Computer Building - Question

[seph ir oth]

So! I ordered parts finally and I'm so excited! But I've never built a computer from the ground up, and a lot of different little walk throughs put a lot of stress on static and making sure you don't have a static charge (using static mats etc.) ... is this a major concern? What if i just touch random metallic object to discharge any possible static charge?

 

[Slapshot136]

touch a large metallic object.. should be fine - don't do it on like a wool carpet

 

[Sevion]

seph ir oth, the best practice would be to wear one of those anti-static bands, but in the case you don't have one nor plan to get one, just touch a large metallic object. The case should be okay to touch, or any thing that conducts electricity. The best type of surface to use would be something that is insulating such as a wooden table. Have a set of screwdrivers available (magnetic tips are fine with screwdrivers).

If you finish building the PC and it doesn't boot properly, make sure to turn it off completely, unplug the PSU, flip it to 0 and press the power again to discharge all residual power before working inside the box.

Lastly, make sure to keep the parts that come with an anti-static bag on the bag itself or within it when you're not installing it. Set everything out and work methodically. Install in this order:

PSU -> Case
CPU -> Motherboard
Heatsink -> Motherboard (optional, depends on size/type of Heatsink)
Drives -> Case (SSD/HDD/CD/DVD/BR, I find plugging in the cables and moving them to the side is beneficial in some cases when space is tight)
Motherboard -> Case
Case Controls -> Motherboard (these can be annoying to plug in, so do it prior to putting in any PCI-E cards)
GPU -> Motherboard

Finish up with ensuring all things that need to be plugged in are plugged in:

Fan Controls, Motherboard Power Connections (Both! There is one for the motherboard as well as the CPU power (which is right next to the CPU)), Fan Power, SATA cables, Molex Power (4 pin stuff that gets Daisy Chained), 4/6 pin PCI-E, Front Case Controls (the bitches to plug in).

That should be everything and the computer should start up and you can then install Windows.

 

[Slapshot136]

Install in this order:

PSU -> Case
CPU -> Motherboard
RAM -> Motherboard (best to add it before heatsink..)
Heatsink -> Motherboard (optional, depends on size/type of Heatsink)
Drives -> Case (SSD/HDD/CD/DVD/BR, I find plugging in the cables and moving them to the side is beneficial in some cases when space is tight)
Motherboard -> Case
Case Controls -> Motherboard (these can be annoying to plug in, so do it prior to putting in any PCI-E cards)
GPU -> Motherboard

I usually do the PSU last.. but it depends on the case if you can do that or not
also make sure you use zip ties to keep the cables nice and tidy and away from any fans

 

[Sevion]

DAMN. I knew I forgot something. RAM is best to go before Heatsink, I agree.

The PSU should go first even with larger cases because the maneuvering can be a bitch when you have stuff in the case already. Getting the PSU into the slot can be a huge PITA if space gets restricted.

 

[seph ir oth]

Funny you mention that, space will prolly not be an issue. I'm using a mini ITX motherboard in a mid-case. PCU slot on the bottom, and from the video, the case itself looks pretty room-y! I intend to do the PCU and wiring last.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

 

[Sevion]

You heathen. If you're going to use a mini-ITX, might as well put it into a BitFenix Prodigy or a LIAN LI PC-TU200B.

No reason to use a mini-ITX other than for a portable desktop

 

[seph ir oth]

Eh, had the same specs as the other mobo I was looking at, but cheaper. GIT 'ER DONE. If I switch out the mobo later I might use this one for like a more portable CPU (thanks for those cases!) OR a media center.

Also I found an anti-static wristband on Best Buy's website that was only $5 so I decided to cave and get that. Picking it up later!