Sharpster is looking to build a new system

XMEN Iceman · Post by **XMEN Iceman** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 9:44 pm

Oh...by the way....that system will BLOW your doors off...mine rocks and yours will be almost like mine, actually you have a better monitor, better memory, and a better motherboard.

I can't wait to see how you like it.

Sharpster · Post by **Sharpster** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 10:33 pm

Thanks alot. That guide helped me out extremely with understanding what all needs to be done. I'd send it to ya if it wasn't for the shipping prices

But I do want to get the experience for myself. My neighbor put his and his son's together years back and I asked him if he'd be able to walk me through it so I can get hands on experience (And borrow his Windows XP Disc). I'll let you guys know when my parts arrive and once I get started. I'll probably be in here asking questions when it is time to boot it up unless he helps me through all of that as well.

Sharpster · Post by **Sharpster** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 10:39 pm

Alright just so I can have an idea of what i'm getting into.

I know I need a Windows XP Home Edition Disc.
What other things will I need. Is there anyother software i'm going to need to install. Or just SP2 and im basically ready to go? Anyone have a list?

Spinning Hat · Post by **Spinning Hat** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:09 pm

Sharp - your previous post as to what you need is pretty close. I would have the newest Nvidia drivers on a CD and research what chipset and sound drivers you'd need too, and put those on the same CD. That way you don't need to spend hours downloading, uninstalling and updating drivers. And, if I was you, I'd spend the money on a legit Windows key and CD. You'll have fewer issues, and your PC setup will be a breeze...

XMEN Iceman · Post by **XMEN Iceman** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:35 pm

Yes...ditto on what SH said. Get an XP licensed copy to install.

Here are a couple more sites that I STRONGLY recommend you read before you asssemble the parts, plus take notes and ask us questions on what you are unclear on.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2002/09/04/ ... index.html

http://www.kitchentablecomputers.com/assemble.htm

http://www.build-your-own-cheap-compute ... puter.html

Sharpster · Post by **Sharpster** » Sun Aug 20, 2006 1:17 pm

Alright thanks guys.

Sharpster · Post by **Sharpster** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 6:31 pm

Ahh... Fellas... I've hit my first snag on the road to having my awesome computer. We put the motherboard, fans and cpu in. We then noticed as we were putting the powersupply in that the main powersupply cord is a 20pinslot. The motherboard is a 24pinslot... we tried using the extra 4pin cord slot but it won't fit up against each other. Then I looked into the motherboard manual and it says it needs a 600watt powersupply at minimum

.... Mine's only 500watt. So now I have two problems... I need to find another powersupply, I dunno if I need more then a 600watt supply. Put 600 will do... Can anyone find me a decent ATX one for that ? Also... Does anyone want this nice ATX 500watt powersupply....

XMEN Iceman · Post by **XMEN Iceman** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 9:39 pm

You do NOT need a 600 watt psu with that. Get the Xclio like I got for $49. I promise you that it is more than enough for that rig.

600 watts...that is crap. They are erroring on the extreme side of conservativeness.

I ran a hell of alot on my last system, 5 drives, overclocked to 3200 on an Enermax 350 with no issues.

Sharpster · Post by **Sharpster** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:44 pm

Alright, thanks! Ya the motherboard book says it would need a minimum of 600watt psu... lol The guy that was helping me was like... whoa thats crazy... The PSU I have now, has the 20pin connector with the extra 4pin but like they wont go right up against each other because of the way they are manufactured... It sucks.

Spinning Hat · Post by **Spinning Hat** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:34 pm

You can always shave a little plastic off to make it fit as long as the pins all line up properly.. Have you made sure the connector was facing the right way? I've never had a problem with a standard ATX PSU not fitting the 4 pin slot next to the 20 pin.. On my board I even need to have an additional 4 pin on the mainboard to power the thing, otherwise it may or may not become unstable.. strangest thing I've see on a mainbord yet.. not to mention the power cord sticking into my GPU.. LOL

And the whole 600W thing - that's crap. A 500 will do ya just fine.

XMEN Iceman · Post by **XMEN Iceman** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:42 pm

Sharp,
What you should have is the cables to the far right of this picture:

Can you give me the exact model number off of the power supply please?

You should have the snap together parts to make it the 24-pin connector.

XMEN Iceman · Post by **XMEN Iceman** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:48 pm

If not, just buy this adapter:

http://www.xpcgear.com/20to24pinatx.html

xPCgear's 20-Pin to 24-Pin ATX Power Supply Adapter Converter Cable will allow you to connect a standard 20-Pin ATX Power Supply to a 24-Pin ATX Motherboard Power Connector. Our cable is especially useful for the new Pentium 4 Socket 775/T Motherboards that require a 24-Pin Power Supply.

Or buy it at Radio Shack:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2215072

XMEN Iceman · Post by **XMEN Iceman** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:49 pm

Or even cheaper from here:
http://www.casecooler.com/6atxpoca20.html

Dang I am on a roll tonight.

XMEN Iceman · Post by **XMEN Iceman** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:30 pm

Bueller.......

Ferris Bueller.....?

Any progress Sharp?

Sharpster · Post by **Sharpster** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:04 pm

Nah not really, havent had time to really mess with it, been working these last 2 days and the next 3 to come. Im gonna order that adapter that you last posted though. I looked at trying to shave it off like someone suggested but that wouldnt work, and would probably damage the cable. I'll let ya know once I recieve that.