Question Basic tests to do while waiting for a decent GPU deal

[Sampei112233]

Hello, I have recently got a good part list going with the help of some amazing members of this community, the only lacking part was the GPU pick, as I am waiting for a good deal and to see what AMD brings to the table in March.

Considering I have everything else and my cpu of choice (9800x3d) has integrated graphics, I was thinking of assembling basically everything just to test stuff out and make sure I didn't get scammed, since most parts will arrive long before I pick my GPU.

First of all, I assume it's a good idea, but any reasons why I shouldn't? I am 90% sure the thermal paste will be okay even if the pc stays idle for a month or so, correct?
Secondly, as I never got faulty parts/scammed (lucky me), which tests should I do asap? I assume check bios and maybe some basic CPUZ identification, but I can't exactly stresstest on account of not having an actual external GPU.

Any tip is welcome and thanks in advance!

 

[Aeacus]

I am 90% sure the thermal paste will be okay even if the pc stays idle for a month or so, correct?

Yes.

but I can't exactly stresstest on account of not having an actual external GPU.

Sure you can.

Memtest86 to validate RAM. At least 4 full passes (15 tests per 1 pass).
Cinebench, Prime95, AIDA64 to validate CPU (running off from iGPU to see image, monitor hooked to MoBo).
For SSDs, CrystalDiskMark benchmark (or when you have Samsung drives, then Samsung Magician has built-in benchmark as well).

And you can even bench your iGPU, e.g via Unigine Superposition. Albeit, it wouldn't give as good results as with dedicated GPU. Still, gives you an idea what iGPU is capable of.

 

[Sampei112233]

Yes.


Sure you can.

Memtest86 to validate RAM. At least 4 full passes (15 tests per 1 pass).
Cinebench, Prime95, AIDA64 to validate CPU (running off from iGPU to see image, monitor hooked to MoBo).
For SSDs, CrystalDiskMark benchmark (or when you have Samsung drives, then Samsung Magician has built-in benchmark as well).

And you can even bench your iGPU, e.g via Unigine Superposition. Albeit, it would give as good results as with dedicated GPU. Still, gives you an idea what iGPU is capable of.

Thanks for the answer, so basically I can run all basic tests I would do otherwise, besides the ones dedicated specifically to GPU like 3dmark or stuff like that?

 

[geofelt]

Assemble your parts outside the case first.
It is easiest if you are using an air cooler, but an aio can be done also.
Outside the case makes it easier to swap or adjust parts if needed.
Use the integrated graphics for testing.
The first basic test would be to run memtest which will check your ram.
You can actually start the windows install. CPU-Z will have a stress test that is probably more like your actual load than the more specialized tests. Run the bench test and compare to others.
If all looks good, put your parts in the case. You should have no problem installing a discrete graphics card later.
A tip: Make a note first of how the pcie latch works before installing the discrete card. It will be somewhat hidden under the card if you need to remove it later.
You may find that integrated graphics works just fine for some types of games.

 

[Aeacus]

so basically I can run all basic tests I would do otherwise, besides the ones dedicated specifically to GPU like 3dmark or stuff like that?

Yes.

And you can even bench your iGPU with GPU benchmarks. But if you up the reso or quality too high, you will see slideshow.

Still, normal web browsing is possible with iGPU. And even gaming, some light games (e.g Minecraft).

 

[Sampei112233]

Assemble your parts outside the case first.
It is easiest if you are using an air cooler, but an aio can be done also.
Outside the case makes it easier to swap or adjust parts if needed.
Use the integrated graphics for testing.
The first basic test would be to run memtest which will check your ram.
You can actually start the windows install. CPU-Z will have a stress test that is probably more like your actual load than the more specialized tests. Run the bench test and compare to others.
If all looks good, put your parts in the case. You should have no problem installing a discrete graphics card later.
A tip: Make a note first of how the pcie latch works before installing the discrete card. It will be somewhat hidden under the card if you need to remove it later.
You may find that integrated graphics works just fine for some types of games.

Yes, thanks for the answer, it is not the first pc I assemble. But it is the first pc where I don't have all the parts at the same time, I was mostly worried about possible expiring warranties and scams.
I will test everything I can and then just let it sit there for a month or so, hopefully I can get a decent deal soon.