Some first time PC building tips

[FenrirHS]

Title says it all - I'm upgrading my pc (more like building since only the case will stay). But It'll be my first build (I always just chose the parts and let the manufacturers do their job for 50 BGN). Have you got any tips (or embarrassing/ awesome stories from your "first time") for my first build?
PC part picker link: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tH83Q7

 

[turbopiki]

Improved your build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($48.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($197.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $621.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-22 04:27 EDT-0400

Tip watch a PC build video on youtube while you are building your PC

 

[drixkarasu]

It would be a good idea to spend a bit more on a quality PSU if you can afford it, that PSU won't burn or explode, but since a nice PSU will protect your system if something goes wrong it is a good idea to have a quality unit.
Something like a Seasonic, antec, XFX or EVGA would be nice.

 

[FenrirHS]

Improved your build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($48.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($197.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $621.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-22 04:27 EDT-0400

Tip watch a PC build video on youtube while you are building your PC

I really will bro. I think this one will do the job (for anyone who doesn't have the patience for a 1 hour video - techquickie is a good channel where they literally explain things as fast as possible). Says it all for AMD and Intel users: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea_bs5G1yYU&list=WL&index=2

 

[englandr753]

I would recommend getting an SSD thats at least 120g but I prefer 256 to go along with that 1tb drive. Set the SSD as the boot drive and use the 1tb for storage and program installations.

Youll need to set the SATA ports to run in ACHI mode in the BIOS so the motherboard can see the SSD or youll pull your hair out trying to figure out whats going on, lol.

It makes me smile to see peeps pull out all the stops and build a rig on their own. Its the best sense of satisfaction you will get from your pc and the good thing is when and if something goes wrong, you know the system and can most likely make your own repairs.

If you need any tips, please ask here!

 

[turbopiki]

Never saw that one before but it look like a good tutorial, i always recommended this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bUghCx9iso

 

[FenrirHS]

I would recommend getting an SSD thats at least 120g but I prefer 256 to go along with that 1tb drive. Set the SSD as the boot drive and use the 1tb for storage and program installations.

Youll need to set the SATA ports to run in ACHI mode in the BIOS so the motherboard can see the SSD or youll pull your hair out trying to figure out whats going on, lol.

It makes me smile to see peeps pull out all the stops and build a rig on their own. Its the best sense of satisfaction you will get from your pc and the good thing is when and if something goes wrong, you know the system and can most likely make your own repairs.

If you need any tips, please ask here!

This always bugged me. I have seen inside my case, watched tutorials and everything so I know the order to put the parts in, connect the psu to the components, so on and so forth. But I haven't seen a single tutorial that talks about the pressure that should be put when assembling a pc. What's the ideal pressure I can put when placing different parts?

 

[turbopiki]

You shouldnt put pressure on anyting everyting fits should fit without forcing it. Only thing you will need to apply a bit pressure is when you will be installing CPU, so you will only need a bit of strenght to puch the CPU socket lever down

 

[englandr753]

You shouldnt put pressure on anyting everyting fits should fit without forcing it. Only thing you will need to apply a bit pressure is when you will be installing CPU, so you will only need a bit of strenght to puch the CPU socket lever down

Just be sure that you seat the cpu in the socket correctly before trying to lock the cpu into place. You'll do irrepairable damage if not positoned correctly. If you reapply a higher end thermal paste than what comes with your cooler, be sure to not apply too think or it will work in opposition and cause overheating.

 

[atheus]

Don't underestimate ESD. I still manage to fry a brand new DIMM once in a while even being careful. If you're doing a full system build it couldn't hurt to invest in a ESD strap just to keep the possibility of frying brand new stuff low. Sucks when you have your build all done except for a few parts you fried with finger zaps.

 

[englandr753]

I started to buy static straps once years ago but was given a tip to always touch the frame of the case before touching any parts and after going on 16 years of building systems I have never fried anything yet.

You can definitely buy them and they may come in handy and save your butt if you are the type that cant remember to touch the frame first, lol.

 

[atheus]

Touching the frame is a good plan, but a lot of the time you handle the parts long before you get anywhere near your computer case. That's when you can easily get into trouble.