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> Have $500-600. Please help on hardware.
phawgg
post Nov 16 2004, 10:15 PM
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I'm lookin' forward to seein' and hearin' more about it as you go, Chad. You're gettin' more bang-for-your-buck than any other way to go, my friend. smile.gif


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cpotter
post Nov 18 2004, 09:16 AM
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Got the RAM yesterday and installed the hardware. Questions:

1) Like the Antec case. But basically provided a bag of screws. No place in manual describes what screw goes where (other than odd looking screw used for HD placement with associated installed rubber grommets). There were 2 possible screws that fit into the MOBO standoffs. Used the ones that had a rounded washer type ring around the head of the screw. These seemed to resemble the screws on my previous MOBO. When tightening the screws, I knew not to tighen to hard as you do not want to crack the MOBO. About half of them I could attach snug but not tight. The other half could not be attached in a snug manner. You just keep on turning them and the do not tighten any more. I tested the these screws in a MOBO standoff not attached to the case. When half way in, the screw seems firmly attached but does have some give in the along the axis of the screw. I assume this is designed this way to make a secure connection but prevent overtightening of the screws?

2) The processor heatsink/fan connection to the MOBO. My Soltek MOBO states to attach to the CPU fan header. The only headers I see are labeled Fan1, Fan2, and Fan3. I presume they are all the same. I attached the CPU fan to Fan1 as it was closest to CPU. Upon power up the fan does work but I have no way to know of the rotational speed. My basic question is: I assume it doesn't matter if I connect to Fan1, Fan2, or Fan3. Reading the MOBO manual, all 3 fan connectors have a sensor on them to determine the fan speed with software. But I think I need to install software to do this (as opposed to being able to detect fan speed through the BIOS). The Antec PSU has a sensor cable that I have attached to Fan2. I'm almost positive this is used to monitor the speed of the PSU fan. The 120mm fan does not have this sensor type cable that attaches to Fan1, Fan2, etc. It is powered straight from the PSU with a large 4 pin connector. Do all of my connections sound right?

3) Installed the DVDRW. Only problem is I bought it OEM through Newegg. Did not come with the CDin cable that attaches to the MOBO. I assume I need this. Tried to use the analog cable that I had previously on my DVD ROM and old CDRW, but these are 2 short. There is an adjacent smaller set of pins marked digital on all 3 drives, but this was not connected on either drive on my old computer. I'm assuming I can just connect the analog CDin as previous, but need a longer cable. Any idea where I can get one of these cheap?

4) Pamphlet that came with CPU and MOBO manual talked about using thermal grease when installing heatsink. The actual CPU manual as well as video on AMD's site just talked about removing plastic over heatsink and placing heatsink directly onto processor. There is a thermal adhesive that was already on the heatsink. Am I correct in assuming that I did not need to use ADDITIONAL thermal paste? I get the impression that users who change CPU's often may remove existing adhesive and apply different thermal paste as the thermal adhesive that comes with the heatsink can be difficult to remove if you have to do this down the road. For the average user like me who is going to use the same CPU for a long time, using the stock thermal adhesive is fine. Am I correct in this assumption?

5) My case looks like it had an animal in it. Wires everywhere. What is the best way to deal with this? 1) Leave it alone? I assume this would compromise air flow. 2) Buy cheap wire ties to make appearance better? 3) I think they sell cable wraps or something along this line specificially for this purpose. Is this necessary? And if these are very helpful, where can I get them cheaply?

Experience overall was good. Would have been nice for Antec to label the polarity of the front panel connectors or state in the manual which wire was - and which was +. Only matters for the LED's, but was a process of elimination to determine what the polarity was.

After installation, it did POST to bios. If you don't go directly to the BIOS by hitting the delete key, it does say no "no BIOS found" or something along those lines. I'm assuming this is becuase my HD has not yet been formatted? I was able to get into BIOS, change the boot order of my drives to CD being #1. Then was able to start the Windows XP CD. Then shut everything off and went to bed as it was getting late. Wanted to write this post and make sure I had some things connected correctly before I left the CPU running for an extended period of time with windows installation.

Sorry for the length of this post, just wanted to explain things in detail. Thanks for all the help.

Chad
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cpotter
post Nov 18 2004, 08:07 PM
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Another question:

Have bought a new Seagate IDE 160GB drive and I'm using an older Maxtor 20GB drive as a slave. I'm about to begin installing Windows XP on the 160GB drive. I was planning on using just one partition on this drive. Are there any pros/cons to using multiple partitions on this drive. The other 20GB HD will be used primarly for crucial data backup. Thanks for the help.

Chad
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cpotter
post Nov 18 2004, 10:01 PM
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Update:

Windows XP is running.

Found an answer to my question regarding CPU fans. All 3 fan connectors are identical. If anyone has input to the other questions as listed in my longer post above, would love to hear from you.

Regarding HD's:
Have partitioned my 160GB into a 20GB (Windows and Applications) and a 140GB partition for my data.
Will use my older 20GB slave drive for data backup.

Chad
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phawgg
post Nov 18 2004, 10:45 PM
Post #50


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QUOTE
Regarding HD's:
Have partitioned my 160GB into a 20GB (Windows and Applications) and a 140GB partition for my data.
Will use my older 20GB slave drive for data backup.
I'm quailified to comment on this. Good Job, and also for having the winXP up & runnin'.
QUOTE
Like the Antec case. But basically provided a bag of screws.
I think you did OK considerin', I wouldn't worry.
QUOTE
Do all of my connections sound right?
I'd be willing to bet ya' got it. At least 95% first time, and that's good enuf!!
QUOTE
but need a longer cable.
I think this sorta thing is inevitable considering the total number of pieces & "the odds". I would just go to the CompSurplus location nearby, or scrounge as we'd say in the auto-remodel hobby
QUOTE
about using thermal grease when installing heatsink.
I did this step when replacin' the OEM heatsink fan with a bigger one. So, it's fine. You may do that a year from now, maybe not. Really all depends on preference to a certain extent. You did OK. IMO.
QUOTE
My case looks like it had an animal in it. Wires everywhere.
I simply used black electrical tape in 70% of the places I determined I could see more attention to aesthetics could be given. Those fans will blow right around those wires real well. 30% of the spots, I used garbage bag ties...vinyl coated wire. Worked good. IMO
QUOTE
Experience overall was good.
That's the MAJOR THING. Glad to here it.
QUOTE
After installation, it did POST to bios. If you don't go directly to the BIOS by hitting the delete key, it does say no "no BIOS found"
I would imagine it's working like clockwork now, with the OS installed and the hard drives operating?
QUOTE
Sorry for the length of this post
I'd need a rubber stamp to that effect on a daily basis around here. Some things can't be said in a few sentences.
In high spirits over your great acheivement,
Regards,
Joe (phawgg)


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JEservices
post Nov 18 2004, 11:03 PM
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QUOTE
1) Like the Antec case. But basically provided a bag of screws. No place in manual describes what screw goes where (other than odd looking screw used for HD placement with associated installed rubber grommets). There were 2 possible screws that fit into the MOBO standoffs. Used the ones that had a rounded washer type ring around the head of the screw. These seemed to resemble the screws on my previous MOBO. When tightening the screws, I knew not to tighten to hard as you do not want to crack the MOBO. About half of them I could attach snug but not tight. The other half could not be attached in a snug manner. You just keep on turning them and the do not tighten any more. I tested the these screws in a MOBO standoff not attached to the case. When half way in, the screw seems firmly attached but does have some give in the along the axis of the screw. I assume this is designed this way to make a secure connection but prevent over tightening of the screws?


I was surprised to heard that it did not come with instructions. You did a good job by using your best judgment on the decisions. You are correct that those type are designed to prevent over-tightening.

QUOTE
2) The processor heatsink/fan connection to the MOBO. My Soltek MOBO states to attach to the CPU fan header. The only headers I see are labeled Fan1, Fan2, and Fan3. I presume they are all the same. I attached the CPU fan to Fan1 as it was closest to CPU. Upon power up the fan does work but I have no way to know of the rotational speed. My basic question is: I assume it doesn't matter if I connect to Fan1, Fan2, or Fan3. Reading the MOBO manual, all 3 fan connectors have a sensor on them to determine the fan speed with software. But I think I need to install software to do this (as opposed to being able to detect fan speed through the BIOS). The Antec PSU has a sensor cable that I have attached to Fan2. I'm almost positive this is used to monitor the speed of the PSU fan. The 120mm fan does not have this sensor type cable that attaches to Fan1, Fan2, etc. It is powered straight from the PSU with a large 4 pin connector. Do all of my connections sound right?


All of the fan connections are correct. Typically, you go in order (fan1, fan2, ect...), in the order that you need them. If you have one fan, you only use fan1, if you have 2 fans, you use fan1 and fan2, ect... If you have a driver disk with the MOBO, then the sensor programs will be there. Another place to find them would be to google for <MOBO name> temp sensors. IMHO, if you do not overclock, then the default settings should suffice.

QUOTE
3) Installed the DVDRW. Only problem is I bought it OEM through Newegg. Did not come with the CDin cable that attaches to the MOBO. I assume I need this. Tried to use the analog cable that I had previously on my DVD ROM and old CDRW, but these are 2 short. There is an adjacent smaller set of pins marked digital on all 3 drives, but this was not connected on either drive on my old computer. I'm assuming I can just connect the analog CDin as previous, but need a longer cable. Any idea where I can get one of these cheap?


If you have a Frys, that would be the best place. Best Buy, and Circuit City would be my next choices, but they may not have them. I would use Radio Shack as a last resort, only because of the quality of products (just my opinion). Being that you are so close to finishing your computer, you may want to find a local store. Looking in your phone book under computer equipment and supplies may reveal places close to you that I am not aware of. In any choice of location, I would take your old cable with you, and tell them how much longer you need it. You want to make sure that you have the same kind of pin configuration.

QUOTE
4) Pamphlet that came with CPU and MOBO manual talked about using thermal grease when installing heatsink. The actual CPU manual as well as video on AMD's site just talked about removing plastic over heatsink and placing heatsink directly onto processor. There is a thermal adhesive that was already on the heatsink. Am I correct in assuming that I did not need to use ADDITIONAL thermal paste? I get the impression that users who change CPU's often may remove existing adhesive and apply different thermal paste as the thermal adhesive that comes with the heatsink can be difficult to remove if you have to do this down the road. For the average user like me who is going to use the same CPU for a long time, using the stock thermal adhesive is fine. Am I correct in this assumption?


Yes, you are correct that what is already on there will be sufficient for your needs.

QUOTE
5) My case looks like it had an animal in it. Wires everywhere. What is the best way to deal with this? 1) Leave it alone? I assume this would compromise air flow. 2) Buy cheap wire ties to make appearance better? 3) I think they sell cable wraps or something along this line specifically for this purpose. Is this necessary? And if these are very helpful, where can I get them cheaply?


Controlling wire placement not only makes it easier for air flow, but if your case has a transparent side, then it will look much better. You can go with the wire tie method, but not the cheap kind. Make sure that they are at least rated for electrical wires. You can get them at any hardware store, in a variety of colors. As a guess, a package of 20 would be under $5. If you do use them, cut the extra off carefully with a sharp pair of scissors.

QUOTE
Have bought a new Seagate IDE 160GB drive and I'm using an older Maxtor 20GB drive as a slave. I'm about to begin installing Windows XP on the 160GB drive. I was planning on using just one partition on this drive. Are there any pros/cons to using multiple partitions on this drive. The other 20GB HD will be used primarly for crucial data backup. Thanks for the help.
Have partitioned my 160GB into a 20GB (Windows and Applications) and a 140GB partition for my data.
Will use my older 20GB slave drive for data backup.


Many people have large HDs and they do not partition them. It is the same people that do not know the advantage of doing so. The main ones are speed and reliability. When you partition, the computer sees it as different drives. If one of your files is corrupted on one of the drives, it will not affect the other ones. When you back up from one drive to another, then you can restore the damaged file easily. The increase in speed comes in that when you defrag or clean out files, it does not have to search the entire HD. In time, you will see more of the advantage.

About the long post-its ok. I do not mind, and I do not think anyone else does either. Good job so far!


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Please post back when a suggestion works, so that others may learn.
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cpotter
post Nov 19 2004, 09:59 AM
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Thanks for all the help.

Plan on getting some wire ties this weekend. Also need to purchase the longer CD Audio cable and an 80mm additional fan for the case. I will probably buy these from MonarchTechnology.com. For anyone interested, I've had success with them. There prices are very good considering shipping is free on any item I've looked at. Newegg is good, but for a CD Audio cable of $0.99 you have to pay $5.00 in shipping. Almost all reviews are good for MonarchTechnology.com on pricegrabber.com. Do not confuse this with www.monarchcomputer.com which also has good prices, but pricegrabber reviews are not nearly as favorable.

Thanks for all the help. I'm just in the process of getting software installed. Installed Windows XP and MOBO drivers. Have to do the remainder of the drivers and upgrade to XP service pack 2. HD's are formatted.

One question I do have is the following:
Installed the Soltek Hardware Monitor (comes with my Soltek MOBO). The status warning LED is showing up as red, which I'm assuming is not a good thing. Cannot find any documentation for the software. Other data it is showing:

CPU Die Temp: 44
RT 1 Temp: 21
Fan1 (Attached to CPU Fan): Approx 3000
Fan3 (Attached to sensor from Antec 350W PSU that came with case): Approx 990 and red

CPU Voltage: 1.488
3.3V: 3.296
5V: 5.027

I'm assuming that the red status warning LED is secondary to the low fan speed registering from the Antec PSU (and not secondary to a more sinister problem)? I'm also assuming this is not a big deal as in the Antec case manual it states:

"Note: At low temperatures, the fan may run as slow as 1200 RPM. At these speeds, some motherboards may not properly detect the fan speed and may generate false warnings of fan failure."

Please let me know if this is a real problem, but I'm guessing it is not. I suppose I could just unconnect the PSU fan sensor and see if the status warning LED switches to green (thus verifying that the low PSU fan speed is causing the red LED). Just thought I woud ask here first.

Thanks.. Chad
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phawgg
post Nov 27 2004, 06:11 PM
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QUOTE
Thanks for all the help. I'm just in the process of getting software installed. Installed Windows XP and MOBO drivers. Have to do the remainder of the drivers and upgrade to XP service pack 2. HD's are formatted.
Lottsa details, huh? I wonder if you'd be so kind as to provide some more details about how things that went well occured.
I'm particularly interested in the performance of your DVD-RW, as I'm chasin' down some problems with my own CD-RW I think may be associated with either
  • a detail I missed at setting up SP2
  • a different default setting that SP2 uses instead of what might have been the case in SP1
  • a detail involving one of the optional update downloads at windows updates " High mat CD writing..." that I haven't installed.
  • software incompatibility with SP2 possibility, involving the manufacturer's install CD, it's update download, or issues of this kind.
Anyway, I've read of some of the problems involving your home network, but am, like you, looking for answers. I can't post 'em. huh.gif


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