Just ordered all the bits for my first build - have I missed anything?

[pengjn]

Well - after months of agonising, this evening I finally pulled the trigger on my first self build PC and ordered what I hope is all the bits I need for the build from OcUK.

A couple of questions: -

i) Sorry for being an utter noob but how do i insert a pic into the post so I can show you guys what I bought and you can let me know if there are additional bits I need to add to my order?

ii) Is there a 'first time build guide' around anywhere?

Cheers,
Jimbo

 

[pengjn]

Question A Answer:
There is an insert image icon where you write your message looks like a mountain .

Question B answer is: if your unsure about building take a look at vids on youtube.. they wont have the same hardware but the principle is the same. hope that helps on your quest

Thanks a lot for the quick reply. When I click on insert image it asks me for the URL. If I put in c:/blah/blah/blah/blah.jpg it doesn't work. Clearly I'm being a moron but how's it done?

B: Perfect - thanks.

 

[pengjn]

Question A Answer:
There is an insert image icon where you write your message looks like a mountain .

Question B answer is: if your unsure about building take a look at vids on youtube.. they wont have the same hardware but the principle is the same. hope that helps on your quest

i think that failed epically LOL

It did! LOL Glad it's not just me who can't do it. CHecking out this on utube at the mo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR-IRGJQVSU&annotation_id=annotation_96179&feature=iv

 

[pengjn]

thats probs why i failed lol

OK cool - hopefully this works...

Woo hooo! Finally got the basket up there! OK - so can you let me know if i've missed anything critical and also what tools I'm going to need? I only have a few screwdrivers and some pliers at the moment. Do i need a fan controller or anything? Will the gfx card come with a DVI cable? I didn't order a sound card cos I thought the onboard might be OK but I don't know if a card is required to drive the headset?

 

[pengjn]

Hey. It pains me to say it, because I really do like ocz, but don't touch the elitexstream with a stick. 5 year warranty, end of life product within 8 months. Mine died on me, their forums have a ridiculous number all failing with the same symptoms. They replaced it with a better pc power and cooling one, so I'm well happy, but it's still stress.

A 500 and a 1tb hard drive? To what end?
Looking good beyond that. Bear in mind you can currently get a 4870x2 for less than the 285gtx

OK cool - any recommendation on a repalcement for the elitexstream?

I thought about going for 2 * 1tb, one for the OS/apps and one for data but i figured that was super overkill. Again - any recommendation appreciated.

 

[pengjn]

pretty epic specs there mate. you considered thermalright TRUE cpu cooler, without doubt the best on the market and you can get 1366 mounts for it and is cheaper than the noctua although that is a v good cooler.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-060-TR&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=



corsair psu?? 850w but is still overkill... even for I7 and your graph card and a couple quid cheaper but better quality.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-013-CS&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

your graphics card will come with all retail packaging (install disk, nice box) but no DVI cable that will come with a monitor.

That cooler looks sweet - does it have a fan inside? The one I have ordered does have a fan.

A couple of people recommended to go heavy on the power in case I want to go to twin gfx cards in the future. Will an 850w handle my rig with 2 * 285s?

Nice catch - i'll get a cable because i'm going to be using it with a 1080p 37" LCD, which didn't come with a DVI either.

 

[pengjn]

i dont see why an 850w wont handle it. the total draw on my system at load = 400w so probs wont be a problem. probs best to go to the graphics board for that tho

if your going to hook you computer up to a TV your best getting a HDMI cable.. the graphics card will come with a DVI to HDMI adapter. DVI end goes on graphics card and HDMI to TV etc.

ok - wouldn't mind shaving a few quid off with an 850w TBH

Yeah - i just noticed that my TV doesn't have DVI input - so as you say I'll go for an HDMI - thanks a lot.

 

[pengjn]

That motherboard and processor wont work together!





Only pulling your leg, a very nice set up wouldn't have got that case but that Personal preference i hope you enjoy the build.

Did my first build in Jan 09 and basically i just watched vids on youtube and it was very easy as it can only go in one place. Just take your time especially on CPU and heatsink plus wiring up (as your pc wont work and you will be there agers trying to find out what it is and you have forgotten to plug a wire in).

If you wanted go build machine outside case make sure it works but i didnt bother with that. POST SOME PICTURES!!!!!!

LOL - heart stopped for just a couple of seconds there before I read down

Yeah - chose the case mainly cos it was big and hopefully that will make it less fiddly. Also - it looks like it has carry handles, so if i need to move the beast in the future it should help me.

THanks for the build advice. the PCW vids are pretty cool.

Will take lots of pics. Really hoping it works when i'm done building because i'm not famous for my DIY skills

 

[pengjn]

That's a good machine - will definitely play anything you throw at it.

Hopefully it will - i decided to go for a bit of overkill given that i probably wont upgrade for quite a while.

BTW the guys are OC are amazing - i just called them to swap power supplies on my order (going for http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-165-CM&tool=3 instead) and they split my order into two shipments in order that i can now have it tomorrow rather than waiting at home all monday! Great customer service. And it's raining all weekend, so i can justify spending the whole time building it now

 

[pengjn]

MAKE SURE YOU USE STANDOFFS WHEN YOU MOUNT THE MOTHERBOARD!!!!

Nice tip! It's all arriving tomorrow so i imagine by about 9pm i'll be surrounded by empty beer cans and have a smouldering pile of silicon to play with

 

[pengjn]

Looks a good build mate. A couple of things I would have changed though;

1. BeQuiet PSU
2. 4870X2

Other than that it looks good. Have a read through this thread, benenhausen goes through the steps of building his pc, some good info in that thread.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18001852

And finally,

DON'T FORGET THE STAND-OFFS!

I changed to a Coolmaster 700w modular today with the flat cables - i really want to try to make it neat in there.

WRT the gfx card - i heard dual GPU boards can create 'microstutter' - no idea if this is true because there seems to be a lot of arguing about it on forums but i went for the 285 cos i think it's the fastest single gpu card available. no clue but it'll kick the granny out of my laptop anyway! :-]

So - if i heard right - i need to toss the stand-offs in the bin immediately?

 

[pengjn]

Build guide here.

Good luck building it & post up pics/results

Awesome - really useful - thanks

 

[pengjn]

Build guide here.

Good luck building it & post up pics/results

Perfect - thank you

 

[pengjn]

If you’re spending £250+ on a GPU you should definitely consider this:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-118-XF

Unless You Prefer nVidia

Not bothered either way by nVidia Vs ATI but am concerned about dual GPU cards, which is why i plumped for the 285. Dunno if this is a dodge argument or not but will be interested to see how it runs black shark, crysis, fsx, etc

 

[pengjn]

Lol, sorry if we're labouring the point but quite a few first-timers have missed 'em out lately. It's an easy mistake to make but it can really cost you.

:-] I'll be on it first thing when the delivery gets here tomorrow. Hope it's 9am but i seriously doubt it given that i'm down in hampshire