The Hard Drive

The hard drive I chose is the IBM Deskstar 120GXP 80GB hard drive, OEM version. It's an amazingly quiet and fast hard drive. I purchased the OEM version (so called "white box") of the hard drive because it's cheaper. The OEM version does not include mounting brackets, but the Antec KS-282 computer case I'm using doesn't need them. It also does not include mounting screws, which I do need, but these are easy to obtain from Radio Shack..

Here is typical OEM packaging. Bubble wrap with the hard drive sealed in an antistatic bag. Click on any picture to see a larger image.

Here are front and rear shots of the hard drive, plus a picture of the mounting screws for the hard drive. For the IBM 120GXP 80GB hard drive, there are places for 6 screws, three on each side. A total of six round-head machine screws, size 6-32, length 1/4 inch are needed. And, of course, a flathead screwdriver is needed as well. You can pick up a variety pack of screws that will more than you need at a place like Radio Shack.

IBM Drive Fitness Test (DFT) utility. This utility is available as a free download from IBM Storage Technical Support. It's used to certify the integrity of IBM hard drives. Although it's not absolutely necessary to use the IBM Drive Fitness Test utility as part of the hard drive install, it's certainly a good idea. After all, we're talking about the integrity of the data on the computer! The ideal time to use the IBM Drive Fitness Test is now, while the computer is being built, and prior to it's having anything valuable on it, so that the full battery of tests can be run, including the ones that write data. However even the read-only tests are worthwhile. Download the IBM Drive Fitness Test setup program from the IBM Hard Drives Downloads And Utilities page. Follow the IBM Drive Fitness Test Installation Instructions which result in a Drive Fitness Test floppy disk.

Next: Computer Assembly - CD-ROM

My complete recommendations for building a computer with quality components at unbeatable prices is on my home page at Build A Computer Like My Super PC - Cost To Build A Computer. Here again are the recommendations for a motherboard! Description Where I Would Get It Today Today's Price Comments Western Digital Caviar SE 160GB 7200rpm Parallel ATA100 Amazon $69.99 Free shipping! OEM version. Standard IDE/PATA (parallel ATA) hard drive. Clicking the link takes you directly to it. Western Digital Caviar SE 320GB 7200rpm Parallel ATA100 Amazon $89.99 Free shipping! OEM version. Standard IDE/PATA (parallel ATA) hard drive. Clicking the link takes you directly to it.

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Skip Ahead

	Parts List
	Tools
	Antistatic Wrist Strap
	Computer Case and Power Supply
	Motherboard
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound
	RAM - System Memory
	Video Card
	Monitor
	Keyboard and Mouse
	Floppy Drive
	Hard Drive
	CD-ROM, CD-RW
	Sound Card and Speakers
	Modem
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard
	Install the CPU Cooler
	Install the RAM - System Memory
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case
	Install the Video Card
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard
	Connect the PN1 and PN2 Indicators
	Ready the Monitor
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse
	First Boot
	Install the CD-ROM, CD-RW Drive
	Install the Hard Drive and Floppy Drive
	Second Boot
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP
	Installing the Rest of the Windows XP Operating System - GoBack
	Install a Zip Utility - Zip Central
	Install the Motherboard Chipset Drivers
	Install the Video Card Drivers
	Install the Monitor Driver
	Install DirectX
	Install the Sound Card and Speakers
	Install the Modem
	Install WCPUID
	SiSoft Sandra Benchmarks
	DirectX Diagnostics
	Stress Testing Graphics and the Futuremark 3DMark2001SE Benchmark
	Torture Test
	Install The Computer Case Fans
	Post Assembly Needs
	BIOS Flash Update

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