Does PC building always go smoothly?

Justin_223 · Jan 5, 2018

So im i just ordered all the parts to build my first gaming pc. I have a question for people who have built computers before. When you build a new PC, does it go smoothly without any problems?(Like you successfully post right after you finish building and run into no problems)Im a bit nervous about building my first PC. And how long does it usually take to build a PC?(Not including installing OS)

Thx

13thmonkey · Jan 5, 2018

Think before doing, if you have to force it then you're doing it wrong, don't panic, build outside the case first, and no it's not always smooth, i'd suggest that 90-95% are though.

jankerson · Jan 5, 2018

Normally things go well if you buy good parts that work together thinking things out correctly.

Then take your time when building, never force anything to fit.

I don't build outside the case, never have.

What I do is setup the case 1st getting that ready for the MB by installing the standoffs, back plate and fans etc.

Then I work on the MB installing the CPU, RAM and CPU cooler.

Then I put the MB in the case, screw it down, connect the front panel header.

Install the PSU and hook up the power.

Then before I put any drives in I hook up the Monitor to the MB graphics and hook up a KB and mouse. (If no MB Graphics install the GPU and connect power here)

Then I power it on and see if it boots into the bios.

If it does I shut it down and install the HD, boot back up and install Windows.

Once that is done I install other HD's and the Graphics card and or Optical drives etc.

Once that is done and everything is up and running good I shut it back down and work on finishing the cable management and close up the case etc.

mjslakeridge · Jan 5, 2018

The main thing is to read the motherboard manual carefully and don't rush yourself. The hardest part is usually connecting all of the wires coming from the front of the case (Power, reset, HDD activity LED, etc.) to the motherboard's front panel header. If you have good lighting and eyesight, it is much easier. As suggested do a test build outside of the case on a non-conductive surface (cardboard, wood), and don't stand on carpet when assembling due to possible static electricity. Get the motherboard standoffs installed into the proper holes in the case (motherboard manual should specify), when you are ready to install everything in the case.

Zerk2012 · Jan 5, 2018

I have received one DOA motherboard and one DOA drive out of a bunch of builds.
For how long just take your time. I don't bother building out of the case first anymore and for your average build in the 1 hour area including cable management. For your first time you going to take a lot longer but it's no big deal.

Paul NZ · Jan 5, 2018

I've built 3 so far with no probs. 2 socket 775's and 1 socket 1150

Main things are:

Make sure the CPU is compatible with the mobo.

ie: Dont buy a Z370 mobo and a Kaby Lake or Skylake CPU. The 2 arent compatible with each other

If you buy a Ryzen CPU and mobo, you need a videocard as well (for most of them)

Dont forget to install the standoffs (if they're not pre-installed in the case)

Make sure you connect the wiress that are in the case to the right headers on the mobo. Otherwise (obviously), it wont turn on

If the mobo has a firewire header on it, NEVER connect a USB 2 connector from the front of the case to it. You'll fry the header.

Some people have done this before

And yup read the manual that comes with the mobo. So you know what goes where

geofelt · Jan 5, 2018

My experience is that any project I take up will have unexpected problems.

For building a pc.
Make certain your parts are compatible.
Download and read, cover to cover the case and motherboard manuals.
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 the critical 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.

If you have a problem, google is your friend.

btmedic04 · Jan 5, 2018

just a few caveats to what has already posted. Always make sure you do your research first. There are quality components in all budget ranges. dont entertain the thought of the $30 750+ watt psu. theyre garbage and can destroy your components. Lastly, Never close up the access panel before you fire it up for the first time. Murphy's law will always strike and you'll end up having to take it off to have a look and correct the issue.

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