[first time builder]Question about my build process for my PC

JJS88 · Apr 7, 2017

This is my build list

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/XHpxCy
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/XHpxCy/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-7700K 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.39 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z270 GAMING PRO CARBON ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (Purchased For $133.98)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($93.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB AORUS Xtreme Edition 11G Video Card (Purchased For $760.00)
Case: Fractal Design Define S w/Window ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Thermaltake 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (Purchased For $50.00)
Monitor: Dell S2716DG 27.0" 2560x1440 144Hz Monitor (Purchased For $460.00)
Speakers: Logitech Z200 0W 2ch Speakers (Purchased For $21.00)
Total: $2153.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-04-07 22:33 EDT-0400

my steps to building my pc:

Install Power supply in case
Install IO shields for motherboard and graphics card
Put motherboard on top of motherboard box and install CPU.
Install ram
Install MB into case.
-lay it on the side
-install mounting bracket to back of case/motherboard.
-put thermal paste then install noctus
Install GPU
Connect all the power lines(any guide to this with pictures ?)
Install ssd/hd
boot

-Which orientation should I install my air cooler? With my fractal case I got intake in the front and exhaust at the back. Not sure how I’m supposed to position it.
-can I lay the pc on the side? Noctua air coolers are heavy and I'm afraid it might bend/break the MB.
-How about the power supply orientation?

mrmike_49 · Apr 7, 2017

Air cooler: install so it matches case air flow direction. May need access to bottom of mb to mount special mounting bracket (not sure with that cooler)

pc on side no issue, as long as you're not building on shag carpet

Don't forget ESD wrist strap! Also, once PSU is installed, hook up power cord, but leave the power switch turned OFF! This provides an actual Ground for the wrist strap

I install mb BEFORE installing cpu,cause I use a credit card to spread a THIN layer of thermal paste on both the cpu AND the cooler. And when I say thin, I can almost read the writing on cpu. btw, I use cc to spread paste in all 4 directions, and last spread on cooler is at 90 degrees to last spread on cpu

I'd install the SSD/HD before PSU cables, easier that way

JJS88 · Apr 7, 2017

mrmike_49 :

when I mean, putting it on the side, not just for building but actually running it sideways permanently. And ok, thank you for the other tips.

geofelt · Apr 7, 2017

Some thoughts:
Buy the NH-D15s instead(or the NH-U14s)
The s variants are redesigned to clear ram(not a problem for you with LPX) but also are offset a bit so that it will clear graphics cards with back plates mounted in the first pcie x16 slot.

PSU does not care about orientation, I would mount it to take in fresh air from the bottom.

You want to mount the air cooler to direct the air out the back of the case.
On the side is ok, the noctua mounting method is simple and secure.

MY build process:

Before anything, while waiting for your parts to be delivered, download
and read, cover to cover your case and motherboard manual.
Buy a #2 magnetic tip phillips screwdriver.

1. I assemble all the parts outside of the case.
That lets me test them for functuonality easily.
A wood table or cardboard is fine.
2. Plug in only the necessary parts at first. Ram, cpu, cooler, psu.
Do not force anything. Parts fit only one way.
Attach a monitor to the integrated motherboard adapter.
3. If your motherboard does not have a PWR button, momentarily touch the two pwr front panel pins
4. Repeatedly hit F2 or DEL, and that should get you into the bios display.
5. Boot from a cd or usb stick with memtest86+ on it. memtest will exercise your ram and cpu functionality.
6. Install windows.
7. Install the motherboard cd drivers. Particularly the lan drivers so you can access the internet.
Do not select the easy install option, or you will get a bunch of utilities and trialware that you don't want. Drivers only.
7. Connect to the internet and install an antivirus program. Microsoft security essentials is free, easy, and unobtrusive.
8. Install your graphics card and driver.
You will need to remove the graphics card later to install your motherboard in the case.
Make a note of how the graphics card latches into the pcie slot.

9. Update windows to currency.
10. Only now do I take apart what I need to and install it in the case.
11. Now is the time to reinstall your graphics card.

JJS88 · Apr 8, 2017

geofelt :

Some thoughts:
Buy the NH-D15s instead(or the NH-U14s)
The s variants are redesigned to clear ram(not a problem for you with LPX) but also are offset a bit so that it will clear graphics cards with back plates mounted in the first pcie x16 slot.

PSU does not care about orientation, I would mount it to take in fresh air from the bottom.

You want to mount the air cooler to direct the air out the back of the case.
On the side is ok, the noctua mounting method is simple and secure.

MY build process:

Before anything, while waiting for your parts to be delivered, download
and read, cover to cover your case and motherboard manual.
Buy a #2 magnetic tip phillips screwdriver.

1. I assemble all the parts outside of the case.
That lets me test them for functuonality easily.
A wood table or cardboard is fine.
2. Plug in only the necessary parts at first. Ram, cpu, cooler, psu.
Do not force anything. Parts fit only one way.
Attach a monitor to the integrated motherboard adapter.
3. If your motherboard does not have a PWR button, momentarily touch the two pwr front panel pins
4. Repeatedly hit F2 or DEL, and that should get you into the bios display.
5. Boot from a cd or usb stick with memtest86+ on it. memtest will exercise your ram and cpu functionality.
6. Install windows.
7. Install the motherboard cd drivers. Particularly the lan drivers so you can access the internet.
Do not select the easy install option, or you will get a bunch of utilities and trialware that you don't want. Drivers only.
7. Connect to the internet and install an antivirus program. Microsoft security essentials is free, easy, and unobtrusive.
8. Install your graphics card and driver.
You will need to remove the graphics card later to install your motherboard in the case.
Make a note of how the graphics card latches into the pcie slot.

9. Update windows to currency.
10. Only now do I take apart what I need to and install it in the case.
11. Now is the time to reinstall your graphics card.

I belive I already have that one in my list. I think on PC part picker it just doesn't display the full name? https://jet.com/product/Noctua-NH-D15-SSO2-D-Type-Premium-CPU-Cooler-NF-A15-x-2-PWM-Fans/dd5eda4c776949cc899ec6f6080b67a3 that's the one we are both talking about I belive. And wow, you do every update before you put it in to your computer huh. OK thanks.also, I asked the guy above too, but can I lay this case sideways so that there is less pressure on the motherboard from the noctua?

geofelt · Apr 8, 2017

Here is the NH-D15s cooler that I referenced:
http://noctua.at/en/products/cpu-cooler-retail/nh-d15s

Actually, the other s coolers, NH-U14s, and NH-U12s will do the job also.

JJS88 · Apr 8, 2017

geofelt :

thank you so much. I was wondering if you could answer my last question. Is it ill advised to run the pc when it's on it's side? I heard the cooler and the graphics cards are huge so it might strain the motherboard. I was thinking of laying it so the mother board is horizontal not vertical. I'm wondering what the effects of this would be since a computer has a lot of moving parts. I don't' think it would affect the air flow, only thing I can think of is cables problems.

geofelt · Apr 8, 2017

With a heatpipe cooler there are some orientations that are not good.
I think it is when the pipes are oriented down.
The noctua mounting instructions will say.

Generally, though, the motherboards are strong enough and the noctua mounting system is secure enough that you can put the motherboard in any orientation you want.
Horizontal is actually probably the best.

If you are not constantly moving the pc around it really does not matter at all.

mrmike_49 · Apr 8, 2017

horizontal case, my main worry would be if case has air holes on side; also heat rises, so a top air exit (when vertical) would work better than when horizontal

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