Powering on a new Build, query

[JustJim]

This is my first build, though I've done every component before with the exception of the mobo and proccessor and power supply.


What can be damaged if not installed properly? despite being on my triple check I can't bring myself to power it on.

Trouble shooting I am capable of if something is not installed properly and it doesn't start, But what should I be 110% confident in before starting due to damage precautions.

In a nut shell, What can cause this beautiful pile of hardware and empty boxs to burst in to flames if not done properly

thanks

 

[Darkfire001]

You should be fine, aside from the PSU.

Believe me I felt the same way with this past system I built last summer, cost me $800 in parts and I'd dropped the most I'd ever spent on a new mobo ($220 or so) and powering it on was SO FRIGHTFUL. Get this, during PSU Installation I actually GOT HEAT GEL under the PSU. I almost shot myself then and there, thankfully its just the pins that matter. (later got it removed).

BUT ANYWAYS, installing the PSU I got a massive snap, louder then I've ever heard and it frightened the shit out of me. But I got the nerve to power up, and within 10 seconds I was happy again

When you get a chance to mess around with computers from even just 6 years ago, you find computers are still in the end not "too" fragile.

As for flames, highly doubtful. As long as you didnt get a cheap PSU, power that sucker on



EDIT: Oh and forgot to mention, as far as components getting damaged, the only thing I could see causing that would be the PSU, or the CPU if you somehow jammed it into the wrong socket (did you? 😛).

RAM, Video Card, all should be fine unless the PSU blows out, which it won't since you've done your homework when purchasing these parts most likely

 

[jaguarskx]

I wouldn't worry too much about installing the motherboard it's quite easy to install. The CPU may need a little more care because it does take a bit of force to mount the heatsink fan. Just take your time, be gentle with it, but be firm as well since it does take a little force to correctly mount the heatsink.

As for the PSU, it quiet easy to install. Just get a good namebrand. I recommend one of the Seasonic S12 PSUs, either the 330, 380 or 430 depending on the components of your build. For an SLI or Crossfire setup there the S12 500 and S12 600. They may cost a little more than your average PSU, but the Seasonics are reliable, quiet, and very efficient.

When it comes to PC noise, you won't hear the Seasonic S12's fan. But you'll hear all the other fans in your PC. It has very good efficiency at up to 85% which means it draws less power from the AC outlet and also creates less heat than PSUs with lower efficiency ratings. For example, if all your components draws 200w then with the Seasonic you will be drawing 235w from the AC outlet. The extra 35w is wasted as noise and heat. Less efficient PSU may only be rated at 65% efficiency, that means while your components are only drawing 200w of power the PSU is drawing about 308w from the AC outlet. The 108w is wasted as noise and mostly heat.

 

[mesarectifier]

DON'T FORCE THE CPU INTO THE SOCKET

^^ 9-inch moment, but justified I think you'll agree.

PSU is pretty easy/logical to do. I'd disagree with jaguar about the motherboard, take a lot of care over it and take your time - I'd say it's the most delicate/difficult part of a build because of the large size (easy to scratch)

Use the manual for connecting up the front panel. It's a real biatc (not difficult, but takes time)

 

[Onus]

I'm the same way. I waited for the next weekend to power on my last build, because I assembled it late on a Sunday, in case I'd have to fight with it. This is funny, because just like Wusy said in one of his posts a few weeks ago, I've always done my research on the parts, and haven't had a DOA yet.
About the only thing you can misconnect are floppy and possibly IDE cables, but that won't kill anything. RAM chips, CPU, and any connector carrying juice is keyed. Make sure your heat sinks make good contact with the component they're supposed to be cooling, and use thermal compound; the thin layer that may have come with it is sufficient, at least initially.
Make sure the little master switch on the PSU is off, or it is not plugged in, when you add/remove expansion cards, and check the voltage switch on the PSU (115 vs 230).
Make sure fans are plugged in and spin up when you power on the system.
Your GPU and/or mobo may have auxilliary power connectors. Forgetting them won't kill anything either, but your system will possibly be unstable, not POST, and/or produce error messages.
You might need a magnifying glass to hook up your case switches, LEDs, and USB connectors to the pin headers on the mobo, but they don't carry any juice and won't kill anything either.

When you turn it on and are greeted by the whirring of fans and a BIOS screen, you may well feel as silly as I did for worrying, even if a little relieved.

 

[Darkfire001]

^^

I didn't force it in 😉 In fact ZIF makes me unsure as to wheter its in the slot or not lol. Reality is the clamps do "click" it just sounded loud to me and at the time I couldn't recall ever having a click that loud 😛

 

[JustJim]

Powered up great, and I felt silly. Thanks all. And the CPU required no pressure when installed it litterally fell in to place. The only thing stubborn as always with me for some reason was ram. It always seems like it requires more pressure than is safe.

Now I just hope people at my next gaming party find my x-men Juggernaut case mod Gaudy and audacious. When you blow the kind of cash I did just to out do your friends you want a little "pop" right?

If I don't get called atleast 3 foul names I'm going to mount my mobo in a Kenmore fridge Paint it neon orange and smack a ailenware logo on it (imagine rolling that in to a lan)

Thanks again everyone.

 

[1Tanker]

If I don't get called atleast 3 foul names I'm going to mount my mobo in a Kenmore fridge Paint it neon orange and smack a ailenware logo on it (imagine rolling that in to a lan)

Thanks again everyone.

LMAO 😀 . You should have done that right from the start.