Should you do a pre-build outside the case?

Socrates470BC · 11 Jul 2011 at 11:43

It is often advised that before you start building your new system inside your shiny new computer case, that you put together the most important parts in a test build outside the case to see if it POSTs.

So that means

PSU
MOBO
CPU
CPU Cooler
Memory
Graphics card
Monitor

There are a few of advantages to doing this:

1) No need to disassemble the case if there is a problem.
2) If you have an aftermarket cooler, then you can easily fit the backplate before installing it in the case.
3) The mobo is all set up before when you install into the case, may be a little less fiddly.

My Question is about the CPU cooler. I was planning fitting something like a Corsair H80 to a i7-2600K on an Asrock Z68 extreme board. Should I fit the cooler on the test build. Case probably CoolerMaster HAF X or Corsair Obsidian 800D.

To me, at the moment, fitting the cooler appears to be a one time job, especially as you have to add the thermal paste. So, fitting it when the mobo is outside the case makes sense. However, with something like the Corsair Hxx, then you also have to fit the radiator and the fans to the case which may make things a little more awkward. I think the Hxx comes with thermal paste already applied.

For those of you with a Corsair Hxx cooler, did you attach it to the cpu/mobo whilst inside the case, or did you do it on a test build outside the case?

Deluxe1 · 11 Jul 2011 at 11:51

Ive never done a build outside of the case in all the builds ive done i just couldnt be arsed having to take it apart to put it all together again.

My H70 i attached it once motherboard and cpu were in the case.

hybrid572 · 11 Jul 2011 at 12:03

Build computers inside the case. The extra effort it takes to mount the motherboard onto the case is minimal, and it's not really any more difficult to build inside the case than it is out of it.

I also advise posting a thread about your forthcoming build, it seems like you may be overspending in some areas where you could buy a better monitor / graphics instead.

OLDPHART · 11 Jul 2011 at 14:33

Deluxe1 said:
Ive never done a build outside of the case in all the builds ive done i just couldnt be arsed having to take it apart to put it all together again.

+1

honosuseri · 11 Jul 2011 at 14:59

I only do this when troubleshooting to remove shorts as a possible cause of the problem.

It is wise to attach the CPU, RAM and heatsink before you seat the mobo in the case. There is a certain amount of flex when the mobo is screwed to the standoffs and you just simply have more elbow room building outside the case.

Good luck with the build. Any probs or Qs come back to us

LEK-89 · 11 Jul 2011 at 15:11

I always build mine inside of the case but with my new rig that I put together last week, before fitted the board into the case I installed the CPU onto the motherboard, applied the thermal paste and then fitted the CPU cooler (Be Quiet Dark Rock Pro Advaned) straight after because I had to screw the cooler from behind the motherboard.

Unfortunately as well and the reason for this, my case's square hole to install the rear bracket for the CPU cooler was positioned a bit too high and the back of the case still covered the lower 2 bolts (which was one of the key disappointments noted about the CoolerMaster CM690-II case if I am right).

Once I had the cooler installed onto the board, I placed the board in the case straight away and fitted everything else from there.

Liam

paradisiac · 11 Jul 2011 at 15:18

never fitted a water system to my machine, but generally do most of the build out of the case (cpu, cooler, ram) and then fit it. if it doesnt work, swap out parts, if that doesnt sort it, then i consider skeleton build. always think it would be a better option to do a skeleton build to make sure, but the time it takes to fit a mobo and remove it (i always test before cable tidying) is minimal, so find it easier to just do the job once and hope it works.

Socrates470BC · 11 Jul 2011 at 16:21

Thanks for all of the replies.

One of the reasons I asked is that if I fitted the cooler incorrectly on the mobo before I installed it in the case I would have to go through the following process:

1. remove cooler.
2. remove thermal paste.
3. re-apply thermal paste.
4. install cooler.

Is it fairly straight forward to remove the thermal paste and then re-apply it?

Also is the Corsair Hxx series of coolers suitable for 24 x 7 use, and how many years would I expect it to last.

I work from home so PC is switched on when I get up and generaly would switch off at night. Run Acronis last thing and get it to shutdown after backup automatically. I like thing to start clean every day.

Usage during day is development (VS2010, Photoshop, SQL Server). Evening some internet, gaming, video editing, youtube, and overclockers.co.uk forum, recently added.