My First Build

by Dave
(Canada)

It's been so long ago I'm really going to have to reach into my memory.

The first system I put together was a real adventure for me. I sold the computer I had to help get the money together for the parts in my new system. This was not the greatest idea I've come up with, but as a result I learned a ton of things.

I had no trouble putting the computer together at all actually, I got the motherboard in the case, seated my cpu and video card. Put the RAM in, and connected the hard drive and power supply in very little time. I was so excited... I connected the power wire and pushed the power button, nothing happened.

I must have taken every part in and out of my case 5 times before I finally realized, on very very rare occasions, men also need to read manuals. I hadn't connected a single jumper wire to the computer case. I'm not gonna lie, I'm still a little embarrassed to tell you it took me about 1.5 to 2 hours to get this done. I had no idea what polarity went where, did I have to use the extra connectors etc.

Getting the computer to start wasn't a big deal, but I had the hard drive light jumper incorrectly connected so that didn't work, and most of the other jumpers were not connected properly, so reset switches didn't work among other things. This is probably why I went a little overboard with pictures and case connections on my computer case page. I can't say I want anyone to have to repeat that adventure.

After I had all the jumper wires figured out, I didn't even look at the CMOS at all. I put in my Windows install floppy, and got to installing Windows. Once Windows was installed, I installed my drivers that came with my hardware and presto, I had my own computer.

It wasn't the best experience the first time, but the computer I made, made up for it. It was fast and it was reliable, enough to get me hooked.

Since that day, I started to build computer systems for family and friends, and after putting together 5 of 10, it really started to grow on me, I really enjoyed it. After several years, word got around and I started to build computers for businesses and just about anyone that asked.

Over the years I've learned a lot about what to do and what not to do, and honestly I can say, I enjoy putting together my computers more now than I ever have, probably because I always try to make each computer one I will like more than the last.

When I do a new build, I still turn into an excited nerd at Christmas when all the parts show up.