[SeaWulf]

I am beginning to select my components and narrowed the motherboards to probably the MSI x48 Platinum or Gigabyte GA-EP45T Extreme. From there I can begin to select components based on the motherboards manual/specifics. Looking at OS Vista 64, Case Thermaltake Armor+ VH6000, plus Crossfire cards

My real concern is that as a novice I have no idea in which sequence to assemble the board and components, set the BIOS , test the system etc.

So this is thread is a cry in woods for help... any reference guide or resource that you can recommend????

Your assistance is greatly appreciated......

Regards

[temeteus82]

I would install the cpu first then put the RAM on and then install the mobo to the case. Then the hdd/dvd cables. Then the power connectors and the gfx cards...

[kris23]

it really doesnt matter how you install things as long as the power connectors are last..... just to be safe. once the system is set up and running, you pop in your Vista X64 disk and set it as the primary boot device in the BIOS and let it load,

if you have an internet connection i recommend just not using the included driver disks and download thelatest ones off the manufacturers' sites its alot better and less headache in the long run to do. theres no real order to driver installation, just get them in.... but i personally install the chipset and VGA drivers first so its easier to move around

so i can assist you better, what is your target pricepoint with this build? i recommend at least $1000 for the tower for a mid end system and $1500+ for a high end multi GPU system

with the release of the AMD 9950, they are the best value choice for a cheap and powerful system, but if you want pure force and rock solid stability and have the cash, go with an intel QXXX CPU

[cozumel]

Well, you could try:

DH Guide: Building a PC - Step by Step

[SeaWulf]

Thanks for the help .. I am leaning to the high end system. I can spread the purchases over several months ....

[SeaWulf]

Originally Posted by cozumel

Well, you could try:

DH Guide: Building a PC - Step by Step

thanks this is a great help!

[Matth]

Remember, some heatsinks require installation of their own backplate, so if it does not use the standard mounting method, you will have to fit the CPU and heatsink before mounting the motherboard in the case or case tray.

Some heatsinks, particularly the Intel boxed and any used with a case side duct, are "downdraught" (referring to the action if the mainboard is horizontal).
Others are "crossflow" and may be possible to align in more than one direction, on that case with the PSU at the top and a rear extract fan, the preferred orientation (if possible), would be for the heatsink to expel toward the rear fan. In a case with the PSU bottom mounted and a top extract fan, the CPU heatsink expelling upwards may be better.

Of course, those "fiddle flaps" would instantly disqualify that case from my consideration, as I'd find them even worse than a full coverage door - in position they obstruct the drives without protecting them, and out of position, they just look rubbish, but then I don't like flaps, doors, case windows etc.