Before You Start Building

Steps 1-5
1. Your Computer Case
2. If Necessary, Install the Power Supply
3. Ground Yourself
4. Install the Exhaust Fan
5. Your Basic Startup System


Steps 6-10
6. Remove Blocking Plates
7. Get Familiar with Your Drive Cable Connectors
8. Install the Drives
9. Motherboard, Case, and Processor Module
10. Motherboards With and Without Hinksink Support


Steps 11-15
11. Installing the Heatsink Support Assembly
12. Remove the Heatsink Support Clip
13. Verify Motherboard Jumper Settings
14. Prepare the Punchout Access Ports
15. Preparing to Install the Motherboard in the Case


Steps 16-20
16. Check Alignment of the Motherboard with Standoffs
17. Install Motherboard on Standoffs and Tighten Screws
18. Installing Memory on the Motherboard
    18 Cont. Inserting the DIMM Stick in the Motherboard
19. Install the AGP Graphics Card
20. Connect and Route Power Cables


Steps 21-25
21. Install the Remaining Power Cables
22. Install the Primary and Seconday IDE Cables
23. Install Floppy Drive Cable
24. Install Tiewraps on All the Cables
25. Clear the Airflow by Rerouting Cables


Steps 26-30
26. Processor Installation
27. Place the Heatsink Clip in the Heatsink Fins
28. Install the Fan Power Cable
29. Slide the Processor Module into the Guides
30. Firmly Seat the Processor Module


Steps 31-35
31. Lock the Processor Module
32. Install the Heatsink Support Clip
33. Check the Processor Module Installation
34. Install Feet on Enclosure
35. Install the Keyboard and Mouse Cables


Steps 36-40
36. Install the Monitor Cable
37. Verify the 115/250 Setting
38. Install the Line Power Cable
39. Start Your System
40. Load the Operating System


Steps 41-43
41. Install Additional Cards and Devices
    41. Cont. ISA and PCI Card Options
    41. Cont. Two Modems
    41. Cont. AGP and PCI Video
42. Secure the Cards
43. Periodically Check on Driver Updates
    43. Cont. Notes
    43. Cont. Final Walk-Through

Step 16. Check Alignment of the Motherboard with the Standoff Holes

Position the motherboard in the case so you can the alignment of the mounting holes in the motherboard with the standoffs.

Note: It is best to install the processor module in the motherboard before you install the motherboard in the case. Unfortunately, this is not possible with some motherboards. If you can install your motherboard in the case with the processor module on it, go to Step 26 and complete through Step 33. Then return to this step to install the motherboard in the case with the processor module on it.

When you are installing the processor module outside the case, use an antistatic mat or other soft surface under the motherboard.

Photo 27. Check Alignment of Motherboard with Standoff Holes

Step 17. Install Motherboard on Standoffs and Tighten Screws

Install the motherboard using the screws that were supplied with your case as shown in Photo 28.

Do not overtighten the screws. Gentle pressure is sufficient.

Photo 28. Install Motherboard on Standoffs and Tighten Screws

Step 18. Installing Memory on the Motherboard

Be sure to check the reference manual for your motherboard for a list of recommended memory devices for your motherboard. If this information is not in the reference manual, check the motherboard manufacturers web site.

Memory for the AMD Athlon processor motherboards comes in DIMM (dual in-line memory module) modules or sticks. Photo 29 shows two DIMM sticks.

Do not handle the DIMM sticks by the edge connectors.

The DIMM sticks have notches that align them to the memory sockets.

Consult the reference manual for your motherboard to determine the correct installation sequence for the memory. Usually you should install the first stick in socket 1 and the second in socket 2 and so on. However, your motherboard may have special requirements, so check the manual.

Photo 29. Two DIMM Memory Sticks

18 Continued, Inserting the DIMM Stick in the Motherboard

1. The first step to installing the DIMM stick is to open the levers on the left and right of the memory socket as shown in Photo 30.
   
2. Using the notches in the DIMM stick, properly orient the stick to the memory socket.
   
3. Using a straight down motion, insert the DIMM stick into the memory socket and seat it firmly.
   
4. The locking levers will close automatically when you have properly seated the DIMM stick.

Photo 30 shows a DIMM stick being installed with the notches properly aligned and the locking levers open.

To remove DIMM sticks, pull the locking levers out, and the stick will pop out of the socket.

Photo 30. Installing a DIMM Memory Stick

Step 19. Install the AGP Graphics Card

To get the full benefits of the AMD Athlon processor you need to install components with equivalent performance levels. Therefore, AMD recommends an AGP graphics card to provide the best performance for your new AMD Athlon processor-based system.
To bring the system up initially, configure the system with the minimum necessary components. The first (and only) card to be installed is the AGP graphics card. With processor, memory, drives, and graphics, the system will start and run. A basic configuration minimizes troubleshooting in case of problems.
Insert the AGP card into the dedicated slot. This card fits into only one slot--normally the slot nearest the processor. When the card is fully seated, install the hold-down screw into the case.

Photo 31. Install the AGP Card

Step 20. Connect and Route Power Cables

The first cable to install is the pass-through cable for the processor exhaust cooling fan. This cable has male and female connectors and is designed to go between the end of the power lead from the power supply and the power connector on one of the drives.

As you can tell from Photo 32, the ends of the power cables are very different. The cable can only be installed one way because of the keys.

Install this cable between the power supply and the CD-ROM drive. The CD-ROM drive does not draw much power on a sustained basis.

Photo 32. Power Cable Pass-Through for the Exhaust Fan