الهارد وير InsTallin' HardWare

ازيكم شباب اخباركم ايه الحمد لله تمام يارب ان شاء الله الموضوع ده متكامل عن الهردوير كلها بالانجليزى يارب يعجبكم وللعلم منقول


Introduction

About two months ago, Intel unveiled a major change in their computing platform which would serve to be the stepping stone for greater things to come. So huge was the change that a lot of hardware we've come to know has undergone a significant overhaul, whether in technology or form factor. The change was necessary as it was seen in the industry as a much needed evolution of technology, as well as to keep up with the computing needs of today.

If you're still clueless at this point, we're actually talking about Intel's latest range of Alderwood and Grantsdale platforms which has been designed to embrace the latest technologies like PCI Express, DDR2 and a whole lot more of useful features for the digital home usage model. With an influx of new hardware coming into the market right now, we know a lot of DIYers are unsure of what to do with these new standards in hardware technology. However, fret not as we've quickly whipped up our next DIY guide for those willing to take the plunge into the unknown and be one of the early adopters of these exciting technologies. If you want to know more about the new platform, you should check out our recently published Alderwood article .

Along with new technologies like PCI Express and DDR2, Intel has also updated their CPU socket form factor to what is now known as LGA775 (LGA is known as Land Grid Array) or Socket-T. This is basically a new silicon packaging technology which does not incorporate any pins. In fact, the processor is so well packaged that it is virtually impossible to damage it by poor handling techniques. This is because the processor does not come with any pins and unlike the older Socket-478 packaging, there are no pins for you to break. So, how does one install a processor like that? That's what we'll discuss in this guide, along with all the important tips and tricks you'll need to keep in mind in order to successfully build your first high-end system.



Before we begin, let's run through some of the available LGA775 processors available from Intel. Note that the list here is not exhaustive since Intel will release new processors from time to time. What is provided in the table below is correct at the time of publication.





Understanding Model Numbers

As you can see in the previous table, Intel has now replaced all of their newer processors with model numbers instead of just the clock speed. According to Intel, this was done in order to help consumers better recognize the product they are purchasing and it is meant to allow users to quickly differentiate a product based on its features using a model number scheme. In the past, users often only look at processor speed as a gauge of performance but we know that a lot more features have been poured into these processors to make them run more efficient.

For example, when the Pentium 4 was introduced with Hyper-Threading (HT) technology, certain processor speeds possessed the technology while others are based on the older core and they do not support this technology. While some processors with lower clock speeds had HT technology, it does not necessarily mean that its performance was poorer than a faster Pentium 4 processor without HT technology. This quickly became a source of confusion to consumers as processor clock speed can no longer be used as a yardstick to measure its performance.

As Intel begins to add more features to the processor, such as upcoming technologies like LaGrande Technology for security and Vanderpool Technology for virtualization, there was a need to ensure that these feature sets can be quickly recognized at the product ******** level so that consumers can quickly make an informed buying decision. This is the reason why Intel has decided to do away with processor frequency and used a model numbering scheme to better depict the processor's performance. The model number was composed based on the following attributes :-


Architecture Basic design of a microprocessor. May ************** process technology and/or other architectural enhancements.
Cache (MB/KB) A temporary storage area for frequently accessed or recently accessed data. Having certain data stored in a cache speeds up the operation of the computer. Cache size is measured in megabytes (MB) or kilobytes (KB).
Clock Speed (GHz/MHz) Speed of the processor's internal clock, which dictates how fast the processor can process data. Clock speed is usually measured in GHz (gigahertz, or billions of pulses per second).
Front Side Bus (GHz/MHz) The connecting path between the processor and other key components such as the memory controller hub. FSB speed is measured in GHz or MHz.
Other Intel Technologies As Intel processors evolve and advance over time, Intel will integrate new feature technologies and capabilities that may increment the processor number.



Numbers with three-digit numerical sequences such as 7xx, 5xx, or 3xx will be used to categorize Intel's processor families. Within each of these number sequence, you'll find specific processor numbers such as 735, 560, or 320. These number will refer to more than just the processor's clock speed, but a broader set of features (see table above) that influence the overall user experience. To get you familiar with the various numerical sequences, we have here a list of processor families corresponding to the number sequence.


Processor Families and Their Number Sequence
Processor Family Number Sequence
Intel Pentium M processor 7xx
Intel Pentium M processor Low Voltage (or LV) 7xx
Intel Pentium M processor Ultra Low Voltage (or ULV) 7xx
Intel Pentium 4 processor (including the Intel Pentium 4 processor with HT Technology) 5xx
Mobile Intel Pentium 4 processor (including the Mobile Intel Pentium 4 processor with HT Technology) 5xx
Intel Celeron D processor 3xx
Intel Celeron M processor 3xx
Intel Celeron M processor Ultra Low Voltage (or ULV) 3xx



Basically, mobile Pentium M processors have been designated the 7xx series while Pentium 4 has been given the 5xx series. Celeron parts will occupy the 3xx series. Note that the number series here were used only to differentiate between processor families and they do not mean that Pentium M processors are faster than Pentium 4, and neither does it mean that Pentium M processors have far more feature sets than the Pentium 4. Thus, although Pentium M processors have a higher number sequence than a Pentium 4, it doesn't indicate more than just a differentiation of product family.

However, within the same processor family, the number sequence would serve to differentiate processors with different feature sets, architecture, front side bus, cache and clock speed. Generally, a processor with a higher model number (e.g. 560 vs. 520) usually indicates one or more of the factors we've mentioned above. In this case, we're looking at the difference in clock speed (3.60GHz vs. 2.80GHz). However, one should never assume that a higher number would simply mean better features, as in some cases, a higher number processor may potentially have more of one feature and less of another.

We recommend that you check the specifications of the processor before you proceed to purchase them so that you would get what you want. The processor numbers shown in the first page are still in its infancy and they are pretty easy to remember and decipher. However, as Intel begins to roll out more products, the model number may get a little confusing. When that happens, always check Intel's product website to ensure that you've selected the right processor based on your usage needs. However, with the processor number, it's now much easier to remember what you need as you just need to quote the number and you'll get the exact processor that you want. No more messy suffixes tagged with the processor frequency (e.g. 'A', 'B', 'C' or 'E').











The Ingredients and Price

In order to get you started with a basic set of recommended components, we've listed down a comprehensive set of hardware which we'll be using in this guide to showcase the setup process. You can always choose to change the components recommended here to suit your budget and usage but always ensure that the hardware are based on the same interface technology. Do note that some of the steps shown in this guide are specific to the hardware components chosen for the purpose of this guide and they are by no means universally applied to all types of components.

Here's a list of components we recommend as a start :-




In the table above, you can see that we've chosen to use Gigabyte's GA-8GPNXP Duo motherboard which is their top-of-the-line Intel 915P board for new Pentium 4 LGA775 processors. It comes with everything built onto the motherboard, so there's really nothing else you need to buy except a PCI Express graphics card. It even comes with a new and revamped DPS (Dual Power System) feature which ensures enough power is delivered to the processor to keep it running stable, as well as being forward compatible with future LGA775 processors. It's a good motherboard to get you started if you're new to the DIY scene since you need not have to worry too much about peripherals and component compatibility as they have already been built into the board itself. On the other hand, power users would also benefit with such a highly integrated design as it gives them the headroom to further enhance the system as and when they need to.

For graphics, if you want to have decent 3D performance, go for nothing less than the NVIDIA GeForce PCX5900 which comes with 128MB of DDR memory. In this guide, we've chosen to use the Gigabyte GV-NX59128D graphics card which comes bundled with a decent set of games including support for DVI-I and TV output. If you want something more powerful to play next generation 3D games, then be prepared to pay more for a faster RADEON X800 XT (Gigabyte GV-RX80T256V) or RADEON X800 XT Platinum (Gigabyte GV-RX80X256V) graphics card respectively.

For hard disk storage, we recommend using a SATA-based drive such as the Seagate Barracuda 7200.7. Seagate's drives are built upon native SATA technology and as such, they are actually one of the first to introduce drives based on this revolutionary technology. What's more, with their aggressive warranty policy which covers five years, the choice is clear. In this guide, we recommend using two 80GB drives to be set up as a RAID boot volume for added performance.

Memory forms an integral part of a stable system. In addition to that, high speed memory modules will indirectly help increase the performance of the system. This is one reason why Intel has introduced the new platforms to embrace the new DDR2 memory technology. Current DDR2 technology support speeds of up to 533MHz, giving a total memory band********** of about 4.25GB/s. However, the new Intel chipsets will also support dual-channel memory operation and that will double the band********** to 8.5GB/s. Compared with previous DDR400 memory technology, DDR2 offers an additional 2.1GB/s of band**********. In this guide, we've chosen to use a trusted memory brand like Kingston. They have excellent compatibility with most motherboards and its ValueRAM series are offered at a reasonable price point too. We'll be using two pieces of their 512MB memory module (Kingston ValueRAM KVR533D2N4/512) in this DIY guide.

For the processor, we recommend getting a performance mainstream part like the Intel Pentium 4 560 processor. It's fast and yet gives you more than enough performance to last through a few years before you decide to do your next upgrade. However, if it is too hefty for you right now, you can always opt for a slower processor like the Pentium 4 530 or 520 processors. For the hardcore gamers, the Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition would be the obvious choice.

Another important component that you should pay attention is a power supply that meets the requirements of the new platform. Beginning with all new Intel 925X, 915P and 915G chipsets, motherboards will now come with a new 24-pin ATX power connector. The power connector is also similar to those SSI connectors used in high-end server-based systems. In order to ensure that enough power is delivered to the system, we recommend that you purchase a good power supply with a 24-pin ATX power connector. We recommend that you get a Super Flower 480W (Model: SF-480T14) power supply which comes with a large 14cm fan that does not only cool efficiently, but silent as well. A fan speed controller is also provided for those who wish to tweak the fan speed for low noise operation.

Other than that, you'll also need a tower casing that is large enough to accomodate the current components (and any future upgrades) and a DVD writer. The Cooler Master CM Stacker is an excellent choice for your DIY needs as it does not only provide ample space, but it can be converted to future BTX form factor as well.

For optical storage, we chose a DVD writer because the price of current writers are attractive and they should be good enough as an all-purpose optical storage drive that writes and reads CDs and DVDs. If you want DVD-RAM support, go for a multi-format drive like the LG GSA-4120B Multi-Format DVD Writer .

The total cost of all the components will set you back as much as S$3,600 or more, depending on what other components you choose. Note that the price above does not ************** a monitor and a set of speakers. Do factor those into the cost as well.

If you have a lot of spare cash on hand and you want to know what's our dream Intel Pentium 4 PC configuration, here's something you could consider :-




Well, it certainly cost a lot of money if you want the best of the best. We'll leave it to you to decide how you want to spend your money, but as far as we know, the ultimate system is only limited by how deep your pocket goes.

Now that we've got all the components we want, let's move on to building














Step 1 : Installing the Processor

First, before you take any components out of the packaging, always ensure that you're electrostatically discharged. You can do this by wearing an electrostatic wrist strap (which can be purchased at any electronics store) or just simply touching the metal case of a power supply that's connected to the mains (but not necessarily turned on). If you're not wearing the wrist strap, always discharge yourself from time to time to ensure you're always grounded.

Now that you've earthed yourself, you can safely remove the processor from the box package and inspect to see if there are any defects. Don't worry if you don't see any pins on the processor, it's not a defect. The new LGA775 packaging does not come with any pins.

When handling the processor, always hold the processor by the sides as shown in the pictures below. Do not touch the contact pads as you do not want to soil nor damage them. A dirty contact pad could pose as a reliability or stability issue since it adds unnecessary resistance to the path of the electrical circuits. Though the contact pads look interesting, never touch them as oil and/or perspiration from your fingers could introduce long-term reliability issues (e.g. corrosion).





Next, remove the motherboard from the package and you should see a highly integrated board like the one shown below



Step 1.5 : Installing the Processor (cont'd)































Step 2 : Installing the Cooler

Once you've installed the processor successfully, you'll now need to install the cooler. In this guide, we'll be using the cooler bundled in every Intel boxed processor. Since there are not many coolers available that has support for the LGA775 socket yet, we'll just stick to using the one recommended by Intel. Besides, Intel's stringent heatsink design and requirements ensure that its heat dissipating performance matches the processor's thermal design power (TDP). Since the cooler is sufficient in handling the processor's heat output, we'll just use what's provided and save ourselves a few tens of dollars.

Anyway, before installing the cooler, you'll need to know a couple of things about its clip system. Familiarize yourself with it before you install it.