What are the proper steps to build a computer?

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Hello, I am building the workstation. Parts are: 8700K, Asus Prime Z370-A, big NHD15S cooler, Dark Base PRO 900, AX1600i PSU. Is there a step by step guide (perhaps video) to show the proper steps?

I built a PC with a case 20 years ago. I think the order was:

1. cpu to motherboard
2. ram to motherboard
3. psu to case


Should I install all the components to the motherboard first and then put the whole thing to the case or install the motherboard to the case first and then the components. I guess the difference this time is that there is a big cooler that might make putting everything on the motherboard first and then to the case difficult.

Also, when applying the thermal paste to the cpu during the cooler installation, should I just put a small amount in dime-like size and then put the cooler on it or put more and using a card to spread the paste evenly all over the cpu before putting the cooler?
 
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Found Paul's channel (previously tech reviewer on Newegg Video channel) on youtube to be very didactic and instructive with plenty of insights and insider tips:
- Beginner's Guide to Building a Gaming PC >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFyhn6seoow&index=0&list=PLRnHcRQUxuoeQM4-llcMNXTakKZcAAyB6
- First 5 Things to Do with a New PC Build >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbpqkiaO7q4&t=80s

- Install CPU onto your motherboard CPU socket
- Fit big cooler first onto motherboard, with it's fans mounted and connectors attached to mobo.
-Install motherboard Heat spreader I/o shield onto the case,
- Install motherboard in the case and secure it.
- Install PSU, wire up your mobo
- Install drives and fans (may install...
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My D14 required a bracket that installs on the bottom of the motherboard, I think the NHD15S requires a backplate as well. I also like to get the cpu installed before I put the MB in the case. Next I do RAM and cooler. Your ram will probably partially sit under the NHD15S, so I'd install the ram before the cooler. I think most build order considerations all flow around the cooler these days.
 
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Newegg has how to build videos, that can be very helpful. I usually install CPU, ram, and cooler, to the motherboard first. Then put standoffs and I/O shield on the case, and then install motherboard, then graphics card, then drives. PSU and cabling I do last, as cable management is usually the most time consuming part, and having everything installed makes such things easier to route/plan out. You only need about a rice to pea sized grain of thermal paste. The cooler will spread it when you install it.
 
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Found Paul's channel (previously tech reviewer on Newegg Video channel) on youtube to be very didactic and instructive with plenty of insights and insider tips:
- Beginner's Guide to Building a Gaming PC >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFyhn6seoow&index=0&list=PLRnHcRQUxuoeQM4-llcMNXTakKZcAAyB6
- First 5 Things to Do with a New PC Build >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbpqkiaO7q4&t=80s

- Install CPU onto your motherboard CPU socket
- Fit big cooler first onto motherboard, with it's fans mounted and connectors attached to mobo.
-Install motherboard Heat spreader I/o shield onto the case,
- Install motherboard in the case and secure it.
- Install PSU, wire up your mobo
- Install drives and fans (may install some fans before mobo), get them connected
- Install GPU.
- Some cable management, finalize.
- Boot, Bios configure, system/driver install, apps install, configure, enjoy.

General guidelines only, depending on case and situation steps order can be different, some toggling and back and forth between tasks is inevitable.

 
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Solution


Thanks. You mean this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIF43-0mDk4
 
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Hmm, didn't realize they had them on youtube now. That is way more convenient than trying to find them on their site. Yea, those should prove helpful.
 
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Usually the best method is to prep the motherboard by installing the cooler mounting bracket (if necessary) and anything small like an nVME drive. Then hook it up to your case wiring and screw down the motherboard. Then hook up all cables. That is usually what I do.
 
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1. The CPU cooler already has thermal paste applied.
If you want your own, you have to clean the original stuff off.

"Dime size" is far too much. Think grain of rice.
You want the absolute thinnest layer possible.

2. a 1600W PSU?
 
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"Someone mentioned..."
Yeah, that would be every motherboard manufacturer.

For instance, my motherboard, from ASRock:
"Please read the information below before downloading or updating your BIOS
We don't recommend users to update the BIOS if their system is already running normally. ASRock assumes no responsibility for any damages caused by improper operations of downloading or updating the BIOS. Before you download or update the BIOS, please read " (How to Update)" below carefully. After updating BIOS, all the settings will be reset to the default."


From one of my other boards, Gigabyte:
"Warning:
Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky, if you do not encounter problems using the current version of BIOS, it is recommended that you not flash the BIOS. To flash the BIOS, do it with caution. Inadequate BIOS flashing may result in system malfunction."


Generally, you only do it if there is a specific issue, and a later BIOS addresses that specific issue.

Done wrong, you can completely bork the system.

Tread carefully.
 
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Thanks for the warning. I am waiting for the 2nd NMVe to arrive on tomorrow before putting everything into the case. After I turn on the computer, is there anything that I should do such as checking if the Trident Z 64GB is running at 3200C14? I think ASUS mentioned that the motherboard will automatically overclock itself when it saw the 3200C14 RAM.

What is the best way to install two OS in one computer? I have Windows 10 Home edition (usb included). I want to install Windows 10 to one NMVe and Ubuntu Linux on another NMVe. Haven't what to do with Mac OS yet. The way I did was to install only one storage in the computer and install one OS. Then, disconnect that storage and connected the 2nd storage to the computer. Install another OS. Then, installed the first storage back to the computer so that it has both storages with different OS installed in it. Is this still the best way or I should install both NVMe SSD to the motherboard first? I recall that 20 years ago, there were some kind of programs to make it easy to dual-boot/triple-boot. I think the one I used as Boot Magic from Powerquest. Which is the best program to do dual-boot/triple-boot these days?
 
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I have large hands.. and i had a hard time connecting the fan cables to the headers on the Motherboard after the motherboard and cooler were installed first.

think i would do the cpu, ram, nvme, cooler back plate first, then put the mobo on the case then attach the fan cables to the mobo then attach the cooler to the cpu. otherwise you'll end up recruiting someone with smaller hands to connect the fan cables. in my case i had my wife near by to assist 😛
 
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you should prob not install the 2nd nvme until after you installed windows on to 1 nvme. then power it down install the 2nd nvme.
 
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long as the power doesnt go out, or computer crashes you should be fine updating BIOS.

I was able to do it on my first go, it was nerve wrecking but surprisingly easy. just look on youtube for your specific mobo on how to update bios.

Either way, with the new spectre i think its called security issues.... i think most ppl will tell you to update the mobo bios to address security issues.
 
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Yes this is not easy to do if you have large hands. I am kind of in the same predicament. I usually hook the case wires in and install anything small before I screw down the motherboard.
 
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Do NOT get BIOS update instructions from Youtube. Ever. At all.

You go to the manufacturers site, and use those directions exactly. No deviation, no substitutions.
 
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When I tried to connect the Corsair AX1600i PSU to the Dark Base Pro 900 case, I found that Corsair changed the specifications of the power pin orientation. The one I got are different from the one shown in the product page. (Please refer to the thread "PSU's power connector's orientation is rotated by 90 degrees relative to the power adapter cable of the Be Quiet Dark Base 900") If I order the adapter suggested by the moderator, it will take another week as I am in Canada now. The PSU return period is less than two weeks so it gives me a few days to test out the system.

Given the troubles and incorrect product information, I asked Newegg if I could return the components for a refund. They wanted to charge me a restocking fee of 15% since I have opened the boxes. Trident Z 64GB RAM alone cost me about $1K. 15% is quite a lot.

Haven't contacted Amazon yet as I also bought some components from them. Does Amazon also charge restocking fee for computer components?

What suggestions do you have?
 
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