PC Hardware in a Nutshell, Second Edition

Step 11: Perform the “Smoke Test”

At this point, you’re almost ready to turn on the PC for the first time. Don’t replace the cover quite yet, though. You’ll need to do a few more things inside the case before the system is complete. Proceed as follows:

1. Do a final check of the system, making sure that all cables are connected properly and that you haven’t left any tools in the patient. Do not underestimate the importance of this final check. We have seen newly built systems shorted out and destroyed because a tool, screw, slot cover, or other conductive part was left where it shouldn’t be. In fact, we always pick up the system and shake it gently to make sure no extraneous parts have been overlooked.

2. Connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the appropriate ports on the computer. Connect the power cord to the PC power supply and then plug it into a wall receptacle. Turn on the monitor.

3. Turn on the PC. If all is well, the hard disk spins up, the BIOS screen appears on the monitor within a few seconds, and the system beeps to indicate a normal boot. If the system appears dead or beeps repeatedly, immediately disconnect the power and verify all cable connections and configuration jumpers. The most common problem is a floppy drive cable connected backward—which causes the floppy drive indicator to light and stay lit as soon as power is applied—or an IDE cable connected backward, which may cause the system to appear completely dead. In either case, check the cables, correct any problems ...