First time builder in need of advice!

[Darkhound]

Hi, I'm a first time builder but a long time tom's reader and I need advice. This is my build:

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/darkhound02/saved/#savedbuild_1260045

I need help with experience. As it is my first time building I just need tips. Common Dos and Donts, as well as tips and tricks for putting it together and configuring the BIOS.

P.S.
I don't have a MOBO yet but I am shopping around and waiting for a sale. I got all my parts through various sales. Started from a $2300 CAD and shaved it to $1600 tax included.

 

[kmleong]

Just Read The Manual.
Then Reread it again
It actually not that hard to assembly a PC
I am from malaysia so I don't have the static electricity problem. If U do take care of them first
Google youtube for PC Build. They give around the same advice. Download a few PC build videos and you will get a lots of pointers/tips.

The Few things to remember are...
1. RAM Slot Placement --> Read The Mobo Manual
2. CPU orientation and assembly - read manual
3. CPU Heatsink Mounting --> Read The Heatsink Manual or Google Video On your type of Heatsink Mounting
4. Graphic Card Power Connection ---> Graphic Card Manual
5. Pin Connections for casing and Fans --> Mobo Manual again

Stuff like Sata, Optical Drive etc are standard and You can't go wrong unless You are one of a kind and like to do things differently from other people

Hope these help

 

[Paul NZ]

Lucky that mobo supports USB BIOS flashback. Because you may have to update the BIOS first. Before you can use that CPU

Yup read the manual, thats why mobos come with one

 

[Darkhound]

Thanks for the prompt replies guys! So a friend of mine said something like prepare your 8-pin adapter before mounting your noctua heatsink...I'm not sure what that really meant...It's those little things eh?

PS
I got my MOBO and my total cost is now only $1500! including a NEW monitor

PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/M29dJx


CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (Purchased For $380.78)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler (Purchased For $44.80)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (Purchased For $176.67)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (Purchased For $90.25)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (Purchased For $124.20)
Storage: Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 500GB 2.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased For $0.05)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 4GB Dual FTW ACX Video Card (Purchased For $346.49)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For $78.40)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (Purchased For $134.39)
Monitor: Samsung S24D300HL 60Hz 23.6" Monitor (Purchased For $144.47)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-A14 ULN 140mm Fan (Purchased For $19.00)
Total: $1539.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

[Darkhound]

Just Read The Manual.
Then Reread it again
It actually not that hard to assembly a PC
I am from malaysia so I don't have the static electricity problem. If U do take care of them first
Google youtube for PC Build. They give around the same advice. Download a few PC build videos and you will get a lots of pointers/tips.

The Few things to remember are...
1. RAM Slot Placement --> Read The Mobo Manual
2. CPU orientation and assembly - read manual
3. CPU Heatsink Mounting --> Read The Heatsink Manual or Google Video On your type of Heatsink Mounting
4. Graphic Card Power Connection ---> Graphic Card Manual
5. Pin Connections for casing and Fans --> Mobo Manual again

Stuff like Sata, Optical Drive etc are standard and You can't go wrong unless You are one of a kind and like to do things differently from other people

Hope these help

Thanks a lot! Wow fast response time too!

 

[kmleong]

Always remember to backup your old PC. (Data if any)
Games or apps you can always install later and make sure you have your OS CD/USB ready for installation if this is your New PC.
Use The Default BIOS first. OC you can experiment later
Install your OS your SSD for faster response and booting.
It better for you to assemble the SSD first install the OS
And if everythings OK then only put in your Hitachi hard disk which I think should be your old hard disk cos you may format the WRONG hard disk.
My personal opinion is never OC to the extreme cos your build may encounter a lot of problems. OC Yes But to the extreme No! it just not worth it. Noises, Heat, Higher watts and endless tweaks and Like I read from this thread, New Board, Ram, GPU and CPU may able to take it but after 1 Year they may fail or at least definitely shorten the lifespan.
Yeah People may argue that after 2-5 years the build will be outdated But at least I can always use it as a media player for my AV and TV.
Anyway I am Building a new PC too. But I haven't decided on The RAM yet
My PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/DDKgCJ
Reading This thread make me scared of G.skill RAM cos I dunno whether it will work with 4970K CPU And My MSI Z97 Gaming 7 Mobo.

Good Luck. and do post to see how you fare.