Hi all at MicroMart

Further to your excellent articles on System builds, whether standard, gaming or Media Centre. I remember on my first build that the thing that gave me the most worries after I studied the main components and was happy I could place them correctly was the case connections for one. It wasn't very clear on the CoolerMaster instructions how they should go, ie the LED display, case fans and power and reset buttons, even the tool less HD and optical drive plastic mounting brackets caused consternation, luckily a friend was on hand. The second thing that caused worries was the Bios and hardware configuration, things to look out for, what was expected etc.

The mobo manual comes with installation disc for drivers and software but its still a little baffling and confusing the first time and doesn't tell you what to look out for. So my suggestion is, why not cover these points in further detail in a forthcoming issue instead of going over the same build menu and covering the same ground thats been trodden in numerous previous articles, good as they are and concentrate on the finishing process.

A refresher wouldn't go amiss for me either as I'm about to embark on a new build using the X38 mobo and E8400 CPU come Spring. Remember System bulds are like sex, it gets easier after the first go!

Keep up the good work

Regards Spritestomper

Nil desperandum

Talking to myself here but:-

Wow didn't know I was clairvoyent!

In the last two issues:- "Setting up a computer for a Media Centre" by Mark Lee gave a very detailed account of the setting up phase.

"Setting up a computer for the family" by Mark Lee, another excellent, detailed and explanatory account which will be very helpful for many readers. Just what the doctor ordered and colour pics too!

More of the same would be well received I'm sure because on the Web there are many web pages devoted to the build and magazine articles too but most of the info concerning BIOS and general setting up after power up is rather out of date.

Because the more people that can be weaned off ready made PC's and onto quality and price saving self build systems the better and giving them the confidence to do it should be the raison d'etre of a reputable magazine such as MicroMart.

PS:- I've nothing against ready builds, they have their uses, but what really enhances the computing experience 100% is knowing for the most part what goes on under the bonnet and it always is useful in saving hours of exasperation on expensive service bills. 

Cheers Spritestomper   

Nil desperandum