PC Build Steps

[anandsap123]

I know there are so many amazing YouTube videos out there on this topic but none focus on assembly with a really heavy and large air cooler (Noctua NH-D14). Will these steps work?
Take out mobo from box and anti-static bag
Put mobo on top of anti-static bag
Flip mobo over
Install underside mount for D14
Flip mobo over again
install CPU
install RAM
apply thermal paste
install d14
install video card
connecte everything
TEST BOOT

unplug mobo from PSU
install in case with CPU cooler still on
.............................The rest is history

 

[LaytonJnr]

Hello,

TIP 1 - Do NOT place the Mobo on the anti-static bag. Sometimes, ironically, the outside of the bag can become static, as only the inside is meant to be anti-static. You should place the motherboard onto the cardboard box it came in for a test boot instead - no static.

From what I can see, the rest of your process seems pretty sound for a test boot configuration. I would advise you to detach the GPU before placing the Mobo in the case, then attach the GPU to the case. Also, one potential tip is to install the PSU in the case first, as it can be a grounding point for static (i.e. you touch it, and the static goes into the metal), but also you don't want to accidentally drop a heavy metal box onto your motherboard. I usually use this tip with first-time builders. The TPU review article seems to explain the installation of the NH-D14 quite well.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Noctua/NH-D14/4.html - AFAIK, you may have to remove the Intel mounting hardware to install the D14, but not certain.

EDIT: Also don't forget to install the backplate or motherboard stand-offs (all of them!), as these can be fairly annoying steps to forget.

Layton

 

[Jetster]

Yeah check your standoffs. Make sure there are not extras and just enough. No need to attach your GPU outside of the case if you have IGPU. But I always install the heatsink, CPU and ram then test prior to install

Also no need to connect everything outside of the case. Do a POST with just the CPU, RAM, Heat sink. PSU and IGPU connected to a monitor. Nothing else

Another thing I do I have learned from past builds is sometimes you get one hardware that causes everything to hang.

So install MB PSU check POST
Install HD check POST
Install card reader Check POST
And so on

That way you don't get the whole thing built and No POST and have no idea

 

[anandsap123]

Can you guys detail the standoff process? Really good tips about the anti-static bag!! Thanks! so test boot once with integrated graphics and another time with the GPU?

 

[Jetster]

Forget the GPU. Install it later. And its not a test boot its a POST (Power On Self Test) After you get the MB installed and it POSTS again then install your GPU in the case. I always use the kitchen cutting board to test out side of the case. Its big and wood just set the MB and PSU on it and hook it up

As far as the stand offs its common sense. If there is a hole for a screw make sure there is a standoff. If there is no hole then no standoff. Many people install all the stand offs and put the board in and no POST. Because there is a stand off shorting the board where there is no hole.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

The thing about building/assembling a computer with other than stock parts, ie. a large heat sink, is sometimes you have to do it differently. With my last build, which you can see here- http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/f-k-cancer-usa-cruncher-assembly.202225/ , I ended up having to partially disassembling the case to get the heatsink in there. It was literally the only way the heatsink would fit.

Best advise I can give it just think everything though thoroughly. Don't be scared to back up a few steps if you run into a problem. There is no absolute set way you have to assemble a computer.

 

[anandsap123]

Sorry for being a simpleton but I would like to have a list of steps written out specific to having a heavy air cooler. So with yall's feedback let me write a new list. Please give me your feedback. Muchas gracias.

1. Take mobo out of box and anti-static bag
2. Put mobo on cardboard mobo box, not anti-static bag
3. Flip mobo over and install underside mounting bracket for Noctua D14
4. Flip mobo back over right right side up
5. Install CPU
   1. Take CPU out from box
   2. Do not touch bottom
   3. Line the knotches and arrow up
6. Install RAM
7. Apply thermal paste to cpu
8. Install Noctua d14
9. Connect d14 to motherboard
10. connect PSU to mobo
11. POST with integrated graphics
12. install video card
13. connect video card to PSU
14. POST
15. take video card off
16. take noctua off (its as simple as two spring loaded screws)
17. install IO shield in case
18. install PSU in case
19. count number of standoff holes on mobo
20. count number of standoffs on case
21. line up standoff holes with standoffs and make sure every hole has a corresponding standoff (right?)
22. screw in motherboard with included mobo screws (comes with mobo right?)
23. reinstall d14
24. connect d14 to mobo
25. connect mobo to PSU
26. POST

For the rest I can just follow the newegg video. Once everything is known to be working and motherboard and cooler are in place in case the rest is pretty standard.

 

[Jetster]

#12 Install video card need to be after #22 No need to test the video card outside of the case. The case will help brace the card.

#8 Install Noctua D14 and leave it on the board. No need for #23 Reinstall (its already installed)

Also #1 Protect against static electricity. We don't know where you live. But in DRY areas there is a high risk of static. Ground yourself before you touch anything. I like me you live in a wet area there is no need to worry

 

[anandsap123]

#8 The only reason I will take it off is because of how simple it is to put back on. Also I don't want the large D14 to obstruct my view of the standoffs and standoff holes. So I think I will take it off before mounting the mobo in the case.

When do you recommend I put the video card in and POST?

 

[Jetster]

#8 The only reason I will take it off is because of how simple it is to put back on. Also I don't want the large D14 to obstruct my view of the standoffs and standoff holes. So I think I will take it off before mounting the mobo in the case.

When do you recommend I put the video card in and POST?

Anytime after its in the case. And that's fine with the D14 I forgot how big it is

 

[anandsap123]

lel

 

[anandsap123]

all parts should be here by friday...any last advice? I will follow the step lists we created guys...

 

[Hellfire]

You sound set to go bro, good luck on the build.

 

[Shambles1980]

i usually do the stand offs 1st. put the board in and check where the holes are then do the stand offs (add/remove/move depending on the need)
i usually install larger heatsinks after i connect up the psu (if the design or case allows that. a case with a cutout behind the cpu makes it possible)
some of the connectors (8 pin cpu) can be a nightmare to plug in with a big old fan.
also some boards have case fan headers in stupid possitions so the gpu has to go in after the case fans get connected.
this could also be true for the cpu fan with the heat sink.

just have a look at it all and think will i be able to do this IF thats on..
then its pretty simple really..

i find having the case on a nice big table. or even the floor if you dont have one is a good idea. I have had to assemble/repair some peoples pc's in horribly confined possitions and it can make a easy job a lot harder.

 

[anandsap123]

Quick question for you guys. Since I am a first time builder, would you guys recommend that I mount the motherboard in the case right off the bat as to not bend the board while installing the large Noctua D14? Since both side panels come off on my case I can very easily install the underside mount for the Noctua. Then I can just post with integrated graphics. What do you guys say? If it is the safer option, I don't mind.

 

[Jetster]

Which ever way you feel you can do a better job

 

[Hellfire]

If you'd feel safer doing that. Go for it

 

[anandsap123]

I am pleased to say that the system is 100% working!!! THANK YOU TPU!!!!

 

[anandsap123]

So I was building my first computer an hour ago and I forgot to put thermal paste on. Please note that cooler I was running on the pre-build was the Noctua NH-D14. I posted a total of 3 times. So basically the computer has probably been on for a total of 5 minutes. How likely is it that I damaged the CPU for running the computer for 5 min?

 

[Hellfire]

Well done

 

[dom99]

Not very likely with that CPU cooler, but depends whether you were stressing the CPU or not, and if the PC crashed at all?

 

[erixx]

OMG, Anandsap123 is down, he is DOWN!!!!

Kidding aside, I don't think it will be damaged (thermal past is to optimize contact, but there is always some contact anyway) unless you did extreme overclocking, Anand.

 

[anandsap123]

The PC did not crash once. Is leaving the computer on the first screen you get when you POST (screen says "No OS installed") for 5 minutes stress? It was not a continuous stress. I was told by another that since the Noctua NH-D14 is the absolute best air cooler that I should be fine. What do you think??

 

[Ruyki]

CPUs nowadays will throttle and then shut down if they get too hot. So there should be no damage really. Especially if you were just letting it idle like you said.

 

[anandsap123]

lol not so much look at my thermal paste post