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This is a work in progress.
MachOne's Complete Guide To Computer Upgrade
This guide is currently a work in progress and will be continually added to until it is complete.
**DISCLAIMER**
All suggestions or reccomendations made in this guide are based on opinion or proven facts. I am not telling you to do anything in this guide. It is only here to aid you in upgrading your computer. Any damages done to any component of your computer are your fault, not mine.
This guide may be distributed, but proper credit must be given. Plagiarism is a crime.
----------------
Table Of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Purchasing Your Equipment
3. Installing Your Equipment
i.Processors (CPU's)
ii.Video Cards
iii.Hard Drives
iv.Power Supplies
v.Optical Drives
vi.Other Add-On Cards
vii.Motherboards
----------------
Introduction
Welcome to MachOne's guide to upgrading your computer. This guide is made as user-friendly as possible for those of you that may need help or tips in upgrading your computer. Don't think that you're stupid or behind because you don't know how to completely overhaul a $600+ piece of equipment. It's natural to have to learn first before you're good at something. Following this introduction you will find information that should be helpful in your purchasing, installation, and using of new equipment for your rig.
-----------------
Purchasing Your Equipment
So, your wanting to purchase some new parts for your computer, huh? Well, the best place to do that is in an online store. Stores like Best-Buy or Fry's can be overpriced and usually have outdated technology for the price of newer technology. Stores like NewEgg are the best place to buy upgrades for your computer. I definetly reccomend NewEgg because of the hundreds of thousands of reviews they have, plus in my personal experience with them, they are great. The thing is, they only ship to the United States Of America and Puerto Rico. If you live outside of NewEgg's shipping area, you're on your own, but I can provide the following tips:
Alright, now lets assume you've found a place you want to order from, now comes the hard part, choosing the right parts. This is always the worst part for somebody who has never bought parts for their computer before. I'll start out by laying it out plain and simple...it's not easy. You're going to spend hours, probably days, on choosing the right parts. These factors come into play:
Let's assume you want to buy a new processor for your computer. Now lets say your motherboard is a socket 939-style motherboard. You can only buy socket-939 processors. Video cards are the same way. If you need an AGP video card, and you get a PCI-Express video card, then it's not gonna fit. Always make sure to check your current user manuals and compatibility sheets if you have them before purchasing any parts. If you buy a Socket A processor and you need a Socket 939, then you probably just wasted a fat roll of cash. Compatibility is ALWAYS the first thing you want to check. Keep that in mind.
Now lets get to the post-purchase stage of your new computer parts. So you've picked out the hardware you want, and you've got your mind set on it. Think again. Always check the website your ordering from at least a week in advance before purchasing to check for better deals, increases/decreases in prices, or new, better items in stock you may want to buy instead. You'll thank me in the long run if you end up finding a better deal that will save you $30 and increase your performance by 50%.
Now comes the purchasing itself. This part is generally simple. Assuming your purchasing from NewEgg, just sign up for an account, enter your credit card number, and purchase away (it's very self-explanatory). If you want your parts to get there quick and on time, spend the extra cash on FedEx. If you think you can wait a few days or don't care if your package is a day or so late, then choose UPS. FedEx is laways on time (well, usually), but costs more. UPS 3 day is the cheapest shipping method, but usually takes around 4 days to get to you. If you go with anything less than 3 day shipping, use FedEx. You'll regret using UPS for 2-day or Overnight shipping.
-----------------
Installing Your Equipment
This section will be divided into a few general categories:
Section 1: Processors (CPU's)
So, you've purchased a new processor? Well, it's not going to do much good lying in a box on your desk. You have to install it, of course! Following this nonsense, you will find some useful tips on installing your new processor.
First, when your new processor arrives, before you even install it, once it's out of it's package, check for bent pins. Bent pins are a nightmare to get back in place. If you see any bent pins, request an RMA from the place you bought it from immediately if possible. Do NOT try to bend the pins back into place. This will just make things worse.
If you have checked the chip out and everything seems dandy, it's time for installation. Remove your current processor by taking off the old fan, removing the heatsink clip and lifting it off of it's thermal conductor grease, and pulling the existing CPU from the socket gently. Once the old one is out, it's time for putting the new one in. Make sure all obstructions are out of the way, and gently place the chip down into the socket and align the pins to the holes. After the chip is seated firmly, use whatever clip mechanism you may have to secure it in place. Next you have to apply the fan and heatsink. You should purchase some high-end cooling paste such as Arctic Cooling 5 brand for optimal cooling contact. After you apply your thermal paste/grease to the top of the chip (the manual that comes with your fan or thermal grease should tell you how much you need), put the heatsink down onto the grease and let it adhere for up to 30 minutes for maximum adheration. Clip the heatsink down, and put the fan on (make sure you hook up the power cable!). And there you have it, the basic instructions for installing a processor.
Section 2: Video Cards
This will most likely be one of the most expensive parts you buy for your computer. The latest cards can cost upwards of $500! A 7900GT PCIe card will run you maybe $260 or so if you don't go all out on perfomance.
Once you receieve your video card, the first thing you want to do is check the package for all of the contents. Don't settle for less than you expect to have! If you're missing a Driver CD or an S-Video cable, then RMA the product to get a new one, that includes all of the parts. You might need one of these missing parts someday.
Once the card is out of the box, check it for structural stability. Try to wiggle the fan or heatsink setup and see if it moves. A little bit of movement is OK. Alot isn't a good sign, but it may just be a flaw in the product itself. Never void your warranty by trying to fix a problem. Always RMA it. Next, check for any loose capacitors or parts that may be missing.
Next, check for other damages. Check the gold contacts on the slot-end of the card and make sure they aren't missing or scratched. This can lead to poor performance or hardware failure. Check for any bent pins in the monitor output plugs also.
After you check the card for damages, and ensure yourself that there aren't any, it's time to install the card. Find you PCI-Express, AGP slot, or PCI(Whichever type you need. AGP is brown and PCI-e is white, as is PCI but PCI slots are smaller than PCI-E x16 slots.) Flip the card upside down if needed and firmly push the card into place. Put a decent amount of pressure on it to make sure it is firmly seated in the slot. Then screw the slot cover in if applicable, and plug your monitor into the slot. Turn on your computer, put in the Driver CD if applicable, install the new drivers, restart your computer, and then configure your settings to your liking. There you have it. The basic installation of video cards.
MachOne's Complete Guide To Computer Upgrade
This guide is currently a work in progress and will be continually added to until it is complete.
**DISCLAIMER**
All suggestions or reccomendations made in this guide are based on opinion or proven facts. I am not telling you to do anything in this guide. It is only here to aid you in upgrading your computer. Any damages done to any component of your computer are your fault, not mine.
This guide may be distributed, but proper credit must be given. Plagiarism is a crime.
----------------
Table Of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Purchasing Your Equipment
3. Installing Your Equipment
i.Processors (CPU's)
ii.Video Cards
iii.Hard Drives
iv.Power Supplies
v.Optical Drives
vi.Other Add-On Cards
vii.Motherboards
----------------
Introduction
Welcome to MachOne's guide to upgrading your computer. This guide is made as user-friendly as possible for those of you that may need help or tips in upgrading your computer. Don't think that you're stupid or behind because you don't know how to completely overhaul a $600+ piece of equipment. It's natural to have to learn first before you're good at something. Following this introduction you will find information that should be helpful in your purchasing, installation, and using of new equipment for your rig.
-----------------
Purchasing Your Equipment
So, your wanting to purchase some new parts for your computer, huh? Well, the best place to do that is in an online store. Stores like Best-Buy or Fry's can be overpriced and usually have outdated technology for the price of newer technology. Stores like NewEgg are the best place to buy upgrades for your computer. I definetly reccomend NewEgg because of the hundreds of thousands of reviews they have, plus in my personal experience with them, they are great. The thing is, they only ship to the United States Of America and Puerto Rico. If you live outside of NewEgg's shipping area, you're on your own, but I can provide the following tips:
- Make sure the store you order from has a good reputation. Ask around if needed.
- Read through any Terms And Conditions or Policies an e-tailer may have to ensure you won't get cheated.
- If an e-tailer's website looks shoddy or very unprofessional, avoid purchasing products from there.
- Make sure the e-tailer you purchase your items from has some kind of warranty on their item (whether it be through them or the manufacturer).
Alright, now lets assume you've found a place you want to order from, now comes the hard part, choosing the right parts. This is always the worst part for somebody who has never bought parts for their computer before. I'll start out by laying it out plain and simple...it's not easy. You're going to spend hours, probably days, on choosing the right parts. These factors come into play:
- Price.
- Compatibility.
- Ease Of Use/Installation.
- Reviews/Reliability.
Let's assume you want to buy a new processor for your computer. Now lets say your motherboard is a socket 939-style motherboard. You can only buy socket-939 processors. Video cards are the same way. If you need an AGP video card, and you get a PCI-Express video card, then it's not gonna fit. Always make sure to check your current user manuals and compatibility sheets if you have them before purchasing any parts. If you buy a Socket A processor and you need a Socket 939, then you probably just wasted a fat roll of cash. Compatibility is ALWAYS the first thing you want to check. Keep that in mind.
Now lets get to the post-purchase stage of your new computer parts. So you've picked out the hardware you want, and you've got your mind set on it. Think again. Always check the website your ordering from at least a week in advance before purchasing to check for better deals, increases/decreases in prices, or new, better items in stock you may want to buy instead. You'll thank me in the long run if you end up finding a better deal that will save you $30 and increase your performance by 50%.
Now comes the purchasing itself. This part is generally simple. Assuming your purchasing from NewEgg, just sign up for an account, enter your credit card number, and purchase away (it's very self-explanatory). If you want your parts to get there quick and on time, spend the extra cash on FedEx. If you think you can wait a few days or don't care if your package is a day or so late, then choose UPS. FedEx is laways on time (well, usually), but costs more. UPS 3 day is the cheapest shipping method, but usually takes around 4 days to get to you. If you go with anything less than 3 day shipping, use FedEx. You'll regret using UPS for 2-day or Overnight shipping.
-----------------
Installing Your Equipment
This section will be divided into a few general categories:
- Processors (CPU's)
- Video Cards
- Hard Drives
- Power Supplies
- Optical Drives
- Other Add-On Cards
- Motherboards
Section 1: Processors (CPU's)
So, you've purchased a new processor? Well, it's not going to do much good lying in a box on your desk. You have to install it, of course! Following this nonsense, you will find some useful tips on installing your new processor.
First, when your new processor arrives, before you even install it, once it's out of it's package, check for bent pins. Bent pins are a nightmare to get back in place. If you see any bent pins, request an RMA from the place you bought it from immediately if possible. Do NOT try to bend the pins back into place. This will just make things worse.
If you have checked the chip out and everything seems dandy, it's time for installation. Remove your current processor by taking off the old fan, removing the heatsink clip and lifting it off of it's thermal conductor grease, and pulling the existing CPU from the socket gently. Once the old one is out, it's time for putting the new one in. Make sure all obstructions are out of the way, and gently place the chip down into the socket and align the pins to the holes. After the chip is seated firmly, use whatever clip mechanism you may have to secure it in place. Next you have to apply the fan and heatsink. You should purchase some high-end cooling paste such as Arctic Cooling 5 brand for optimal cooling contact. After you apply your thermal paste/grease to the top of the chip (the manual that comes with your fan or thermal grease should tell you how much you need), put the heatsink down onto the grease and let it adhere for up to 30 minutes for maximum adheration. Clip the heatsink down, and put the fan on (make sure you hook up the power cable!). And there you have it, the basic instructions for installing a processor.
Section 2: Video Cards
This will most likely be one of the most expensive parts you buy for your computer. The latest cards can cost upwards of $500! A 7900GT PCIe card will run you maybe $260 or so if you don't go all out on perfomance.
Once you receieve your video card, the first thing you want to do is check the package for all of the contents. Don't settle for less than you expect to have! If you're missing a Driver CD or an S-Video cable, then RMA the product to get a new one, that includes all of the parts. You might need one of these missing parts someday.
Once the card is out of the box, check it for structural stability. Try to wiggle the fan or heatsink setup and see if it moves. A little bit of movement is OK. Alot isn't a good sign, but it may just be a flaw in the product itself. Never void your warranty by trying to fix a problem. Always RMA it. Next, check for any loose capacitors or parts that may be missing.
Next, check for other damages. Check the gold contacts on the slot-end of the card and make sure they aren't missing or scratched. This can lead to poor performance or hardware failure. Check for any bent pins in the monitor output plugs also.
After you check the card for damages, and ensure yourself that there aren't any, it's time to install the card. Find you PCI-Express, AGP slot, or PCI(Whichever type you need. AGP is brown and PCI-e is white, as is PCI but PCI slots are smaller than PCI-E x16 slots.) Flip the card upside down if needed and firmly push the card into place. Put a decent amount of pressure on it to make sure it is firmly seated in the slot. Then screw the slot cover in if applicable, and plug your monitor into the slot. Turn on your computer, put in the Driver CD if applicable, install the new drivers, restart your computer, and then configure your settings to your liking. There you have it. The basic installation of video cards.
