New
#1
First Build (AMD)
Already bought (from Amazon, except the case):
Gigabyte Sumo Omega
Corsair RM 750W
Asus M5A99FX Pro R2.0
AMD FX-8350
Noctua NH-D14
Corsair Vengeance LP DDR3 1600
EVGA GTX760 SC 2GB
WD1003FZEX 1TB
Asus DRW-24B1ST
Er... so basically, I'm a total n00b in the actual assembly procedures. Well, not quite but on the cabling and such (fans etc.), I'm about next to clueless. Otherwise I've been doing my homework since 2006 (this has been a very, very long time coming) so I think I'm alright on everything else (maybe not on the TIM/HSF...) so just please bear with me.
Anyways, I’ve just run into a snag this morning. The board takes 9 standoffs but the case only included 7 and 0 included elsewhere. I’m hoping to be able to get two more of them (probably the fastening screws as well just to be extra safe) from a local shop for <$5 or so but if they’re obscenely priced (Jesus, I’ve seen them listed at like $12! WTF?!) which configuration of those 7 standoffs could I get away with on this board and that NH-D14 (obviously the four closest to the cutout are foremost but otherwise, which are the least important)? I’d rather not skimp on those however I might have to, I just want to check it won’t damage the board whichever way I’d have to go about it. I don't have an old system to salvage them from or I would lol.
I already know not to use the paper board washers so we're good there... or are we?
I’m also planning to just put everything into the case first WITHOUT the CPU and HSF for a dry-fire POST test to at least ensure the RAM isn't DOA before I go about the NH-D14, which would be a huge hassle to have to take off and put back on if the RAM is DOA (this is sufficient testing for that yes?). I'd rather not have to deal with it and the TIM more than once. I also don’t like the thought of doing the rudimentary POST test outside of the case either... I want the board grounded to the case for even just that.
I *will* be using a ground strap and I know better than to build on carpet so we're also good there.
Oh right and, PSU, ODD and I/O shield are officially already mounted (yay).
And yup, about covers where I'm at.