| 1. Before you begin... | | | | Next, follow the manufacturer's directions to |
| | | | install the heat sink and the fan that will |
| First thing is first, make sure that you have | | | | cool the processor. If you bought an OEM CPU |
| everything you need to get started. What good | | | | and a separate heat sink, you may need to |
| is it to get started only to find you don't | | | | spread a thin layer of the thermal compound |
| have everything necessary? This can take | | | | that came with the heat sink over the chip to |
| quite a bit of time, but is well worth the | | | | ensure proper transfer of heat (some come |
| effort. Once you have inventoried everything | | | | with thermal compound already applied). |
| it is time to get started! In addition to all | | | | Attaching the clip that holds the heat sink |
| of your parts, you will need plenty of | | | | in place may require a fair amount of force. |
| working space and two to three hours to focus | | | | Plug the fan's power connector into the |
| on the task at hand. Be sure to remember that | | | | proper connector on the motherboard. |
| carpet, and/or static is your worst enemy. | | | | |
| The static electricity can fry your | | | | TIP: Choose the processor first: With the |
| components and sometimes void any warranties | | | | release of Intel's new Conroe processors |
| you may have (be sure to check those | | | | Intel has surpassed AMD as the leader in |
| warranties as well...sometimes you just get | | | | graphics processing. Not only that, they have |
| bad components). A good accessory to have | | | | also managed to be more energy efficient at |
| with you is an antistatic wrist strap - they | | | | it. Check the latest reviews...you will find |
| are very inexpensive and can often be found | | | | this is not hype. Make sure you take extra |
| at your local computer parts store for six | | | | time to choose the right processor - it is |
| dollar or less. A floor free of carpet is | | | | definitely the most important decision you |
| your best place to build. Get your screw | | | | will make. |
| drivers, anti-static strap (strap it on) and | | | | |
| download the latest component drivers from | | | | TIP: Choose the motherboard after selecting |
| the vendors' websites and burn them to CD - | | | | the processor: Make sure, when selecting your |
| often times the drivers that come with your | | | | CPU, that your processor is compatible with |
| product will be several versions out of date | | | | your motherboard. This is indicated by the |
| - this can help by reducing stress later on. | | | | "socket" of your process - check the detailed |
| | | | specs and you will find what processors your |
| 2. Installing the Mobo (motherboard) | | | | motherboard supports. Some only support AMD; |
| | | | while others only support Intel and certain |
| Now we can begin with the good stuff: | | | | types within each so be CERTAIN. Often times |
| installing your mobo. Take the motherboard | | | | you can get both your process and your |
| out of the anti-static packaging and place it | | | | motherboard bundled - which means that your |
| on top of the same bag. Be careful to avoid | | | | retailer has taken the time to ensure that |
| creating any potentially "fatal" static | | | | both the mobo and processor are compatible - |
| electricity. Now, install the CPU, heat sink | | | | it is also a way to save a few bucks - not to |
| and memory modules. Do this before you screw | | | | mention saving time on the install. Socket A, |
| in the motherboard. Since each motherboard is | | | | Socket 939, and Socket 940 are designed to |
| different, be sure to check your user manual | | | | work with Athlon processors, while Socket 478 |
| as it will help guide you during the | | | | and the new LGA socket 775 are for Intel |
| installation process. First, lift the lever | | | | CPUs. The system chip set (the chips that |
| on the processor socket so you can install | | | | pass data between the peripherals and the |
| the CPU. Carefully line up the pins and place | | | | CPU) is the other component that differs |
| the chip in its socket; do not force it, it | | | | among motherboards; it determines which |
| will not fit unless it is orientated | | | | integrated components (graphics, sound, |
| properly. An arrow or a missing pin on one | | | | Ethernet, etc.) will be included. I wouldn't |
| corner of the chip will show you how to line | | | | count on using your integrated chipset to run |
| things up. Lower the lever and lock the CPU | | | | your games, but they are okay with the small |
| into place. | | | | things. |
| | | | |