When you are doing a new build what steps do you take? What goes in the case first?

[MMAUY]

Here is what I do, let me know if I am wrong or putting something in risk.

When I get everything and have my antistatic wrist band on, I

1. Mount Mobo.
2. Install CPU
3. install heatsink and fan
4. Install ram
5. Install Hdd
6. Install PSU
7. Install Optical drives
8. Connect all data and power cables.

Then I boot format and install windows, I run the drivers and install any updates and protection software then Im done.

Is this good?
What do you do different? Im doing a new gaming build for my self tomorrow and I just want to make sure Im doing it right.

[Majestic]

Here is what I do, let me know if I am wrong or putting something in risk.

When I get everything and have my antistatic wrist band on, I

1. Mount Mobo.
2. Install CPU
3. install heatsink and fan
4. Install ram
5. Install Hdd
6. Install PSU
7. Install Optical drives
8. Connect all data and power cables.

Then I boot format and install windows, I run the drivers and install any updates and protection software then Im done.

Is this good?
What do you do different? Im doing a new gaming build for my self tomorrow and I just want to make sure Im doing it right.

Oh boy.. You're making your life very hard there.

The first thing I do is put the Motherboard on a stable workbench (non static environment of course) then add the cpu and heatsink/fan first followed by memory.

The power supply usually is already in the case, if not then I'd do that before putting in the mobo.

Past that I put the panel connectors (IDE Light, Power Sw etc..) from the case onto the motherboard before I mount the motherboard. THEN I mount the motherboard, install all the hard drives, dvd writer etc.. then mount everything and off I go.

Majestic

[seedubya]

Exactly as described my Majestic.

[atlanticjim]

Oh boy.. You're making your life very hard there.

The first thing I do is put the Motherboard on a stable workbench (non static environment of course) then add the cpu and heatsink/fan first followed by memory.

The power supply usually is already in the case, if not then I'd do that before putting in the mobo.

Past that I put the panel connectors (IDE Light, Power Sw etc..) from the case onto the motherboard before I mount the motherboard. THEN I mount the motherboard, install all the hard drives, dvd writer etc.. then mount everything and off I go.

Majestic
I do it the same way as Majestic with minor variation.

Install Power unit and tape the cables outside the case.
mount CPU/Fan on the mobo while it is on a mat.
Install Memory
Attach cables to all drives and THEN mount them, taping the free ends of the cables to the outside of the case.
Attach all panel connections to the mobo
Mount the mobo
Install all cards
Connect all the remaining cables to the mobo.


I sometimes have a hard time connecting the drive cables to the drives after they are mounted so I do it before and get them out of the way plus I hate the sound of a hdd bouncing off the brand new mobo when it slips out of my hand. Majestic is so right about those front panel connectors going on first.

Have a great build. I call it birthing a new machine.

[Majestic]

I do it the same way as Majestic with minor variation.

Install Power unit and tape the cables outside the case.
mount CPU/Fan on the mobo while it is on a mat.
Install Memory
Attach cables to all drives and THEN mount them, taping the free ends of the cables to the outside of the case.
Attach all panel connections to the mobo
Mount the mobo
Install all cards
Connect all the remaining cables to the mobo.


I sometimes have a hard time connecting the drive cables to the drives after they are mounted so I do it before and get them out of the way plus I hate the sound of a hdd bouncing off the brand new mobo when it slips out of my hand. Majestic is so right about those front panel connectors going on first.

Have a great build. I call it birthing a new machine.

AtlanticJim,

I'm curious what you mean by taping the cables outside the case. Do you mean that you tape the loose cables parts to the chassis or Tie Bind them? To be honest, when it comes to cable management I'm really an amateur.

Majestic

[bigdippin]

I do my builds basically the same as Majestic described.

[atlanticjim]

I mean that I just hang them over the edge of the case and tape them there temporarily so I can see everything clearly when I mount the mobo. I dont cable tie them until the burn-in is complete.

[MMAUY]

I mean that I just hang them over the edge of the case and tape them there temporarily so I can see everything clearly when I mount the mobo. I dont cable tie them until the burn-in is complete.

Call me a noob, but what does "burn in" mean?

[Majestic]

I mean that I just hang them over the edge of the case and tape them there temporarily so I can see everything clearly when I mount the mobo. I dont cable tie them until the burn-in is complete.

heh! You know that's a very intelligent way of making your life EASIER. I'm going to do that from now on. Thanks for the tip :)

Funny thing is I was going through that on a build tonight where I had to put the cables "to the side...." taping works..

Majestic

[Jory]

"Burn-in" refers to running software that maxes out system resources typically for 24 hours. People do it on new computer builds to ensure everything is working correctly.

[gunslinger]

Exactly as described my Majestic.

[mh348]

Oh boy.. You're making your life very hard there.

The first thing I do is put the Motherboard on a stable workbench (non static environment of course) then add the cpu and heatsink/fan first followed by memory.

The power supply usually is already in the case, if not then I'd do that before putting in the mobo.

Past that I put the panel connectors (IDE Light, Power Sw etc..) from the case onto the motherboard before I mount the motherboard. THEN I mount the motherboard, install all the hard drives, dvd writer etc.. then mount everything and off I go.

Majestic

I do it the same, except I mount the motherboard first before connecting the cables (power, reset, LED etc)

[vr6rafal]

I install the CPU and heatsink on Motherboard then mount the motherboard into case.

Some heatsinks require a back plate so its important to mount the cpu first.

Also I always mount power supply last, this way I know how to route and hide cables, instead of keep moving them out of the way to install components.

Also burn-in is not really necessary, if the system boots up, you're able to install the OS and drivers, its going to be ok, the only time I would do burn in is if its overclocked to see the stability and temperature, for all other standard systems its not necessary, I do however leave it running idle overnight just to see if anything comes up.