Complete newbie here. My new GPU and PSU should be in tomorrow. I have a few questions; your time will be greatly appreciated.

TheHistorian

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Sep 15, 2013
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I made the mistake of buying a pre-built rig a little while ago. I have now decided that I will learn how to upgrade and build a PC. I purchased a Corsair 600W PSU and a Sapphire 7950. They should be in tomorrow unless FedEx decides to torment me further. I have a few questions that I would deeply appreciate if any of you answered.

How do I know which cable goes where when I receive my PSU? What goes to the motherboard? The GPU? My hard drive? I have no idea which cable will lead to where. Is it labeled?

Which should I install first? I'm guessing the PSU, but I'm just asking to be safe.

How exactly to I properly manage my wires? I purchased a set of wire ties from newegg because I know wire management is important.

How do I know how many of those side slots I have to unlock for my card?

Semi-Unrelated question: Can I remove dust from my CPU with a q-tip?

Thank you so much for your time!
 

Gunny1993

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Sep 16, 2013
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The PSU stuff is fairly obvious, depending on the mobo you will have two cables to plug into the mobo, one 4 pin and one 24 pin

The 12 pin will look like this http://www.nordichardware.com/skrivelser_img/432/psu.atx.jpg

The plug it goes into will look like this
http://img.tomshardware.com/us/2006/05/22/six_975x_enthusiast_motherboards_for_today_and_tomorrow/foxconn_power1.jpg

The other will be a 4 pin http://www.electrical-res.com/EX/10-16-22/atx-4pin-molex-39-01-2040.jpg

And will plug into this

http://assets.overclock.net.s3.amazonaws.com/3/33/3383da04_vbattach151922.jpeg

(Mobos differ so there may be some extra ones, but they'll be in the manual and right next to the ones i've mentioned.

The gpu will be powered by these: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/PC_Power_Cooling/Silencer_750W/images/pcie.jpg

And plug into the side of the GPU (will be obvious)

 

TheHistorian

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Sep 15, 2013
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Thank you very much. I guess I'm being overly cautious, but I can't help it.

 

Xavier Bouttier

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Sep 10, 2013
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Newegg has some pretty comprehensive guides on youtube, check it out:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxaVBsXEiok