Keeping Computer Stable

[charkzilla20]

Hello everyone first thread here!

I'm in the midst of purchasing my first computer build.
I plan on putting together a PC for general use, gaming, and a little photo/video messing around.
Here's my shopping list so far:
-i5 4670k
-Asus Z87-A
-Evga GTX-770 "Superclocked"
-Seasonic M12ii 750watt
-Samsung 840 pro 128gb ssd
-WD Black 1tb 7200rpm 64mb hdd
-G.Skill Ripjaws X 2×4gb
-CM 922 case
-Asus Black Sata drive
-Coolermaster hyper 212
-Asus ve248h monitor
Windows 7 Professional

Since this will be my first windows computer, what sorts of things can I do in order to make the system as stable and fail-proof as possible?
Is there certain software that I should get? Antivirus?
Thanks guys

 

[linnemeyerhere]

charkzilla20,
Welcome to SF. I would consider a couple of things.
1. A good UPS unit for stable power and back up power.
2. Great AV program either purchased or free
3. Malware Bytes
4. A back up strategy to another drive or cloud storage
5. Once you've added your OS, Software and all updates to the SSD then creat a restore disk and image the SSD to another drive....my personal fav.
6. Create a password protected Administrator account and a separate user account for others to use.
7. Use your wits with all emails and web browsing, first line of defense is the operator hence number 6.

That's a banging system you're building you will need to take lots of pictures and post for us to see in "show us your rig" section!

 

[charkzilla20]

charkzilla20,
Welcome to SF. I would consider a couple of things.
A good UPS unit for stable power and back up power.
Great AV program either purchased or free
Malware Bytes
A back up strategy to another drive or cloud storage
Once you've added your OS, Software and all updates to the SSD then creat a restore disk and image the SSD to another drive....my personal fav.
Create a password protected Administrator account and a separate user account for others to use.

That's a banging system you're building you will need to take lots of pictures and post for us to see in "show us your rig" section!

Thanks for the quick reply

-I'm not sure what a UPS unit is...
-Is Malware Bytes an AV software? Or just a joke
-I plan on purchasing an external backup drive later. The photos and videos and other stuff that matter to me most are already on another computer (an Imac) for now. Do you recommend an ssd backup drive?
-I'll be the only one using the computer. Should I make a separate account anyway?

I'll definitely take some pics once it's all together thanks

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Updated version of mine, significant others rig has a 1000.

APC Back-UPS BX1500G Battery Backup - 1500 VA, 865 Watts, 10 Outlets at TigerDirect.com

Malware Bytes is for identifying and capturing malware and is different than AV software.

I use a ssd to image mine to but that's just because I scored a 120 gb OCZ for a crazy $49.00 delivered.

I would make a user account because when friends and family see this crazy new beast of a rig they'll want to play and check it out.......sign out and have them sign in with user account!

 

[charkzilla20]

Updated version of mine, significant others rig has a 1000.

APC Back-UPS BX1500G Battery Backup - 1500 VA, 865 Watts, 10 Outlets at TigerDirect.com

Malware Bytes is for identifying and capturing malware and is different than AV software.

I use a ssd to image mine to but that's just because I scored a 120 gb OCZ for a crazy $49.00 delivered.

-I don't think I can afford the backup power. I don't think I'll need backup power anyway.

-sweet I'll look into that.

-Haha sweet I think I might already have a backup drive laying around somewhere already... I'll see if I can find it.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Work towards a good UPS on sale and in the meantime use a top flight surge protector.

 

[charkzilla20]

Work towards a good UPS on sale and in the meantime use a top flight surge protector.

Why would a ups be necessary?
And where can I find a surge protector?
Thanks

 

[linnemeyerhere]

UPS in my opinion provides the best combo of stable voltage protecting against rapid swings plus the added and dreaded low voltage stepping in and providing the correct voltage. Then when the power company has a brown or black out or the circuit in the house is tripped it instantly steps in and provides you power so you can finish work, save and shut down in a controlled manner or survive the indecent without any interruption.
Surge protectors are available almost anywhere but be smart and if this is your only power line defense then don't cheap out.

APC P11VNT3 Performance SurgeArrest Surge Suppressor - 2030 Joules, 11-Outlets, Dataline Protection at TigerDirect.com

Belkin BP112230-08 / 12-Outlet / 4320 Joules / 8-Foot Cord / Surge Suppressor at TigerDirect.com

 

[charkzilla20]

UPS in my opinion provides the best combo of stable voltage protecting against rapid swings plus the added and dreaded low voltage stepping in and providing the correct voltage. Then when the power company has a brown or black out or the circuit in the house is tripped it instantly steps in and provides you power so you can finish work, save and shut down in a controlled manner or survive the indecent without any interruption.
Surge protectors are available almost anywhere but be smart and if this is your only power line defense then don't cheap out.

APC P11VNT3 Performance SurgeArrest Surge Suppressor - 2030 Joules, 11-Outlets, Dataline Protection at TigerDirect.com

Belkin BP112230-08 / 12-Outlet / 4320 Joules / 8-Foot Cord / Surge Suppressor at TigerDirect.com

Ok, I'll work towards getting a UPS in the future. I'm trying to keep my computer budget under $1800 for now.

I looked around and found that I already have this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812120239
Would this work?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

That will work just fine.

 

[gigagiggles]

"Since this will be my first windows computer, what sorts of things can I do in order to make the system as stable and fail-proof as possible?
Is there certain software that I should get?"

They weren't mentioned, so I'll chime in. Location, airflow and temperature.

Where the PC case is situated could be important. Showcase it, rather than hide it.

Ensure airflow around the PC case as well as inside through the case vents.

Any temperature monitoring software; and stress test software.

The latter is usually recommended when troubleshooting a new build to put the memory chips through the paces. The former will inform when there is error introduced in the building process, like too MUCH or too little thermal paste between cpu cooling fan and cpu OR a cable stops a fan from spinning.

 

[Layback Bear]

charkzilla20 Just a few reminders.

1. Don't get in a hurry.
2. Read and understand the motherboard manual. This is very important. Make sure you double check where the motherboard stand off should be.
2. You have chosen a good case for cooling and cable management. So do this in a neat and clean fashion. It not only look better but helps a lot on internal case air flow.
Make sure the cables aren't sharply bent or hitting sharp edges. Make sure the cables don't put tension on the connectors.
3. If you decide to use a thermal compound look here.

Arctic Silver, Inc. - Intel® Application Methods

Once you have your computer up and running with Windows 7 updated. I would recommend using this for your anti virus.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows
and this
Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

Of course use the Windows 7 built in Firewall.

Now temps are very very important especially on a new build. Use this to monitor your temps.

Download Real Temp - MajorGeeks

Install the programs you have chosen, Games, Office ect.
***Please don't install any make my desktop pretty programs or make my computer faster and cleaner programs.***

Use your computer a week or so while monitoring your temps. NO over clock at this time.This will give you a good indication whether your hardware, programs, and Windows 7 are working as they should.

Once again read and understand your motherboard manual.
Then let us know how things are working.
If you have any questions along the way, the Forum is open 24/7.

 

[charkzilla20]

charkzilla20 Just a few reminders.

1. Don't get in a hurry.
2. Read and understand the motherboard manual. This is very important. Make sure you double check where the motherboard stand off should be.
2. You have chosen a good case for cooling and cable management. So do this in a neat and clean fashion. It not only look better but helps a lot on internal case air flow.
Make sure the cables aren't sharply bent or hitting sharp edges. Make sure the cables don't put tension on the connectors.
3. If you decide to use a thermal compound look here.

Arctic Silver, Inc. - Intel® Application Methods

Once you have your computer up and running with Windows 7 updated. I would recommend using this for your anti virus.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows
and this
Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

Of course use the Windows 7 built in Firewall.

Now temps are very very important especially on a new build. Use this to monitor your temps.

Download Real Temp - MajorGeeks

Install the programs you have chosen, Games, Office ect.
***Please don't install any make my desktop pretty programs or make my computer faster and cleaner programs.***

Use your computer a week or so while monitoring your temps. NO over clock at this time.This will give you a good indication whether your hardware, programs, and Windows 7 are working as they should.

Once again read and understand your motherboard manual.
Then let us know how things are working.
If you have any questions along the way, the Forum is open 24/7.

Thanks so much that's fantastic info and easy to follow .
For the cooling, im looking at moving the HAF922's top 200mm fan to the side as intake, and putting a 120mm fan on top as exhaust. I've heard that positive pressure is good.

Yeah, I'm gonna take the building really slow and careful.
I'm also looking to get some Demciflex dust filters fitted for the case to minimize all dust.

as for the antivirus, i've heard that windows security isnt that great:
AV-TEST - The Independent IT-Security Institute: Nov/Dec 2012
i'm willing to pay for AV software Definitely Malwarebytes though.

Thanks for the links too

 

[Layback Bear]

Their are many test on anti virus programs. I don't read them anymore because no two are the same. Take a peek at this one on Ahnlab Security which is #1 on the site you provided. Not only does a anti virus program have to protect but it must work well with Windows 7. The wrong anti virus program will make your computing life nothing but pain.

AhnLab V3 Internet Security 8.0 review - PC Advisor

 

[charkzilla20]

Their are many test on anti virus programs. I don't read them anymore because no two are the same. Take a peek at this one on Ahnlab Security which is #1 on the site you provided. Not only does a anti virus program have to protect but it must work well with Windows 7. The wrong anti virus program will make your computing life nothing but pain.

AhnLab V3 Internet Security 8.0 review - PC Advisor

I was thinking about using Bitdefender.
I know a few that use It.

 

[Layback Bear]

It has been reported by some that Bitdefendr doesn't get along with Malwarebytes Anti Malware.

 

[LMiller7]

I'll be the only one using the computer. Should I make a separate account anyway?

Absolutely.

The Administrator account was never intended for general use. It is best to create an admin account for general use and reserve the Administrator account for emergencies. If you only have one admin level account and the profile becomes corrupt you will not be able to log in to repair the problem.

The need for a UPS depends quite a bit on conditions where you live. If power is relatively stable and interruptions are rare then you can probably dispense with it. But if you live where power may be unstable or where interruptions are more common, even if only during parts of the year, then a UPS is more important.

 

[charkzilla20]

I'll be the only one using the computer. Should I make a separate account anyway?

Absolutely.

The Administrator account was never intended for general use. It is best to create an admin account for general use and reserve the Administrator account for emergencies. If you only have one admin level account and the profile becomes corrupt you will not be able to log in to repair the problem.

The need for a UPS depends quite a bit on conditions where you live. If power is relatively stable and interruptions are rare then you can probably dispense with it. But if you live where power may be unstable or where interruptions are more common, even if only during parts of the year, then a UPS is more important.

So you're saying that there's a Master Administrator account for emergency, and I should make a standard account with some admin privileges?
I'm used to a Mac, so I'm not sure how that works, is there a guide?

And I live in Palo Alto. And I've never had any power issues in my house for the 3 years I've been here.

Thanks

 

[LMiller7]

There is an account called "Administrator". In Windows it will normally be hidden when you create an administrative account. It is very easy to create such an account. Simply open "User Accounts" in control panel and click "Manage another account". Then click on "Create a new account". You can then choose to create an administrative or standard account. If you create an administrative account it will have all of the privileges of the Administrator account.

 

[charkzilla20]

There is an account called "Administrator". In Windows it will normally be hidden when you create an administrative account. It is very easy to create such an account. Simply open "User Accounts" in control panel and click "Manage another account". Then click on "Create a new account". You can then choose to create an administrative or standard account. If you create an administrative account it will have all of the privileges of the Administrator account.

Alright that's pretty straightforward. Thanks