[SOLVED] Please help me with my first build

[tessietn121]

My friend gave me an Alienware X51 R1 mini ITX mobo. I've some used components laying around (i5 2500k, GTX 1050 ti, 1 TB SSD, Crucial 2x4GB 1600 Hz DDR3) and I just bought m24 case on taobao along with 400w PSU. Can i build a system with those parts? I don't know much about building pc and this is my first time. I tried pcpartpicker but couldn't since the mobo was gutted out of a prebuilt system. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[WolfandTheJoker]

Try PCpartpicker.com It allows you to build the system virtually and will tell you if it will run or not. You can add preexisting parts and it will even tell you costs to include multiple vendors.

 

[tessietn121]

Try PCpartpicker.com It allows you to build the system virtually and will tell you if it will run or not. You can add preexisting parts and it will even tell you costs to include multiple vendors.

i did try pcpartpicker but couldn't find the mobo unfortunately

 

[geofelt]

That is an interesting and tiny case.

First thing is to verify that your 2500K is appropriate for the motherboard.
You will need a lga1155 based motherboard.
If you can, find the specs for the original pc and look up what processors it supports.
If all else fails see if the processor will fit in the motherboard socket.
DO NOT force anything or smoosh it around or you will bend the pins and destroy the motherboard.
There is a small notch in the corner that must match up.

Next, the case looks like it uses a smaller than standard power supply.
Test fit your psu into the opening to see if it fits..

I would try all of the parts outside of the case first.

MY build process:

Before anything, while waiting for your parts to be delivered, download
and read, cover to cover your case and motherboard manual.
Buy a #2 magnetic tip philips screwdriver.
I find it handy to buy a power switch like this for testing.
https://www.ebay.com/p/4in1-PC-Powe...or-Computer/631889283?iid=142232821294&chn=ps

1. I assemble the critical parts outside of the case.
That lets me test them for functionality easily.
A wood table or cardboard is fine.
2. Plug in only the necessary parts at first. Ram, cpu, cooler, psu.
Do not force anything. Parts fit only one way.
Attach a monitor to the integrated motherboard adapter if you have one, otherwise to the graphics card.

1. If your motherboard does not have a PWR button, momentarily touch the two pwr front panel pins with a flat blade screwdriver.
2. Repeatedly hit F2 or DEL, and that should get you into the bios display.
3. Boot from a cd or usb stick with memtest86 on it. memtest will exercise your ram and cpu functionality.
4. Install windows.
5. Install the motherboard cd drivers. Particularly the lan drivers so you can access the internet.

Do not select the easy install option, or you will get a bunch of utilities and trialware that you don't want. Drivers only.

1. Connect to the internet and install an antivirus program. Microsoft security essentials is free, easy, and unobtrusive.
2. Install your graphics card and driver if you tested with integrated graphics.

You will need to remove the graphics card later to install your motherboard in the case.
As a tip when screwing the motherboard into the posts, give the screw a small counterclockwise turn until you feel a click.
That lets you know that the screw will engage properly.
Make a note of how the graphics card latches into the pcie slot.
The mechanism will be hidden under the card and may be difficult to work if you have not previously checked how.

1. Update windows to currency.
2. Only now do I take apart what I need to and install it in the case.
3. Now is the time to reinstall your graphics card.

 

[tessietn121]

That is an interesting and tiny case.

First thing is to verify that your 2500K is appropriate for the motherboard.
You will need a lga1155 based motherboard.
If you can, find the specs for the original pc and look up what processors it supports.
If all else fails see if the processor will fit in the motherboard socket.
DO NOT force anything or smoosh it around or you will bend the pins and destroy the motherboard.
There is a small notch in the corner that must match up.

Next, the case looks like it uses a smaller than standard power supply.
Test fit your psu into the opening to see if it fits..

I would try all of the parts outside of the case first.

MY build process:

Before anything, while waiting for your parts to be delivered, download
and read, cover to cover your case and motherboard manual.
Buy a #2 magnetic tip philips screwdriver.
I find it handy to buy a power switch like this for testing.
https://www.ebay.com/p/4in1-PC-Powe...or-Computer/631889283?iid=142232821294&chn=ps

1. I assemble the critical parts outside of the case.
That lets me test them for functionality easily.
A wood table or cardboard is fine.
2. Plug in only the necessary parts at first. Ram, cpu, cooler, psu.
Do not force anything. Parts fit only one way.
Attach a monitor to the integrated motherboard adapter if you have one, otherwise to the graphics card.

1. If your motherboard does not have a PWR button, momentarily touch the two pwr front panel pins with a flat blade screwdriver.
2. Repeatedly hit F2 or DEL, and that should get you into the bios display.
3. Boot from a cd or usb stick with memtest86 on it. memtest will exercise your ram and cpu functionality.
4. Install windows.
5. Install the motherboard cd drivers. Particularly the lan drivers so you can access the internet.

Do not select the easy install option, or you will get a bunch of utilities and trialware that you don't want. Drivers only.

1. Connect to the internet and install an antivirus program. Microsoft security essentials is free, easy, and unobtrusive.
2. Install your graphics card and driver if you tested with integrated graphics.

You will need to remove the graphics card later to install your motherboard in the case.
As a tip when screwing the motherboard into the posts, give the screw a small counterclockwise turn until you feel a click.
That lets you know that the screw will engage properly.
Make a note of how the graphics card latches into the pcie slot.
The mechanism will be hidden under the card and may be difficult to work if you have not previously checked how.

1. Update windows to currency.
2. Only now do I take apart what I need to and install it in the case.
3. Now is the time to reinstall your graphics card.

you're indeed a life savor. thanks so much for your details guide