I'm Noob! How to setup MSI Z97 Gaming 7?

[jvjakesta]

Well, to start off, this will be my first time building a PC! So, with that in mind, I have PLENTY of questions that need to be answered. First off, I'm not building a pc entirely from new parts. What I plan on doing is replacing my motherboard and CPU while keeping my old hard drive, PSU, ram sticks, and GPU. The two components I have to replace them is the MSI Z-97 Gaming 7 Mobo and an Intel 4690k cpu. My last mobo was made from AMD as well, I've heard there were problems switching in between the two? What precautions should I take? I'm also ordering a new ATX case as my last one was micro. Any thoughts on what I should do before I tackle this project? What are the main things I should be aware of? So far from what I know, everything I have will be compatible with the new mobo and cpu.

 

[HaraldViking]

First and probably the most important warning: Be very careful with the CPU! Can't stress that enough, those pins are extremely fragile so don't rush when you are installing it to the motherboard.

After that you should read the motherboard's manual, it gives a detailed step by step on how to set up and connect everything.

 

[jvjakesta]

Will it be as simple as hooking everything into the right places? What would be the appropriate course of action to make sure that it boots correctly?

 

[ss202sl]

Backup your important files before you start. Most likely, you're going to have to reload the OS with the new MB.

 

[HaraldViking]

Will it be as simple as hooking everything into the right places? What would be the appropriate course of action to make sure that it boots correctly?

Just make sure you hook everything up, if for some reason something doesn't work then the most obvious answer is usually correct: you forgot one cable here or there.
Every component should be, in one way or another, hooked to the PSU and motherboard.

If that's done properly you should be ok

 

[cptmold]

You can't keep the same standoffs, you'll have to remove the ENTIRE thing. ATX and Micro-ATX use different standoffs, and aside from helping you screw in the motherboard, the standoffs are also important in keeping the board grounded so that it doesn't short out. As a precaution, work on a surface that won't conduct electricity, and consider buying a cheap anti-static strap from Rosewill. You can easily clip it to the Kensington lock most prebuilt cases have on the back, if not any random metal edge on the case.

It's also generally a good idea to assemble your motherboard/CPU before putting it in. Install the processor and RAM before installing the motherboard, and replace the IO Shield before installing your MoBo. Something to keep in mind: you may have to gut your PC before installing a new motherboard.

Sometimes, when trying to get your motherboard out, it'll have its pins in place with hot glue or something. In that case, you'll need to push in just a bit and pull with a bit of force. When removing a power connector, make sure to hold it by the actual connector (not the wire) and push the tab down while pulling out.

Do you have any mobile devices that can give you access to Youtube without touching your computer? It's helpful to have assets such as that when building, as if you forget something you don't want to have to drop everything and put it back together like I did.

Just a few random tips I've collected from overhauling a Lenovo prebuilt. Hope it helps! If you have other questions, ask away.

 

[jvjakesta]

I called microsoft about that, I'm going to do a full backup and they said they would help me with a product key when the time comes so I got that taken care of. I'm doing pretty good for myself! lol

 

[TechyInAZ]

The best option for you is to go on Youtube and look up: "How to build a computer newegg TV". Newegg has a whole series on how to build a computer, extremely informative. You could get it from us, but a video will be a lot faster (and just like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words).

 

[cptmold]

The best option for you is to go on Youtube and look up: "How to build a computer newegg TV". Newegg has a whole series on how to build a computer, extremely informative. You could get it from us, but a video will be a lot faster (and just like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words).

Not just that place, though. Make sure to watch videos from several places like LinusTechTips and JayzTwoCents, to get a good idea of what to do from multiple perspectives.

 

[jvjakesta]

This is a lot of useful information to me. Thanks a lot guys! The hardware portion of the computer won't be too much of a hassle for me anymore. My main concern will probably be the BIOS settings. What would be the most recommended approach to make sure my pc is working up to its full potential?

 

[TechyInAZ]

This is a lot of useful information to me. Thanks a lot guys! The hardware portion of the computer won't be too much of a hassle for me anymore. My main concern will probably be the BIOS settings. What would be the most recommended approach to make sure my pc is working up to its full potential?

BIOSes have come a long way fortunately, you shouldn't have to touch anything really.

 

[TechyInAZ]

The best option for you is to go on Youtube and look up: "How to build a computer newegg TV". Newegg has a whole series on how to build a computer, extremely informative. You could get it from us, but a video will be a lot faster (and just like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words).

Not just that place, though. Make sure to watch videos from several places like LinusTechTips and JayzTwoCents, to get a good idea of what to do from multiple perspectives.

Agreed. Though I prefer newegg since they have extremely in depth videos. However getting vids from other sources to is also good.

 

[cptmold]

This is a lot of useful information to me. Thanks a lot guys! The hardware portion of the computer won't be too much of a hassle for me anymore. My main concern will probably be the BIOS settings. What would be the most recommended approach to make sure my pc is working up to its full potential?

Make sure you boot from the disc drive on your first time. Once Windows is installed, go back to your BIOS and switch it to boot from whatever Windows has been installed on.

 

[cptmold]

The best option for you is to go on Youtube and look up: "How to build a computer newegg TV". Newegg has a whole series on how to build a computer, extremely informative. You could get it from us, but a video will be a lot faster (and just like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words).

Not just that place, though. Make sure to watch videos from several places like LinusTechTips and JayzTwoCents, to get a good idea of what to do from multiple perspectives.

Agreed. Though I prefer newegg since they have extremely in depth videos. However getting vids from other sources to is also good.

For the most part I'd agree, but there are some things Newegg TV doesn't explain as well as the other two do, and vice versa.

 

[jvjakesta]

So pretty much plug it in and boot from the cd drive to install the new drivers? What about switching motherboards from AMD to Intel? Will that make a difference?