What not to forget while/after building your box

[b0nk3r]

The topic is catchy, thats if it really wasn't a question of my own. Sorry! :)

I'm about to head out to Fry's to pick up some Thermal Compound, but while I'm there I wanted to make sure to post this thread so by the time I come back there will be responses.


What should I remember to do while building my PC? After?

So far I have:

- Upgrade BIOS
- Download latest drivers from websites, avoid using the included discs.

That just off the top of my head and I'll think of it more while I'm having my dinner. What can you guys add? Thanks!

[gvblake22]

Before:

• Large, clean, safe place to work in (preferably large, solid table top)
• Small and medium sized phillips screwdrivers
• Flash drive or CD/DVD with the most recent drivers and other important software utilities (CPU-Z, CoreTemp, MemTest86+)
• 90% or greater Isopropyl alcohol to clean chip and heatsink surfaces
• Motherboard manual handy so you can figure out the pin orientation of the front panel connectors and the location of other internal headers (like USB, Firewire, audio, SATA, PATA, etc)

During:

• A good way to ground yourself to reduce/eliminate static shocks
• Good lighting so you can see what you are doing
• Zip ties and twisty-ties to secure cables out of the way
• Extra fans to place in available openings on the case.
• Adapters of all kinds (USB to PS/2, 4-pin molex to 3-pin, etc)
• Some good food to eat while your hard drive is formatting
• Don't force any cables or connections! If you have to force it in, you've probably got something backwards or in the wrong place.

After:

• Internet connection so you can update operating system and other installed software
• Old/spare parts to help troubleshoot if needed
• Can of compressed air to blow out the dust bunnies that will eventually collect inside the case
• A HardwareLogic bookmark in your favorite internet browser to get help and show off your new rig!

[oldman_gamer]

LOL....and lotsa pics before,during and after!

[screwballl]

a thumb drive in case the disc that comes with the board doesn't work or you need to get a newer LAN driver to work

[b0nk3r]

Great list gvblake!

Originally Posted by oldman_gamer

LOL....and lotsa pics before,during and after!

And about the pics, I already took some shots with all my components unwrapped (yeah felt like christmas). I'll get some shots during and after. Hopefully I can finish today, I still need to write my 3 page history paper =/

[Sumgai]

Blake covered everything...There's nothing I can think of that's not on his list lol.