Hardest part of putting a computer together?

[DutchTexan]

So I’m going to be building a computer.. for the first time in my life. I just want to know what the hardest parts of build would be?

 

From what I’ve seen on YouTube I think the hardest part will be plugging in the LED cables, reset switch, power on/off switch. Or maybe it will be actually making it work as a computer once everything is put together?(downloading correct drivers and software) 

 

What are the biggest problems I may run into?

 

 

I’m fairly sure this is going to be my build: (plus thermal paste and speakers)

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8BLtjX
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8BLtjX/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($224.95 @ SuperBiiz) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($24.88 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($86.89 @ OutletPC) 
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($69.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: A-Data Premier SP550 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($59.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.89 @ OutletPC) 
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 390 8GB PCS+ Video Card  ($283.98 @ Newegg) 
Case: Corsair SPEC-02 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($57.98 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($69.99 @ Newegg) 
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($15.99 @ Newegg) 
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($29.89 @ OutletPC) 
Monitor: Acer R240HY bidx 60Hz 23.8" Monitor  ($131.99 @ Amazon) 
Keyboard: Max Keyboard Blackbird Wired Gaming Keyboard (Purchased For $0.00)
Mouse: Razer Razer Naga 2014 Wired Laser Mouse  (Purchased For $0.00) 
Total: $1106.41
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-02-08 14:59 EST-0500

[suchamoneypit]

I have always had the hardest time installing the CPU cooler, specifically 212 Evo's, also AIO liquid coolers (a huge pain if your alone). everything else is pretty straight forward. Dont bend the cables that connect to your storage drives (RIP 2TB WD HDD, 12/27/2015)

[chicksoup]

Hardest part would be trouble shooting if anything doesn't work

[EChondo]

For me, it's always cable management. Either the cables are too long, or too short, or don't want to cooperate.

 

No matter how many times a I build a computer, cables are always the ones that get in the way.

[Virtual01]

Hardest part for me was plugging in all the super tiny cables. And as @suchamoneypit said, installing your CPU cooler may or may not be a hellish experience.

[DutchTexan]

1 minute ago, suchamoneypit said:

I have always had the hardest time installing the CPU cooler, specifically 212 Evo's, also AIO liquid coolers (a huge pain if your alone). everything else is pretty straight forward. Dont bend the cables that connect to your storage drives (RIP 2TB WD HDD, 12/27/2015)

So, installing the mounting bracket and what not? 

[SkixAces]

From my experience it wasn't hard at all. Pretty straight forward, just like LEGO :P. 

The installing for the software is also pretty straight forward. You just download the right drivers, hit install, and the computer does itself

 

[suchamoneypit]

As @Virtual01 said, the little cables for fan LEDs, case power button, ect, can also be a little annoying to plug in.

[suchamoneypit]

3 minutes ago, DutchTexan said:

So, installing the mounting bracket and what not? 

yeah, again this is a task I did with a helper as it makes life much easier. I also found the tolerances of the screws and the backplate for 212 Evo's was extremely small making it a huge pain getting the screws through the holes, and took a lot of twisting and turning until it popped in. I did not have this tolerance issue installing my AIO cooler though (just a pain because you have a big radiator to hold up and screw in at the same time).

 

Dont let this turn you off of a 212 evo though, its still a fantastic cooler and I still highly recommend it.

[DutchTexan]

Just now, suchamoneypit said:

As @Virtual01 said, the little cables for fan LEDs, case power button, ect, can be a little annoying to plug in.

That was my biggest concern after watching people plug everything into a motherboard.

 

2 minutes ago, chicksoup said:

Hardest part would be trouble shooting if anything doesn't work

That’s the main reason I haven’t already built a computer. I feel I don’t know enough and when everything isn’t ‘super easy’ or ‘plug and play’ like all the videos suggest I’m in a world of hurt.

[Samsterstorm]

Just now, DutchTexan said:

So I’m going to be building a computer.. for the first time in my life. I just want to know what the hardest parts of build would be?

 

From what I’ve seen on YouTube I think the hardest part will be plugging in the LED cables, reset switch, power on/off switch. Or maybe it will be actually making it work as a computer once everything is put together?(downloading correct drivers and software) 

 

What are the biggest problems I may run into?

 

 

I’m fairly sure this is going to be my build: (plus thermal paste and speakers)

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8BLtjX
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8BLtjX/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($224.95 @ SuperBiiz) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($24.88 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($86.89 @ OutletPC) 
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($69.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: A-Data Premier SP550 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($59.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.89 @ OutletPC) 
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 390 8GB PCS+ Video Card  ($283.98 @ Newegg) 
Case: Corsair SPEC-02 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($57.98 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($69.99 @ Newegg) 
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($15.99 @ Newegg) 
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($29.89 @ OutletPC) 
Monitor: Acer R240HY bidx 60Hz 23.8" Monitor  ($131.99 @ Amazon) 
Keyboard: Max Keyboard Blackbird Wired Gaming Keyboard (Purchased For $0.00)
Mouse: Razer Razer Naga 2014 Wired Laser Mouse  (Purchased For $0.00) 
Total: $1106.41
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-02-08 14:59 EST-0500

I have to say it can be a little scary the first time u install a CPU, just make sure u are careful and line up the arrow and dont drop it in, gently seat it. Sometimes a CPU cooler can be kinda fiddly to install but just take ur time and follow the instructions carefully, stuff like installing ram and a expansion card can take a little force the first time but just use common sense mainly!!! Oh and make sure u have it wired right!!

[Senzelian]

Nothing is hard about building a PC and getting it to work these days.

But here are a few tips:

• Don't forget the I/O shield.
• Install the RAM, CPU and CPU cooler, before putting the motherboard into the case, then you don't have to fiddle around inside the case.
• Install the rest of the components apart from the PSU before plugging any cables in, cause then it's easier to relocate existing components if you have to.
• Plug the power cables into the components first, before you put the PSU in, for easier cable management.
• Make sure you got some great cable management. It makes it easier for future upgrades and troubleshooting.
• Take your time! Even the most experienced builders aren't going to finish their build in 30 minutes. So don't worry if it takes 3, 4 or 5 hours.

 

[suchamoneypit]

Just now, DutchTexan said:

That was my biggest concern after watching people plug everything into a motherboard.

 

That’s the main reason I haven’t already built a computer. I feel I don’t know enough and when everything isn’t ‘super easy’ or ‘plug and play’ like all the videos suggest I’m in a world of hurt.

If you have any issues im sure plenty of people are willing to lend a hand to figure it out.

Just now, Samsterstorm said:

I have to say it can be a little scary the first time u install a CPU, just make sure u are careful and line up the arrow and dont drop it in, gently seat it. Sometimes a CPU cooler can be kinda fiddly to install but just take ur time and follow the instructions carefully, stuff like installing ram and a expansion card can take a little force the first time but just use common sense mainly!!! Oh and make sure u have it wired right!!

I have to 2nd this, installing the CPU is always painful for me because it feels so wrong putting tension on top of the CPU. I've done it so many times, but It feels so wrong every single time.

[Aurora906]

The most worrying part for me was setting the CPU, was over before i knew it though.  Other than that i would say the cpu cooler(depending on what you choose).

[Senzelian]

1 minute ago, suchamoneypit said:

I have to 2nd this, installing the CPU is always painful for me because it feels so wrong putting tension on top of the CPU. I've done it so many times, but It feels so wrong every single time.

CPU's are by far not as fragile as most people think.
I was helping a friend of mine to build his PC. I told him to place the CPU into the socket while I was gone for a few seconds. He dropped his 4790K twice on pretty hard carpet and stepped on it. It still worked

[suchamoneypit]

1 minute ago, Senzelian said:

CPU's are by far not as fragile as most people think.
I was helping a friend of mine to build his PC. I told him to place the CPU into the socket while I was gone for a few seconds. He dropped his 4790K twice on pretty hard carpet and stepped on it. It still worked

yeah Im more concerned of it not working and then removing the CPU to see every single motherboard pin slightly bent.

[Crxcked]

Any part involving the CPU is usually a "cringe" moment for everyone because that's the main, most sensitive and sometimes most expensive part of your PC.

 

The part that probably requires the most thinking (hardest) is maybe inserting the front panel connectors.

[chicksoup]

16 hours ago, DutchTexan said:

That was my biggest concern after watching people plug everything into a motherboard.

 

That’s the main reason I haven’t already built a computer. I feel I don’t know enough and when everything isn’t ‘super easy’ or ‘plug and play’ like all the videos suggest I’m in a world of hurt.

If you are intersted in PCs and want to build your own PC and you weren't talked into it I'm sure you will be able to trouble shoot anything. If you are worrying about not having any support you can maybe buy all your parts through a local retailer who can help you or replace anything if needed. If building a PC was generally difficult not as many people would recommend doing it

[DutchTexan]

5 hours ago, chicksoup said:

If you are intersted in PCs and want to build your own PC and you weren't talked into it I'm sure you will be able to trouble shoot anything. If you are worrying about not having any support you can maybe buy all your parts through a local retailer who can help you or replace anything if needed. If building a PC was generally difficult not as many people would recommend doing it

Good logic! I mean, I did make a forum account on linustechtips  

 

I'm just hoping to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

[chicksoup]

On Tuesday, February 09, 2016 at 7:28 PM, DutchTexan said:

Good logic! I mean, I did make a forum account on linustechtips  

 

I'm just hoping to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

the best and easiest way to learn is by doing

[davo1111]

Hardest part (apart if you have to isolate a broken component) is getting the component installation order correct in a tight build. I always seem to get the motherboard in and find a fan isn't going to fit because the cooler is in the way. or the cables are ugly AF (even though it doesnt make a functional difference)

[DutchTexan]

5 hours ago, davo1111 said:

Hardest part (apart if you have to isolate a broken component) is getting the component installation order correct in a tight build. I always seem to get the motherboard in and find a fan isn't going to fit because the cooler is in the way. or the cables are ugly AF (even though it doesnt make a functional difference)

So that’s why all the YouTube videos follow the same order, regardless of what they actually have?

 

From what I gather is the very first thing I could/should do is put the power supply in the case and the CPU in the socket.

[davo1111]

9 hours ago, DutchTexan said:

So that’s why all the YouTube videos follow the same order, regardless of what they actually have?

 

Not always. It also depends on the layout of your case. i.e. the 12pin MB cable sometimes needs to go in behind the MB. Hence it needs to be installed prior to putting in the MB,

 

Generally there is a standard build order... it's not set in stone though

 

 

[Crxcked]

Installing the IO shield can be a big PITA especially if you're alone.

[Citadelen]

Installing the AIO was the hardest for me, I had to get my mum to hold the bracket while I installed it.