Ok, I'm scared to build my own pc...

[Treize2]

because I'm afraid I may mishandle components, touch things I shouldn't be touching especially if these things are not covered in manuals. Also I'm somewhat lost, even with so many guides out there to hose me down with infos, I still don't know where I should start, how I should begin this. I don't know if I've studied enough before attempting to buy the parts.

On the other hand, I'm as excited as scared. Right now, I've begun playing around with my dusty old Compaq Presario 5610 dating from '97-'98 hoping I'd familiarize and build a little bit of confidence by disassembling and assembling it.

Here are the specs for the Compaq Presario 5610

P II 350mhz
64mb ram 8gb hd
ATI AMC v.2 video card (8mb?)

Note, I cleaned some off the dust but the more settled dusts are not as easy to get rid of. Im using a moisture-free compressed air.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5053/dsc04291hj0.th.jpg (http://img515.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04291hj0.jpg) http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/536/dsc04292qh5.th.jpg (http://img444.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04292qh5.jpg) http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6598/dsc04293ld6.th.jpg (http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04293ld6.jpg)

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7716/dsc04294lj6.th.jpg (http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04294lj6.jpg) http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4982/dsc04295af7.th.jpg (http://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04295af7.jpg) http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/8866/dsc04300pz9.th.jpg (http://img74.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04300pz9.jpg)

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/497/dsc04301fm2.th.jpg (http://img210.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04301fm2.jpg)

I have many novice questions

[YukonTrooper]

Don't worry about wrecking anything especially on such an old computer. When you actually build your new computer with new parts you might consider an anti-static wrist band to make sure your grounded all the time. Even without one though you'll be safe 99% of the time but its nice to know your computer parts aren't receiving any static electricity.

I'd say just take'r apart in no particular order and don't worry cause you shouldn't break anything. Put it all back together and then do it all over again. After a couple of times its no different then Lego and there are actually even less parts! Once you get your new system parts then come back here and ask for help cause there are dozens of people that would be willing to take you through it step by step. But for now just practice taking it apart and putting it back together a few times because you don't want to get too far ahead of yourself. You'll gain confidence in no time. You own the computer, the computer does not own you!

[Zytek_Fan]

A personal preference for me is not to build on carpet or be standing on carpet while building...

[cirthix]

it's easy, everything usually only goes in one place in one direction. take it slow, don't force anything, and mess around with an old computer first, like that p2.

[adamsleath]

good place to start with an old comp take things apart and reassemble...it a bit daunting at first.

1. dont electrocute yourself
2. always have a heat sink on the cpu b4 powering up.....yes i did fry an old cpu once long ago :doh:

..but it is basically designed to be idiot proof. (ahuk)

[.devastatioN]

Just relax and take it easy. A good think just as the last few replys just to take the whole thing apart and assemble it again. I personally never use a anti static band. Goodluck :)

[icon57]

all good advice from everyone, i think most important...dont force parts into place.
touch your psu every now and again to ground yourself, and discharge any static electricity.

years ago, i bought 2000.00 worth of parts and took 3 days to build my first pc. i was like you... nervous....now i look back at those days and laugh about it :)

[Idaho]

I have built many on my own now from starting out where you did. My first "mod" was putting a new graphics card in my mom's old compaq. Come to find though once I had actually ordered all my parts and what not from newegg for my first build, it was just a matter of following instructions.

Once your case and parts arrive, first check and make sure you have everything you need.

Second, Get your case ready. Then, I would just open your motherboard, pull out the user's manual, and just follow the instructions from there. It goes step by step for most manuals telling you to add each part as needed and most of the time showing pictures along with it.

That's just my suggestion.l

[Treize2]

I appreciate all the helpful advice. Thank you very much :)

Here's some question for you guys...

1. Is it harmful to work on wooden floor and over a poster board? (as seen on the pictures). I will get myself an anti-static wristband in any case and possibly a ground mat.

2. I've read that making a contact with the jumper setting and CMOS should be avoided, but I haven't found any good picture depicting what they look like.

3. What are some of the safe spots to handle the MB, CPU, RAM and other cards? Should I only handle them on their edges?

4. What's an aftermarket? Is it good or bad?

5. What's RMA? I hear this alot with newegg

6. The price of OEM ( Original Equipment manufacturer) version is significantly cheaper for me to purchase over a retail version. Has anyone had any problems with OEM version especially with Vista and MS Office 2007 like a reduced functionality. It also states that OEM are for system builders, so Im stuck in between, I don't really know if I need the full manual.

7. Are thermal compunds i.e. Arctic Silver 5, other than filling in the microscopic gaps for better efficiency, can also act as a glue to hold the heatsink firmly in place on the MB?

8. If I attempt to overclock the CPU or voltmodding it, provided I have the proper cooling and sufficient power, the warranty becomes void. Would this void the warranty of other components as a result of trying to overclock or voltmodding the CPU, succesful or not

[[XC] gomeler]

1) You can work on any platform that you like. Carpet builds up a static charge incredibly easy though. I personally wouldn't worry about it though, just ground yourself out on the case from time to time if you are really concerned.
2) I've never had an issue with careless fingers rubbing against the jumpers. I guarantee you'll have to reset the BIOS from time to time though so get familiar with where it's jumper and the battery is located.
3) RAM: you have an entire heatsink to work with. If it has no heatspreader just firmly grip either the edges or the modules. I've never killed ram via static but it's possible so just ground yourself before you touch em.
CPU: grab around edges, plop into socket
Motherboard: edges naturally work best, I usually grab via opposing corners and lay into case.
Cards: plenty of brackets and clear PCB.
Don't worry about frying stuff unless you are some sort of electrically charged individual.
4) Aftermarket coolers kick the crap about of stock coolers. Get one if you want some serious overclocking headroom and better temps.
5) RMA = return Materials Authorization aka returning an item under warranty
6) It's software, plenty of help online and how often do you read the manual :shrug:
7) I use AS Ceramique as I do a lot of phase but a good compound can help drop temps a few degrees as it makes better contact.
8) Goodluck blowing up a CPU, takes a lot of work if you aren't stupid about it. Motherboards can be hard to RMA as the manuf can be a pain in the butt, ram isn't an issue as that stuff just dies from time to time. Had some D9GKX die at DDR2-850 5-5-5-15 and 1.9vdimm, I was pissed, Manuf replaced immediately. Some vid cards have lifetime warranties so have a field day with those :up:

[Shift]

I felt exactly like you. I was scared of touching a pc and wondering if something did not work, was it the fault of mine or the company, and where to start with the components, etc.

I spent a lot of time on this site and have learned a lot. Asking questions on this site and using the search bar for other threads with similar questions that you have will open a whole window of information.

[StealthyFish]

Don't worry about wrecking anything especially on such an old computer. When you actually build your new computer with new parts you might consider an anti-static wrist band to make sure your grounded all the time. Even without one though you'll be safe 99% of the time but its nice to know your computer parts aren't receiving any static electricity.

I'd say just take'r apart in no particular order and don't worry cause you shouldn't break anything. Put it all back together and then do it all over again. After a couple of times its no different then Lego and there are actually even less parts! Once you get your new system parts then come back here and ask for help cause there are dozens of people that would be willing to take you through it step by step. But for now just practice taking it apart and putting it back together a few times because you don't want to get too far ahead of yourself. You'll gain confidence in no time. You own the computer, the computer does not own you!

yeah. once you learn the ports and stuff, even the newer stuff which you don't see in that P2 system will be quite familiar. AGP slots are a lot like PCIe slots and carry almost the same functions. PCI slots are still here (well... 1 or 2 of them per motherboard now). The socket will be a big different from those P2s. Like the guy said above though, everyone mistifies (geekifies) building computers, but in all reality, it's easier than putting together a lego set. Only.. in this case, each lego is a couple hundred dollars, lol. If you're really afraid, just surf around the forums, ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help. The more you know, the less there is to be afraid of, right?

[kuhla]

Also just to give a bit of perspective, computer parts in general are suprisingly resiliant to abuse. I've knocked, dropped, spilled on, sneezed on, cursed at, washed, grabbed with very sweaty hands, insulted, threatened-with-RMA many peices of a computer and yet they keep on working just fine.

Treize2, have fun with your build and welcome to XS :)

[Bootup05]

Just stay away from carpet and you'll be fine :up:

I put my few month old Asus P5B E PLUS on the carpet once, (Was on my bed, wanted to sleep. Was around 3am and was tired.) Woke up the next day, a week after when I tryed to power up i was STUMPED!

[MinorThreat]

Its really very easy now. I just built my first real system a few weeks ago, on carpet. I just held onto the case when I was putting the CPU in. Other then that it is very easy to build a computer now. The worst part for me was putting in the cpu and attaching the the ridiculious sized heatsink to the cpu. It felt like there was no way the motherboard could support the weight.

[PyroFire]

I built my first computer when i was 13 two years ago, it isnt hard at all. The system in my sig is what i built and what im on now :P

http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/ is what i used, also read aroud alot. Main thing is getting the cpu installation/hsf installation right as well as mounting the motherboard (REMEMBER TO USE THE BRASS STANDOFFS), as for everything else take your time.

Also the latest issue of custompc has a complete guide if you live in the uk, may also be on the site (www.custompc.co.uk)

edit: try not to built it on carpet, i built mine ontop of a wooden desk.
edit2: make sure the motherboard is on the antistatic bag while you work on it, also what i did is i since i was near the radiator i just keep touching it like every 5 or 10 mins and i didnt nuke anything ;p
edit3: Since your new to pc building, using the stock paste and cooler might be a good idea.