- Dec 8, 2013
- 2
- 0
- 10,510
Hello all,
I am working on a first time build. I've received all my components, put my gaming rig together, and now I am ready to power it on!...
..Except I'm not quite sure of the correct process, and I worry about damaging the mobo or any of the components when I power it on, (not to mention the fear of nothing happening at all when I power it on)… :/
I've been doing research and have have read multiple threads, but I am still 2nd guessing myself and would like some further explanation.
As far as hardware, I have:
Intel i7 4770k CPU
Asus Z87 Sabertooth mobo
EVGA GeForce GTX 780
Corsair 860i PSU
Corsair Vengeance 16gb (8x2)
Samsung 840 EVO SSD 250gb
WD Caviar Black 1TB HDD
LG DVD Burner
Xonar DSX 7.1 PCIE Audio card
NZXT Phantom 530 case
Black Widow Gaming keyboard
Samsung 23" widescreen monitor
I think that's everything pertinent. Please let me know if any other info is needed.
When I initially turn the computer on, do I immediately start hitting F2, (or delete?) to enter BIOS? I purchased Windows 8.1, should I put the disk in during the initial startup, or should I start the comp up without the disk in, and change the BIOS to read the disk and reboot?
What other changes do I need to worry about during the initial POST or BIOS? I know the Sabertooth has a UEFI BIOS with beginner and advanced modes, but I'm not sure exactly what tweaks or choices are necessary in order to get the computer up and running..?
Do I need to update BIOS before I do anything?
Do I need to use another computer and USB stick to download updates for the SSD, GPU, Audio Card, monitor etc.. or can I do the updates after the computer is up and running?
Should I install the HD AUDIO cable into my sound card instead of the mobo?
I want to use my SSD to run the OS, and maybe any particular games I'm playing at the time, and keep the HDD for all other games or files I don't need the quick access to. I read somewhere that I should unplug the HDD until after I finish start up, to make sure Windows installs on the SSD, then plug in the HDD later to split the two. Does that sound correct? When should I plug the HDD back in?
When I first turn on the computer, what noises, beeps and lights should I keep an eye out for? I'm assuming all the fans should be running, not sure what else to watch for.
Also, in all the youtube videos I've watched, I see the installer install a USB 2.0 plug into the front panel I/O spot next to the HD AUDIO connection, but my NZXT Phantom case didn't seem to have that cable in the front panel cable bundle..? I looked through the Phantom pamphlet and didn't see anything about that connection either..? Will the computer work properly without that connection? I'm hoping I didn't install it in the wrong place…
Lastly, I would LOVE to get a 2nd monitor, just seems way more badass
But I'm wondering whether or not I can get enough out of a 2nd monitor to justify purchasing it? I plan on using my rig to develop games as well, just small indie titles, and possibly play games off both monitors, if it makes sense to..? I want to add another 23" monitor. Can you guys give me enough reasons (or excuses), to "twist my arm" into grabbing another monitor?
That's all I can think of off the top of my head, (I'm sure more question will pop up). Any help in any of these steps would be HUGELY appreciated. Thank you gents and ladies.
Game on!
I am working on a first time build. I've received all my components, put my gaming rig together, and now I am ready to power it on!...
..Except I'm not quite sure of the correct process, and I worry about damaging the mobo or any of the components when I power it on, (not to mention the fear of nothing happening at all when I power it on)… :/
I've been doing research and have have read multiple threads, but I am still 2nd guessing myself and would like some further explanation.
As far as hardware, I have:
Intel i7 4770k CPU
Asus Z87 Sabertooth mobo
EVGA GeForce GTX 780
Corsair 860i PSU
Corsair Vengeance 16gb (8x2)
Samsung 840 EVO SSD 250gb
WD Caviar Black 1TB HDD
LG DVD Burner
Xonar DSX 7.1 PCIE Audio card
NZXT Phantom 530 case
Black Widow Gaming keyboard
Samsung 23" widescreen monitor
I think that's everything pertinent. Please let me know if any other info is needed.
When I initially turn the computer on, do I immediately start hitting F2, (or delete?) to enter BIOS? I purchased Windows 8.1, should I put the disk in during the initial startup, or should I start the comp up without the disk in, and change the BIOS to read the disk and reboot?
What other changes do I need to worry about during the initial POST or BIOS? I know the Sabertooth has a UEFI BIOS with beginner and advanced modes, but I'm not sure exactly what tweaks or choices are necessary in order to get the computer up and running..?
Do I need to update BIOS before I do anything?
Do I need to use another computer and USB stick to download updates for the SSD, GPU, Audio Card, monitor etc.. or can I do the updates after the computer is up and running?
Should I install the HD AUDIO cable into my sound card instead of the mobo?
I want to use my SSD to run the OS, and maybe any particular games I'm playing at the time, and keep the HDD for all other games or files I don't need the quick access to. I read somewhere that I should unplug the HDD until after I finish start up, to make sure Windows installs on the SSD, then plug in the HDD later to split the two. Does that sound correct? When should I plug the HDD back in?
When I first turn on the computer, what noises, beeps and lights should I keep an eye out for? I'm assuming all the fans should be running, not sure what else to watch for.
Also, in all the youtube videos I've watched, I see the installer install a USB 2.0 plug into the front panel I/O spot next to the HD AUDIO connection, but my NZXT Phantom case didn't seem to have that cable in the front panel cable bundle..? I looked through the Phantom pamphlet and didn't see anything about that connection either..? Will the computer work properly without that connection? I'm hoping I didn't install it in the wrong place…
Lastly, I would LOVE to get a 2nd monitor, just seems way more badass
But I'm wondering whether or not I can get enough out of a 2nd monitor to justify purchasing it? I plan on using my rig to develop games as well, just small indie titles, and possibly play games off both monitors, if it makes sense to..? I want to add another 23" monitor. Can you guys give me enough reasons (or excuses), to "twist my arm" into grabbing another monitor?That's all I can think of off the top of my head, (I'm sure more question will pop up). Any help in any of these steps would be HUGELY appreciated. Thank you gents and ladies.
Game on!
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