things to know when assembling desktop pc

[mrnewbie]

i dont know where to start, i try searching on internet about tips and guides about assembling a pc but i feel that i still need to learn more. as you can see i dont have the knowledge on how to assemble a pc.
here are my questions:

1. where to put where? like cables, slots, etc.
2. how to ground your self? i dont have that wrist thing all i have is a transparent table, tiled floor and a dry cloth to clean any water spilled
3. this is about after assembling a pc, about bios how to update it something like that, and about the drivers do you need to install them from the cd you get when buying the item or you need to download one from the manufacturer for the latest/updated one?
(following the question of #3 what items are needed for drivers? all i know is MOBO and GPU)

i know im missing some other questions to ask it seems thats all i can ask for now, if anyone can add some info about what to know feel free, i dont mind reading a long wall of texts as long as i can learn detailed info and it would be much appreciated if there is a pic to see for guide, tutorial thing.

 

[Rationale]

1. You'll want to google specific parts. Like "How to install an HDD" or "How to install a video card". That will give you more specific instructions than just googling how to assemble a whole PC. (Look at videos and tutorials of that as well, but not just that exclusively).
Generally the cords will fit where they need to be attached and they only fit one way, but to make sure you didn't miss any and didn't plug in any that shouldn't have been filled you'll need tutorials online that would take too long to explain here.

2. Don't wear wool sweaters, don't shuffle your feet on plush carpet, etc. Anything to keep static to a minimum will help. I've heard you can touch the inside of your case periodically to ground yourself. Static isn't a very big issue though, really. The chances of frying your PC are low. The wrist thingies only cost like $5, so you may just want to get one if you're worried.

3. You should use the CD at first, but as soon as you get an internet connection after that download the drivers from the correct websites. That's the only way to be sure you're getting the newest ones. You'll need video card drivers, sometimes CPU drivers, the motherboard BIOS, and sound card drivers if you have a sound card. The BIOS can either be very tricky or very easy to update depending on the model of motherboard. Most newer boards have software built in to help you.

-Motherboards should generally be installed using stand-offs so it doesn't touch the case directly. Stand-offs are small spacing screws that screw into your case, and then the motherboard is screwed into the stand-offs. You can short your motherboard if you screw it directly into the case. This is what a stand-off looks like.
http://cdn.overclock.net/7/7b/7bb93fca_MotherboardStanOff2.jpeg

 

[clutchc]

1) Are you referring to cable maintenance? or do you mean where to plug them in?
2) If you don't want to get a wrist strap, just touch the bare metal of the case occasionally. Since you're not on carpet, you won't have too much ESD to worry about.
3) Before you build, it is a good idea to 'breadboard' the system first. Set the MB on an insulated surface with JUST the CPU/cooler, RAM, PSU, monitor connected to MB video if present... if not install card and use it. Start the system by momentarily shorting the 2 pins that the case's FP power button would connect to. (or you can drag the case close enough to use the star button cable. See if you get a display and can boot to BIOS. If so, shut down and continue the build...

When the build is finished, boot to BIOS and be sure your SATA mode is set to AHCI for best performance. At this point ther is no need to update the BIOS to the latest version. Be sure everything is working first.
Install the OS at this point. When Win is installed, then run the disk that came with the MB and install the drivers from the disk. You don't need all the bloatware and extras, just the drivers. If you want, you can download the ones from the MB's website for the latest. But you may want to just update them later. and remember... READ THE MANUAL.

Have you checked out Newegg's "How to build a computer" videos yet? Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw
You can link to the other 2 pats from there.

 

[Pondering]

General overview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7Dpyhi2V30

 

[clutchc]

General overview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7Dpyhi2V30

Watching Joanne build is sure better than watching Paul in the video I linked

 

[Pondering]

I never learned anything about things they had for sale on computers until I found Joanne's videos lol

It just seemed like a good overview since everyone was already being very technical and specific about everything plus it is easier to rewatch a 8 minute video however her thermal paste application is crazy though. I am so used to watching people do that lentil sized bead in the middle however it seems like good method too depending on the size of heatsink's contact surface area.

 

[Vic 40]

And in word plus a video,
http://uk.hardware.info/reviews/2591/build-your-own-pc-2011-edition

With all of these should you be ready to go for it.