Sapphire Dragon

Love the look of plastic shroud, wish it was metal though

I'd just like to say a big thank you to everyone who works as pat of the Linus Tech Tips group, as well as all the members of the forum. I found this forum though youtube, and with the advice from Linus, his crew, and many helpful community members I have been able to learn about computers and have used that knowledge to build my own. I've loved your build guides, particularly when you showed us how to paint graphics cards! Best of luck in the future, you put a lot of work into this, and I for one appreciated it! I hope I win the Computer, I'd love something signed by the crew!

I've managed to Fix the problem My friend brought over the Kit to plug it in via USB, the computer recognised it and I was able to make a partition on it and set it up as my D: Drive. Then when I re-enstalled it into the computer, I needed to set it up again in the manager, but its working now Thank you for all the help and suggestions everyone. The only explanation I have is that it was completely blank, no partition, it didn't even know how much space was available. But hay, it worked, so for anyone who has the same problem as me, this is what I did: (keep going till it works, stop once it dose) I went to Computer management (right click on your computer folder, then choose manage) Looked under storage to find the second drive (for me it wasn't there, for you it should be. Went to control panel - Device Management and scanned for new hardware (again nothing but for you it should be different) In the Bios I enables CSM, you can find how to do this in you motherboard manuel. I checked that I was using AHCI, this is found in control panel - Device Management - IDE tab Checked computer Management and device management again Then used a device to connect it to the computer via usb, set it up in computer Management Re-installed the drive, and set it up again in Computer Management (named it and partitioned it). Then I was good to go!

Okay, I'll give it a go when I go to a friends place on the weekend

Only the Rarest of Sapphires are orange :3 It occurs when they are around the right amount of Copper and Titanium. I think of it as a unique system. Thanks Luke, I love it! I am going to run the header under the motherboard as someone suggested though

I'm using AHCI, I found that, and I've just gone into the bios and activated CSM for legacy devises and other drives. But same result. The drive doesn't show up when I scan for new hardware, and Under computer management I still only have the SSD.

I'm sorry, I have no idea. I'm Using whatever the default set up was when I installed windows. I looked up AHCI, but I have no idea what it means or how to tell if I'm using it. And same with CSM, you'll have to walk me though on what to do.

No, Windows didn't detect the drive upon boot, so it didn't install drivers. Under device manager I scanned for new Hardware, but it only shows the SSD. I don't have another PC to test the Hard Drive, This week I built this PC to upgrade from my 7 year old Macbook pro. This is after the scan Instead what I was able to do was boot into the BIOS and look at possible boot drives, and the Hard drive shows up there. But still not in Windows.

Sorry, what I meant was that I didn't want to spend $2499 on a new Macbook 15". So I made my self a computer for less. I know I could find a decent 15" laptop for a lot less, but for me it was ether going to be a mac laptop or building a PC, and I think I made the right choice.

I know, I am very ashamed, but my H100i didn't work, so I had to return it Yep, I have the 4gb model, I'm not sure why it changes it to the 2gb, but on the Australian sight it just doesn't want to work properly.

I've added a photo to the main topic, and as you can see, In drive management there is no second drive to format or partition. So what do I do?

Hello, I've been a Mac user for just about my whole life, and with my trusty Mac Book pro about to die, I looked at getting a new one... Once I found out just how expensive a new 15" laptop would be, I decided that I'd build my own PC. I got some very useful advice for part selection: Motherboards: As long as you are getting a decent one, then its personal choice, but most of all the price premium isn't always worth it. I was recommended a cheaper motherboard, but the price difference wasn't enough to sway me (In America the difference was $50-60, here in Australia it was $15). Case: I went over board on the case, and I don't regret it. GPU: I was told to put more money into it and didn't but I'm very happy with it regardless. Processor: an I7 is not the best choice for everyone, but for me it was one of the best choices I've made. For games it makes no improvement, in every day use, same, no improvement. But for Engineering, it was worth every cent. So this is my computer. The Sapphire Dragon: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/user/Sapphire_Dragon/saved/LggQzy I wanted to build a masterful PC for less than a new 15" macbook pro. I have done that. Everything in this build is orange (except the GPU, thanks for the painting tips Linus, I'll be doing that soon), Orange LED fans, Orange Cables, Orange Motherboard, Orange RAM, you get the idea. Building this rig was easy, I followed a few of Linus's guides, and with in a 2 hours I had a computer. The hardest part was cable management, there are so many cables already in this case, than all all the power supply cables and orange cable extensions and you have a real mess. How ever from the front it looks amazing, and there is so much space in the back and down the bottom that it doesn't look to bad. Upon booting it I had trouble with the BIOS, it is to big for my screen, and when I try to change it to HD it tells me it cant. but by using F2 and going to the default it works fine. Everything els was breezy, it took an hour to get up an running properly, I used Nineite to get all the programs I wanted, and then started gaming. Peripherals: Mouse: Cyborg Rat MMO7, I've had this mouse for years and I love it, I've customised it to fit my hand perfectly, and i love the equivalent D-Pad button on it, as well as all of the other 6 buttons and hold click functions. Keyboard: Cyborg STRIKE 7, I wish it had mechanical keys. If it did it would be perfect, but my parents got it for me, and even with out mechanical keys I love it. The touch screen on it can be used control everything, the best thing is individual volume controls for each program. Monitor: Samsung 27" LED Monitor S27A950D. Its 120 htz, full 3D etc. etc. Its fine for me, I wish I could mount it, but it is so thin, and has no way to remove the base and no way of mounting it. Its clear as day, and I've never seen a problem with the colour, but I'm not to picky when it comes to monitors, my dad had a terrible one, so all the new ones seem amazing to me. It also takes inputs from everything, hooked up to all at once it my PC (Display port), xbox (HDMI) and my mac (DVI). PCPartPicker part list: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/CqkxRB Price breakdown by merchant: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/CqkxRB/by_merchant/ There are some discrepancies: The GPU is 4gb, and my cpu cooler is the stock intel one. CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($395.00 @ CPL Online) Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC FORCE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($249.00 @ CPL Online) Memory: Crucial Ballistix Smart Tracer 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($209.00 @ PCCaseGear) Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($83.00 @ Centre Com) Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($235.00 @ Centre Com) Case: Cooler Master Cosmos II (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($375.00 @ CPL Online) Power Supply: SeaSonic X Series 1050W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($279.00 @ PCCaseGear) Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($20.00 @ Mwave Australia) Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($115.00 @ CPL Online) Case Fan: BitFenix BFF-BLF-12025O-RP 43.5 CFM 120mm Fan ($8.00 @ CPL Online) Case Fan: BitFenix BFF-BLF-12025O-RP 43.5 CFM 120mm Fan ($8.00 @ CPL Online) Case Fan: BitFenix BFF-BLF-12025O-RP 43.5 CFM 120mm Fan ($8.00 @ CPL Online) Case Fan: BitFenix BFF-BLF-12025O-RP 43.5 CFM 120mm Fan ($8.00 @ CPL Online) Other: BitFenix Sleeved 24pin ATX Extension Cable 30cm Orange ($9.50) Other: BitFenix 8pin EPS 12V Extension Cable 45cm Orange ($9.00) Other: BitFenix Sleeved 6-Pin VGA Power Cable 45cm Orange ($9.00) Other: BitFenix Sleeved 6-Pin VGA Power Cable 45cm Orange ($9.00) Other: BitFenix 4pin ATX Extension Cable 45cm Orange ($7.00) Other: BitFenix Sleeved SATA III Cable 180 Degree 30cm Orange ($9.00) Other: BitFenix Sleeved SATA III Cable 180 Degree 30cm Orange ($9.00) Other: Aerocool Shark Fan 140mm Black/Orange Fan ($16.00) Other: Aerocool Shark Fan 140mm Black/Orange Fan ($16.00) Total: $2234.50 Part Review: GPU: Firstly It has 4gb of DDR5. This card is amazing for the Price. I'm playing Warframe at 120 fps with everything maxed. It drops to 90 in the rain, but other than that it never drops below 105. I have no complaints. CPU: I haven't started over clocking because there was a problem with my H100i so I'm using the intel stock cooler, but even with out over clocking this thing is a beast. It can handle anything thing gaming, engineering or general use that I throw at it. SSD: Get one. I can boot in 2 seconds flat. RAM: Orange glow emanating out of the bottom and orange LEDs that flow faster the more the memory is used on top, I love it. I would have liked it to be in the 1866 - 2133 htz range, but 1600 still seems fine to me. And with 16gb nothing seems to need to load. Case fans: The stock Cooler maser ones are fine, I'm using so many that they are all running at low RPM though the built in fan controler, and the system is quite. EXEPT for the Shark fans. I've had this system for a week and one has already broken, and they other seems incapable of running as a top exhaust, that are also loud, the system is near silent with them off, but annoyingly loud when they are on. I will be replacing them with more BitFenix fans. Case: I love the Cosmos II, its huge, everything fits and I have so many orange LEDs in it that it makes patters all over my roof and walls. I can't complain at all. For me, it was money well spent. Conclusion: I spent more on this computer than I should have, but It is exactly what I wanted, still cheaper than a new laptop, and when I open it up I feel a sense of pride. I love the Orange theme, everything is so clean, and its unique to me. In hind site I should have been more willing to accept advice, but non of my ideas where horrible, so I'll take the price premium because what I've ended up with is a computer the computer of my dreams. Here are some Pictures of The Sapphire Dragon Thanks for reading, fell free to let me know what you think, what my upgrades should be, or to ask questions. This was my first ever PC build, and it was awesome!

Hello, I've just build my first computer, everything went fine, but initially I only had 1 120gb SSD. This worked for a week, but I needed more space so I've added a 2tb WD green drive. I followed the same steps shown in Linus's SSD boot drive installation video, but upon start up I can't find the drive. It hasn't appeared in finder, so I went to Computer Management, and it only shows my SSD. I've tried several cable configurations, as well as putting it in my hot swap bay, and with each it shows up in the bios, but not in windows. What should I do? Sorry if this was already a post, but I read all that I could find but the solutions where to look in Computer management. This is what I see when I go into the drive manager. My system: Processor: Intel I7 3790k Motherboard: Gigabyte SOC-Force z97 Memory: Crucial ballistix 16gb Graphics Card: MSI 270x 4gb

Thank you for you help, I'm very new to this, so I'm defiantly looking at features that I don't need. From this i'd say that the ASUS is out, its to expensive and the benefits don't out way the costs. The Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK looks promising, but the price difference is only $40, and the differences seem to be Intel LAN instead of Qualcomm, no additional 4 Pin and fewer fans. Though the 168 hours of testing seems nice. I defiantly don't need the all of OC features of the SOC Force, but seeing as I'm planning do some over clocking, they could come in handy? The MSI looks like a good option though it seems to have everything I need, and is a fair bit cheaper.

In that case, what are the features that i should be looking for? (or the link to something that can explain it if you know one ) When making my past selections I was basing it off of recommendation by friends and features such as: 2 way SLI, 2 way Crossfire, Ram greater than 2400MHz capable, long life capacitors, LGA1150, z97, and enough ports for HDDs, fans, etc. Also, the over kill ram and i7 are for engineering applications (I edited the description at the top because I forgot to mention it )

Sorry, I should have mentioned this in the description (and have now edited it) but the ram and i7 are for the engineering applications that can utilise multithreading etc. As for the motherboard, what are the benefits of the MSI over the Gigabyte or Asus, other than the obvious $100 saving?

Hi, I've never build a PC before as I've been primarily a mac user. Now that my Macbook Pro is dying, its time to make the switch, so I am building my first PC. I was initially going to get an ASUS Z97 Deluxe NFC/WLC because I could get it at a discount, but its still expensive. So my question is: am I better saving $200 and getting the GA-Z97X-SOC Force + a better graphics card, or just going with the ASUS Z97 Deluxe NFC/WLC? I am hoping to make a primarily gaming computer, I intend to overclock, air cool and eventually Crossfire whichever GPU I get. Below are the 2 alternatives motherboard setups. ASUS Z97 Deluxe NFC/WLC setup CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($409.00 @ CPL Online) Motherboard: Asus Z97-DELUXE NFC/WLC ($400.00) Memory: G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($225.00 @ CPL Online) Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($139.00 @ Mwave Australia) Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X Toxic Boost 2GB ($269.00 @ PCCaseGear) Total: $1442.00 GA-Z97X-SOC Force setup PCPartPicker part: list: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/479zFT CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($409.00 @ CPL Online) Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC FORCE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($277.00 @ CPL Online) Memory: G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($225.00 @ CPL Online) Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($139.00 @ CPL Online) Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($499.00 @ PCCaseGear) Total: $1549.00 Being new to this, I've probably missed something very important, but thats why I'm seeking help Also if you would recommend a different motherboard entirely I'm open to suggestions. Edit: The i7 and overkill ram is engineering 3D modelling programs that can utilise it. Sorry probably should have mentioned this in the beginning.

Yep, a friend had it but has moved to a smaller apartment so he sold it to me I like the changes, though are you sure its worth saving $26 on the ram?

Hi, I've always been a mac user, but my laptop is reaching the end of its life time. I looked at getting a new one, but it will cost me more than $2500. So its time to upgrade to PC. 1. Budget & Location My budget is $2000 AUD, though I am happy to pay a bit more for a performance jump, and likewise I'm happy with saving money as long as performance isn't reused to much. Also I am in Australia. 2. Aim I want to build a computer capable of running games at 1080P, I want to be able to run first person shooters at above 60 fps, and i want games like Sins of a Solar Empire to be able to run at max settings. The computer will also double as work computer, and needs to be capable of running 3D modelling engineering programs. I'm not fussed about Intel/AMD or Nvidia/AMD, I just want to min max. 3. Monitors Just the 1 monitor at the moment, but I will be upgrading to 2 in the future. 4. Peripherals I have everything I need, mouse, keyboard, monitor etc. But I will need to buy windows 8. 5. Why are you upgrading? I have a 7 year old mac laptop, and replacing it is far to expensive. So I want to build my own computer. The only thing that is set in stone is the 900D because I already have that. My idea for the computer is: PCPartPicker part list: (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/zNmhmG) Price breakdown by merchant: (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/zNmhmG/by_merchant/) CPU | Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i74790k) | $409.00 @ CPL Online CPU Cooler | Cooler Master Hyper 212X 82.9 CFM CPU Cooler (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212x20pmr1) | $45.00 @ Mwave Australia Motherboard | Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z97prowifiac) | $279.00 @ CPL Online Memory | G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f32400c10d16gtx) | $225.00 @ CPL Online Storage | Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7pd128bw) | $139.00 @ PCCaseGear Video Card | Asus Radeon R9 270X 2GB DirectCU II Video Card (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-r9270xdc2t2gd5) | $245.00 @ CPL Online Case | Corsair 900D ATX Full Tower Case (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-cc9011022ww) | $425.00 @ CPL Online Power Supply | Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-rm750) | $189.00 @ Mwave Australia Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $115.00 @ CPL Online Total 2071.00 Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated Also I intend to Crossfire the GPU once I can afford it.