Connect The PN1 And PN2 Indicators

The computer case provides PN1 and PN2 connectors that need to be connected to the PN1 and PN2 headers on the motherboard. These connectors make a connection between the computer case and the computer (via the motherboard). It is these connectors that allow the power and reset buttons on the front of the case to work, the LEDs (one indicating the computer has power, the other indicating the hard drive is being accessed) on the front of the case to work, and the built-in speaker to work. The PN1 and PN2 headers are located on the EPoX 8RDA+ motherboard as shown circled in blue.

There are five cables as shown below circled in red to be connected into specific positions of the PN1 and PN2 headers. The motherboard manual should be consulted for detailed diagrams. The nasty thing about these cables is that they are not keyed so they can be plugged in the wrong way around. The EPoX 8RDA+ motherboard manual is not at all clear on which way around the cables are to be connected. But through trial and error, I determined that the cables should be connected with the lettering on the cable facing inward, meaning away from the edge of the motherboard. Bear in mind that I'm using the Antec KS-282 computer case and other computer cases may have the PN1, PN2 connectors labeled on the other side - who knows?

On the EPoX 8RDA+ motherboard, the long line of pins which comprise the PN1 and PN2 headers are in two halves which the EPoX 8RDA+ motherboard labels "J2" and "J3". So you'll know where to find them, I've pointed out the "J2" and "J3" labels with yellow. These labels are also referenced in the EPoX 8RDA+ motherboard and they can help identify how to make the connections.

Here are the five cables connected into the PN1 and PN2 headers.

And here's how the computer looks assembled thus far. Everything we want installed inside of the computer for the first boot is in place.

Next: Computer Assembly - Ready the Monitor

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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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