"Go Tyler" said:
I am about 3 generations behind when it comes to motherboards, so I am
thinking about updating. I am capable of putting in a PSU, memory, video
cards, etc. But I have never put in chips or even attached a MOBO to a panel
in a case. We have to start somewhere.
I am wondering if you Asus gives good installation instructions for its
MOBO? It would be good if they sold one with the CPU already in it. Do they
do that?
What about a case? It would be nice if I had one with a PSU and three fans
already in installed.
Sounds like you want a Heathkit
Asus makes all their motherboard manuals available for download.
It is much easier to read the PDF on a computer screen, than look
at the tiny print in the manual that ships with the motherboard.
Looking at the manual in advance, should prepare you for your
project.
(Put mobo name in the upper left hand box. Then search. A final
step would be to click the "Manual" button, to shorten the list
returned.)
http://support.asus.com.tw/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us
I think the only part of the construction effort, that isn't
as easy as putting together some Lego blocks, is selecting
a power supply. This site is the most accurate one I know of,
for aiding in at least getting the output requirements right.
If it doesn't render right, make sure Javascript is enabled.
http://takaman.jp/D/?english
The output rating, in terms of amps for +3.3, +5, +12V,
can then be used with the specs you can find on a page
like this, to size up a supply.
http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=58
First, just click the "Go" button on that Newegg page, and
sort so the lowest price is first. All of the manufacturer
names on that first, lowest price page, will be losers. (With
maybe the exception of the Sparkle supply, which is only a
250 watter, and not likely to be applicable to your build
anyway.)
This article will help direct you to a quality brand name:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=56231
I do like the geneology info on Takaman as well. Many
amusing observations, about the true supplier of some
of the power supplies. Takaman doesn't keep this info
up to date, but many of the trends noted are likely to
be applicable today.
http://takaman.jp/D/s.html?lang=eng...5=15.5&a12=16&w35=86.5&w3512=278.9&wall=288.9
Hopefully, you will end up with a good power supply, that
won't prevent your new build from being a success.
Installing a CPU doesn't have to be traumatic. The kind of
mechanical fixture used to hold the heatsink makes all the
difference. For example, I have a couple computers with
Zalman CNPS7000 series heatsinks. One reason I like them,
is they use a couple of screws to hold them in place. If
you've ever tried to use the clips, and had a screwdriver
slide off the end of the clip and damage the motherboard,
you'll recognize the value of a good heatsink mechanism.
Finally, you could always contact a local computer store,
bring them a box of goods, a crisp $100 bill, and ask them
to assemble it. Of course, they may scoff at the quality
of some of the items you've purchased, but if any of those
stores have developed a good local reputation, you may
end up with a working system, with minimal damage. I had
a local store build my first PC, but I've built all the
ones since.
Paul
