A technical question

[Kassidy]

After a few years of messing around with my computer, upgrading things here and there, I am now at the point where I have a new motherboard and processor to install (as well as a power supply to compensate for the new mobo). My question is this: how easy would it be for me to entirely fuck up my system if I do this by myself? I have heard confilicting ideas on this. Some people tell me it is very basic to do, while others gasp in shock that I am thinking of doing this on my own. So, I turn to the technical geniuses out there. If it is really basic, what things do I need to be careful of? (I have already backed up all my files on a secondary hard drive) And, if on the flip side, y'all think I must be crazy for trying to do this on my own, can you offer any suggestions for making sure all my data is protected from the nosey person who would be rubuilding my system?

*kisses*
Kassie

 

[papasmerf]

Just be paitent and use the directions.

You will do fine. This stuff is so easy, anyone with any ability can do it.

 

[baci2004]

There are many things to consider...here's one.

Make sure that the mounting posts are in the correct position when you bolt
down the mobo. If you happen to attach the board and one of the posts is misalligned you will surely fark it up.

Good Luck!

 

[mass123]

You can just let somone install the power supply, board, chip and memory in your box and make sure your can reach the bios screen and the memory is recognized. Latter you can install your hardrive which just involves putting the hardrive in the case, attaching the power cord then a ribbon cable to board from drive.

It is easy to do yourself, but if your like me with all thumbs, putting in the chip and heat sink can be tricky. A bent pin, to much pressure etc... can damage the chip.

For someone who has done it allot it snap snap. You can go to the store and make the guy do it in front of you if your worried about them poking into your hardrive.

 

[Kassidy]

Thanks guys!

Well y'all have put my mind at ease at least a bit more, I have the manual et al for the mobo, so I figured if I just carefully read and re read everything about 5 times before doing it, I would be fine.

And Winston, my old system is moving into a new tower and going to a friends little one for games. I still had all the old stuff from previous upgrades so he will be getting an entirely new system (not sure what he plans to do with his old one). I am getting my upgrade courtesy of a friend who upgraded his system and gave me his old components (I was running a Pentium 3 450 so although it is great for some things, as my computer usage expands it was not quite enough power). So to me it seemed only right that my old (and still perfectly functioning system) went to someone who could get joy out of it.

*kisses*
Kissidy

 

[EcoDoc]

First things first, check that:

1) Cpu and motherboard are compatible.

2) The power supply is sufficient to power the system and is compatible. You mentioned the P3-450, that's getting pretty close to when AT Power supplies were used in most systems. Easiest way to tell is how your powerbutton works. When you push the power button, does it click and stay down (like a pen) or is it like a key on your keyboard that doesn't have an 'on or and 'off' position? If it's the first, then you have an AT power supply, otherwise it's an ATX Power Supply. Don't worry about screwing this up. The power connectors are not compatible, so you won't be able to plug it in if it's not the right one.

*Caution* if your psu is an AT power supply (with two single rowed connectors), make sure the black wires are in the middle - you'll understand what I mean when you try to put it back together.

Otherwise, just take your time, make sure you get all the screws. Nothing should require much force to take out.

Good luck!

Well y'all have put my mind at ease at least a bit more, I have the manual et al for the mobo, so I figured if I just carefully read and re read everything about 5 times before doing it, I would be fine.

And Winston, my old system is moving into a new tower and going to a friends little one for games. I still had all the old stuff from previous upgrades so he will be getting an entirely new system (not sure what he plans to do with his old one). I am getting my upgrade courtesy of a friend who upgraded his system and gave me his old components (I was running a Pentium 3 450 so although it is great for some things, as my computer usage expands it was not quite enough power). So to me it seemed only right that my old (and still perfectly functioning system) went to someone who could get joy out of it.

*kisses*
Kissidy

 

[Kassidy]

EcoDoc,

The power supply I have to install is the one that was used with the mobo ad processor perviously, so I know it has to be compatible, the power supply is actually the part I am most nervous about installing, as, well, I have no desire to zap myself!

*kisses*
Kassie

 

[tboy]

Kassidy: You won't zap yourself unless you plug it in while you're installing it (and don't do that! lol).

NUMBER ONE THING: MAKE SURE YOU'RE GROUNDED TO THE CASE! If it is very dry where you're doing this one small static shock could toast your mobo, cpu, or vid card whatever.

 

[Kassidy]

*giggles* Well having it unplugged was a MAJOR part of my plan. Someone else told me NOT to do it on carpet, so I plan on doing it all on my kitchen counter where there is nothing but nice cold tile under my feet.

*kisses*
Kissidy

Kassidy: You won't zap yourself unless you plug it in while you're installing it (and don't do that! lol).

NUMBER ONE THING: MAKE SURE YOU'RE GROUNDED TO THE CASE! If it is very dry where you're doing this one small static shock could toast your mobo, cpu, or vid card whatever.

 

[ham2004]

STOP.. do not proceed until you read the following

Kassidy -

What type of windows are your running. If you have windows XP ..STOP..

Chances are that you will to be able to start your computer. Windows XP does not like you to change the motherboard chipsets, or video drivers. You will often end up reinstalling all your software and starting over.

PM me if you have Windows XP

 

[zoickss]

Hi Kassidy - if your really screw it up - get hold of me and I'll help you fix it. From your favorite photoguy (wink)

 

[Rogie]

Hi Kassidy

I thought you knew i ran a computer company in KW? Anyhow i sent you a PM with my business 411 - you can bring it in to my company & i'll make sure it's done properly & that nobody takes a peek at anything on the drive.

 

[Kassidy]

Thanks guys, now that I am thuroughly terrified! I have decided the safest bet is to take Rogie up on his kind offer of assistance, because, yes I run XP Pro, and gosh darn if I am reinstalling everything again! So again I thanks everyone for their words of encouragement, or instillment of fear *grins*

*kisses*
Kassie