My first scratch build

[Vindekarr]

So, as the title suggests, I'm soon going to be migrating my PC over to a smaller version of it's current case in order to get better cooling for it's crossfire set up. Currently my greatest PC building "achievement" has been installing a graphics card(hey, you're a lot more experienced than me, it was an achievement for a noob!) and I've been researching how to install my own bits. I've got steady hands(I spend my working day assembling race car engines) I'm good at following written instructions, and I've got a toolbox full of shiney Sidchrome wrenches.

 

So, first and foremost obvious thing, what sorts of tools will I need to do this, obviously a good pair of screwdrivers, anti-static wrist-wrap and camera, but anything else?

 

Would it simply be a matter of doing up screws, plugging things in, and following steps, or would I have to cut and splice cables?

 

Roughly how long a process would this be?

 

Thanks in advance.

[McclaudEagle]

I've stripped down my (currently dead) gaming PC and reassembled it with relative ease, most of it's just clipping things into sockets. You will have to screw somethings in, like the motherboard, HDD, etc., but most of it is really as easy as just plugging it in. For me, the only difficult part was slotting the HDD into place because I had the motherboard in the way, so I'd advise you to put the CD drive and HDD into their slots first.

 

For me, the most risky part was installing the CPU. CPUs have lots of tiny, easily bent pins used to connect it to the motherboard. If you do end up bending the pins, I've read that using something like a credit card to bend them back into place works. After slotting it in, you'll need to spread some thermal compound paste on the top of it so heat can more effectively disperse into your chosen method of cooling (heatsink of liquid cooling unit).

 

Overall, it's not at all complicated. The cables can be a bit of a pain in the backside though, so make sure you get some plastic ring ties to neaten up the cables together so they're not all over the place.

 

It took me about an hour to strip down and reassemble this with no previous experience:

 

http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/c9c63c/cae6/12909-img4218s.jpg

[Vindekarr]

Alright, thanks a LOT, that's exactly what I was after.

[hoofhearted4]

yea. you can build an entire PC with just a Screwdriver. (even an Anti Static Wrist band isnt needed. ive never used one) and on that, i think one size screwdriver (phillips head) and youll be fine.

 

things that need to be screwed: PSU, Motherboard. HDD and Optical are usually optional with new cases. many have a fast mount system where its held in by a latch of some sort. but you can usually still screw it in. some though only have the option for a screw (my Arc Midi is screw only). and GPU will be screwed into the PCI bay. though in my Case it uses Thumb Screws, so i dont actually need a screwdriver, though i did make sure it was tightened good...also on the note of Thumbscrews, on a new case, many will be over tightened and may need a screwdriver just to loosen them up.

 

the CPU is help in by a bracket. GPU and other PCI accessories are clicked into the motherboards (and screwed into the Case as i said) RAM clicks in. all cables that connect to the motherboard are just pushed onto pins. a couple (SATA cable and CPU Pin connector) click in. also, basically every cable is designed to go on only one way. if something isnt going on easy, check it to make sure its facing the right way....the exception to this is your Front panel wiring. they are several little wires that hook up your front panel (Power/Reset button, LEDs, etc). they usually are hooked up to the bottom right of your motherboard. newer boards are usually labeled so you know where these little wires go. but if you put them on backwards (even if its the correct pin) it wont work. so this one specific area is something you will have to pay attention to. read your mobo, read your mobo book or look it up online to make sure you put them on right. if you know you have the right pin, and its not working, turn in around (180 degrees) and it should work, if you have the right pin.

 

i understand for someone whos never been inside a PC that much, some of this may be flying over your head (especially that last part about the pins) but you will understand it when you get to that part i assure you lol.

[Vindekarr]

No, it's OK, I'm an auto mechanic, being confronted by a teeming horde of plugs and wires are nothing new to me. Well, this all seems fairly approachable, I took a few photos of hows everything was laid out, printed out all the relevant manuals, and it doesn't seem too difficult. Thanks a lot for your help both of you!

[Rennn]

Ofc an anti-static thingy isn't 'necessary', but considering a good one costs $4, and you're putting together a ~$1000 PC, why not use it? No reason to risk a good component when the fix is $4.

[hoofhearted4]

Idk they just get in the way. when you are constantly grounding yourself by touching the case it's really hard to generate static. my hand amidst never leaves the case. I've put together cases on rugs before no problem.

[blove]

It is not so much grounding yourself as it is equalizing the potential between what you are touching with your hands. A strap will help you keep both hands free longer.

[hoofhearted4]

well he can use one of he wants. I just like to break the myth that you need one or else got system will explode like A mini nuke. i Akzo use magnetic tip screwdrivers. magnets and computers? blasphemy!

[Roguespear]

When it comes to air flow and cooling, smaller is NOT the way to go, air flow is god when it comes to computer cases. I have an SR-2 with 2 power supplies and 24 gigs of ram and 2 water coolers with 16 fans moving air out of the case to get heat(the mortal enemy of electronic parts) out of there. High air flow means bigger cases, a new case is a good idea, but in cases, go as big as you can afford. I used to build servers and cooling was very important including the server room which was air conditioned. So go big or go home :smile: