Tips for first time PC builder

[theking]

HI

i recently ordered the parts for my first gaming PC.

Do anyone of you got any advise or tips that would help me while building it? And please write the things you maybe did wrong, so i can get it right. I am quite nervous, i don't want to mess it up.

Some questions i have...

I am going to have both a SSD and a hard drive, i watched some youtube videos that show that you should plug in the hard drive after installing windows to my SSD, can i plug in a HDD while the PC is on?

Should i test the system outside the case?

Should i stresstest the system after i am finished? if so which programs should i use?

I will write additional questions if something comes in to my mind...

Thanks you

[coen113]

dont force anything

line up the yellow triangle

[91wow]

HI

i recently ordered the parts for my first gaming PC.

Do anyone of you got any advise och tips that would help me while building it? And please write the things you maybe did wrong, so i can get it right. I am quite nervous, i don't want to mess it up.

Some questions i have...

I am going to have both a SSD and a hard drive, i watched some youtube videos that show that you should plug in the hard drive after installing windows to my SSD, can i plug in a HDD while the PC is on?

Should i test the system outside the case?

Should i stresstest the system after i am finished? if so which programs should i use?

I will write additional questions if something comes in to my mind...

Thanks you

Don't plug in the HDD while the computer is on unless it is a hot-swap ready HDD/Sata port.

[thedigitalmilk]

HI

i recently ordered the parts for my first gaming PC.

Do anyone of you got any advise och tips that would help me while building it? And please write the things you maybe did wrong, so i can get it right. I am quite nervous, i don't want to mess it up.

Some questions i have...

I am going to have both a SSD and a hard drive, i watched some youtube videos that show that you should plug in the hard drive after installing windows to my SSD, can i plug in a HDD while the PC is on?

Should i test the system outside the case?

Should i stresstest the system after i am finished? if so which programs should i use?

I will write additional questions if something comes in to my mind...

Thanks you

 

Don't touch the big red button

[SLPNTIM]

after you have applied thermal paste between the cpu and heatsink make sure you unlock the cpu before removing it. because the thermal paste acts also like a super glue

[Vader]

if you got a heatsink like a coolmaster 212 +, make sure to put it on the CPU outside of the case. Makes it 3423432x easier. It was a pain to put it in when my PC was already built.

Also, dont be me and say "I'll do cable management later". you wont do it later.

[Damikiller37]

Make sure to be gentle with things. Always make sure that the connectors are completely in. Do as much on the motherboard as you can before inserting into a case; it will save you the struggle especially if your case isn't too big. When working on a motherboard, place it either on the box it came in NOT the foil it was in or a carpet since they can build up static or do it on any other non-conductive material such as rubber,wood, etc. My recommendation is to put the PSU in last so that you can manage all of the smaller connectors such as the front I/O and the SATA cables for the hard drives and then deal with the cluster of cables that your PSU has (assuming you have a non/semi modular PSU). Try to keep the cables as tidy and away as you can so that you give some space for the air to circulate. When done run the computer and see if all of the components are detected. You could try and run some stress tests to see if everything works as it should if you wish to do so.

[zxcvbnmmssdh]

ALWAYS RAISE THE RETENTION ARM!!!!!

 

 

Also, don't touch the bottom of the CPU and avoid touching the PCB

[MatheusSanzo]

Be gentle, don't force anything.

 

And use condoms.

[Bingbing10]

DON'T DO IT YOU WILL DIE !!!! 

 

(just follow linus's build guides and you shall be fine)

[theking]

haha, thanks for your awesome comments, i read everything. I am actually quite knowledgeable when it comes to hardware, but i have really never had the courage to build a pc.  

[theking]

after you have applied thermal paste between the cpu and heatsink make sure you unlock the cpu before removing it. because the thermal paste acts also like a super glue

Isn't that only a problem with AMD CPUs?

[SLPNTIM]

Isn't that only a problem with AMD CPUs?

i would think not because you use the same thermal paste on both amd and intel cpu's and apu's

[mgsstar]

Never force things in and always ground yourself by touching your case every once in a while to avoid breaking your components. When you are inserting the motherboard into the case, make sure that you don't force it in and make sure that the metal pieces are around the ports and not through them. I would do an out of the box test by running your completed build on your motherboard box to make sure that everything works and the computer posts. I installed my Windows with both my drives in. Just make sure that you select the right drive when you are installing windows.

I didn't stress test my computer because I have it at stock speeds and don't have any problems with it so far. But if you want to test if your parts are functioning properly, you can do it.

For stress testing, you could run AMD Overdrive (AMD)/AIDA64 (cpu,fpu,cache,memory)(Intel) to stress test your cpu by running them for at least 12 hours. For GPU stress test, either game on it for a couple of hours or run Heaven benchmark for a couple of runs and see if there are artifacts in the benchmark. For ram, you could run around 5 passes in MemTest86+.

[theking]

Never force things in and always ground yourself by touching your case every once in a while to avoid breaking your components. When you are inserting the motherboard into the case, make sure that you don't force it in and make sure that the metal pieces are around the ports and not through them. I would do an out of the box test by running your completed build on your motherboard box to make sure that everything works and the computer posts. I installed my Windows with both my drives in. Just make sure that you select the right drive when you are installing windows.

I didn't stress test my computer because I have it at stock speeds and don't have any problems with it so far. But if you want to test if your parts are functioning properly, you can do it.

For stress testing, you could run AMD Overdrive (AMD)/AIDA64 (cpu,fpu,cache,memory)(Intel) to stress test your cpu by running them for at least 12 hours. For GPU stress test, either game on it for a couple of hours or run Heaven benchmark for a couple of runs and see if there are artifacts in the benchmark. For ram, you could run around 5 passes in MemTest86+.

thanks man, i hope everything goes allright

[christianled59]

When working on a motherboard, place it either on the box it came in NOT the foil it was in or a carpet since they can build up static

Actually, you can put it on the foil it came in. Motherboards come in an anti-static bag which will NOT build up static. Hence the name... The material of the bag on the outside is the same as the material on the inside of the bag. They would not put a motherboard in something that would build up static. However, you are correct about carpet. Do not stand on carpet when you are doing this, just to be safe. And most definitely do not place your motherboard on carpet, as Damikiller37 said. I don't know why anyone would be working on the floor but, just so you know.

[mgsstar]

thanks man, i hope everything goes allright

Good luck and hope you will enjoy your new build!

[Damikiller37]

Actually, you can put it on the foil it came in. Motherboards come in an anti-static bag which will NOT build up static. Hence the name... The material of the bag on the outside is the same as the material on the inside of the bag. They would not put a motherboard in something that would build up static. However, you are correct about carpet. Do not stand on carpet when you are doing this, just to be safe. And most definitely do not place your motherboard on carpet, as Damikiller37 said. I don't know why anyone would be working on the floor but, just so you know.

 My bad I were thinking of something else when I wrote my comment you will be fine with putting it on the bag as well. To be fair I have never heard of anyone's motherboard getting shocked on it so.

[GatorBait]

2013 was my christening in the world of computer building -- now I have put together 9. I knew nothing other than knowing a little about the hardware in my rigs. It is very difficult to make a catastrophic failure. Things typically only fit in one way. The click together like Legos & don't require much force. Your learning curve will be steep.

Here are a few of my thoughts:

1- Read the instructions (case, motherboard, GPU, cpu cooler, etc.) - most of the "reading" is just a picture diagram (motherboard manual is more meaty especially if you have > $200 MB - lots of stuff on over clocking & Raid config). On some cheaper MBs, they save$ by putting the manual only in a file on a Driver's disk. The MB instructions taught me a lot about computers. It was especially helpful for setting up the BIOS. It is my bible during the builds.

2- YouTube Videos of the parts you are installing (reviews or actual builds), can point out some specific issues to avoid with your set up.

3- There are about a billion ways to apply thermal paste & it really doesn't matter which "style" you choose as long as you don't use too much, the paste gets spread evenly over your CPU, and there are no air pockets.

4- Never - Ever - Ever test your CPU / MB / RAM / Power supply without a cooler on your CPU!!! Frys your CPU. It is nice to put everything together outside the case to see if it POSTs = so you know if you have any dead parts before putting them in your case (especially if your build is tight & snug). There is a notorious You tube video of a guy who basically destroys over $500 CPU because he tried to POST his build outside the case but failed to put a cooler on the CPU. Again, it takes a lot to make such a catastrophic mistake.

5- If you can, put the CPU heat sink / cooler on prior to putting in the case (much easier).

6- To make it easier when you are ready to install the Operating System, disconnect all drives except the one you want the OS on (I also used different color SATA cables so it was easier to tell what went to what ). Once OS is installed, then you can start loading Drivers & reconnect your SATA cables to you storage drives & initialize them.

7- The Software Installation is much more difficult than the Hardware Installation. That being said, I found Windows 8.1 Pro easier & faster to install than Windows 7 Pro. It is mostly just waiting & rebooting several times, but if there was some sort of glitch, I found I spent more time fiddling with software than hardware.

8- Drivers Installation - I find using the disc easier than going to the websites & downloading the most up to date drivers on a thumb drive. I would get stuff to work, then (after Ethernet recognized) up date the drivers (it is pretty much automatic). I think the purists prefer to go directly to the websites & don't even install a optical drive. I had to for work : people still give me their data via disks ( medical records, X-rays, lab reports, etc.).

9- When going into the BIOS for the first time, on one of my cheaper builds, the Mother Board only recognized the Legacy In Put! There was only one & so luckily I had a old mouse n keyboard to navigate the BIOS and for the Windows installation till the USB 3 drivers were installed. Huge pain in the ARSE! Now I try to keep older stuff like legacy based keyboard n mouse just for circumstances like that.

10- I found this post very helpful after the software / drivers were installed : https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/15823-things-to-do-on-a-new-pc/. Especially the web site http://www.ninite.com. At one point I was building 4 computers identically at the same time = huge time saver!

11- The area that gets the least attention in most builds is the setting up of the BIOS & installation of software. These were the hardest parts to learn, compared to hardware. I would often search forums like these because 99% of the time if you ran into a snag someone else has done the same thing and posted it in a forum for discussion. THANK YOU LINUS TECH TIPS! I don't think I could of done my builds without this website!

[theking]

Good luck and hope you will enjoy your new build!

thanks

 

2013 was my christening in the world of computer building -- now I have put together 9. I knew nothing other than knowing a little about the hardware in my rigs. It is very difficult to make a catastrophic failure. Things typically only fit in one way. The click together like Legos & don't require much force. Your learning curve will be steep.

Here are a few of my thoughts:

1- Read the instructions (case, motherboard, GPU, cpu cooler, etc.) - most of the "reading" is just a picture diagram (motherboard manual is more meaty especially if you have > $200 MB - lots of stuff on over clocking & Raid config). On some cheaper MBs, they save$ by putting the manual only in a file on a Driver's disk. The MB instructions taught me a lot about computers. It was especially helpful for setting up the BIOS. It is my bible during the builds.

2- YouTube Videos of the parts you are installing (reviews or actual builds), can point out some specific issues to avoid with your set up.

3- There are about a billion ways to apply thermal paste & it really doesn't matter which "style" you choose as long as you don't use too much, the paste gets spread evenly over your CPU, and there are no air pockets.

4- Never - Ever - Ever test your CPU / MB / RAM / Power supply without a cooler on your CPU!!! Frys your CPU. It is nice to put everything together outside the case to see if it POSTs = so you know if you have any dead parts before putting them in your case (especially if your build is tight & snug). There is a notorious You tube video of a guy who basically destroys over $500 CPU because he tried to POST his build outside the case but failed to put a cooler on the CPU. Again, it takes a lot to make such a catastrophic mistake.

5- If you can, put the CPU heat sink / cooler on prior to putting in the case (much easier).

6- To make it easier when you are ready to install the Operating System, disconnect all drives except the one you want the OS on (I also used different color SATA cables so it was easier to tell what went to what ). Once OS is installed, then you can start loading Drivers & reconnect your SATA cables to you storage drives & initialize them.

7- The Software Installation is much more difficult than the Hardware Installation. That being said, I found Windows 8.1 Pro easier & faster to install than Windows 7 Pro. It is mostly just waiting & rebooting several times, but if there was some sort of glitch, I found I spent more time fiddling with software than hardware.

8- Drivers Installation - I find using the disc easier than going to the websites & downloading the most up to date drivers on a thumb drive. I would get stuff to work, then (after Ethernet recognized) up date the drivers (it is pretty much automatic). I think the purists prefer to go directly to the websites & don't even install a optical drive. I had to for work : people still give me their data via disks ( medical records, X-rays, lab reports, etc.).

9- When going into the BIOS for the first time, on one of my cheaper builds, the Mother Board only recognized the Legacy In Put! There was only one & so luckily I had a old mouse n keyboard to navigate the BIOS and for the Windows installation till the USB 3 drivers were installed. Huge pain in the ARSE! Now I try to keep older stuff like legacy based keyboard n mouse just for circumstances like that.

10- I found this post very helpful after the software / drivers were installed : https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/15823-things-to-do-on-a-new-pc/. Especially the web site http://www.ninite.com. At one point I was building 4 computers identically at the same time = huge time saver!

11- The area that gets the least attention in most builds is the setting up of the BIOS & installation of software. These were the hardest parts to learn, compared to hardware. I would often search forums like these because 99% of the time if you ran into a snag someone else has done the same thing and posted it in a forum for discussion. THANK YOU LINUS TECH TIPS! I don't think I could of done my builds without this website!

oh wow, thanks. Just one question, should i install my drivers on the SSD or the hard drive?

[Bikkabo]

I'd say install you're drivers on the HDD because SSD' are great reading from but they don't "like" when you write to much to them. I say this because I expect you will install new drivers when new come out. Save the SSD for files YOU will use and not the computer.

[Jagzz]

Make sure to be gentle with things.

I might add to this that sometimes you can/have to use more force.

Pushing the RAM all the way down can take a surprising amount of force if you've not done it in the past. At least i was surprised

 

But of course you also have to be gentle.

As a general rule in installing anything anywhere: If it doesn't seem to fit, don't use more force.

 

My teacher told us that once one of his students somehow got a DVI cable inserted upside down in the port. Yeah. Please don't force anything

[GatorBait]

I put my drivers on the SSD since they weren't very large. But not sure if it would matter? Good question.

[theking]

I put my drivers on the SSD since they weren't very large. But not sure if it would matter? Good question.

what should i do? i think that i will be putting it on the HDD since i don't think drivers need short load/open times

[WoodenMarker]

what should i do? i think that i will be putting it on the HDD since i don't think drivers need short load/open times

Drivers should be on your primary drive with your os to work properly.