The CD-ROM

The speed of the CD-ROM drive is not that big a concern, but with a Lite-On drive you can be sure you're getting what you paid for. The Lite-On 52x CD-ROM looks like this in its retail box.

Here are front and rear shots of the CD-ROM, plus a picture of the mounting screws for the CD-ROM. Since this is the retail box version of the CD-ROM, it comes with the mounting screws.

The CD-RW

I recommend either a CD-ROM or CD-RW, but not both. When I first built My Super PC, I used a CD-ROM. But today I prefer to go with the CD-RW, even though I really don't burn that many CD's. It's nice to know I can if I want, and a CD-RW doesn't cost much more than a CD-ROM. A CD-RW will read a CD about as fast as a CD-ROM. And having just one of either a CD-ROM or CD-RW makes things easier if you plan to include a second optical device, such as a DVD-ROM or DVD RW, since it can be installed on the same IDE as the CD-ROM or CD-RW. As far as building the computer is concerned, the steps for installing the CD-RW are identical to that of the CD-ROM. Here are pictures of the first CD-RW I used, the Lite-on 40x/12x/48x.

Here are front and rear shots of the CD-RW, plus a picture of the mounting screws for the CD-RW. As you can see, it looks very much like a CD-ROM.

The DVD RW

I recommend a dual format DVD RW, meaning one that supports both the dash (-) and plus (+) formats, to ensure maximum compatibility. Sony DVD RW drives have an excellent reputation for quality at a reasonable price, and include an excellent set of software to support the type of functions you normally want to do with a DVD RW, such as making backups, video editing and production, and music CD's. The parts in the retail box include an IDE ribbon cable which will be used during the assembly process to connect both the CD-RW and the DVD RW.

Here are front and rear shots of the DVD RW, plus a picture of the mounting screws for the DVD RW.

Next: Computer Assembly - Sound Card and Speakers

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How To Build A Computer. Step By Step Instructions To Assemble. Skip To Any Assembly Step.

	Parts List [go]
	Tools [go]
	Antistatic Wrist Strap [go]
	Computer Case and Power Supply [go]
	Motherboard [go]
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound [go]
	RAM - System Memory [go]
	Video Card [go]
	Monitor [go]
	Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	Floppy Drive [go]
	Hard Drive [go]
	CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW [go]
	Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Modem [go]
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard [go]
	Install the CPU Cooler [go]
	Install the RAM - System Memory [go]
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case [go]
	Install the Video Card [go]
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard [20-pin Connector  or  24-pin Connector]
	Connect the PN1 and PN2 Indicators to the Motherboard [KS-282 to EPoX 8RDA+  or  Sonata to MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Ready the Monitor [go]
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	First Boot [go]
	First Boot Common Problems [go]
	Install the CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW Drives [go]
	Install the Hard Drive and Floppy Drive [PATA Hard Drive  or  SATA Hard Drive]
	Connect the Speakers (if using built-in sound) [go]
	Second Boot [PATA  or  SATA]
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Test The Hard Drive [PATA  or  SATA]
	Install a Second SATA Hard Drive For RAID (optional) [go]
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP [on PATA hard drive  or  on SATA hard drive]
	Driver Installation [go]
	How To Copy Big Files From Another Computer Using Just a Floppy Drive [go]
	Install the Modem [go]
	Install the Motherboard Chipset Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Monitor Driver [go]
	Install the Video Card Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Install System Information Utility - EVEREST [go]
	Diagnostic Test - DirectX [go]
	Speed Test - System Memory (RAM) Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Hard Drive Performance [PATA and SATA results]
	Speed Test - CD Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Total System Performance [go]
	Stress/Torture Tests [go]
	Connect Front Panel Ports For Audio, Firewire and USB 2.0 [go]
	Install Rear Panel Ports For Firewire And USB 2.0 [go]
	Install The Computer Case Fans [go]
	Post Assembly Needs [go]
	Graduation [go]
	Video Card Driver Settings [go]
	BIOS Flash Update [go]
	BIOS Settings [go]

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© 2001-2008, Rob Williams, all rights reserved.