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Before we begin, let us thank you for your purchase of a new GamePC custom computer. We strive to build every system to leave our labs to be of the highest quality. Since every GamePC system is custom built for each individual's order, every GamePC configuration is unique. Thus, we've designed a setup guide which provides the basics you'll need to know to set up any modern GamePC system configuration. Before opening your shipping box, please inspect the package for any damage large marks or holes. If the packaging around the computer is badly damaged by the shipper, please contact us before powering on the system. We pack our systems in multi-layered boxes, so even if the first external layer of packaging may be damaged, the internal package most likely is fine. If the internal box is damaged, or there is physical damage to the computer, please contact us with any information before powering your GamePC up. Assuming your computer arrived in perfect condition, let's get to work on setting it up. Set the system a comfortable distance close from your desk or work area. Try to make sure the area where will be placed will be out of harm's way in terms of extreme heat, condensation, or dust/smoke. All of the above may damage the computer if exposed to over time. 1. Keyboard and Mouse Setting up your keyboard and mouse is dependent upon which type of connectors these use. Older keyboards and mice typically use PS/2 connectors, which are rounded connectors with 6 pins inside, typically green or purple in color. Newer keyboards and mice use USB connectors, which are flat and have a metal covering on the outside. For PS/2 keyboards and mice you'll want to ensure that you plug the correct device into the correct port. PS/2 based keyboards plug into the purple PS/2 connector (typically on the bottom), whereas PS/2 mice plug into the green PS/2 connector on top. These ports are not interchangeable, and if the wrong device goes into the wrong port, these devices will not function. USB based keyboards and mice can plug into any free USB port on the back of the motherboard. USB ports are not tied to any specific device, so any free port can be used. 2. Monitor and Graphics Modern flat panel displays use DVI (Digital) connectivity to connect to the graphics card. The DVI output port is a rectangular shaped connector, typically beige colored internally. The graphics card will have a DVI output port, which connects through a DVI cable to the monitor. This cable is typically included with the monitor and is not included with your GamePC system. Often times, a graphics card will have multiple graphics card output ports. In most situations, using any available DVI output port will function, but we recommend using the DVI port on your primary graphics card, closest to the edge of the chassis. This is most often the primary DVI port. Older CRT and flat panel displays use HD-15 (often called D-Sub) connectors, which are smaller, 15-pin connectors which are typically blue inside. HD-15 connectors connect to monitors in the same method as DVI, but image quality of these connector types is not as sharp as DVI connectors. Many new graphics cards will allow you to connect directly to a high-resolution TV via HDTV (Component) connectors or HDMI - please check your graphics card manual included with your system for specific connectivity instructions if you have one of these display types. 3. Network and Connectivity If you want to connect to the Internet via cable, DSL, other high-speed methods, or to connect to a local network, you will need to connect your system through RJ-45 Ethernet. When a cable is attached to this port, you will see a green LED light up (only if the system has a power cable attached), which will let you know that your Ethernet port is connected to a compatible device, whether that be a network switch, hub, or broadband Internet device. Many systems also include wireless Internet access as well. If your system is equipped with wireless abilities, you will likely see a small, circular port which a wireless antenna is hooked up to. When connected, your system will be able to communicate with other wireless-enabled computers in your vicinity. However, connecting to other systems wirelessly typically requires software-based configuration as well, as you will need to know the name and any potential access codes/passwords in order to log on to a previously set up network. 4. Audio and Speakers System audio can come from either the motherboard or from a dedicated audio card. If you did not order a dedicated audio card, we will default to the motherboard's onboard audio. If you did order a dedicated audio card, we will disable the motherboard's onboard audio and default to the dedicated audio card. There are three major types of audio connectors which can be used to hook up your system to speakers. There are smaller, circular connectors in a wide range of colors, which are analog based. There are also two types of digital audio connectors, one being square and black (optical) and one being a larger, circular yellow color (coaxial). Digital speaker systems require one cable to provide multi-channel audio, whereas analog speaker systems typically require one to three cables produce multi-channel audio. 5. External Storage For high-speed external data storage, you'll likely want to look for Firewire or eSATA ports on the back of your system. Firewire is more widely utilized, but eSATA can deliver higher performance. Firewire can also be used with digital camcorders and other high-speed devices, whereas eSATA is designed primarily for external hard drives. 6. Power When all of your connectors and peripherals are plugged in and secure, you can plug in the system to a powered wall outlet. As some of our power supplies are rated for very high wattage levels, it may be worth your time and money to invest in a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) in addition to your computer. This will protect your system from power spikes/surges as well as give you time to shut down your computer properly in case is a power outage. Our PC systems come with a standard AC power jack which can plug into any US 110-V standard outlet. If your power connector is of the European 220-V style, you may have to switch the rating connector on the back of the power supply before powering up the system. The majority of our power supplies are auto-switching, which means you do not have to switch any connector on the power supply. If your power jack does not fit, you may have to get an adapter plug for your country's own specifications. |
