Any tips for a first time builder?

[VicRik]

Anything is welcome, I think I know the basics but I hope one of you guys can prove me wrong ?

[Rohime]

1 - Build it first outside the box.   - mainly to make sure it POSTs with the basic bits installed only, and is stable on for a while.   Dont need to install anything much at this stage, but if it dont work can save a lot of time later.

[chris76816]

Don't do the cable management until you know that it boots otherwise its a pain in the ass to undo zip ties.

[Nicnac]

Check if you have to put in the PSU or Mobo first. I had to take parts out of my build to get others fitted later on

[Firecheetah13]

1. Put the IO shield in before you do ANYTHING else.

2. SCREW IN YOUR GRAPHICS CARD!

3. Cable manage

4. Use a magnetic screw driver

5. Don't use the in-box drivers

 

I'm 13 and I built my PC a couple of months ago, and I was really worried about screwing something up. Just realize that it's not as hard as you think.

[VicRik]

6 minutes ago, Rohime said:

1 - Build it first outside the box.   - mainly to make sure it POSTs with the basic bits installed only, and is stable on for a while.   Dont need to install anything much at this stage, but if it dont work can save a lot of time later.

So mobo, psu, ram, CPU? Or also 1 storage drive necessary?

[Rohime]

1 minute ago, Firecheetah13 said:

Just realize that it's not as hard as you think.

Yep - just like LEGO.

 

One more thing ... really take care with putting in CPU - if you put CPU on the pins any way other than directly in correct place, the lumpy bits under the CPU will bend the pins.

[Firecheetah13]

2 minutes ago, Rohime said:

Yep - just like LEGO.

 

One more thing ... really take care with putting in CPU - if you put CPU on the pins any way other than directly in correct place, the lumpy bits under the CPU will bend the pins.

Can't agree more, people say that you can just bend back the pins with a credit card but that was really only made easy in LGA 775 Mobos, now you end up bending other pins when bending the original bent pins back into place.

[Rohime]

1 minute ago, VicRik said:

So mobo, psu, ram, CPU? Or also 1 storage drive necessary?

MoBo, PSU, 1xRAM stick only needed (more ok), and CPU+cooler.  dont really need storage at this stage.

make sure it POSTS into BIOS, and leave it for 5-10 to be sure it dont do anything odd (like power reset - the classic sign of something wrong).   Check the temps and whatever.

[G27Racer_188]

Relax and take your time.

If you rush you are definitely going to have to redo something.

Go slow and think things through and save yourself some headaches.

[kelvinhall05]

Ground yourself.

[VicRik]

9 minutes ago, kelvinhall05 said:

Ground yourself.

What is your recommended way of doing this? With one of those wrist bands?

[kelvinhall05]

2 hours ago, VicRik said:

What is your recommended way of doing this? With one of those wrist bands?

Or touching the PSU or case while it's plugged into a wall outlet.

[Christopher_]

19 minutes ago, VicRik said:

What is your recommended way of doing this? With one of those wrist bands?

if you live in eu, you can touch the ground pins in the socket. (they are exposed in europe)

[Donut417]

Take your time. I have two builds under my belt. I guarantee it will take me a few hours to build. I always like to double check things and read instructions. Double check every thing. Like others said, do cable management after you know it boots. 

[Wrb]

If it feels like your rushing, slow down... If it feels like your going at about the right speed, slow down slightly... If you think your doing it too slow, your doing it right.

[MadOlive]

Plug in your 4 or 8 pin cpu power cable and any headers that are on the top of the motherboard before you put the motherboard in the case. This go's if you are using a non stock cooler since you might not be able to get your hand between the cooler and the top of the case. happened to me on my first time, had to take the motherboard out again.

 

also dont be shy to grab a manual when you are unsure, specially with cpu cooler instalation on some coolers and the freakishly annoying front pannel connectors. mine had no labeling on them, i could cry.

[SwervinPersian]

10 hours ago, VicRik said:

Anything is welcome, I think I know the basics but I hope one of you guys can prove me wrong ?

What all of these guys have said above is completely right, but for me aesthetics is also just as important.

If you are planning on having a window panel to see all your hardware try to buy parts that won't look like trash all together. Black&Red is like the clichè colourway but there are endless combos you can do that look great and make it all worth it in the end.

I finished my first build today and was gassed on the final result! But like the 24pin of my PSU was this multicolour cable which does not look clean, I reccomend to buy a fully modular PSU & get sleeved cables! I'm ordering mine right now

Keep in mind not to go ham with your first build though, there is always room for improvement! No need to have everything rgb or elite brand, you can do that step by step.

[GrayTech]

Sometimes it's useful if someone can help you with an aftermarket CPU cooler.

[PopsicleHustler]

Take your time. Before even starting to build, make sure you have all parts and tools. Also make sure you have enough free space because you will need it. 

[VicRik]

4 hours ago, SwervinPersian said:

What all of these guys have said above is completely right, but for me aesthetics is also just as important.

If you are planning on having a window panel to see all your hardware try to buy parts that won't look like trash all together. Black&Red is like the clichè colourway but there are endless combos you can do that look great and make it all worth it in the end.

I finished my first build today and was gassed on the final result! But like the 24pin of my PSU was this multicolour cable which does not look clean, I reccomend to buy a fully modular PSU & get sleeved cables! I'm ordering mine right now

Keep in mind not to go ham with your first build though, there is always room for improvement! No need to have everything rgb or elite brand, you can do that step by step.

Thanks a lot! I checked for my current PSU (Corsair CX550M) and it has all black cables. I should be fine

[biker]

Buy an ESD strap and use it.

[SwervinPersian]

6 hours ago, VicRik said:

Thanks a lot! I checked for my current PSU (Corsair CX550M) and it has all black cables. I should be fine

I got the CS550M, pretty much same thing. This also came with black cables but the 24pin header was unfortunately this multicolour, it just looks out of place. 

 

[it_dont_work]

23 hours ago, VicRik said:

Any tips for a first time builder?

Buy a good caulking gun. A clean caulk line makes architrave an skirting 'look' finished. Also shape silicon with either wet soapy fingers, or spit, stops it sticking to your fingers and lets you run any excess off for a really pro look....wait this isn't the building you meant is it?

[VicRik]

24 minutes ago, it_dont_work said:

Buy a good caulking gun. A clean caulk line makes architrave an skirting 'look' finished. Also shape silicon with either wet soapy fingers, or spit, stops it sticking to your fingers and lets you run any excess off for a really pro look....wait this isn't the building you meant is it?

Finally an answer I can actually use