Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
When it comes to designing small full-performance systems, our rule is to use
a standard mini-tower case whenever possible. If that's too large, step down
to a microATX case. If even a microATX system is too large, if and only if you are
certain that the trade-offs are worth it, build a Mini-ITX system.
Missing Pieces
Don't assume that every box con-
tains what it's supposed to. Before
you begin the build, open each box
and verify its contents against the
packing list. Quite often, we open a
new component box only to find that
the driver CD, manual, cable, or some
other small component that should
have been included is missing. On
one memorable occasion, we opened
a new, shrink-wrapped video adapter
box only to find that everything was
present except the video adapter
itself!
Things to Know and Do Before You Start
We've built many systems over the years, and we've learned a lot of lessons
the hard way. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin your project:
Make sure you have everything you need before you start
Have all of the hardware, software, and tools you'll need lined up and
waiting. You don't want to have to stop in mid-build to go off in search of
a small Phillips screwdriver or to drive to the store to buy a cable. If your
luck is anything like ours, you won't find the screwdriver you need and the
store will be closed. In addition to tools and components, make sure you
have the distribution CDs for the operating system, service packs, device
drivers, diagnostics utilities, and any other software you'll need to com-
plete the build.
Do As We Say…
OK, we admit it. We almost never
read the manuals, but then we can
just about build a system blindfolded.
Until you're proficient, reading the
manuals before you proceed is the
best way to guarantee that your new
PC will, um, work.
RTFM
Read the fine manuals, if only the Quick Start sections. Surprisingly, while
system manuals are notoriously awful, many component manuals are ac-
tually quite good. You'll find all sorts of hints and tips, from the best way
to install the component to suggestions on optimizing its performance.
Download the latest drivers
Although PC component inventories turn over quickly, the CDs included
with components usually don't contain the most recent drivers. Some
manufacturers don't update their driver CDs very often, so the bundled
drivers may be a year or more out of date, even if the component itself
was made recently. Before you begin building a PC, visit the websites for
each component and download its most recent driver and BIOS updates.
(Bookmark the URLs so you can easily find updates later.) Unpack or unzip
them if necessary, burn them to CD, and label the CD. You may choose to
install drivers from the bundled CD—in fact, at times it's necessary to do
so because the downloadable updates do not include everything that's
on the CD—but you want to have those later drivers available so that you
can update your system immediately.
Don't Forget the Manuals
While you're at it, download all of
the documentation you can find for
each component. Quite often, the
detailed documentation intended for
system builders is not included in the
component box. The only way to get
it is to download it.
Ground yourself before touching components
Processors, memory modules, and other electronic components—including
the circuit boards in drives—are sensitive to static shock. Static electricity
can damage components even if the voltage is too low for you to see or
feel a static spark. The best way to avoid static damage to components is
to get in the habit of grounding yourself before you touch any sensitive
component. You can buy special antistatic wrist straps and similar devices,
but they're really not necessary. All you need do is touch a metal object
like the chassis or power supply before you handle components.
