In what order do I install my parts?

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iwanthl3

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Jul 28, 2017
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Soon, I am about to start building my first ever PC. Parts will be arriving soon, and I'd like some advice on the order in which to install my components. The case I bought is an NZXT S340, my motherboard is an ASRock Z270 Killer SLI/AC, my CPU is an Intel i7-7700k, and the cooler I got is a Cooler Master Hyper 212 LED. I looked at various guides for building PCs, including the Tom's Hardware one and the guide made by NZXT. Different guides say different things, and my main question is whether I should install the CPU, the cooler, and the memory on the motherboard before sticking it in the case. The cooler seems to be quite heavy, and I worry that it may damage the board. Do coolers have to be secured to the case, or are they simply supposed to hang from the motherboard and the plate on the back? If I were to install things on the board before putting in the case, would it be safe to carry the motherboard with the big cooler attached to it? Also, is it OK to run my computer without its case, or would this damage it because there are no fans? (To install windows.)

Please give me some advice on what to do, as this is my first build, and I know absolutely nothing. Any help is appreciated.

P.S. Does anyone know the difference between the Hyper 212 LED and the Hyper 212 EVO besides the fact that the former has lights and the latter does not?
 
Solution
Rustycarrot
Hello!
To start, congrats on getting your first build, let the fun begin!

Here are the steps that I would follow:
1. Take out your motherboard and place it on its box.
2. Install CPU and RAM. (note, you install RAM now because it may be difficult to install later with the CPU cooler on.
3. Install the CPU cooler. You can do this now, or when the motherboard is in the case. It really is a personal preference however I would encourage you to do it now. Also, the back plate that is used to secure the cooler is enough to support it. You don't need to secure the cooler in any other way.
4. Get out the power supply and and hook up the 24 pin motherboard connector and CPU power connector.
5. Turn on the motherboard using the power switch...
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Rustycarrot

Rustycarrot

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Jan 20, 2015
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Hello!
To start, congrats on getting your first build, let the fun begin!

Here are the steps that I would follow:
1. Take out your motherboard and place it on its box.
2. Install CPU and RAM. (note, you install RAM now because it may be difficult to install later with the CPU cooler on.
3. Install the CPU cooler. You can do this now, or when the motherboard is in the case. It really is a personal preference however I would encourage you to do it now. Also, the back plate that is used to secure the cooler is enough to support it. You don't need to secure the cooler in any other way.
4. Get out the power supply and and hook up the 24 pin motherboard connector and CPU power connector.
5. Turn on the motherboard using the power switch on the board. When you see something on the screen, you have gone far enough and can turn the PC back off. We are only ensuring that all components work properly.
6. Now you can put the motherboard, CPU, RAM combo in the case. You can pick up the combo partly with the cooler however I would support some of the weight using the edges of the motherboard.
7. Install and hook up the power supply.
8. Finally, screw things in and install other accessories such as hard drives, wifi cards, etc.

To answer your P.S. question: to my knowledge the Hyper 212 Evo and Hyper 212 LED are virtually identical. The only difference being the LED's on the fan.


I hope I have answered your questions! Please reply if you have other questions.
Good luck and have fun!
 
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iwanthl3

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Jul 28, 2017
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Thank you so much for your long and detailed response, I have have found it to be extremely helpful. I do have a few more questions. Should I also install the graphics card before putting the motherboard in the case, or should that be done after? Also, when working on the motherboard on top of its cardboard box, how often do you recommend grounding myself, and on what surface?

Thank you so much.
 
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Rustycarrot

Rustycarrot

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Jan 20, 2015
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Glad I could help!

Put the graphics card in when the motherboard is in the case. The GPU is easily removed and placed in its proper place.
I would ground yourself whenever you think about it (within reason). Every time you move your feet or rub against something you risk collecting static charge. You can ground yourself simply by touching the case chassis.



 
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