Parts List - Components List

Note: This page starts my finished step-by-step assembly instructions. They could use an update, so that's what I've started on another web-page. I'm quite far along with the update, getting as far as completing the Windows XP, Windows Vista install. But the finished instructions starting with this page are more comprehensive. If you want a printed copy of these finished instructions then they are available as a black-and-white hard-copy for $19.95 from Lulu, How to Build an Affordable, Quality, Fast PC! The web-pages are, of course, free!

This page begins my very own How To Assemble A Computer instructions. In great detail with tons of pictures, beginning with the parts list of components you'll need. Everything down to the bolts and cables, including where I got it (or where you should get it). All shipping was done using the cheapest shipping option available from the reseller. Nearly everything arrived in four work days or less. Everything arrived in perfect condition and was exactly what I ordered.

If you prefer, you can purchase these computer assembly instructions complete in book form! This page describes the book.

Regardless of the hardware you choose, you will find these assembly instructions quite helpful for any Athlon/Pentium configuration, including the configuration of My Super PC today. My assembly instructions provide the complete step-by-step sequence on how to assemble a 64-bit computer or 32-bit computer.

The assembly steps show much more than the building of a single computer. They show the differences in the assembly steps for different configurations. For example, the steps include variations for:

Building a computer using a standard IDE parallel ATA (PATA) hard drive versus using a serial ATA (SATA) hard drive.

Building a computer with or without a RAID configuration.

Building a computer using the sound capabilities built into the motherboard versus using an add-on sound card.

Building a computer using an ATI based video card versus using an NVIDIA based video card.

And multiple examples of BIOS settings, device connections and more.

Two different computer builds were used in writing the assembly steps. The main, baseline steps are for build #1, a computer based on a 32-bit motherboard, the EPoX EP-8RDA+. Where there are differences, additional or parallel steps are included for build #2, a computer based on a 64-bit motherboard, the MSI K8N Neo Platinum. For example, build 1 uses a standard IDE parallel (PATA) hard drive. Build 2 uses a serial ATA (SATA) hard drive. The parts list below identifies the components used in each build.

And as if all this weren't enough, I have a full set of assembly instructions for a third computer build based on a DDR266 motherboard using an Athlon XP 1800+ processor and PC2100 memory, namely the ABIT KR7A-133 motherboard. They begin on this page. They are very similar to the current set of assembly instructions for the more powerful computer based on the EPoX EP-8RDA+ motherboard, but they have some differences that may be of interest. In particular:

The CPU cooler on the ABIT KR7A-133 used the Thermaltake Volcano 6 which had a more straightforward installation since it had no thermal sensor that the CPU cooler could use to adjust the fan. After being installed on the processor, it simply connected to a 3-pin power header on the motherboard.

The ABIT KR7A-133 based computer did not need a custom I/O shield as does the EPoX 8RDA+ (and which is included in the retail package).

Technology changes quickly, so you should look over my current recommendations on my home page. I also provide direct links to component recommendations next to some components in the parts list with a What I Suggest Today link.

Parts List

Item: Bought From	Comments
Computer case: Amazon   Build 1: Antec KS-282   Build 2: Antec Sonata	The computer case will come with a generous supply of mounting posts and screws used to mount the motherboard inside the case, as well as extra bracket screws for securing PCI and AGP cards to the case. Not all computer cases come with power supplies, but some do. Be sure and get a computer case with at least a 300 watt power supply. Many cases include one or more case fans, but the Antec KS-282 did not. What I Suggest Today
Case fans: Amazon   Build 1: Sunon KD1208PTB2	For Build 1 using the Antec KS-282 case, I purchased two 80mm fans (other cases may use 120mm fans), one for intake and one for exhaust, the 3-pin power connector variety to plug them directly into the motherboard (4-pin connectors are the ones that come off the power supply). The Antec KS282 computer case provides a mounting bracket for the intake case fan for which no mounting screws are required - it just snaps in. But the more important exhaust fan does need mounting screws and these were purchased separately. A total of four round-head machine screws, size 8-32, length 1-1/4 inch (1.25 inches) with nuts are needed, which I purchased at Home Depot. Since building My Super PC I've learned through testing that one case fan for exhaust is sufficient. The second case fan for intake makes very little difference. The Antec Sonata case includes one case for exhaust.
Motherboard: Amazon   Build 1: EPoX 8RDA+   Build 2: MSI K8N Neo Platinum	The EPoX 8RDA+ retail box includes one ATA/133 IDE cable which is ideal for the hard drive. It also includes a second ribbon cable for the floppy drive. The MSI K8N Neo Platinum retail box includes two SATA cables for SATA hard drives and one ATA/133 IDE cable which is ideal for a hard drive but is fine for optical drives. It also includes a second ribbon cable for the floppy drive. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Motherboard Page
Processor: NewEgg   Build 1: Athlon XP 2600+   Build 2: Athlon 64 3400+	OEM version. The OEM version, unlike the retail box version, does not include the CPU Cooler. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Processor Page
CPU Cooler: NewEgg   Build 1: Thermaltake Volcano 9   Build 2: Thermaltake Venus Silent Boost	The thermal compound that comes pre-applied to the CPU cooler will do, but if you want to increase the cooling capability of the CPU cooler a little like I did then a better thermal compound needs to be purchased separately. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Cooling Page
Thermal compound: NewEgg   Arctic Silver 3	You don't need this if you go with the thermal compound that comes pre-applied to the CPU cooler, which is perfectly acceptable.
RAM: Crucial   Build 1: 512MB PC2700 DDR333   Build 2: 512MB PC3200 DDR400	For each build, I purchased two modules for a total of 1024MB.
Video card: Amazon   Build 1: ATI Radeon 9800 Pro   Build 2: Chaintech GeForce 6600 GT	Video cards like these are great for computers that need to handle demanding, graphic intensive applications, like top-tier games. If you plan to do video editing then you should get a video card in the ATI All-In-Wonder line. The NVIDIA brands I prefer are Gainward, ASUS, ABIT and Chaintech. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Video Card Page
Sound card: Amazon   Build 1: Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS   Build 2: Sound Blaster X-Fi	The Creative Sound Blaster cards are outstanding. An add-on sound card is optional if the motherboard has good quality built-in sound like the EPoX 8RDA+ and MSI K8N Neo Platinum, but using the on-board sound built into the motherboard can cost a few percentage points in overall system performance in some situations. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Sound Card Page
Speakers: Hifi.com Creative Cambridge SoundWorks PCWorks	A sub-woofer with two satellite speakers. Fantastic!
Hard drive: NewEgg   Build 1: WD Caviar SE 120GB PATA   Build 2: WD Caviar SE 250GB SATA	This is the OEM version, so the mounting screws were purchased separately. A total of six round-head machine screws, size 6-32, length 1/4 inch are needed. My RAID configuration uses two SATA hard drives. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC Hard Drive Page
Floppy drive: Amazon Any brand	All floppy drives come OEM, so the mounting screws were purchased separately. A total of four round head machine screws are needed, size 4-40, length 1/4 inch. Some builders do without a floppy drive, but you'll look pretty silly having saved eight bucks when it turns out you needed one. Seriously, there are times when it is the path of least resistance to use a floppy disk. There's a bay for it in the case and a connector for it on the motherboard, so why not - peer pressure?
DVD RW: Amazon Sony Dual Format	I prefer a dual format drive, meaning one that supports both the plus (+) and dash (-) formats, for maximum compatibility. The retail box version includes the mounting screws and an IDE ribbon cable which can be used to connect both the DVD RW drive and another optical drive, such as a CD-RW drive. What I Suggest Today MySuperPC DVD RW Drive Page
CD-RW: Amazon   Build 1: Lite-On 40x/12x/48x	The retail box version includes the mounting screws, but not an IDE ribbon cable. The DVD RW drive I'm using also performs the functions of a CD RW drive. Since DVD RW drives are not that expensive anymore, it's fine if the DVD RW drive is the only optical drive in the computer, which is what I did for the second computer build.
Modem: Amazon Zoom V.92 PCI Faxmodem	Nowadays you should get a modem that supports the V.92 and V.44 standards, as this one does. You may not want a modem if you'll be using a high-speed connection. Chances are your cablemodem or DSL provider will provide the hardware and installation for their service, which is best since if it's not working then it's their problem.
Keyboard/Mouse: Buy.com Logitech Cordless Freedom	Cordless is great! The mouse comes with a "wheel" control built-in between the buttons, which is really handy. Batteries included. What I Suggest Today
Monitor: Amazon DELL Ultrasharp 2001FP 20.1-inch Flat Panel LCD Monitor	A flat panel monitor is quite pricey compared to a CRT monitor, but the difference in viewing quality is striking. Plus you get the extra desk space. If you're using a flat panel monitor then make sure the video card you choose comes with a DVI connector. Video cards like the ATI Radeon 9600 XT and ATI Radeon 9800 Pro have a DVI connector.
Operating System: Amazon Windows XP Home Edition Upgrade with Service Pack 2	This version requires you already have a copy of Windows 98 or better.
Disk restoral utility: Amazon GoBack	This is invaluable all the time, including as you first build the computer and install software and drivers.
Antistatic wrist strap: Amazon	Possibly you have one of these already. You really, really need it.

Common Assembly Problems

The most common problem with assembling a computer successfully is caused by not using quality components. All of the components I recommend have quality you can count on and without spending too much. It's a terrible mistake to purchase components that will be problematical, but it's also a waste of money to buy the ultimate quality component. The components I recommend hit the "sweet spot".

The most common and worst mistake that's made in terms of component selection is to choose generic RAM. While generic aspirin may arguably be just as good as brand name aspirin, the same cannot at all be said for RAM. Pay a few bucks more for Crucial memory now and save yourself crashes and lock-ups later.

Next: Computer Assembly - Tools

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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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