JVS Computers©

      12/11/2010

You need a variety of cables for both the inside, and outside of the PC.  Here are lists.

Typical Internal Cables (ATX)

__IDE Ribbon Cable (for Hard Drive)
__IDE Ribbon Cable (for CD-ROM)
__Floppy Drive Cable
__Audio Cable (From Motherboard to CD-ROM type device.)
__Internal Speaker Cable
Other devices will come with their own cables.

Typical External Cables (ATX)

__IEEE 1284 (no longer than 6 feet, for the printer)
__Phone line (for RJ-ll modem)
Other devices will come with their own cables.
If your PC has TV out feature, you will need the correct cables to attach it to your TV (coaxial, RCA, composite video...).

Things To Consider

When installing cables there are a few things you need to remember.  First, be careful not to bend any pens!  If you do, use a 7mm mechanical pencil (without the lead), tweezers, or forceps to try and straighten out the bent pens.  Be very careful if the pin is  powered not to short it by touching other pins!  The next thing to remember is  where to attach "Pin 1".  On IDE and floppy cables, the red wire always connects to pin 1.  Check the connector on the device or the packaging and instructions to verify which pin is pin 1.  In general, double check that you know exactly how to connect any cable, as incorrect connections often do irreparable damage to the motherboard and the components being connected.

Other Hardware

Other hardware?  If you are building a new system you may need case screws, screws for mounting the drives, etc.  More than likely, if you bought all new parts, they will come with the hardware needed.  If this is a test bed system or one you plan to "tweak", you'll want to invest in either a tool less case or thumb screws for the case.