build questions

[PTRMAN]

Fans apparently are connected directly to the PSU, with only two of them getting hooked up to the mobo for monitoring. I'll have to see how this actually works, but sounds like I might need some kind of independent fan controls.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by PTRMAN

I'm nearly done with connecting everything up! I don't have a "CD" connector cable to run from the mobo to the CD/DVD, but it is connected up via SATA cable anyhow. Do I need the CD cable?

Do you mean for audio? If you are running Windows XP or newer, you don't need those anymore, just the SATA data and power cables are necessary for any SATA drive (optical or hard drive).

[othman11]

YOu should have one plug for the CPU, and at least two for the system fans. If your gonna run more, then you may want to get a fan controler.

[PTRMAN]

Thanks to one and all for talking me into building my own. I got all the parts on Tuesday and last night played FEAR for about 45 minutes (got to bed at 1:30 AM!)

I have a few little hardware issues to clean up - mobo IO shield is a little bit askew, and I need to make sure the fans are hitting anything. Using cheapy HK speakers and 19" display (ony about 1200 X 1000!)from a HP / Costco special that we haven't used in a while. But everything works!

Also have to figure out where in my house to put the beast. Then I'll have to hook up to the internet and load up everything.

Two grand, lots of board postings and questions, tons of help from you HWL guys (gvblake, yellowhello plus many others) - any gals? - and a few skinned knuckles later I'm really pleased. It IS pretty easy to build your own PC, but I wouldn't have done it without your encouragement.

So...

THANK YOU!

PTRMAN

[screwballl]

what type of 19" is it? 19" regular or widescreen? If it is regular then 1280x1024 is the resolution you are looking for and if it is widescreen then 1440x900 is what you are looking for

[PTRMAN]

It isn't a wide-screen. Decided to use what I have rather than buy new. It's about 5 years old. Yes, thanks 1280*1024 is what I'm using.

[screwballl]

also remember the refresh rates on most of these is only 60Hz at the highest resolution unless your documentation says otherwise

[PTRMAN]

For my purposes this monitor will fill the bill for the time being. This build replaces my laptop and will be used in family room. Don't currently have dedicated or desk space for it, so it'll sit on the floor until we get around to re-doing the house.

But that's a whole other can of worms.

[gvblake22]

Great to hear everything is up and running successfully! Don't you feel more educated and accomplished having built your own computer instead of relying on Dell to tell you what you want?

[PTRMAN]

Yes, but I'm now a bit torn.

1) Take it apart to fiddle and fix some very minor issues or
2) Live with the minor issues and enjoy

I really want to do #2, but part of me is unsatisfied with the current condition. Tell me, now that I know I CAN open the case and tinker, how much more likely am I to do so now and going forward? The dark side of learning to build your own, I guess - there's always another tweak or something.