First new build

[Oldnoob]

Just wanted to thank one and all for the advice that you didn't know you gave me. I just completed (a few days ago) my first new build. I started with a HAF 922, ASUS P7 motherboard with USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb, Intel I5 760 (with stock cooler), XMS 4Gb RAM, Spinpoint 1Tb HDD, GTX 480 GPU and windows 7 Ultimate (because someone I know had 2 so sold me one cheap). It took probably about 6hrs to build and load all the drivers etc. Probably could have done it a lot quicker if I wasn't so blessed scared I was either going to fry the pc or myself. I may get brave at some point and try to oc the system but still a bit shaky from the build so it will have to wait till I get either the nerve or the sedation level right.

 

Again, thanks to you all.

 

 

:)

[maynardvdm]

Building a PC is always exciting espesially if you have nice components like you have

 

I hope it brings you many hours of happy computing :)

[Dalo Harkin]

Can you let us know what 'parts' of advice etc you used to gather your build or anything else we did to help as we may be able to merge some of it into a 'basic guide' :)

[Oldnoob]

Hi Dalo.

I must say easier said than done.

I spent many weeks reading the forums and picked up information and made many decisions based upon what the responses were to problems/advice people had. From all of this I found some consistent truths. The fact that I didn't have a clue what you were talking about sometimes sent me on other searches, trawling the internet for even more basic information e.g. two months ago I had no idea what a GPU or PSU was. I also watched several PC builds on youtube

This is what I have gathered but what to do with it or how to expand it is something else altogether.

 

1. Decide what sort of pc you are wanting based on what it will be doing

2. The pc case must be fit for purpose, a full size motherboard will not fit into a mini tower and if you are going to use it for gaming then it must be designed for maximum airflow and allow for the larger GPU's and heatsinks.

3. The motherboard must be capable of doing the job and preferably be able to cope with inevitable upgrades.

4. The CPU must be compatable with the motherboard.

5. The amount of RAM that you are advised to use by the programmes you intend to run, a) Can the motherboard support the amount of RAM you need, b) The operating system you use may dictate how much RAM it will recognise e.g. WIN 7 32bit will only recognise up to 4Gb of RAM so having more than that is a waste of money. WIN 7 64bit will recognise as much RAM as your motherboard will hold.

6. RAM comes in an incredible variety and is not interchangeable. You must be certain that you either buy the RAM you need all at once, for consistency or keep the packaging your RAM came in to be certain of getting RAM of the same specification.

7. Without enough power to run the PC it is all just an expensive paperweight. Get advice on the PSU you will require to run your system and then add 20%-25%. This allows for fluctuations in power and for future upgrades/overclocking.

8. Don't rush into it, ask advice and read the blessed instructions that comes with the stuff you buy (in my case it required several reads)

9. Update your drivers and your operating system.

10. I am 50 years of age with little computer experience and I just built a gaming pc for my son. Yes it scared the dickens out of me but I did it and it saved me cash by doing it and gave me a great sense of satisfaction but I don't have the backup of a warranty from a store bought pc. I do however have the support of some very clever people on this forum.

 

I now wish that I had recorded the build so that it could have been posted as an example. Some voice overs from you guys giving tips and explaining things would have been perfect.

[RandyL]

Nice post Oldnoob. I upgraded your status here.

[Dalo Harkin]

It is good that you jumped in head first (best way in my opinion) people try and over simplyfy things otherwise :)

I have a PC Build link in my sig of some piccies I did and some explanations attached to them that will help a complete notice in future :)

[Oldnoob]

Thanks for the feedback guy's.

Love the pic's Dalo. The more the merrier. I had no idea what things were before the build so anything that helps to identify the parts is great. I hope people also take note of the great cable tidy you did. Keep it clear = Keep it cool cause heat kills your CPU. :D

[Dalo Harkin]

Well we all start from somewhere and I am glad that more and more people are 'diving in' a few years ago people never even thought of opening their case, let alone swapping parts and building their own PCs :)

 

Keep up the good work.