And the stupid questions continue... [Archive]

civil

11-11-2008, 09:49 AM

Good People,

So in the process of updating my computer it dawned on me that I had stuffed way too much shit in there (3 HDDs, Video Card, bigass PS) for the case I have. So I ordered a case from Newegg and am going to be transferring the computer's guts from this:

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q135/tlots/Misc/old.jpg

(Yeah, it's an HP - don't laugh)

to this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021):

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q135/tlots/Misc/new.jpg

(The GF is gonna laugh when she sees those lights)

Does anyone out there have any pointers? Now I'm getting to the point where it almost feels as if I'm building a system, and I'm a little...nervous. :o

TIA!

Shadowstorm

11-11-2008, 10:00 AM

Hey I don't have any pointers in particular, but I own that case (quite popular around these parts), and it's fantastic.

So uh, have fun :).

civil

11-11-2008, 10:05 AM

Hey I don't have any pointers in particular, but I own that case (quite popular around these parts), and it's fantastic.

So uh, have fun :).
Every review I read talked about dust. What do you do to combat it other than have a vacuum handy?

Shadowstorm

11-11-2008, 10:07 AM

Every review I read talked about dust. What do you do to combat it other than have a vacuum handy?

Oh yes. The thing is a vacuum. I just cleaned it out yesterday with the shop-vac.

I don't think there is any other way to clean it as efficiently than to simply blow it out every month or so.

civil

11-11-2008, 10:13 AM

Oh yes. The thing is a vacuum. I just cleaned it out yesterday with the shop-vac.

I don't think there is any other way to clean it as efficiently than to simply blow it out every month or so.
Aw man. Did you throw any filters on the fans? I hope that would help.

Glad to hear it's a good case. I spent about 3 hours researching the thing out of sheer nervousness. Dunno why, but opening up and working on computers makes me hyper cautious.

Shadowstorm

11-11-2008, 10:16 AM

Aw man. Did you throw any filters on the fans? I hope that would help.

Glad to hear it's a good case. I spent about 3 hours researching the thing out of sheer nervousness. Dunno why, but opening up and working on computers makes me hyper cautious.

I've never heard of putting filters on fans inside a computer case. Maybe I should look into that.

All my fans are on the low setting (as opposed to medium and high), except the bottom fan near the HDDs.

MachEnergy

11-11-2008, 10:19 AM

Essentially, if you are moving the components from case to another, you ARE building a system. I didn't realize what I had done until the job was complete, and my friend/mentor said "See, not so hard is it?"

I don't know specifics about your case, but the last two cases I have bought came with removeable screens that cover the 14mm fans. They don't completely cut out the dust problems, but they help a lot (especially with blocking the fur from our 3 cats). You just can't beat opening it up and blowing the dust out. So long as your computer relies on fans, it's going to be dusty in there.

Bone

11-11-2008, 10:20 AM

I got the Antec P180 case awhile ago, and it came with washable metal filters in the front fans,. I suppose you can get aftermarket ones too.

P180 pr0n:
http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/1020.jpg

MachEnergy

11-11-2008, 10:27 AM

I got the Antec P180 case awhile ago, and it came with washable metal filters in the front fans,. I suppose you can get aftermarket ones too.

Hey that's my case! Except mine is black. Best case I ever bought, hands down.

Wackman3000

11-11-2008, 10:27 AM

Civil, you might want to hit up CP with a PM about this case. IIRC he posted a few nifty cable running techniques about the Antec 900...

I remember also reading about people lining the fans with a layer of pantyhose to prevent a bit of the excess dust that enters the case.

Also, unless you want the case to sound like an airport, I recommend leaving most of the fans on the low setting, except for the top fan which I leave cranked since it seems to make the least amount of noise when high.

Bad Buddha

11-11-2008, 10:31 AM

If you are going to use any sort of filter, you need to be religious about keeping them clean. A slight buildup of dust on the internal components still allows airflow and cooling; a clogged filter will shut down your airflow and temperatures will skyrocket.

Just keep it off the floor and pop the lid every now and to see what kind of dust buildup you've got.

Mdot

11-11-2008, 10:34 AM

My cousin has that case. It's a fucking beast.

NoName

11-11-2008, 10:45 AM

Do you have any documentation for the mother board? You'll need to connect the wires from the case to the mother board and you need to know where to plug what in. It's not "difficult", you just need to know what goes where.

Sorry, I don't know what's new and what was left over from the HP.

Edit: And while it's probably obvious to you already, always remember to ground yourself before working on the guts of your computer. :)

Bone

11-11-2008, 10:47 AM

Hey that's my case! Except mine is black. Best case I ever bought, hands down.Me too. Except for the length of power cables required (luckily I had a modular PSU with more than adequate cables) there is no downside to this case. Well, of course it's not good for LAN parties- it is a tank!

I really like the separated air flow zones, like the newer Mac desktops. I've got my SATA drives down below sharing air with the PSU, then the rest is up top.

Living in Texas (and with a wife who gets cold easily, so we keep it on 78), I do have more heat problems than I should, so I have the fans on high. It's not as loud as an Xbox 360, but does have a constant hum going on.

muddi900

11-11-2008, 10:51 AM

I seriously need a new case. I added a new HDD the other day. I had to remove every power cable, the memory and the DVD-RW's IDE cable. UGH!

civil

11-11-2008, 11:06 AM

Essentially, if you are moving the components from case to another, you ARE building a system. I didn't realize what I had done until the job was complete, and my friend/mentor said "See, not so hard is it?"
Yiikes. Now I'm nervous again. Dunno why. I think it's from the old man telling me when I was a kid not to fuck up the TV.

Civil, you might want to hit up CP with a PM about this case. IIRC he posted a few nifty cable running techniques about the Antec 900...
Would that be Citizen Phil? Hmm, I think maybe I will...

Do you have any documentation for the mother board? You'll need to connect the wires from the case to the mother board and you need to know where to plug what in. It's not "difficult", you just need to know what goes where.

Sorry, I don't know what's new and what was left over from the HP.

Edit: And while it's probably obvious to you already, always remember to ground yourself before working on the guts of your computer. :)
The motherboard and DVD drive are all that's originally left. Surpsingly, HP gives you good information (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01077641&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3445434&lang=en) about their computers. Two more stupid questions:

1) Is there an "up" or "down" to motherboards? I ask because on my old case it was mounted to the right side of the case, whereas on the new one it's supposed to be mounted on the left.

2) What do you ground yourself with? I just always make sure to keep touching the metal case...which is probably not the best thing to do. Are those straps worth it?

Yeesh. I just read a quick wiki on building a computer...holy fucking shit. I think I'm gonna piss my pants. :(

Bone

11-11-2008, 11:19 AM

1) Typically, the CPU is on the top left (when looking into the case at the vertical motherbaord) and the PCI slots run down the left side. Basically, the edges of the PCI slots need to be very close to the back of the case where you should have a bunch of pre-cut holes for cards to stick out. You can't really mess that up.

Most cases have a wide variety of holes tapped for the various sizes and shapes of motherboards. Make sure you use enough of the standoffs so that your motherboard is mounted securely, especially in the middle. You don't want to push down while seating RAM or a hard drive and have the motherboard crack. Again, it's really something you should intuitively see when you're doing it.

2) You can use the straps, but I never do and they are hardly expensive. I typically just ground myself to the power supply's case every few minutes. And I try not to rub my socked feet on the carpet while I work. So far, so good.

If you are slow and careful, moving your parts to the new case should be a simple exercise. It's a puzzle with less than 20 pieces. Just don't rush anything, don't force anything (which shouldn't be an issue if you're not replacing CPU or RAM), and if you get confused... report back to this thread.

civil

11-11-2008, 11:22 AM

Good Stuff
See this people? That's how Crepistas roll. You Wafflists/Pancakadors/Frenchies wouldn't understand.

The case should come in tomorrow. The GF will be out so tomorrow night might be when I go for it. Thanks all.

Wackman3000

11-11-2008, 11:36 AM

Civil, I hope you have another PC in the house to go to just incase you need to look things up or ask a question. I know it helped me several times when I did my first build.

Bone

11-11-2008, 11:45 AM

He's got a Live account and a PS3 account, so I think the bases are covered.

(Crepatistas, represent! Even if we never even get a stinking vote option in the polls.)

MagGnome

11-11-2008, 12:11 PM

I'm hoping to build a new PC early next year, and I'll definitely be coming here for help.

I'm a little nervous about it, but it's going to be exciting as well!

Good luck Civil!

Deimos

11-11-2008, 12:36 PM

I've got that same case too. I find its very easy to work with and keeping the fans on low is enough to keep mine cool. Your compressed air budget will see an increase though. You'd think the case LIVED on dust the way it inhales it.

As for staying grounded just be sure to touch the metal frame every few minutes to keep yourself discharged. If possible don't do this in a carpeted room. I've done all my builds on the dining room table and never had a problem with statically killing a piece of hardware. Good luck with your build!

NoName

11-11-2008, 01:03 PM

1) Is there an "up" or "down" to motherboards? I ask because on my old case it was mounted to the right side of the case, whereas on the new one it's supposed to be mounted on the left.

There's not much to add, but I'll throw in my two cents for this one. Bone already answered it, but when you pull the motherboard out of the old PC, make sure to pop the little metal plate out of the back of the case. You should be able to just press it in (towards the inside of the case) and it'll pop out.

The holes that come in the new case will probably not match your motherboard. So pop that metal plate out (same as before) and push the plate from your old case in. Walla, the holes from the mother board match your new case.

Bad Buddha

11-11-2008, 01:11 PM

1) Is there an "up" or "down" to motherboards? I ask because on my old case it was mounted to the right side of the case, whereas on the new one it's supposed to be mounted on the left.

This makes me realize that HP's (Compaq's, Dell's, Etc) often have proprietary hardware that may not fit a standard-issue PC case. :(

Hope it all fits! If it doesn't, you're not going crazy, it's just corporate shenanigans in action.

civil

11-11-2008, 01:16 PM

This makes me realize that HP's (Compaq's, Dell's, Etc) often have proprietary hardware that may not fit a standard-issue PC case. :(

Hope it all fits! If it doesn't, you're not going crazy, it's just corporate shenanigans in action.
Oh shit. I hadn't realized that.

Well damn, if that's the case...

Dunno. New mobo? Fucking hell, I've already sunk over a grand into this thing. I should've grown a pair and built my own from the get-go. :(

Rogue_hunter

11-11-2008, 01:30 PM

This is also perfect timing, as I'm building a PC (well, pricing it all out, and may have it all soon). When I was looking at cases, the Antec 900 is nice, but is LOUD and sucks like a vacuum. Like everyone says, you're gonna have to keep cleaning it. The Antec P180 (and P182) is sexy, but also pricey.

Bone: posting that pic makes me sad that I couldn't swing getting the mini P180. Stupid microATX formfactor is too small for the rig I'm building. But I'm pretty happy with the Cooler Master 690 I will be getting.

civil: if you have any questions, LiquidRain is the hardware guru. PM him, though, I can also help if you have questions regarding the building process as well.

Shadowstorm

11-11-2008, 01:43 PM

The Antec 900 is loud? I must have a different idea what the word "loud" means, haha.

roboninja

11-11-2008, 02:07 PM

If you want a smaller case that is also cheaper, the Antec 300 is a good choice.

Gormanimal

11-11-2008, 03:32 PM

Ghostbear

11-11-2008, 03:37 PM

Every review I read talked about dust. What do you do to combat it other than have a vacuum handy?

ehhhh, I would avoid using a vacuum, so much static electricity involved.

civil

11-11-2008, 04:01 PM

ehhhh, I would avoid using a vacuum, so much static electricity involved.
Ay caramba! You are correct Senor Sprited Ursus!

F'in canisters aren't eco-friendly, though. :mad:

Bone

11-11-2008, 04:22 PM

Cyrillus

11-11-2008, 04:25 PM

Not much you can do to avoid dust with that case, unfortunately, due to it's using a wire mesh-like material for the outsides. I mean filters on the fans can sometimes help, but probably not a lot with that case. You're just going to have to resign yourself to the fact that you'll have to clean it every couple of months.

Also, as far as advice goes, the only thing I can think of is to make sure you have your motherboard manual handy (if possible) for the front panel leads on the new case. Some motherboards are not very friendly when it comes to labeling the front panel pins on the mobo.

civil

11-11-2008, 05:11 PM

Good point Ghostbear. Buy a 6-pack of compressed air and blow the crap out, early and often. I have three cats, and occasionally I start to build a fourth cat inside my computer case.

EDIT: Not eco-friendly... damn. I share some of those concerns but I'm not aware of an organic, locally grown source of air :)

Perhaps a large bellows with surgical tubing would do the trick. My Fallout skills finally put to use.
Given the amount of hummus and falafel I've been eating of late, I'm sure I could provide some adequate air. Sheesh, that shit is murderous.

I do like the idea of bellows, though. Especially with red longjohns with the rear flap hanging loose. :p

Bone

11-11-2008, 05:16 PM

Given the amount of hummus and falafel I've been eating of late, I'm sure I could provide some adequate air. Sheesh, that shit is murderous.

I do like the idea of bellows, though. Especially with red longjohns with the rear flap hanging loose. :p

LOL. But how far are you willing to take the eco-friendly computer metaphor? I can see you in the flappy longjohns, perched atop a large penny-farthing bicycle (the old school one with one giant front wheel) converted to provide power. You may need to wear a monocle to see the computer from that distance, old chap.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Ordinary_bicycle01.jpg

KingGorilla

11-11-2008, 06:10 PM

EDIT: Not eco-friendly... damn. I share some of those concerns but I'm not aware of an organic, locally grown source of air :)

While overkill for the purpose, until I saw some of the prices on canned air at the office store, you could invest in a small electric air compressor.

But seriously people, wrap your fans in pantyhose.

Bone

11-11-2008, 06:14 PM

Both are great ideas. I already have fan filters, but the compressor may just pay for itself over the life of all my computers.

KingGorilla

11-11-2008, 06:15 PM

Not just for the PC, but bike and car tires, inflatable mattresses, shooting nails at neighbor kids.

MagGnome

11-11-2008, 07:51 PM

Next time on Green Geeks... :p

civil

11-12-2008, 05:40 AM

LOL. But how far are you willing to take the eco-friendly computer metaphor? I can see you in the flappy longjohns, perched atop a large penny-farthing bicycle (the old school one with one giant front wheel) converted to provide power. You may need to wear a monocle to see the computer from that distance, old chap.
Why, then I'd just use my pointing stick to hit the keys.

KG, I think I could convince the GF to go halvsies on a compressor - she's all about the earth and shit. I'm motherfuckin' buying organic and local now! Sheeit that makes for expensive eatin'. Alas, she ain't the panty hose wearing type.

Mags, green is the new pink which was the new black. :)

MagGnome

11-12-2008, 06:57 AM

Organic and local? You poor thing. :p

That's pretty much all I buy. A little pricier, but definitely worth it IMHO.

Have you joined a co-op yet? :D

civil

11-12-2008, 08:03 AM

Have you joined a co-op yet? :D
I love Chicago. I really do. But in many ways it is an ass-backward swamp shit retarded fuckhole of a place. No real co-op in the city. None.

At least you have The Wedge. Love that place.

MagGnome

11-12-2008, 12:00 PM

I love Chicago. I really do. But in many ways it is an ass-backward swamp shit retarded fuckhole of a place. No real co-op in the city. None.

At least you have The Wedge. Love that place.

We have several co-ops in the Cities. I've heard we have the most per-capita, but I'm not sure if that's true or not.

I love the Wedge! I'm a member and I shop there every Sunday. I live three blocks from the store. :D

Dukefrukem

11-12-2008, 03:47 PM

If you want your PC to sound like a jet talking off, I suggest you buy that case you posted.

civil

11-12-2008, 04:04 PM

If you want your PC to sound like a jet talking off, I suggest you buy that case you posted.
Jeez Duke, your avatar gives me the willies.

Got it. Hoping to transfer that baby tonight. Good times ahead.

resikel

11-12-2008, 04:13 PM

Here's my advice: get a digital camera and take plenty of pictures of everything inside your computer before dismantling it. This is your fall back - fail safe insurance policy.

Bone

11-12-2008, 04:22 PM

Then when things go horribly wrong, you can gaze wistfully at the pictures thinking "remember when..."

civil

11-13-2008, 12:07 AM

Good People,

I am typing this from my freshly installed computer. One thing is "wrong" though. When I boot up I get the following error:

ERROR: System Fan Has Failed. Service PC to prevent damage to the system. Press <F2> to continue

But when I check the fans they are all working (having the transparent side makes it easy to check). The only thing I can think of is that my old case had a small fan in the rear that was connected to the motherboard, and the fans on this one all plug in directly to the PSU, so nothing is plugged into the motherboard. Other than that, is there a way I can test this thing to make sure I'm not inadvertently frying it?

And for running so many fans, this is one quiet sonofabitch. I have all of them on the low setting and it's super silent. It's also fucking huge! Compared to my old case I feel like I'm on fucking Park Avenue. Shit, I could rent out some of this space.

Thanks for everyone who offered advice and those that PMed me with contact info. Awesome stuff. Looks like I pulled through - I'll definitely be building my own PCs from now on. I just need to sort out this fan business.

Seika

11-13-2008, 04:56 AM

civil

11-13-2008, 07:52 AM

Yeah, my brother's dell used to say that when I replaced a fan.
See if you can disable it from the BIOS.

Was it just a regular 90x90 fan connected to the motherboard?

As long as your temperatures are AOK, don't worry, enjoy your new jet engine. ;)
I'm pretty sure that's it. But the stupid motherboard isn't letting me adjust it. :mad:

And it's quiet as fuck. Methinks those of you saying it'll be loud have never actually seen one. They are amazingly quiet. More so than nearly any computer I've been around.

astranoir

11-13-2008, 09:19 AM

Civil: congrats on your success! I've been watching the thread, but have kept out since I have no experience with computer innards, and thus had no advice. I wanted to express my congrats, though :)

Bone

11-13-2008, 09:20 AM

You may just have to get an adapter for one of your case fans that makes it plug into your mobo. The HP may want to know that a fan is installed, and even worse, probably wants it to stay at a certain RPM.

Oh, and congrats! We knew you could do it. The first time is always daunting, but soon you'll be ripping parts out and building your own.

civil

11-13-2008, 09:38 AM

Thanks you two!

I'm going to keep trying to get into the bios to switch off the the system/case fan recognition. For some reason it's not listed when I open up the bios. Bah.

I hate the idea of running one of my fans off the motherboard, especially since it was a dinky little cheapo fan to begin with and I feel my new case deserves better. If I can't disable it, I might just live with that little message popping up or install the old fan in there somewhere and plug it right in (there is room for two other fans in there).

I'd installed memory, PSUs and video cards before, but this was the first time I actually felt I was doing something substantial. The only hurdle left for me is setting a CPU. The final frontier...

Bone

11-13-2008, 09:54 AM

The voltage for the motherboard fan plug should be more than ample to run the fan, and may actually take a slight load off of your main rails (really, really slight). I'd just do it- or like you said, just get used to the message popping up. Myself, I can never bring myself to ignore BIOS messages even when I know they are harmless. It's like a broken "check engine" light on my old car, mocking me.

civil

11-13-2008, 11:30 AM

It's like a broken "check engine" light on my old car, mocking me.
That's not a light, that's your wife.

Remember to tip your waitress everyone!

No offense to BK. Just couldn't resist.

Bone

11-13-2008, 11:38 AM

Oh, she mocks me mercilessly. But the guys at Firestone can't make her stay silent for the next 1200 miles. Zing!

PathMaster

11-14-2008, 10:08 PM

Grats on your pc innards transfer. Hopefully it stays quiet. My friend's sounds like a jet engine all the time. I personally am a fan of the Antec P180s.

Rogue_hunter

11-14-2008, 11:23 PM

Grats on your pc innards transfer. Hopefully it stays quiet. My friend's sounds like a jet engine all the time. I personally am a fan of the Antec P180s.

Just looking at the P180/P182 in a store, they stand out as being the best looking and better built cases. For my build, I may be getting the P182, but the mini P180 is so nice, great smaller form factor. If I wasn't getting a full ATX board, I would be getting the mini P180 for the size and quiet.