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Step to Assembling Your Build

H

[H]adouken

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Dec 31, 2008
Messages
1,039
So you bought the parts, what now?

(looking for anyone who's built a computer from scratch before to contribute by adding or editing steps for us beginners, I'll edit first post as necessary).

======================================================

1. Get a nice big surface to work on, preferably something not capable of static (ex. a wooden table). Wear a anti-static/grounding wristband if desired. Unbox/take out parts as you follow through these steps.

2. ?
 
Check the Genhard FAQ. There's a ton of build guides for you to read. Though the mechbgon one is pretty good.
 
The process for assembling a computer is the same, for the most part -- regardless if you're putting together an ancient Pentium 4 build or one of the latest Core i7 build. The purpose of the GenHard FAQ was to create a place for various guides and answers (to frequently-asked questions) for first-time buyers and builders.
 
heres what i do...

-find a spot
-take the tray out of the case if you have a removable mobo tray
-install mobo, then cpu, then RAM
-install psu into case, along with optical drives...plug cables into optical drives
-install hard drives, power cables and such.
-mobo tray into case
-hook up call cables
-vid card and all other cards go in last
-boot up?
 
shroomiin said:
heres what i do...

-find a spot
-take the tray out of the case if you have a removable mobo tray
-install mobo, then cpu, then RAM
-install psu into case, along with optical drives...plug cables into optical drives
-install hard drives, power cables and such.
-mobo tray into case
-hook up call cables
-vid card and all other cards go in last
-boot up?
Click to expand...

^Pretty much what he said.

Normally I boot up once with just the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and video card installed. That way if there's a problem I don't have to pull out the hard drives, PCI cards, etc.
 
Brashen said:
How about a new one for the core i7s...
Click to expand...

The only difference is the size of the CPU LGA (what many call a socket, but its not really a socket anymore). Assembly is the same as with the Core2's, and the mechbgon guide has instructions for that. ;)
 
Youtube has some building videos that might be helpful, but they usually stick with generalities that a monkey could figure out.

Read the motherboard book, it usually has a lot of good info and diagrams if you need help with cable attachments and how to insert the CPU.

Look up instructions for the thermal paste that you own, they certainly tell you exactly what to do.

Pray that it works, but if it doesn't don't freak out because you probably forgot to plug something in or it isn't plugged in all the way.
 
^That (keep all your books handy, esp. the case, mobo and PSU) - Highly important.

Mine (second build in my life) was a little different due to the Antec P182 case. The PSU can be installed at any time without interfering with anything.

If you have a cooler anything like the Xigmatek s1283, installation can be a little tricky. I put the fan on before mounting it to the motherboard, then realized that I couldn't reach the screws under the fan very easily. So I took the fan off and mounted the HS, then installed the fan again. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it was MUCH easier to install the fan the second time (even though it was hard to see what I was doing.)

Oh, and if you use a driver the bolts on that particular HSF are 5.5mm. (wtf)

Cable routing can be fun or a PITA depending on how you look at it. If you're not a afraid to drill a few holes (and file the edges down or put grommets in) it can make your life easier. I didn't need to but I still have the urge to cut holes into the case. :D

Don't be afraid to take it apart and put it together again. It might give you a new perspective when you put it together a second time. (I wound up trying a bunch of things and I'm happy with how things are turning out.)

Put the tape and protector that cover the CPU slot somewhere visible and check 50-60 times to make sure they're out before turning your PC on. ;)

[edit] I almost forgot. Get a bigass lazy susan and put your case on it while you work. That way you can turn it easily and without having to pick it up. Highly recommended (but not until the mobo is screwed in--oh, and do another 50-60 checks to make sure those standoffs are in place. Heh. And don't drop your screwdriver on the motherboard.)

OP said:
Wear a anti-static/grounding wristband if desired.
Click to expand...

It's like doctors and smoking. Most doctors know, and don't smoke. Grounding wristband highly recommended--I think there's an old sticky on the subject here that's worth reading.
 
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