Hints/Tips on build process.....

Rafkoo

Rafkoo

Rafkoo

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Joined
17 May 2011
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91
Gents

I’m going to be doing my first build in 8 years this afternoon….. wish me luck!
This is the kit I will be assembling:

Intel Core i5-2500K 3.30GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor
Gigabyte Z68MA-D2H Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard
Coolermaster Elite 330 Case With Coolermaster eXtreme Power 500W PSU
Samsung HD103SJ Spinpoint F3 1TB Hard Drive SATAII 7200rpm 32MB Cache
HITACHI COOLSPIN HDS5C3020ALA632 2TB Internal 3.5 SATA Hard Drive -
Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit
Sony Optiarc AD-5260S 24x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter (Black)
Microsoft Windows 7

Also:

1) I have an optical drive and 2x HDD. Should the HDDs be plugged into in SATA 0 (OS drive) and SATA 1 sockets on the mobo and the optical drive in SATA 2?

2) When Installing windows - how many partitions should I create – a separate OS partition + swap partition as well? Any other recommendations for the partitions – or how you guys do you partitions (data, madia, docs etc…)

3) First time I’ll be playing with Windows 7 as well – any tips on settings/preferences after first install?

Any other things I should consider or look out for that would be useful?

Cheers
Raf :)
 
1 - Yes
2 - Would bother partitioning. It offers no benefits apart from being able to format 1 partition without touching the others. In which case I would probably partition 250Gb for windows (Means you never have to worry about it again) and leave the rest as another. I use network storage, so no need to for me!
3 - Just install it! You can use CTRL and mousewheel scroll to alter the size of the icons. And keep UAC on! Its more secure.
 
Its that stupid sodding box that opens asking for confirmation of your activity EVERYTIME you want to open something.

Of COURSE I want to open the damned thing, thats WHY I CLICKED ON IT!

It's the biggest pain in the arse and lasted about 3 mins before I turned it off....
 
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Lol. Same couldn't stand that damn pop up box. Turned it off too.

Presumably you'll be installing Win7 to the F3, as above would be tempted to create a 200GB partition for the OS.

My current setup;

500GB F3 into two partitions, 250GB for OS and 250GB for applications & documents.

500GB drive for games.

2TB backup for all media on my htpc.

Won't matter which SATA ports drives are connected to as you can set boot priority in the BIOS.

If your overclocking best to get an aftermarket cooler now rather than later.

Build system outside of case first to make sure its all running OK, again may save you a lot off hassle if your trying to trouble shoot.

Get Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes for security.

Install latest drivers from internet rather than CD.
 
Everytime?

Only when a program wants to make changes to protected system files. So yes, on installs it asks to make sure.
The only program I have that asks me is my order management software. It is not written correctly, as it requires elevated administrator permissions to run.
 
Everytime a DVD or CD went in it bugged me.
Everytime I clicked on an app it bugged me.
Everytime I wanted to do, well, anything it bugged me.

It's infernal and pointless, does nothing aside from irritate.
 
Cookeh said:
Its that stupid sodding box that opens asking for confirmation of your activity EVERYTIME you want to open something.

Of COURSE I want to open the damned thing, thats WHY I CLICKED ON IT!

It's the biggest pain in the arse and lasted about 3 mins before I turned it off....
Click to expand...

+1,000,000! its my computer - ill manage it how i like!
 
PLUS, just to add to this group rant, IT DOES NOTHING TO HELP AS CLICKING TO CONFIRM BECOMES AN AUTOMATIC RESPONSE EVERY TIME THE BOX OPENS MEANING IT JUST MAKES EVERYTHING TAKE LONGER WHILE ALTOGETHER ACHIEVING NOTHING.

I think I added something valid to the thread.
 
Cheers for the input gents - much appreciated.

Doing the PSU cables now - have a 20+4 main cable which is the norm I take it.

I have a 24 pin socket on the mobo - and the 20pin has slotted in there ok. :)

Now - does the 4pin plug (that is cable-tied to the 20pin plug) then go into the ATX_12V socket..... or into the spare 4pins next to the main 20?

I seem to have another 2 plugs that are the same as the 4pin config. so I have 3 4pin plugs in total - (one tied with the 20pin plug) and 2 others tied together. The 4pin tied to the 20pin plug has 24 (or 2.4) stamped on it. The other 2 - one is blank and one has "P2" stamped on it.....

It's a coolermaster extreme 500W PSU

Cheers!
Raf
 
The 4-pin connector attached to the 20-pin psu cable goes next to the 20-pin socket...ie making it s 24-pin.

The two 4-pin eps connectors tied together should clip together and plug into the 8-pin socket which lies next to the CPU socket.
 
OK, thanks, the first bit is clear - 20+4 = 24.

However, I only have a further 4pin socket on the motherboard labled 12v_ATX (as you say - for the CPU. No 8pin sockets and no reference to them in the mobo manual..... (?)
 
Hmmm... am I right in thinking that I shouldn't connect the 4 next to the 20 - as in the manual it says that these 4 extra sockets (part of the 24 socket) are there only if you have 2x12 pin ATX.

That 4pin one (part of the 20) doens't want to go in there anyway - it has a couple of "burrs" at the top which prevent it sliding in next to the 20 pin plug....
 
The 24 pin is only removable for older motherboards.

Clip the 24 pin together before plugging it in. They are not meant to be plugged in seperately. The 'burrs' will be parts of the clip that hold them together.
The 2 4 pin connectors support 2 types of motherboard. 4 pin and 8 pin. You only have the 4 pin, so only plug in 1 4 pin (They clip together the same, so it can be used in either type). Only one of them will fit.
 
The 4-pin should clip to the side of the 20-pin connector and then dhould slot into the 24-pin socket as a single price.

One of the other two 4-pin eps connectors goes into the 4-pin socket next to the CPU. Some motherboards have 4-pin sockets others have 8-pin sockets. The other 4pin can remain lose and not connected to anything. All of these sockets can only accept connectors in a single direction too.
 
Nice one - thank you (everyone!)! 24pin in now (together fits perfectly).

I'll plug one of the 4 pin in to the 12v_ATX and I think we're nearly there!

Quick other questions - the F/Audio pins from the front of the case - I have 2 one labled HD Audio and the other AC '97. Mobo says it can take either.....? Any preference - I'm guessing HD Audio so that the front panel can have that also....?
 
Yeah go for the HD Audio. If you have trouble installing the F/Audio just remember that there is no pin where pin 7(?) should be on the motherboard so just line that up where there is no hole on the f/panel connector.
 
Yeh, thanks guys - thought as much, just the manual is confusing (or confusing me).

Right - all connected up.... gonna have a break before I fire her up.....

Any last minute tips before I push on....!?
 
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