Although a flight simmer for many years I am a first time computer assembler & would appreciate a little (or even a lot of) help. I need to know the order in which to do things to cause the least problems. I appreciate that this is very basic for many of you but believe me it is of concern to a non expert.1. I have downloaded all the latest drivers with my old machine & burnt them onto a CD. I anticipate using these in preference to the ones that came with the components. Correct? 2. I have a pile of very expensive (to me anyway) new components & Vista Home Premium OEM. Do I put it all in the case, connect them up & then switch on (which I can do) or do I only put in some components before starting drivers, windows etc etc? Any helful suggestion & trouble shooting tips most appreciated here!!!! An idiots guide to this would be wonderful. Will I be guided through the process or do I need to know an order of actions of which I am unaware? What is the correct order of activities?3. I would appreciate suggestions about sensible partitions on a 500Gb hard drive, particularily on relation to a dedicated FSX partition but others as well. This is just vast compared to anything that I have had before!ChrisOops - should have posted in hardware but I cannot see how to move it. Will a moderator please help.

First read your MB handbook. Put ALL the bits in, re-read the MB handbook then fire it up but boot into BIOS. Read your MB handbook and optimise the BIOS setting to your needs. Then re-boot with the Windows disk in and load your operating system. Once you have the OS on you can then partition the drive as required.This is the order I generally adoptCase -> PSU -> Motherboard -> Case Wires to MB -> CPU ->Thermal Paste, Heatsink & Fan -> RAM -> DVD -> Hard-Drives -> Graphics CardJim

Jim gave good advice on the hardware setup.Software:Did you burn the chipset drivers from motherboard manufacturer?CPU drivers from AMD or Intal?Install order:Boot Vista, now is the time for a partition strategy. Do you reallywant to set it all up on a single partition? Windows is going to default to that. Bleah!Driver order:Chipset-->CPU-->Graphics Card-->Sound Card-->Printer-->everything else.

Here's what I did:0) Install CPU and heatsink on MB1) Install memory on MB2) Install MB in case3) Install Video Card4) Connect Power Supply wires, remember video card needs one too5) Attach single HD6) Boot with OS CD, format full drive NTFS quick, and install 7) Once OS installed install MB drivers from MB CD8) Connect to net and run windows update9) Install latest Video card driver10) Make a restore point11) Install Flight Sims and enjoy:)Optional: Install cpu-z and coretemp to check speeds and temps.With low cost HDs I dont see the need to partition anymore, some still do.Once the basic install above is stable then you can shutdown add any other internal cards and HDs one at time, checking all is OK after installing the drivers.Have fun, good luck!

Couple of things you need to keep in mind:1) When installing anything, make sure you ground yourself so you don't zap any of your new electronics!2) Don't apply too much thermal paste between your CPU and heatsink3) I would plug in the PSU wires LAST. 4) Don't put on your side panel until you have everything up and running :)5) Try to bundle your power cords, drive cables so as to maximize airflow in your case. 6) HAVE FUN! Building your own machine will be both rewarding and maddening! But NEVER let the computer beat you! I would suggest leaving your old computer all hooked up (to internet) to trouble shoot issues until your new one is up and running. Read your MB manual and your vid card manual (although, my experience is that either are usually barely legible). Most of the major MB makers have great user forums with lots of useful info...you might scan those first before your build.HAVE FUN!

Wow, lots of good advice here, I would take all of it if possible. The one thing that I would add, would be you may want to see if your mobo posts prior to installing all your devices, but that is just a minor detail. My last build I did it in this order:Install PSU in case, leave plugs disconnectedInstall CPU/Heat sink.Install RamInstall I/O shield into caseInstall mobo in caseInstall Video card (don't forget the extra power connector as needed)Install case LED connectors/power switch/reset etcTurn on and verify your board posts Install hard drives/PCI devices/DVD rom, etcAttach all remaining power/front panel connectors, audioand anything else I forgot. :DSetup bios to your liking, install OS.I would agree, building is extremely rewarding and it is fun not tom mention cost-effective. Take your time and read the motherboard manual completely beforehand, it makes it much easier IMO. Make sure to wear a wrist strap as well, you spent probably a grand or more on your parts, a 5 dollar wrist strap shouldn't be a big deal. Anyway good luck, and don't panic if something doesn't work right away.

Scott,What sort of performance are you getting from your PC on FSX (if you have it of course)? I'm getting almost exactly the same system.I'm a little off topic here but anyway...:-walksmile Matti

Well, I am very pleased! It really has transformed the whole experience for me from my old p4 3.0, it's almost like a new simulator.I have FPS locked at 30 and most of the time its stays there. When I go to a very busy airport and have a lot going on, with a complex heavy they may dip to around 15 but not below that. I have the settings pretty well cranked up, and have a lot of add-ons running such as Traffic 2005, ASX/XG, UTX. I would recommend it if you have the budget. I ended up spending around $1400 when all was said and done, but it was well worth it.

One thing I would suggest is to install the PSU in the case, and then do a trial fit of the MB to verify that you have the right standoffs installed, and to see if there are going to be potential clearance issues. For example, on my case, I had a problem with the EVGA 8800 cooler which takes up a board slot and I had to mod my case to fit it. Also, the back end of the EVGA interfered with the hard drive cage with drives installed in certain positions. Also check out the cable routing, for example some of my front panel connection cables work better routed under the MB. When you are satisfied the MB will go in OK then you can install the RAM, CPU, and HSF and install the MB for good.scott s..

Thanks a lot, I was a bit worried about the fact that FSX doesn't really support multicores yet, but you've got me over that now, can't wait to try it out! :D:DMatti