, but that's a not worth it IMO.