Rig Build

[WartHog]

Greetings,

I am getting ready to replace my mobo, CPU, heatsink/fan, DVD drive, and put a couple of extra fans in a different case. I am keeping my current HDs, RAM, PSU, video card, etc... The case is a mid-tower Cooler Master CM 690.

Would you all tell me just what precautions/advice you have for me? Kind of like, what to watch out for; what component to install first; how to boot it up initially; etc... Please don't think I expect y'all to do my research for me, but with all the threads/tutorials on this forum sometimes it's a little overwhelming trying to find something specific. If you have links to other threads asking these questions I'll be more than happy to read those too. I have never done a build before, and will REALLY appreciate all input and help on this.

I am installing:
mobo: Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
CPU: Newegg.com - AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX640WFGMBOX
Heatsink/fan: Newegg.com - XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler bracket included I7 i5 775 1155 AMD and dual fan push pull compatible
Case fans: Newegg.com - APEVIA CF12SL-UBL 120mm Blue LED Case Fan
DVD drive: Newegg.com - LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Writer LightScribe Support

Again, thanks to everyone who can give me any kind of help and direction.

Beau

 

[ryan9939]

The way I do it is

1) install the CPU, thermal paste, heatsink, RAM on the motherboard outside the case
2) install this into the case
3) install PSU
4) install hard drives, optical drives, videocards, addin cards
5) cable management from the PSU to all components

try booting the computer and it should work. If not check all connections and post back here any issues you're having if you can't figure them out.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Ryan pretty well nailed the general procedure.

Go to arcticsilver.com and look at their instructions for thermal paste application on your particular AMD processor. It varies from processor to processor.

Most connectors are keyed to only fit in the proper way.

I'm not familiar with the AMD heatsink mounting procedure, but review it beforehand. Maybe you can find a video tutorial on youtube? This is a critical part of the install, so take your time.

First thing you should do after Windows is installed is go to Windows Update and get at least the critical updates.

Then antivirus/antimalware

Then each external hardware piece, one at a time.

Your monitor and modem should just work. You may have to disconnect and reconnect the modem.

Don't worry about case fans immediately. Just get the thing up and running and then evaluate your temperatures. You may need more or fewer fans than you think.

A purist would tell you to use a wrist strap to ground yourself to avoid static discharges that might damage components. In reality, most people don't use them. I try to.

Before starting, print out a page containing all of your software serial numbers/product keys.

 

[TVeblen]

You've got some good pointers so far, so I'm just going to add to them.

Anti-static precautions: are really just common sense applied. A static "shock" can take out any piece of hardware, so you want to eliminate that possibility. Don't build your computer wearing wool socks on a carpet floor! But mostly just get into the habit of grabbing the frame of the computer case deliberately to discharge any static electricity before handling any parts after you have been moving (walking) around.

Likewise for the surface you are working on. You don't want to be working on a metal table. A wooden table is best. Use heavy cardboard as a work surface under your parts. I also use the foam pads that come with the motherboard.

While you are waiting for your parts to be delivered, visit the websites of each of the manufacturers and download the most recent drivers for your components and save these on a USB stick. That makes it easy to install and/or update the drivers immediately after installing W7, found all in one place.

Take your time! Particularly on a first build. RTFMs! Examine the parts and connectors and read the manuals again before installing them. First time builders probably have fewer problems than experience builders for that reason - going too fast and not realizing that the way it's always been done has changed.

I don't see RAM on your list. For a first time build I strongly suggest getting RAM that is listed in the motherboard's QVL (Qualified Vendors List). W7 is real touchy when it comes to RAM configurations. I would try and avoid that adventure your first time out!

Also don't see a Hard Disk. Spinner or SSD?

More if I think of it!

 

[WartHog]

Ryan, Ignatz, and TV, I really cannot thank you all enough. AWESOME input and direction to help me complete this build without any problems. I never would have thought of all of that, like trying to find a youtube vid of the heatsink install. And saving the different specs and drivers on a USB stick. It was real nice of you all to take the time and give me some good help. Thanks again. Beau

Forgive my noobness, but will I still have to re-install Windows even though I'm not changing my HDs? BTW, I am running a Caviar 500 gig HD.

Also, I did buy a static discharge wrist strap and plan on using it. The RAM I have is G-Skill 2X2 gigX4 sticks.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Beau.



Yes you will still have to reinstall as the 'old' drivers won't match the 'new' H/W.

 

[WartHog]

Thanks much Ted. BTW, I'll be calling you when I'm ready to do this.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I'll be here for you, you know that!

 

[theog]

Make sure your MB, CPU, Ram, & Heatsink/Fan, all matches. (Mismatching parts will BSOD)

May be worth looking round for Kit.

 

[WartHog]

Thanks Theog. GOOD reminder!

 

[Dave76]

Here is a good walk through, might point out a few things and make you fill more comfortable when you start.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a PC​

Some basic but useful information and links.​

READ BEFORE POSTING: Buyer's Guides and Troubleshooting​

Let us know if you have any questions that your brother won't help you with ​

And, your progress.​

 

[TVeblen]

I have a small battery powered LED light fixture that has a clip that I put on a flexible stand. (Any light will do). Very necessary when working in the dark corners inside the case!

I also have a reading magnifying glass. Necessary for reading the nano-printing on the motherboard case connectors with old, tired eyes!

You should download and prepare a CD or USB stick with Memtest Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool. After you get the rig all put together and fire it up and it works (of course!) you will want to give your RAM a full memory test (5 or more passes) before you install the OS. That will save a lot of head-scratching and labor later if you have received any dodgy RAM sticks.

I also run Prime95 "Stress Test" overnight to really shake out any bugs:
Prime95 (32bit) - 25.11 Download - EXTREME Overclocking
Free Software - GIMPS

 

[theog]

Hello Beau.



Yes you will still have to reinstall as the 'old' drivers won't match the 'new' H/W.

Can we trust you Ted?
Yes, we can.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

In all likelihood you will fumble and drop some screws during the motherboard or drive installation.

Naturally, the screws will fall into some area that you can't easily retrieve them and you will cuss a bit. You gotta retrieve them--otherwise you could short something out if they are just rattling around.

To avoid this: get a smallish screwdriver with a magnetized head. The screws stick to the head of the driver and are much easier to insert into the threaded hole without being fumbled.

You may want to leave the case open for the first day or so because you will be poking around in there constantly, re-routing cables. But you can't properly evaluate temperatures until you shut the lid and run a stress test of some kind. There are a bunch of those out there. Intel has a good one.

Make sure you have a dozen or so cable ties so you can group cables together and tuck them away for orderliness and improved airflow.

Find out how many fan headers you have on the motherboard and how many of them are "PWM" controlled. PWM control is generally a good thing if it is properly implemented by your motherboard manufacturer. The fans slow down when your PC is idling and speed up automatically when you crack the throttle--if you have fans that accept PWM control.

 

[MadHacker]

In all likelihood you will fumble and drop some screws during the motherboard or drive installation.

Naturally, the screws will fall into some area that you can't easily retrieve them and you will cuss a bit. You gotta retrieve them--otherwise you could short something out if they are just rattling around.

To avoid this: get a smallish screwdriver with a magnetized head. The screws stick to the head of the driver and are much easier to insert into the threaded hole without being fumbled.

Magnetized screwdrivers are a bad idea when dealing with sensitive electronics.. dip the screwdriver in machine oil instead.. it's harmless and will hold screws in place for most of the difficult-to-reach spots

 

[WartHog]

I have a small battery powered LED light fixture that has a clip that I put on a flexible stand. (Any light will do). Very necessary when working in the dark corners inside the case!

I also have a reading magnifying glass. Necessary for reading the nano-printing on the motherboard case connectors with old, tired eyes!

You should download and prepare a CD or USB stick with Memtest Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool. After you get the rig all put together and fire it up and it works (of course!) you will want to give your RAM a full memory test (5 or more passes) before you install the OS. That will save a lot of head-scratching and labor later if you have received any dodgy RAM sticks.

I also run Prime95 "Stress Test" overnight to really shake out any bugs:
Prime95 (32bit) - 25.11 Download - EXTREME Overclocking
Free Software - GIMPS

Got the memtest 86+ already. I'll definitely do that and the stress test.

 

[WartHog]

In all likelihood you will fumble and drop some screws during the motherboard or drive installation.

Naturally, the screws will fall into some area that you can't easily retrieve them and you will cuss a bit. You gotta retrieve them--otherwise you could short something out if they are just rattling around.

To avoid this: get a smallish screwdriver with a magnetized head. The screws stick to the head of the driver and are much easier to insert into the threaded hole without being fumbled.

You may want to leave the case open for the first day or so because you will be poking around in there constantly, re-routing cables. But you can't properly evaluate temperatures until you shut the lid and run a stress test of some kind. There are a bunch of those out there. Intel has a good one.

Make sure you have a dozen or so cable ties so you can group cables together and tuck them away for orderliness and improved airflow.

Find out how many fan headers you have on the motherboard and how many of them are "PWM" controlled. PWM control is generally a good thing if it is properly implemented by your motherboard manufacturer. The fans slow down when your PC is idling and speed up automatically when you crack the throttle--if you have fans that accept PWM control.

Wow, you all are giving me some GREAT stuff here!!! I'll ck the specs on the mobo and see what I'm getting. I've already dropped the screws for the video card swapping the hard drives a couple more times than I care to admit.

 

[WartHog]

In all likelihood you will fumble and drop some screws during the motherboard or drive installation.

Naturally, the screws will fall into some area that you can't easily retrieve them and you will cuss a bit. You gotta retrieve them--otherwise you could short something out if they are just rattling around.

To avoid this: get a smallish screwdriver with a magnetized head. The screws stick to the head of the driver and are much easier to insert into the threaded hole without being fumbled.

Magnetized screwdrivers are a bad idea when dealing with sensitive electronics.. dip the screwdriver in machine oil instead.. it's harmless and will hold screws in place for most of the difficult-to-reach spots

Thanks MadHacker. Don't wanna take any chances.

 

[A Guy]

The 1st thing I did after getting windows updates and AV and drivers, necessary programs, etc. installed, was make a complete system image. I used Acronis True Image, but Macrium, or even the built in imaging should work. This gives you a nice, clean image should you ever want to reinstall. Obviously I recommend making system images regularly as it can (and will) save your bacon when/if something goes wrong. The new, clean image is much preferable to a clean install for time savings as well. No matter what, I suggest a 2nd HDD (either internal or external), and complete system images. Great peace of mind and insurance against issues whether self inflicted, or out of your control. A Guy

 

[WartHog]

Guy, GOOD advice. Thank you very much!