Pitfalls

[FishSense]

Hi all,

this is a great site! I am thinking it is time to replace my 5+ yr old computer. It seems the unmountable boot volume errors are becoming more frequent and my cd burner just died. The thought of building a computer really appeals to me. I would be looking to build a multimedia type. It would be easier for my to justify since i need a DVD player and would love a PVR for my den. Anyway, my fear about building is hardware/software conflicts. How can these be avoided? Are there any other pitfalls I should watch out for?

Thanks

[Rob]

Here's what I think are the biggest pitfalls.

Using cheap components. You want to use quality components for everything, including and especially the RAM. That's why I use Crucial RAM. I link to the Crucial memory advisor on this page, for getting the right RAM for your computer.
http://www.mysuperpc.com/ram.shtml

Using incompatible or insufficient components. This is not so much a pitfall as it is a little bit of a dread. So I recommend quality, compatible, "sweet spot" components on my home page.
http://www.mysuperpc.com

Getting that first boot to work - getting that first spark of life out of your new computer. That's why my assembly steps use a minimal hardware configuration for the first boot, and that's why I have a great big help page for problems typically encountered on the first boot.
http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_first_boot_common_problems.shtml

Beyond this, people are usually confused about when to do things - like when do I go into the BIOS, and when do I install the operating system - general assembly sequence questions like that. My step-by-step assembly instructions cover this.
http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_parts_list.shtml

Another typical point of confusion is - what are all of the accessory parts needed, like cables and power connects and nuts and bolts, and where do they all come from - like are they included in a retail box or just what? This kind of thing is covered on the first page of the assembly instructions.
http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_parts_list.shtml

As far as hardware, software conflicts in particular, keeping an eye out for these and making sure they get cleared up is an important part of the assembly process. My step-by-step assembly instructions include monitoring these and clearing them up, starting on this page when the OS is installed.
http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_install_windows_operating_system.shtml

Hope that helps! Feel free to use this message board to follow up on anything!

This looks like a pretty good thread, so sticky!

[Jamie Nixx]

Those are some excellent links fishsense, more than worthwhile checking them out.

[FishSense]

Thanks alot! This is just the kind of info I am looking for. I would hate the thoughts of spending 1200 or 1300 hundred on hardware only to find out I goofed. I appreciate the info.