How to Build Your Own Pentium III Computer
Install the Display Adapter...
Last updated: 4/14/99

  While keeping your eyes out of harms way, reach behind the case and pop-up the expansion board slot cover for the AGP slot (the slot furthest to the right).  See the assembly instructions if this unclear.  I use a stubby phillip's head screwdriver to do it.

    Unbox the display adapter, put the Installation CD in the motherboard box for safe keeping, insert the adapter into the AGP slot (the brown one), fasten the back of the card to the case with 6#32 screw, and push firmly and evenly down on the card to be sure it properly seated.

Sometimes an expansion board will pop-up a little at one end when it is screwed down.

  Unbox your monitor in a way  similar to that used to unboxed the computer case .  Be careful not to break the styrofoam. Attach the monitor base according to the monitor instructions and make sure it is locked into place and won't come off.  Set the monitor on the workbench.  Plug the power cord into the monitor and into an active outlet (or into a surge protector and turn it on).  Attach the monitor's video cable to the back of the AGP display adapter.  Turn the monitor on and let it warm-up.

I use a known-good shop monitor.

  Unwrap the computer's power cord, plug it into the computer and into active outlet.

I leave it wrapped and use a shop cable.

  Hold your breath and push-in the power switch on the front of the case.  The computer should boot.

You should hear one short beep and see something on the monitor.  Here we gleefully say, "we have a Computer," when that happens.  I have a computer. How about you? If you don't see anything on the display, immediately unplug the power cord from the back of the computer and check-over everything and verify that your monitor works.  The front panel power switch will not immediately turn-off the computer.  If you hear one long beep, followed three short ones, the display adapter is probably not properly seated.  Make sure the power cord is not connected to the computer before attempting to reseat the board (or installing or removing any boards).  If you hear a series irritating long beeps, the memory is bad or not properly seated.  Many motherboards won't do anything at all if the memory is not seated properly.  I could probably write a book about trouble-shooting a dead computer...

  Feel with your hand to make sure the CPU fan is spinning (quietly).  Pull the power cord if isn't; so your CPU doesn't become a crispy fry.

  Feel outside the back of the case, behind the power supply, to make sure the power supply fan is pushing-out air (quietly).

  Reboot the computer by pressing and holding the Ctl and the Alt keys and then pressing the Delete key.  Push the Delete key when prompted to go into the CMOS Setup,  Enter the CPU SOFT MENU and use the Page Up and Page Down keys, if necessary to set the CPU Operating Speed to 350 (100).  the Turbo Frequency should be disabled and the CPU Power Supply should be set to the CPU Default which is 2.00v.  Esc to the Main Setup Menu and SAVE & EXIT the CMOS Setup.

  Unplug the power cord from the computer.

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