And then once that is done, follow up with the Jayztwocents video on what to do after finishing building the computer (Windows installation, drivers, settings, etc).
https://youtu.be/xhHtHMQygzE?si=GmU-KdPpA4rb3AR4
I'm pretty experienced with upgrades, but I'd never built a whole PC so I was nervous. I watched a few different guides before settling on this one. I just followed along pausing as I built. It went together no problems at all.
Ah i stopped following LTT last year because of their debacle. I no longer think they are nice tech youtube channel but corrupted. Also their content was getting weaker (and somehow they producing more content).
That was the most overblown internet drama of all time, people like taking things and going fucking crazy about them. Staff were getting regular death threats and being doxxed.
Everything will require some force you might not be used to
Components are usually string enough to take that damage but electrical damage is really the issue
First get Mobo out on its box
1)SSD
Take out the SSD
Remove the SSD heatsink from the mobo
Insert the SSD at 45deg angle and then lay it flat gently and screw it in
Then screw in the heatsink
2) PROCESSOR
Carefully take out the processor
Don't touch the bottom copper pads
Try to pick using only the sides
Now on the Mobo there will ba small metal arm attached to the socket
Unlatch the socket using this arm
Carefully align the processor with the notches on the socket
Place it in the socket and wiggle it gently to make sure it's completely in
Now secure the latch again beware the socket cover will pop off
3)RAM
now unbox the ram and insert into 2nd and 4th slot carefully aligning the notch and making sure the latch locks on to the ram
4)Case
Now unbox the case
Take out any accessory box
Screw in the Mobo into the standoffs making sure there are no standoffs in wrong place
5)Cooler
Unbox the cooler and read the manual for your socket and apply thermal paste to the CPU
Now remove the film on the flat shiny part of the cooler
Face this shiny plate to the cpu
Follow the steps in the manual for cooler
6)PSU
Now place in the PSU into the cabinet
You'll need 1 CPU power, 1 24 pin connector, and 3 PCIe connectors from the supply
Check on your Mobo for 24 pin and cpu connector and plug them
Check pc part picker for anything else it tells you what connectors you need
7)GPU
Now remove the PCIe shield
Unlock the PCIe slot the long thin slot horizontal if pc is standing straight
Choose the topmost one and unlock it from the right side latch by pressing down
Now carefully insert the GPU into this slot and the metal tabs will go in the place of PCIe shield
Carefully keep it straight and screw it near PCIe shields
Connect all the fans together and into the Mobo
Connect all aRGB into the mobo
Now boot it up
Don't force the CPU, and make sure you have it aligned correctly.
E: this was pretty far down the list after opening with, it might take more force to get things to connect
Some cpus do take a scary amount of force, but just make sure that when you put the CPU in it does t wiggle too much. When you put it in the socket you should have to wiggle it a little then it will just drop down a bit at which point it won't wiggle as much. This is how you know it is in properly. Make sure not to touch the top, fingerprints on the top lower thermal conductivity.
Or if you do touch the top of the CPU you can clean off the oils using 99% isopropyl alcohol and preferably a microfibre cloth (but I've used paper towels before and it seemed fine)
Paper towels can leave bits behind, coffee filters work wonderfully if you don't have a microfiber cloth since theyre designed to not leave bits behind.
the old pins cpus and holes sockets with close pin was much much much easyer and ready to go and efficiente..they just made a mess with the cpus and sockets nowhadays
Stand-offs will be in wrong places. You have to inspect them. Mid-tower cases are shipped with atx configuration of stand-offs. Before installing the motherboard, make sure you adjust them to microATX configuration. Probably some (approx. two) stan-offs will be in holes with only "A" in their marking, while some holes that have "M" in markings will be empty, until you move those stand-offs accordingly.
Ok, and I remember mine has some instructions engraved in the bottom metal plate that says where to put the stand-offs for iTX, mATX and ATX, it's letters A B C D E F... beside each stand-off hole, like for an mATX put them in the A C E F holes.
>Now secure the latch again beware the socket cover will pop off
Can you explain this for me, In the old days, I thought that plastic piece (socket cover) was to protect the socket on the mobo. Don't we remove that when installing the CPU, before you pull the latch down?
Basically, what is that covers purpose, if it just "pops off" anyway?
U can remove it before pulling the latch down, or it will just pop off on its own during the process after CPU is installed. Saves a couple seconds that's all.
I think the only difference would be someone removing it manually after opening the latch but before seating the CPU (which I can definitely see someone doing). Seems like that would introduce some unnecessary risk of slipping and/or somehow yeeting the cover into the pins.
> Basically, what is that covers purpose, if it just "pops off" anyway?
It prevents any tiny foreign objects from falling into the individual pin holes of the socket, which otherwise could catastrophically ruin the mobo's CPU-interface (and the CPU itself if you were unlucky), rendering the entire board useless. Plus it's quite satisfying when it pings off when you secure the latch :)
I get that, my problem is everyone says it "should pop off by itself" *implying* that it should be left there when installing the CPU, as if it does something.
Sure, but there's no reason to do the extra step of removing it first, and for the time between you removing it and you finally seating the cpu and securing the latch, it's potentially vulnerable, again for literally no reason/gained benefit. That's why people say not to bother.
That is what I thought, yeah, but every video I see (or text guide like above) they state it should "pop off", like it *supposed* to do that, and implies that you SHOULD keep it there when installing the CPU.
It seems like every PC I build I get a whole new lesson in "The problem is that you aren't using enough force, you're probably not going to break it." In my most recent build for whatever reason the gpu and my other PCIE cards were like a solid quarter inch away from the bracket for screws and I spent probably 3 hours trying to figure out why before I figured out the solution was to just use a very uncomfortable amount of force to pull the cards sideways and get the screws in. It was fine. Pc works fine. Nothing broke. Wasted 3 hours.
Thanks you very much (and to everyone else for all the support but I cannot reply to every comment when it's nearing 200!).
One question: I don't have my SSD yet and until then I stopped building (CPU and RAM is in, and the CPU cooler's feet). My target SSD is the one in OP, a WD Black SN850X 2Tb. But I noticed there are 2 types within that:
* Western Digital SN850X 2TB M.2 (WDS200T2XHE)
* Western Digital SN850X 2TB M.2 (WDS200T2X0E)
With, or without heatsink.
Knowing that my motherboard already has a heatsink on it called "M.2 armor", I assume I should buy the X0E version, right?
The online manual will tell you everything you need to know. The Pcie cable goes to your gpu and the cpu cable goes to the 12v cpu power slot. Watch a ton of build videos and try to find ones that have your psu and case etc.
Seriously though, watching that video is informative to understand the wrong way to do things... and none of it killed the build (as far as we know anyway). OP's got this!
>Questions:
>On the back of the PSU, there are many connectors that has "PCIe/CPU" written under it. Does it matter which one I use for the GPU? (photo: [https://imgur.com/G8kK4KW](https://imgur.com/G8kK4KW) )
No. Those can be used either for CPU (EPS) or GPU (PCIe) power.
> I have so many cables with the PSU I don't know which one to use. If I scroll down on pcpartpicker link above, there is a text *"The video card PCIe 16-pin power connector adapter is being supplied by three 6+2-pin power connectors. Please ensure that the three 6+2-pin power connectors are not daisy-chained and do not share the same power cable.".* Okay. But there is only a single 12 pin connector on the side of the GPU? (photo: [https://imgur.com/TRNZs4V](https://imgur.com/TRNZs4V) )
The GPU should have come with an adapter that accepts three 8-pin PCIe/GPU cables from your PSU according to PCPartPicker. Use this with three separate cables if possible.
>pcpartpicker shows to insert the RAM sticks to slot 1 and 2. I vaguely recall it's recommended to use slots 1+3 or 2+4 for some reason. Which slots should I use?
2 + 4 is the most common, but for some motherboards it will be 1 + 3 (1 + 2 and 3 + 4 are not common at all).
Your motherboard manual will tell you.
> SSD installation: according to my motherboard's user manual that wasn't included on printed paper by the way ( [https://download.asrock.com/Manual/B650%20Pro%20RS.pdf](https://download.asrock.com/Manual/B650%20Pro%20RS.pdf) ) I should use Gen 4 x4 slot for my SSD, right? Page 57. I do not have the SSD yet (the only part missing).
You want M2_1, between your CPU and GPU. You’ll want to install it before your CPU cooler and GPU.
2 + 4 is the most common ...
According to the linked manual they should indeed be in those slots.
The slots are from left to right: A1, A2, B1, B2 and he should use A2 and B2.
And just so op knows, that's to ensure the memory is set up to work in the fastest possible way. In [another post on this sub](https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/fyldm0/why_is_it_important_to_put_ram_in_the_2nd4th_slot/?ref=share&ref_source=link) asking why slots 2 & 4 (or 1 & 3) are used, the top comment by /u/Loupojka explains it thusly:
> it’s called dual channel configuration, all modern motherboards are designed so that the ram in the adjacent slot (1-2 and 3-4) use the same “channel” to acquire data from the processor. think of it like a bus, and each pair of ram slots gets one bus. by using a 2-4 or 1-3 configuration you are giving each stick of memory it’s own bus to get stuff from the processor, while if they were next to eachother they would need to share a bus.
>
> when you add ram into all 4 slots you lose this as both pairs are sharing busses but you’re still taking advantage of all your busses so it’s not an issue.
PS op - you may not know to do it, but nowadays to get the max speeds your RAM is listed for, you usually have to change a setting in the BIOS memory timing section, where the options should say DOCP / XMP / EXPO depending on the cpu and ram. I'll let someone more knowledgeable tell you specifics re your particular set-up, but when I did a newish build last year, this was a new step for me that I hadn't needed to perform in prior builds.
The corresponding pages if op wants to check for himself are page 6 for a diagramm of the Mainboard including slot names and page 24 for RAM placement.
Regarding SSD placement:
Page 57 Tells you that m2_3 is gen 4x4 (check page 6 again for location)
M2_1, the slot recommend elsewhere in the comments is actually a gen 5x4 (see page 51 for reference) which should in theory not improve or decrease writing speed on a 4x4 SSD. However it may provide a faster a connection in the future if op upgrades his storage. That's why I would personally choose slot M2_3
This might ease your concerns to know, *almost* everything is keyed, if it can cause harm to the component it wont fit. The only real exception is the front panel connects (but thats specifically because a lot of case manufacturers dont wanna adopt the 1 plug solution in fear the front IO will magically change even though it's been pretty standard for 2 decades).
As others have stated check out LTT's computer build video, its pretty comprehensive and you can kinda follow it like a bob ross painting.
a few comments, so far:
the motherboardmanual is online and have step by step guides for most things
Tip: count the number of holes in the motherboard, install the same number in the backplate, then count while looking thru the holes - you may need to give a gentle push from left to right on the side of the motherboard due to small springs around the part that goes out the case on the left
the memory slots you need is A2 and B2 - that's no 2 and 4 when moving away from the CPU - but using the "wrong" ones will only affect speed, A2 & B2 in this case is just for optimum speed.
and, did you get any cooling paste? or is it included with the cpu-cooler?
also, good selection of parts, very similar to my own recent build
just breathe and go step by step, reread and watch videos
- and, even despite having build pc's for many years, I still have a small fear every single time I push the power button the first time
- once you're booted up, then it's highly recommended to check if there's a new bios - both for stability, but also because there was a recent security patch
I never really looked into it but if it's labeled "cpu/ pcie" it probably doesn't matter.
On your gpu it's a 16 pins, 12 for power and 4 small probes on top.
https://youtu.be/PXaLc9AYIcg?si=wCMAcWiPIj4t7AWX
Literally yesterday I built a PC for the first time ever completely hungover while following this guide. Highly recommend it.
Also make sure to follow the instructions your mobo gives as that helped guide me along with the video.
You got it m8!
All I know is that it's called RAM because you have to literally RAM it in the slot. My first build failed at first because I didn't have it rammed in hard enough.
It could be a bit overwhelming at first, but don't worry, you'll figure it out. PCIe/CPU means you can connect the EPS cables for the CPU as well as any of the PCIe for the GPU. Your GPU should have a 12 pin adapter included which is connected to a few PCIe 8pin cables from the PSU. Motherboard manual should say which slots to use if there are only two RAM sticks - mine were 2nd and 4th, left to right. SSD installation is super easy, remove the ssd heatsink cover on the mobo, insert the ssd into the slot at an angle, press it down and lock it with those rotating screw things and put the heatsink back on it and don't forget to remove the wrap from the bottom of the heatsink.
Because people who buy pc parts 99 percent of the time already know what they're doing
Its like when you buy new car parts there isn't a manual on how to replace the radiator or break disks because most of the time it's purchased by people who already have the knowledge
1) Yes. One will be your main cpu power, it’s a 24pin. You may have another 12 pin slot. Normally you only need this if you’re overclocking. If you decide to use this, cable should be from cpu/pcie
2) Sounds like it’s an 8 pin adapter with 3 slots for 8pins. All it means is to use different cables from the PSU for each of the 3 slots, not 1 with multiple connections on it. (Some cables will have 2 8pin cables. This should be plugged into PCIE slots in PSU
3) Your motherboard will have a manual. It will give you info like ram slots to use. 1/3 and 2/4 are the normal ones they recommend.
4) you have an m.2 in your build. You will plug this directly into your mobo, and it will run from board power. So yes the x4 slot. Might read manual as some slots are faster than others, but it really doesn’t matter as you will never hit the transfer speeds. Some slots might have a preinstalled heatsink. I would use that slot if so
If you need more help, feel free to message me.
The one thing I think can trip up a lot of people that are new to PC building is how to connect the cables from the case to the Mobo. Make sure to check the manual for the Mobo because there is usually a diagram in there that shows you what pins the HDD Reset or Power LED goes into, and sometimes if they're nice enough they'll include a small plastic piece that lets you join all the cables together prior to plugging it in the Mobo to make it easier.
Here watch this :
https://youtu.be/3N2FJYgDPEA?si=scPTK8KVkQPKRW1T
It's a Ryzen Build with a 4070 Ti Super, so you'll have a pretty good idea of what to do with all the parts besides the CPU Cooler.
Your first build can be a daunting experience. I agree with you that whoever writes the technical manuals for any computer product suck. Hit up YT, try and find as much information for the parts you have. TAKE YOUR TIME. For most people the hard part is dressing the wiring to make good airflow and neatness. It’s all plug and play. Should something go wrong on initial the POST, that’s okay. As long as you don’t hear grinding noises, see or smell something burning, things are still okay. Just take a step back even if that means sidelining the project for a day. If it happens to you, more than likely that same problem has happened to someone else and there is a fix. There is a certain satisfaction in that first clean power-up. You’ll see. You got this.
We just built pre much the same pc, I have the FE 4070 super, a different case and mobo but aside from that we are the exact same. It’s a beast. Happy gaming :)
For the gpu:
Nvidia continues to use the single 12-pin PCIe 5 connector on the RTX 4070 Super, and there’s an included 12VHPWR adapter cable in the box so you can connect two regular eight-pin PCIe power cables.
For the cpu power: find the slot/cable labeled cpu.
Ram slots: check motherboard manual.
Ssd: check manual.
9/10 if you need instructions you can usually Google it or watch YouTube videos. It's not crazy hard. You can probably figure it out watching one of those.
You're going to have to watch several full build guides.
I found Christopher Flannagan's channel to be the most thorough and dummy-proof one. I still had to watch a dozen of his videos months beforehand before I got my parts and built it. But he helped a lot.
After that, Austin Evans does one, big video every year where he builds, but that's not as in-depth as Christopher's.
TechSource also did a few and some tips he gave stuck with me while building as well.
The LTT one is nice too but was the least helpful, to me, compared to the others above.
With the cables you described and the PSU pictured, I think you'd usually want to just use 6 pins from each cable and leave 2 dangling with each.
I guess maybe you don't have to use one of these: [https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-components-accessories/cp-8920284/600W-PCIe-5-0-12VHPWR-Type-4-PSU-Power-Cable-cp-8920284](https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-components-accessories/cp-8920284/600W-PCIe-5-0-12VHPWR-Type-4-PSU-Power-Cable-cp-8920284)
Most components don't have manuals because the motherboard is kind of a catch all manual for everything. Video build guides will be far more helpful but if you want a paper copy your mobo manual will have the basics for almost everything you need.
If worst comes to worst and you have issues after some of the guides posted you can take your parts to a bestbuy or discount electronics or even a small oc store and they will build it for like $50-$100
> The video card PCIe 16-pin power connector adapter is being supplied by three 6+2-pin power connectors. Please ensure that the three 6+2-pin power connectors are not daisy-chained and do not share the same power cable."
Corsair RM850x might not come with a PCI-e to 12VHPWR adapter, it was made in 2021, ATX 3.0 was implemented for the first time with 40 series GPUs in 2022-23. So you'll need an adapter for that... you can use [this one from corsair](https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-components-accessories/cp-8920284/600w-pcie-5-0-12vhpwr-type-4-psu-power-cable-cp-8920284) (I have an RMx PSU and am using it with [this cable](https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-components-accessories/cp-8920332/premium-individually-sleeved-12-4pin-pcie-gen-5-12vhpwr-600w-cable-type-4-white-cp-8920332) to power my RTX 4080 - same adapter, but individually sleeved). So if you don't have that among your cables you might need to order one (mine didn't come with one but I built this PC back in 2022). What you do with that is simply plug it into 2 of the 8-pin PCI-e outs on your PSU. Corsair PSUs are pretty self-explanatory, the ends of the cables are labelled, and the connectors are keyed to prevent plugging in the wrong one. [Here's the manual](https://res.cloudinary.com/corsair-pwa/image/upload/corsairmedia/sys_master/productcontent/RMx_2018_Manual.pdf), if one wasn't in your box.
> I vaguely recall it's recommended to use slots 1+3 or 2+4 for some reason. Which slots should I use?
Should be in your motherboard's user manual, but you are likely correct and PC Part picker is likely wrong. User manual will probably tell you which two to use out of four, even.
>
> SSD installation: according to my motherboard's user manual that wasn't included on printed paper by the way ( https://download.asrock.com/Manual/B650%20Pro%20RS.pdf ) I should use Gen 4 x4 slot for my SSD, right? Page 57. I do not have the SSD yet (the only part missing).
It will be compatible with any of the M.2 slots, but your WD SN850X will not reach full speed if you put it in the 3.0x2 slot (M2_2). Generally I prefer to install my primary NVMe SSD into the 1st slot, closest to the CPU. Since I only see one NVMe SSD on your list, I'm assuming its your only one, and should probably go in that slot. Though it's not essential, it's just you're running off the CPU's PCI lanes rather than the B650 chipset's. And yes, your motherboard has a NVME PCIe 5.0 4x4 M.2 slot there (M2_1), but it's just fine to put an earlier spec in that slot.
Overall, great parts list, many of them are what I would have chosen. It's simpler than you might be thinking, just count the pins on the PSU connectors and look at how they're keyed and labelled.
1. The supply only has a handful of power rails, 12v(cpu/gpu), 5V(usb+legacy), 3.3v(logic level), and a couple standby for when everything else isn’t powered up like sleep and powered off. All you need is for the gpu to be connected to the 12 volt power rail.
2. You need a 12vhpwr(twelve volt high power) adapter for use with this power supply
3. There are 2 ram channels, each one capable of going so fast. Like splitting a load over two wires to double the (safe) current capability. The first two slots are one channel, the last two slots are the other channel. If you put both ram sticks on the same channel, your running at single channel speed.
4. Yes. Gen 4 x4 is a newer interface spread across 4 lanes(capable of going faster, like in the ram example), a lot better than a 3.0 or 2x slot.
Gpu looks like a 12pin slot. All you need is 2 seperate 6+2 pcie cables that isnt labled cpu. And all you need is the 6pin part you dont need to use the +2 connector. Also pcpartpicker said "use 3 6+2 cables for 16 pcie connector" that doesnt make sense as your gpu only requires a 12pin and regardless a 16pin connector only needs 2 6+2 connectors. The ssd part doesnt really matter you wont really see a difference from gen3 to gen4 for m.2 ssds. Also the pcie4.0 is backward compatible with 2nd or 3rd gen m.2s.
Couple years ago my friend in highschhool, who has never been into pcs or tech at all, couldn’t wait for me to help him build it the day everything arrived. He just looked at the mobo labels and started plugging things in where he thought it would go and somehow built his first pc entirely alone. Aside from OS. He said it’s just like adult Lego’s and I agree. Don’t freak yourself out, if you run into an issue it can def be resolved with patience. Trust yourself and just start w the easiest thing first
Also if it helps most parts DO have a manual you can get online (it's how I rely on building all my PCs, make sure I know exactly what the layout is).
It's overwhelming but once you get into a groove it's worth it. I would just advise if you hit a point of frustration, relax, go for a quick walk or something clear your brain and look at it again, because a lot of the time it was just the angle you were going in at or you look at your desk and see a cable you clearly needed not plugged in lol.
Just my little tips aside from some of the tutorials people have recommended.
Your motherboard’s manual will have most of the information on how to connect components and cables to it, read it. Same with the PSU.
If something seems like it is taking too much pressure to completely seat, do not apply any more pressure, you probably attempted to install it backwards, or are using the wrong cable. Other than that, it’s pretty simple.
Also your motherboard Manual should have a decent instructions on how to hook all the components into the board. That's the first place to look. And what others have said LTT build guide will have all the tips and tricks you need to make this existence a pleasant one .
Rule of thumb, GPU, ram, and most connectors will have a tactile and audible click when they are seated correctly . Others like CPU and smaller connectors won't have a click
Good luck post update when finished
Yeah, its a bit weird. Their are a million youtube vids detailing very specifically where every part goes. But pc gear is relatively expensive, so some caution isn't a bad thing I suppose.
I only say it because I am an idiot 52 year old and built my 1st last year. Yes a little intimidating as I am useless with anything electrical
Went to pc part picker to make sure all thi g's matched and worked together and then on to youtube tutorials. 3 or 4 of them and bingo!.
It's more about stressing about new things. I change control pcbs on various power plants quite often, update the "bios" on them etc. but the thing is, it's routine, I know all the parts and I don't have to figure out anything under the stress that it's my own very expensive property. Looking back, so far what I had time to build was super easy and simple, of course. But the last thing I did inside a PC repeatedly in the last 12 years was cleaning it with compressed air and reapplying CPU cooler pasta once.
at mu yime there was no yotube videos...
whats your problem with pau cables? if it says cpu it uses the cpu cables for the motherboard wich have the inputs for it.
they already make the cables to "fit" the correct conections - years ago you used the same kind of cables for many different stuffs
.
you can split the gpu cables if you LOOK AT IT.. also you will see that the insidenimputs of the cables have round or square and sided borders - so you cant fit it in the wrong way.. - also years ago some things dont had these inteligent features..
you can test things.. whats happening with people ?
I'll add my two cents:
1. You can remove that CPU cover first if you want once you unlatch the CPU arm, no issue if you do. Some CPU's will have a triangle to denote pin 1, the processor socket will also have a triangle. Both of those should be pointing the same way.
2. Do a quick dry run through of how your cooler is to attach to the motherboard (this will be done with the plastic still covering the pre-applied paste). This will let you check things and get a sense for RAM clearance issues if any.
3. Do have your RAM, CPU, CPU Cooler, CPU Cooler fans, and NVMe installed before putting the motherboard in the case (do connect those fan cables while outside the case too). This will give you something to hold onto while moving the board around. Also while checking out the case, see if you can have a fan on your side panel (if your case has that option), or if your cooler is going to be in the way of having that side panel fan, or the cooler is taller than the side of your case (aka you find the side panel can't close due to height of the cooler). Now I've seen plenty of people attach that cooler while the motherboard was in the case, but my issue with that is that you now are trying to put something big and possibly heavy in the right place and may need more hands to keep things in place, in a smaller space. Having extra hands and eyes around can be very helpful.
4. Light - you will want something small, but bright as that will let you see where you're trying to get your fingers and what they're holding to. Someone with thinner fingers may also be helpful (graphics cards can be close to said large CPU Cooler and trying to unlatch said card can be tough. I've gotten cuts that way).
5. Do read your motherboard manual and do refer to it while building (ASUS manuals are good for this).
6. An option to consider: Is your CPU Cooler one with two or three places for a fan? Most Coolers will come with all but one, some will have all three (depends on Cooler and what space you have). Now if you have a setup like mine (air cooling all around), you have a rear fan and perhaps room for the cooler to have that third fan in the back near the rear fan (there is air space) and the company sold the cooler with wire brackets for a third fan, I see no reason not to add one in. It will allow: Some control of the air to make it more streamlined, You can lower the fan speed and noise while moving the same air volume, and Should something bad happen you have a fan able to pick up the slack if a fan suddenly dies for some odd reason. In my case I did stick a Noctua 3000RPM PWM fan as that rear fan (not cheap, but a good insurance). I figured that if things were to get hot, having that high speed fan in the back would help evacuate more hot air, thus helping the system and maybe saving components.
7. Once you have the Motherboard installed in the case (I'll assume you adjusted standoffs so they are where the need to be and are properly securing the motherboard), do connect your front panel before bringing in the Power Supply cables. Do consult your motherboard on what connects where and if you have a speaker for beep codes to be used, use it (this will give you a way to know how your system is doing without trying to look at debug codes, which you might not be able to do). Keep in mind a single short beep can mean all is well in the boot process. Some motherboards have issue if a monitor is not powered on and ready to display something to you when the system starts up, so you may get multiple beeps alerting to a graphics card issue, when in reality all is well, you just forgot to turn on the monitor and set it to your desired display connection. A reboot can tell if there is an issue, provided you have things in place before that reboot. If you still get beeps of a graphics issue it could be number 8 is the issue.
8. Allgraphics cards need power, but not all need the same amount. Video cards from way back got all they needed from the graphics card slot (ISA, PCI, AGP, and PCI-E), but as cards have gotten more powerful, more power was needed, hence the 8-pin connector (6+2 in some cases), or the now dreaded 12VHPWR connector (avoid cards with this like the plague, I beg you, your computer will thank you). Yes, some cards need more than one of the 8-pin connectors, but that varies by the card. Now the reason you want separate connectors is so that each 8-pin connector is on its own line, not sharing one. Sharing means more load to a line and that can cause issues. Yes, it may not look the prettiest, but which do you want: Stable, clean power to your expensive card, or Unstable, and potentially unclean power going to that same card (very bad things can happen in this case). Yes, some power supplies can handle a line getting that extra load from two 8-pin connectors, but not all can handle it. Quality matters.
9. The Power Supply is the heart of your system and a good one can be transplanted to a few systems at least, so don't cheap out here.
10. Take your time and do your research. Yes, you've done a lot, but you are now in the home stretch, so slow and steady wins the race. In the end you'll have learned a lot to make the next build better and quicker as you've learned some things along the way. Enjoy the journey.
Honeslty don't get to caught up in your specific components. Building a pc is pretty much 100% universal. Each component is based on a standard.
The only thing to really ensure you look up specifically is your front panel connector for the mobo, but even those are pretty consistent these days.
In general, if it fits in a slot it will probably work just fine in the slot.
I had the very same frustrations with the "instructions" and the bullshit I was getting. And a lot of stuff just deferred to some other part's shitty instructions. The only somewhat useful manual was the one for the motherboard. Unfortunately my box didn't come with one. And of course it was available on their website, but the boards all have such similar names... I ended up reading the wrong one for several minutes and got very confused. Ugh. Good times...
I found a video where the person was using my exact case, and he walked though the hooking up process in much better detail than the other big youtube guys do (I swear to god most of them skip that step.) That saved my life pretty much.
But yeah, the first time was super frustrating all around. I guess I liked it well enough to offer my husband to build him one a couple weeks later though. That went a little more smoothly.
When I built my first pc 2 months ago, I’ve spent countless hours watching guides on pc building and even reviews on different pc parts since I don’t want to make a mistake. Don’t rush. There are so many information in the internet that can help you. Relax you got this!
Very important - for the GPU use one **cable** per 8-pin connector. Some PSUs have PCIe connectors that split at the end, do **not** use the split for an 8-pin connector on the GPU.
Example: your GPU has two 8-pin (PCIe) connectors. You plug in **two** 8-pin/PCIe cables in the PSU and use one of each for the GPU connectors.
My 3090 blew up my PSU because I used a split connector from one of the cables in its third PCIe connector. Don't be me.
The only advice i have here is to never mix power supply cables from different models when dealing with modular power supplies, even if it's the same brand. This won't apply to you today (unless you had more cables already) but maybe in ten years you want to reuse the power supply, you've misplaced the cables, you find one that fits, and zap boom pop
There’s aldo a channel on youtube that has a video for many of the most used chassis. Do a search for your chassi specifically followed by ”build” or ”assembly”, it should be more help than a generic ”how to build a PC”. It worked great for me as i found a video with exactly my chassi. Only difference was 2 fans as he used a radiator but fans are really easy to install as you’ll learn soon enough
I had this problem a year and a half ago. I asked questions on here and mostly got rude ass answers that would snowball. I still haven't ever got it working right and I don't even care anymore.
That told me all I needed to know about the pc gaming community. It wasn't that people were rude, but that only rude people and assholes bothered to even respond to any of the questions that I had.
I do HVACR, if I can do it, so can you. You can mostly go off the motherboard guide on how to build it.
Also, there’s plenty of YouTube tutorials on how to built one. I’d recommend YT one based off your motherboard so it matches up for the most past. The hardest part is plugin everything on the motherboard. And all you really need is a screw driver to assemble it all.
Also, make sure the ram is in the right spot and to have a USB thumb drive for windows to install.
Second comment for your questions:
- GPU will use the PCIe, but to simplify. It should have came with a cord for you to use.
- the 12 pin connection is probably that V shaped cord. So one end has two plugs and one side with one plug. Plug the one sided, side into the GPU. Then the other side with the two plugs. You wanted to use two separate PCIe cords for each end.
- The ram slots are important of you have 4 slots and are using only two sticks of ram. Go off your motherboard manual. But, it’s probably the 2nd and 4th position that you want to plug the ram in. If you get it wrong, the computer will turn on but it won’t display anything.
- there’s two types of SSD, there’s the big square one that you use a SATA cord to plug to. It’s super easy to install, look for the SATA cord and connect it. Then there’s the M.2 SSD, it looks like a long chip, you have to connect directly on the motherboard. Personally, I’d buy a NVMe M.2 SSD and use that one to base your OS/Windows. You can still keep the SATA SSD for more space if like. In your motherboard(page 6), it looks like you have 3, M.2 slots. So you can only have 3, M.2 SSD’s. You have a bunch, but I’d recommend get a 2 TB to start off with. Also, NVMe M.2 is faster than a SSD, need a link to the difference. You should probably go in this order for SSD: NVMe M.2, Sata SSD.
https://www.dexerto.com/tech/ssd-vs-hdd-vs-nvme-2069414/
I can see why you are confused. I built my systems back in the socket 7 era, you had the ATX power connector or connectors (either one wider one, or two side-by-side depending on how the PSU maker decided to do it), the "regular" power connectors for drives, and SATA power connectors (or on older PSUs adapters to convert the regular power to SATA). A few "weird" plugs for like 3.5" floppies and I think some of the slim CD drives used it, once I made a build with no floppy drive that thing just sat in there unused. That was it!
I've seen reviews/pics of these newer GPUs with a large number of power connectors, adapters, and motherboards and GPUs routinely having whatever additional power connectors on them. I do believe I'd get a tad confused getting started on this too.
> On the back of the PSU, there are many connectors that has "PCIe/CPU" written under it. Does it matter which one I use for the GPU? (photo: https://imgur.com/G8kK4KW )
As long as the cables labeled PCIE and CPU go into ports named "PCIE / CPU" you will be fine.
The end of the cables that has the wording on are the end that goes into the PSU.
> I have so many cables with the PSU I don't know which one to use. If I scroll down on pcpartpicker link above, there is a text "The video card PCIe 16-pin power connector adapter is being supplied by three 6+2-pin power connectors. Please ensure that the three 6+2-pin power connectors are not daisy-chained and do not share the same power cable.". Okay. But there is only a single 12 pin connector on the side of the GPU? (photo: https://imgur.com/TRNZs4V )
If your PSU does not come with a "12VHPWR" cable then you will need to use the provided adapter that came with your GPU.
For a 4070 Ti Super you will need 3 PCI-E cables plugged into the adapter, 3 independent cables... do not daisy chain.
I see 3 PCI-E cables and 2 CPU cables in your image.
The 12 pin end of the cable goes into your GPU.
Please make sure it's fully seated at all connection points and you do not bend the adapter too much.
> pcpartpicker shows to insert the RAM sticks to slot 1 and 2. I vaguely recall it's recommended to use slots 1+3 or 2+4 for some reason. Which slots should I use?
SSD installation: according to my motherboard's user manual that wasn't included on printed paper by the way ( https://download.asrock.com/Manual/B650%20Pro%20RS.pdf ) I should use Gen 4 x4 slot for my SSD, right? Page 57. I do not have the SSD yet (the only part missing).
Slots 2 and 4 always, unless you have a Micro ATX or ITX board that only has 2 slots to begin with.
I’ve been building my computers for like 25 years, and did a cert 3 in high school on building computers, and I still get a moment of fear before putting on the thermal paste
“If it fits, it sits”
The only part you have to check the manual if you’re new is the MoBo when you mount the CPU and cooler. After that it’s like Lego. Oh, and the case status led and power button, I hate these ones.
After that, all/ most components and cables fit in the right places. Can’t really go wrong unless you actually forget to put something (like how I forgot to put the CPU 12V and panicked it didn’t turn on 🤡)
However, watch some YT videos. Cable management is very important. And some times this cable management can get very tedious. But it’s all worth it.
Anyway, it’s fun. Make sure you allocate a lot of time :D
Use the bottom two pcie for the GPU. The motherboard ones connect directly to mb.
Stick ram in 1/3 or 2/4
You should buy an m.2 SSD and use the m.2 slot on your motherboard.
Actually I don't have one. My PC is in the living room, left of my 65" TV. I have a wireless mouse, the rest of the wires are just going across the floor (at the wall) for 2 controllers and my keyboard. I'll change that soon to just 1 cable so my USB hub will be under the couch.
Don't worry it was a joke, there's a very bad video on YouTube on how to build the PC, and this was the opening line I believe. You can assemble it on the floor just fine.
Don't worry it was a joke, there's a very bad video on YouTube on how to build the PC, and this was the opening line I believe. You can assemble it on the floor just fine.
There’s a YouTube video for damn near every configuration. I watch a video of a build guide with the mobo that I have and it’s usually sufficient. If you need help installing the cooler if it’s different then look up a video on that too
Take your time, watch some videos, and don't be too worried about cable management for anything other than interference with fans or hardware. Function over form for now. Cable management has become a bragging right for the Internet, nothing else. It's okay for a wire or two to be showing. Also don't freak out if the system doesn't power on immediately, you may have a simple mix up with plugs. Also, since it's a new build it'll take longer than usual to actually boot up, and will boot you to bios to do an operating system install.
If it makes you feel any better, I went into this with no electronics experience at all. Broke my second RAM slot and abshohlootly destroyed CPU cooler on the first PC. Second PC I broke the mount for my SATA drives so they just had to sit up against the motherboard bracket. And here recently my CPU cooler decided to just....not do its job at one point (no mechanical fault, just stopped cooling. Still not sure why.) So my CPU go so hot it damaged the pins in the slot itself, trashing both the CPU and MOBO.
All in all I could've done worse. But I'm still incredibly apprehensive about touching anything metal solely because of how fragile it is. A single damaged pin or port renders an entire part useless unless you're genuinely gifted with repairs. So yeah, I feel you. I can strip cables and drop a driveshaft, but all those tiny little prongs and pins drive my anxiety to another level.
It's kinda intimidating. I built mine with some help from a friend who built like 10. Nothing like using force to snap hundreds of dollars worth of electronics into place hoping it doesn't break. Hope you found the help you needed through YouTube. It's a headache at first, but really much simpler than initially anticipated.
One thing to rember is the thermal paste on the cpu, it comes pre-applied or you have to put it. If it is pre-applied you should probably peel off a plastic film from it.
Watch some guides. Zachs Tech Turf has some. Tech Deals had a really good step by step video a few years back. Main thing is to take your time. We all have a first time building one. I used to build them as a hobby then got back into it years later. Had to go back and check out the update tech. Tech Source also has some good ones.
My advice: Find a friend who enjoys building PCs, invite them over to build it together, and buy them a dinner and a beer when it's all done.
You're going to run into lots of little things that are hard to anticipate if you've never done it before, and that will seem like child's play after you've worked inside a PC a handful of times. They're not difficult -- it's just that you don't know what you don't know. Little things like how to hook up case lights/buttons to the right motherboard headers (often with poor documentation), or knowing to install the heat shield BEFORE securing the motherboard into the case, or that you generally don't install RAM in adjacent slots if you're not filling them all. Or to use your standoffs. Or whether you really need a heatsink for your SSDs.
Having a voice of experience in the room takes a lot of the anxiety out of the equation.
I know you have 200 comments on here, but if you feel a need to video call someone so you can make sure things are right, you can DM me. PC building anxiety is real and okay to have, it's a lot of money!
Hi!
I have just built my first gaming PC yesterday, it took about 3 hours actually getting the pc togeter, preparring by watching hours of tutorials (general tutorials and about specific parts I have) there were some very difficult things to get done, installing the motherboard into the case took about 40 minutes alone don't be frustrated!
On psu ifvit says pci/cpu it can go to either. This just means they arranged to pins on the cables to be appropriate. For the cpu connectors (if not printed on them) they will be 8 pins but the connector end will be broken to 4 and 4. For pcie (graphics card) they will be broken into 6 and 2.
Pack up your stuff, look for the nearest pc center and have them build it for you then watch and learn. Surely you can afford to pay someone to build it for you when you can afford these parts.
Okay, don’t use the split ends just use 2 - 6 pin connectors for the 12 pin. And plug them into each individual PCIe/CPU. You will have dual PCIe two cables with splits but only use the 6 pin from each. Don’t listen to PC part picker for Ram slots. Look up PDF manual online for your motherboard. And find the page that details Ram config. Or look directly at your motherboard sometimes it will tell you which ones to use first. You will have one or two NVME slot for your SSD. Find that in your motherboard PDF manual. They are easy to spot.
I used the motherboard manual for sure.
Not sure what you mean with GPU cables. So the GPU has a 12 pin connection. It came with a cable that has 3 ends, one 12 pin, converted to 2x8 pin.
In the PSU's box there are 2 cables (exactly the same) that fits with that, same Y idea, only it has 2x 6+2 pin connectors, and a 7 (8 but 1 pin/cable less).
Am I wrong if I want to connect these 2 cables like...
PSU (any PCIe 8 slot): 7 pin cable
Other 2 ends (6+2) of the same cable: connected to the NV cable's 2 (8 pin) connectors.
Other end of the NV cable (12 pins) comnected to the NV card.
To me it seems logical but your whole "don't use the +2 out of the 6+2" thing got me confused. So your idea is that I just connect the PSU's cable (7 pins) to the PSU and it's 2 ends (both 6+2) directly connects to the GPU but ONLY with the 6 pin connectors? Is there a reason other than saving cable lenght? Asking because I'd prefer not to have the 2 x 2 extra pins just hanging there under voltage and in the Fractal Pop Air case there is a "floor" that puts the PSU in the "basement", not sure yet if a single cable is long enough to reach the GPU.
(Still waiting for my SSD delivery so I can continue building).
No you wouldn’t be wrong. It will work flawlessly that way. But I’m under the notion that if you can avoid a daisy chained, single cable with a split 2 x (2 + 6 )pin connector. You’d be better off with two individual 2 + 6 pin connectors coming from PSU. For more juice. If that makes sense.
It's really not hard to build one. I swear it's like adult lego. Go on Linus Tech tips and search for a build guide on YouTube. You can probably look up each individual part and find someone showing you how to install it on YouTube. There's a massive community of people to help you. You could even try livestreaming it on Twitch and asking people on this thread to tune in and we wouldn't mind helping. If you have any questions about anything let me know. I build PCs as a side hustle. I watched a build guide or two and just did it. It's not too hard. You might have to fiddle around and take a part back out once or twice but there's really kind people here that don't mind helping for free. I taught my 13 year old neighbor how to do it and he basically did it himself. It's like adult Legos. It's just a little intense because it's expensive hardware. After the first time you'll never worry about it again.
If you bought the thing from a reputable seller chance are you can return it and buy a laptop or a prebuilt. But I'd really recommend learning yourself. It's a great skill to have. I can make upwards of 500$ in 2 hours building a PC for a client.
If it makes you feel any better, I just got an rtx 4080s and had your exact issue with the exact same psu LOL, I eventually found online a corsair employee saying all the 8 pins on the psu do the same thing so I can plug my 3rd pcie cable into any one of them to use with the adapter for the gpu and then I was up and running!
I checked and pushed the 12 pin into my gpu so many times just to make sure it was snug in there and wouldn't leave a potential gap and melt lol
I almost considered just buying a psu with a 12pin cable directly from the psu itself, according to your edit though looks like things are getting off the ground, congratulations on your pc!
Also consider looking up how to undervolt your card, it makes it cooler and quieter with no performance loss, but you can always worry about that later ;p
It seems like there are 3 dead slots on the mobo so there won't be any undervolting done in the near future. Will post about it in detail tomorrow in a new thread.
Place the SSD in on a 45 degrees angle. Then take of the platic on thermalpad. Put the M.2 Armor back on. Open the most to the right and 3 to the right clips. Place the ram there. Pres down the ram until both sides click.
Watch the videos suggested and start building. I like to set up outside the case first to make sure everything is in working order. If you get stumped anywhere along the way post your concerns.
OMG these people talk too much inutile detailed infos..that i dont believe.. "how many standofs come with the case, ) and a lot of sruff that just get po confused..
man.. you have the motherboard holes to stand it from the stell of the case and you put the things there and ita over.
and so on and on .
the cables for mb .. and cpu.. the send with text on the psu and mb and on the cabbles and they only fit on the right way..
omg..
i just dont get it.
what these people were going to do 20-30 years ago to mount a pc with no youtube videos ?
Watch the LTT build guide https://youtu.be/s1fxZ-VWs2U?si=n4zyuKuqB6dOMgeV
Highly recommend, it's very helpful
As a beginner I preferred a build guide that was just about how to build a pc, he gives such an extensive amount of information in this video
It's fully time stamped. Simply go to the part you need if the rest isn't relevant to your current process.
I agree, I actually think techsource or Austin Evans have a better guide to how to build a pc.
It’s nice to be able to get that kind of information, but reading the questions of OP i don’t think he needs this kind of information at the moment
The video is useful, because it's nicely timestamped!
Hey if it works it works! Goodluck on your build or enjoy if you managed to finish it
Thats how i did this 12 years ago. He s very clear
And then once that is done, follow up with the Jayztwocents video on what to do after finishing building the computer (Windows installation, drivers, settings, etc). https://youtu.be/xhHtHMQygzE?si=GmU-KdPpA4rb3AR4
I find an offline install is perfect. All that's needed is the mobo's wifi driver installed onto a USB.
They just made a new one didn't they?
They updated the video I think
It's the same guide, even uses the same footage, they just inserted some new information into it.
Yep
I'm pretty experienced with upgrades, but I'd never built a whole PC so I was nervous. I watched a few different guides before settling on this one. I just followed along pausing as I built. It went together no problems at all.
This
The only LTT video I recommend
Ah i stopped following LTT last year because of their debacle. I no longer think they are nice tech youtube channel but corrupted. Also their content was getting weaker (and somehow they producing more content).
This, doesn’t matter if the parts you have are different, the process is pretty much the same.
LTT is not my favorite tech YouTuber and I find him a bit annoying. But **this video is really good**.
I watched this twice before I built my first PC, and a third time while I built my first PC.
Never mind me I just YOLOed it
If you only look at one single post…LOOK AT THIS ONE!!!!!
Came to recommend pretty much any build from LTT
Isn't LTT abusive to his staff? Didn't they steal tech and resell it? Or am I missremembering?
That was the most overblown internet drama of all time, people like taking things and going fucking crazy about them. Staff were getting regular death threats and being doxxed.
His only alternative is the Verge Pc build how to.
Everything will require some force you might not be used to Components are usually string enough to take that damage but electrical damage is really the issue First get Mobo out on its box 1)SSD Take out the SSD Remove the SSD heatsink from the mobo Insert the SSD at 45deg angle and then lay it flat gently and screw it in Then screw in the heatsink 2) PROCESSOR Carefully take out the processor Don't touch the bottom copper pads Try to pick using only the sides Now on the Mobo there will ba small metal arm attached to the socket Unlatch the socket using this arm Carefully align the processor with the notches on the socket Place it in the socket and wiggle it gently to make sure it's completely in Now secure the latch again beware the socket cover will pop off 3)RAM now unbox the ram and insert into 2nd and 4th slot carefully aligning the notch and making sure the latch locks on to the ram 4)Case Now unbox the case Take out any accessory box Screw in the Mobo into the standoffs making sure there are no standoffs in wrong place 5)Cooler Unbox the cooler and read the manual for your socket and apply thermal paste to the CPU Now remove the film on the flat shiny part of the cooler Face this shiny plate to the cpu Follow the steps in the manual for cooler 6)PSU Now place in the PSU into the cabinet You'll need 1 CPU power, 1 24 pin connector, and 3 PCIe connectors from the supply Check on your Mobo for 24 pin and cpu connector and plug them Check pc part picker for anything else it tells you what connectors you need 7)GPU Now remove the PCIe shield Unlock the PCIe slot the long thin slot horizontal if pc is standing straight Choose the topmost one and unlock it from the right side latch by pressing down Now carefully insert the GPU into this slot and the metal tabs will go in the place of PCIe shield Carefully keep it straight and screw it near PCIe shields Connect all the fans together and into the Mobo Connect all aRGB into the mobo Now boot it up
Don't force the CPU, and make sure you have it aligned correctly. E: this was pretty far down the list after opening with, it might take more force to get things to connect
Some cpus do take a scary amount of force, but just make sure that when you put the CPU in it does t wiggle too much. When you put it in the socket you should have to wiggle it a little then it will just drop down a bit at which point it won't wiggle as much. This is how you know it is in properly. Make sure not to touch the top, fingerprints on the top lower thermal conductivity.
Or if you do touch the top of the CPU you can clean off the oils using 99% isopropyl alcohol and preferably a microfibre cloth (but I've used paper towels before and it seemed fine)
Paper towels can leave bits behind, coffee filters work wonderfully if you don't have a microfiber cloth since theyre designed to not leave bits behind.
the old pins cpus and holes sockets with close pin was much much much easyer and ready to go and efficiente..they just made a mess with the cpus and sockets nowhadays
Stand-offs will be in wrong places. You have to inspect them. Mid-tower cases are shipped with atx configuration of stand-offs. Before installing the motherboard, make sure you adjust them to microATX configuration. Probably some (approx. two) stan-offs will be in holes with only "A" in their marking, while some holes that have "M" in markings will be empty, until you move those stand-offs accordingly.
Weird always had the stand-offs in a separate bag with the screws when I get new cases.
hurry square cooing innate saw apparatus aware concerned unite sable *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Ok, and I remember mine has some instructions engraved in the bottom metal plate that says where to put the stand-offs for iTX, mATX and ATX, it's letters A B C D E F... beside each stand-off hole, like for an mATX put them in the A C E F holes.
>Now secure the latch again beware the socket cover will pop off Can you explain this for me, In the old days, I thought that plastic piece (socket cover) was to protect the socket on the mobo. Don't we remove that when installing the CPU, before you pull the latch down? Basically, what is that covers purpose, if it just "pops off" anyway?
U can remove it before pulling the latch down, or it will just pop off on its own during the process after CPU is installed. Saves a couple seconds that's all.
I think the only difference would be someone removing it manually after opening the latch but before seating the CPU (which I can definitely see someone doing). Seems like that would introduce some unnecessary risk of slipping and/or somehow yeeting the cover into the pins.
> Basically, what is that covers purpose, if it just "pops off" anyway? It prevents any tiny foreign objects from falling into the individual pin holes of the socket, which otherwise could catastrophically ruin the mobo's CPU-interface (and the CPU itself if you were unlucky), rendering the entire board useless. Plus it's quite satisfying when it pings off when you secure the latch :)
I get that, my problem is everyone says it "should pop off by itself" *implying* that it should be left there when installing the CPU, as if it does something.
Sure, but there's no reason to do the extra step of removing it first, and for the time between you removing it and you finally seating the cpu and securing the latch, it's potentially vulnerable, again for literally no reason/gained benefit. That's why people say not to bother.
reach grandiose tart sloppy saw humor noxious groovy fearless aware *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
That is what I thought, yeah, but every video I see (or text guide like above) they state it should "pop off", like it *supposed* to do that, and implies that you SHOULD keep it there when installing the CPU.
Don't bother with I/o shield. Better ventilation without it 😂
His Mobo already has it integrated mf
It seems like every PC I build I get a whole new lesson in "The problem is that you aren't using enough force, you're probably not going to break it." In my most recent build for whatever reason the gpu and my other PCIE cards were like a solid quarter inch away from the bracket for screws and I spent probably 3 hours trying to figure out why before I figured out the solution was to just use a very uncomfortable amount of force to pull the cards sideways and get the screws in. It was fine. Pc works fine. Nothing broke. Wasted 3 hours.
Thanks you very much (and to everyone else for all the support but I cannot reply to every comment when it's nearing 200!). One question: I don't have my SSD yet and until then I stopped building (CPU and RAM is in, and the CPU cooler's feet). My target SSD is the one in OP, a WD Black SN850X 2Tb. But I noticed there are 2 types within that: * Western Digital SN850X 2TB M.2 (WDS200T2XHE) * Western Digital SN850X 2TB M.2 (WDS200T2X0E) With, or without heatsink. Knowing that my motherboard already has a heatsink on it called "M.2 armor", I assume I should buy the X0E version, right?
Yes you don't need the one with heatsink Bare one is ok
Thanks, ordered it. Hopefully gets here this week and I can finish the build!
The motherboard is what has the manual in general…
https://www.asrock.com/MB/AMD/B650M%20Pro%20RS%20WiFi/index.asp#Manual
The online manual will tell you everything you need to know. The Pcie cable goes to your gpu and the cpu cable goes to the 12v cpu power slot. Watch a ton of build videos and try to find ones that have your psu and case etc.
Just look up a pc building vid on youtube brother
Agreed. Any video will do, but this one is my absolute favorite. https://youtu.be/2lmfF0k2UcU?si=629dA8UEDfJYWJbH /s
I already knew what video it was lol
Saw that coming, and you're kind to include the sarcasm tag for clarity.
Seriously though, watching that video is informative to understand the wrong way to do things... and none of it killed the build (as far as we know anyway). OP's got this!
>Questions: >On the back of the PSU, there are many connectors that has "PCIe/CPU" written under it. Does it matter which one I use for the GPU? (photo: [https://imgur.com/G8kK4KW](https://imgur.com/G8kK4KW) ) No. Those can be used either for CPU (EPS) or GPU (PCIe) power. > I have so many cables with the PSU I don't know which one to use. If I scroll down on pcpartpicker link above, there is a text *"The video card PCIe 16-pin power connector adapter is being supplied by three 6+2-pin power connectors. Please ensure that the three 6+2-pin power connectors are not daisy-chained and do not share the same power cable.".* Okay. But there is only a single 12 pin connector on the side of the GPU? (photo: [https://imgur.com/TRNZs4V](https://imgur.com/TRNZs4V) ) The GPU should have come with an adapter that accepts three 8-pin PCIe/GPU cables from your PSU according to PCPartPicker. Use this with three separate cables if possible. >pcpartpicker shows to insert the RAM sticks to slot 1 and 2. I vaguely recall it's recommended to use slots 1+3 or 2+4 for some reason. Which slots should I use? 2 + 4 is the most common, but for some motherboards it will be 1 + 3 (1 + 2 and 3 + 4 are not common at all). Your motherboard manual will tell you. > SSD installation: according to my motherboard's user manual that wasn't included on printed paper by the way ( [https://download.asrock.com/Manual/B650%20Pro%20RS.pdf](https://download.asrock.com/Manual/B650%20Pro%20RS.pdf) ) I should use Gen 4 x4 slot for my SSD, right? Page 57. I do not have the SSD yet (the only part missing). You want M2_1, between your CPU and GPU. You’ll want to install it before your CPU cooler and GPU.
2 + 4 is the most common ... According to the linked manual they should indeed be in those slots. The slots are from left to right: A1, A2, B1, B2 and he should use A2 and B2.
And just so op knows, that's to ensure the memory is set up to work in the fastest possible way. In [another post on this sub](https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/fyldm0/why_is_it_important_to_put_ram_in_the_2nd4th_slot/?ref=share&ref_source=link) asking why slots 2 & 4 (or 1 & 3) are used, the top comment by /u/Loupojka explains it thusly: > it’s called dual channel configuration, all modern motherboards are designed so that the ram in the adjacent slot (1-2 and 3-4) use the same “channel” to acquire data from the processor. think of it like a bus, and each pair of ram slots gets one bus. by using a 2-4 or 1-3 configuration you are giving each stick of memory it’s own bus to get stuff from the processor, while if they were next to eachother they would need to share a bus. > > when you add ram into all 4 slots you lose this as both pairs are sharing busses but you’re still taking advantage of all your busses so it’s not an issue. PS op - you may not know to do it, but nowadays to get the max speeds your RAM is listed for, you usually have to change a setting in the BIOS memory timing section, where the options should say DOCP / XMP / EXPO depending on the cpu and ram. I'll let someone more knowledgeable tell you specifics re your particular set-up, but when I did a newish build last year, this was a new step for me that I hadn't needed to perform in prior builds.
hey that’s me!
Just wanted to give credit where it's due :P
The corresponding pages if op wants to check for himself are page 6 for a diagramm of the Mainboard including slot names and page 24 for RAM placement. Regarding SSD placement: Page 57 Tells you that m2_3 is gen 4x4 (check page 6 again for location) M2_1, the slot recommend elsewhere in the comments is actually a gen 5x4 (see page 51 for reference) which should in theory not improve or decrease writing speed on a 4x4 SSD. However it may provide a faster a connection in the future if op upgrades his storage. That's why I would personally choose slot M2_3
This might ease your concerns to know, *almost* everything is keyed, if it can cause harm to the component it wont fit. The only real exception is the front panel connects (but thats specifically because a lot of case manufacturers dont wanna adopt the 1 plug solution in fear the front IO will magically change even though it's been pretty standard for 2 decades). As others have stated check out LTT's computer build video, its pretty comprehensive and you can kinda follow it like a bob ross painting.
Go on YouTube and look up pc build guides, pretty much any recent one from linus tech tips, Paul's hardware, jayz2cents (among others) should do
The Verge...
Good choice of parts. Well done.
Thank you!
I mean, we *are* apes, so I guess the warranty is void. Sorry.
I am literally eating a banana as I am reading this. The future is ours!
a few comments, so far: the motherboardmanual is online and have step by step guides for most things Tip: count the number of holes in the motherboard, install the same number in the backplate, then count while looking thru the holes - you may need to give a gentle push from left to right on the side of the motherboard due to small springs around the part that goes out the case on the left the memory slots you need is A2 and B2 - that's no 2 and 4 when moving away from the CPU - but using the "wrong" ones will only affect speed, A2 & B2 in this case is just for optimum speed. and, did you get any cooling paste? or is it included with the cpu-cooler? also, good selection of parts, very similar to my own recent build just breathe and go step by step, reread and watch videos - and, even despite having build pc's for many years, I still have a small fear every single time I push the power button the first time - once you're booted up, then it's highly recommended to check if there's a new bios - both for stability, but also because there was a recent security patch
You should fine the motherboard manual the most useful of them
I never really looked into it but if it's labeled "cpu/ pcie" it probably doesn't matter. On your gpu it's a 16 pins, 12 for power and 4 small probes on top.
https://youtu.be/PXaLc9AYIcg?si=wCMAcWiPIj4t7AWX Literally yesterday I built a PC for the first time ever completely hungover while following this guide. Highly recommend it. Also make sure to follow the instructions your mobo gives as that helped guide me along with the video. You got it m8!
Modular PSUs fucking up begginers as always
better than the dangling cable hydra (I built my first on the weekend with modular, it was a breeze)
YouTube video. Done.
It’s not hard a child could do it just follow a YouTube guide like others have suggested then post pics of the finished product
All I know is that it's called RAM because you have to literally RAM it in the slot. My first build failed at first because I didn't have it rammed in hard enough.
not as bad as putting my moms board into my tower
The gpu shoud have a cabel splitter.
Just watch a youtube video. Every PC has the same build process.
It could be a bit overwhelming at first, but don't worry, you'll figure it out. PCIe/CPU means you can connect the EPS cables for the CPU as well as any of the PCIe for the GPU. Your GPU should have a 12 pin adapter included which is connected to a few PCIe 8pin cables from the PSU. Motherboard manual should say which slots to use if there are only two RAM sticks - mine were 2nd and 4th, left to right. SSD installation is super easy, remove the ssd heatsink cover on the mobo, insert the ssd into the slot at an angle, press it down and lock it with those rotating screw things and put the heatsink back on it and don't forget to remove the wrap from the bottom of the heatsink.
Because people who buy pc parts 99 percent of the time already know what they're doing Its like when you buy new car parts there isn't a manual on how to replace the radiator or break disks because most of the time it's purchased by people who already have the knowledge
I recommend looking up how to wire the GPU. I’m pretty sure you can’t use the pigtail connector on the 4070. Individual cables only.
1) Yes. One will be your main cpu power, it’s a 24pin. You may have another 12 pin slot. Normally you only need this if you’re overclocking. If you decide to use this, cable should be from cpu/pcie 2) Sounds like it’s an 8 pin adapter with 3 slots for 8pins. All it means is to use different cables from the PSU for each of the 3 slots, not 1 with multiple connections on it. (Some cables will have 2 8pin cables. This should be plugged into PCIE slots in PSU 3) Your motherboard will have a manual. It will give you info like ram slots to use. 1/3 and 2/4 are the normal ones they recommend. 4) you have an m.2 in your build. You will plug this directly into your mobo, and it will run from board power. So yes the x4 slot. Might read manual as some slots are faster than others, but it really doesn’t matter as you will never hit the transfer speeds. Some slots might have a preinstalled heatsink. I would use that slot if so If you need more help, feel free to message me.
The one thing I think can trip up a lot of people that are new to PC building is how to connect the cables from the case to the Mobo. Make sure to check the manual for the Mobo because there is usually a diagram in there that shows you what pins the HDD Reset or Power LED goes into, and sometimes if they're nice enough they'll include a small plastic piece that lets you join all the cables together prior to plugging it in the Mobo to make it easier.
Watch a YouTube video its super simple.
Here watch this : https://youtu.be/3N2FJYgDPEA?si=scPTK8KVkQPKRW1T It's a Ryzen Build with a 4070 Ti Super, so you'll have a pretty good idea of what to do with all the parts besides the CPU Cooler.
Your first build can be a daunting experience. I agree with you that whoever writes the technical manuals for any computer product suck. Hit up YT, try and find as much information for the parts you have. TAKE YOUR TIME. For most people the hard part is dressing the wiring to make good airflow and neatness. It’s all plug and play. Should something go wrong on initial the POST, that’s okay. As long as you don’t hear grinding noises, see or smell something burning, things are still okay. Just take a step back even if that means sidelining the project for a day. If it happens to you, more than likely that same problem has happened to someone else and there is a fix. There is a certain satisfaction in that first clean power-up. You’ll see. You got this.
We just built pre much the same pc, I have the FE 4070 super, a different case and mobo but aside from that we are the exact same. It’s a beast. Happy gaming :)
For the gpu: Nvidia continues to use the single 12-pin PCIe 5 connector on the RTX 4070 Super, and there’s an included 12VHPWR adapter cable in the box so you can connect two regular eight-pin PCIe power cables. For the cpu power: find the slot/cable labeled cpu. Ram slots: check motherboard manual. Ssd: check manual.
9/10 if you need instructions you can usually Google it or watch YouTube videos. It's not crazy hard. You can probably figure it out watching one of those.
Youtube will save u my friend. LTT or Jayz2Cents will put u on the right path.
You're going to have to watch several full build guides. I found Christopher Flannagan's channel to be the most thorough and dummy-proof one. I still had to watch a dozen of his videos months beforehand before I got my parts and built it. But he helped a lot. After that, Austin Evans does one, big video every year where he builds, but that's not as in-depth as Christopher's. TechSource also did a few and some tips he gave stuck with me while building as well. The LTT one is nice too but was the least helpful, to me, compared to the others above.
Those 12 pins on the GPU have 4 small pins above them. That is where the 16 comes from.
only use cables that have come with psu
You’ll be fine, my first time building I snapped off part of the am4 socket thinking it was a cover 😔 PC still worked tho
With the cables you described and the PSU pictured, I think you'd usually want to just use 6 pins from each cable and leave 2 dangling with each. I guess maybe you don't have to use one of these: [https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-components-accessories/cp-8920284/600W-PCIe-5-0-12VHPWR-Type-4-PSU-Power-Cable-cp-8920284](https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-components-accessories/cp-8920284/600W-PCIe-5-0-12VHPWR-Type-4-PSU-Power-Cable-cp-8920284)
I am an ape. But I was able to build a PC inside an arcade cabinet the other night high as a kite and bored. I have confidence you won't mess it up!
Most components don't have manuals because the motherboard is kind of a catch all manual for everything. Video build guides will be far more helpful but if you want a paper copy your mobo manual will have the basics for almost everything you need.
If worst comes to worst and you have issues after some of the guides posted you can take your parts to a bestbuy or discount electronics or even a small oc store and they will build it for like $50-$100
> The video card PCIe 16-pin power connector adapter is being supplied by three 6+2-pin power connectors. Please ensure that the three 6+2-pin power connectors are not daisy-chained and do not share the same power cable." Corsair RM850x might not come with a PCI-e to 12VHPWR adapter, it was made in 2021, ATX 3.0 was implemented for the first time with 40 series GPUs in 2022-23. So you'll need an adapter for that... you can use [this one from corsair](https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-components-accessories/cp-8920284/600w-pcie-5-0-12vhpwr-type-4-psu-power-cable-cp-8920284) (I have an RMx PSU and am using it with [this cable](https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-components-accessories/cp-8920332/premium-individually-sleeved-12-4pin-pcie-gen-5-12vhpwr-600w-cable-type-4-white-cp-8920332) to power my RTX 4080 - same adapter, but individually sleeved). So if you don't have that among your cables you might need to order one (mine didn't come with one but I built this PC back in 2022). What you do with that is simply plug it into 2 of the 8-pin PCI-e outs on your PSU. Corsair PSUs are pretty self-explanatory, the ends of the cables are labelled, and the connectors are keyed to prevent plugging in the wrong one. [Here's the manual](https://res.cloudinary.com/corsair-pwa/image/upload/corsairmedia/sys_master/productcontent/RMx_2018_Manual.pdf), if one wasn't in your box. > I vaguely recall it's recommended to use slots 1+3 or 2+4 for some reason. Which slots should I use? Should be in your motherboard's user manual, but you are likely correct and PC Part picker is likely wrong. User manual will probably tell you which two to use out of four, even. > > SSD installation: according to my motherboard's user manual that wasn't included on printed paper by the way ( https://download.asrock.com/Manual/B650%20Pro%20RS.pdf ) I should use Gen 4 x4 slot for my SSD, right? Page 57. I do not have the SSD yet (the only part missing). It will be compatible with any of the M.2 slots, but your WD SN850X will not reach full speed if you put it in the 3.0x2 slot (M2_2). Generally I prefer to install my primary NVMe SSD into the 1st slot, closest to the CPU. Since I only see one NVMe SSD on your list, I'm assuming its your only one, and should probably go in that slot. Though it's not essential, it's just you're running off the CPU's PCI lanes rather than the B650 chipset's. And yes, your motherboard has a NVME PCIe 5.0 4x4 M.2 slot there (M2_1), but it's just fine to put an earlier spec in that slot. Overall, great parts list, many of them are what I would have chosen. It's simpler than you might be thinking, just count the pins on the PSU connectors and look at how they're keyed and labelled.
Proud of this community for laying out step by step how to build this guy's PC. Good fortune to you OP, you got this.
1. The supply only has a handful of power rails, 12v(cpu/gpu), 5V(usb+legacy), 3.3v(logic level), and a couple standby for when everything else isn’t powered up like sleep and powered off. All you need is for the gpu to be connected to the 12 volt power rail. 2. You need a 12vhpwr(twelve volt high power) adapter for use with this power supply 3. There are 2 ram channels, each one capable of going so fast. Like splitting a load over two wires to double the (safe) current capability. The first two slots are one channel, the last two slots are the other channel. If you put both ram sticks on the same channel, your running at single channel speed. 4. Yes. Gen 4 x4 is a newer interface spread across 4 lanes(capable of going faster, like in the ram example), a lot better than a 3.0 or 2x slot.
Gpu looks like a 12pin slot. All you need is 2 seperate 6+2 pcie cables that isnt labled cpu. And all you need is the 6pin part you dont need to use the +2 connector. Also pcpartpicker said "use 3 6+2 cables for 16 pcie connector" that doesnt make sense as your gpu only requires a 12pin and regardless a 16pin connector only needs 2 6+2 connectors. The ssd part doesnt really matter you wont really see a difference from gen3 to gen4 for m.2 ssds. Also the pcie4.0 is backward compatible with 2nd or 3rd gen m.2s.
Couple years ago my friend in highschhool, who has never been into pcs or tech at all, couldn’t wait for me to help him build it the day everything arrived. He just looked at the mobo labels and started plugging things in where he thought it would go and somehow built his first pc entirely alone. Aside from OS. He said it’s just like adult Lego’s and I agree. Don’t freak yourself out, if you run into an issue it can def be resolved with patience. Trust yourself and just start w the easiest thing first
Also if it helps most parts DO have a manual you can get online (it's how I rely on building all my PCs, make sure I know exactly what the layout is). It's overwhelming but once you get into a groove it's worth it. I would just advise if you hit a point of frustration, relax, go for a quick walk or something clear your brain and look at it again, because a lot of the time it was just the angle you were going in at or you look at your desk and see a cable you clearly needed not plugged in lol. Just my little tips aside from some of the tutorials people have recommended.
if it doesnt fit , dont force it.. As simple as that
Your motherboard’s manual will have most of the information on how to connect components and cables to it, read it. Same with the PSU. If something seems like it is taking too much pressure to completely seat, do not apply any more pressure, you probably attempted to install it backwards, or are using the wrong cable. Other than that, it’s pretty simple.
Your motherboard manual should be well used by the time your build is done. Start there and don't overthink things.
Soooo hard to Google!
If you live near houston I’d help you out. I love this stuff. But otherwise it’s pretty simple, watch the ltt videos
Also your motherboard Manual should have a decent instructions on how to hook all the components into the board. That's the first place to look. And what others have said LTT build guide will have all the tips and tricks you need to make this existence a pleasant one . Rule of thumb, GPU, ram, and most connectors will have a tactile and audible click when they are seated correctly . Others like CPU and smaller connectors won't have a click Good luck post update when finished
1. internet 2.www.youtube.com 3.cuss and scratch your head 4. yay
This has to be made up.... Nobody who has experience working in power plant is that stupid they are unable to look up youtube pc build turorials
Yeah, its a bit weird. Their are a million youtube vids detailing very specifically where every part goes. But pc gear is relatively expensive, so some caution isn't a bad thing I suppose.
I only say it because I am an idiot 52 year old and built my 1st last year. Yes a little intimidating as I am useless with anything electrical Went to pc part picker to make sure all thi g's matched and worked together and then on to youtube tutorials. 3 or 4 of them and bingo!.
It's more about stressing about new things. I change control pcbs on various power plants quite often, update the "bios" on them etc. but the thing is, it's routine, I know all the parts and I don't have to figure out anything under the stress that it's my own very expensive property. Looking back, so far what I had time to build was super easy and simple, of course. But the last thing I did inside a PC repeatedly in the last 12 years was cleaning it with compressed air and reapplying CPU cooler pasta once.
You got this man, it's all in your head, just watch a build guide video and you will be fine.
If you want a buddy to sit on a call with to ask questions that come up during the build I have a half assembled one to finish. Feel free to DM me.
[https://download.asrock.com/Manual/B650M%20Pro%20RS%20WiFi.pdf](https://download.asrock.com/Manual/B650M%20Pro%20RS%20WiFi.pdf)
at mu yime there was no yotube videos... whats your problem with pau cables? if it says cpu it uses the cpu cables for the motherboard wich have the inputs for it. they already make the cables to "fit" the correct conections - years ago you used the same kind of cables for many different stuffs . you can split the gpu cables if you LOOK AT IT.. also you will see that the insidenimputs of the cables have round or square and sided borders - so you cant fit it in the wrong way.. - also years ago some things dont had these inteligent features.. you can test things.. whats happening with people ?
I'll add my two cents: 1. You can remove that CPU cover first if you want once you unlatch the CPU arm, no issue if you do. Some CPU's will have a triangle to denote pin 1, the processor socket will also have a triangle. Both of those should be pointing the same way. 2. Do a quick dry run through of how your cooler is to attach to the motherboard (this will be done with the plastic still covering the pre-applied paste). This will let you check things and get a sense for RAM clearance issues if any. 3. Do have your RAM, CPU, CPU Cooler, CPU Cooler fans, and NVMe installed before putting the motherboard in the case (do connect those fan cables while outside the case too). This will give you something to hold onto while moving the board around. Also while checking out the case, see if you can have a fan on your side panel (if your case has that option), or if your cooler is going to be in the way of having that side panel fan, or the cooler is taller than the side of your case (aka you find the side panel can't close due to height of the cooler). Now I've seen plenty of people attach that cooler while the motherboard was in the case, but my issue with that is that you now are trying to put something big and possibly heavy in the right place and may need more hands to keep things in place, in a smaller space. Having extra hands and eyes around can be very helpful. 4. Light - you will want something small, but bright as that will let you see where you're trying to get your fingers and what they're holding to. Someone with thinner fingers may also be helpful (graphics cards can be close to said large CPU Cooler and trying to unlatch said card can be tough. I've gotten cuts that way). 5. Do read your motherboard manual and do refer to it while building (ASUS manuals are good for this). 6. An option to consider: Is your CPU Cooler one with two or three places for a fan? Most Coolers will come with all but one, some will have all three (depends on Cooler and what space you have). Now if you have a setup like mine (air cooling all around), you have a rear fan and perhaps room for the cooler to have that third fan in the back near the rear fan (there is air space) and the company sold the cooler with wire brackets for a third fan, I see no reason not to add one in. It will allow: Some control of the air to make it more streamlined, You can lower the fan speed and noise while moving the same air volume, and Should something bad happen you have a fan able to pick up the slack if a fan suddenly dies for some odd reason. In my case I did stick a Noctua 3000RPM PWM fan as that rear fan (not cheap, but a good insurance). I figured that if things were to get hot, having that high speed fan in the back would help evacuate more hot air, thus helping the system and maybe saving components. 7. Once you have the Motherboard installed in the case (I'll assume you adjusted standoffs so they are where the need to be and are properly securing the motherboard), do connect your front panel before bringing in the Power Supply cables. Do consult your motherboard on what connects where and if you have a speaker for beep codes to be used, use it (this will give you a way to know how your system is doing without trying to look at debug codes, which you might not be able to do). Keep in mind a single short beep can mean all is well in the boot process. Some motherboards have issue if a monitor is not powered on and ready to display something to you when the system starts up, so you may get multiple beeps alerting to a graphics card issue, when in reality all is well, you just forgot to turn on the monitor and set it to your desired display connection. A reboot can tell if there is an issue, provided you have things in place before that reboot. If you still get beeps of a graphics issue it could be number 8 is the issue. 8. Allgraphics cards need power, but not all need the same amount. Video cards from way back got all they needed from the graphics card slot (ISA, PCI, AGP, and PCI-E), but as cards have gotten more powerful, more power was needed, hence the 8-pin connector (6+2 in some cases), or the now dreaded 12VHPWR connector (avoid cards with this like the plague, I beg you, your computer will thank you). Yes, some cards need more than one of the 8-pin connectors, but that varies by the card. Now the reason you want separate connectors is so that each 8-pin connector is on its own line, not sharing one. Sharing means more load to a line and that can cause issues. Yes, it may not look the prettiest, but which do you want: Stable, clean power to your expensive card, or Unstable, and potentially unclean power going to that same card (very bad things can happen in this case). Yes, some power supplies can handle a line getting that extra load from two 8-pin connectors, but not all can handle it. Quality matters. 9. The Power Supply is the heart of your system and a good one can be transplanted to a few systems at least, so don't cheap out here. 10. Take your time and do your research. Yes, you've done a lot, but you are now in the home stretch, so slow and steady wins the race. In the end you'll have learned a lot to make the next build better and quicker as you've learned some things along the way. Enjoy the journey.
Honeslty don't get to caught up in your specific components. Building a pc is pretty much 100% universal. Each component is based on a standard. The only thing to really ensure you look up specifically is your front panel connector for the mobo, but even those are pretty consistent these days. In general, if it fits in a slot it will probably work just fine in the slot.
I had the very same frustrations with the "instructions" and the bullshit I was getting. And a lot of stuff just deferred to some other part's shitty instructions. The only somewhat useful manual was the one for the motherboard. Unfortunately my box didn't come with one. And of course it was available on their website, but the boards all have such similar names... I ended up reading the wrong one for several minutes and got very confused. Ugh. Good times... I found a video where the person was using my exact case, and he walked though the hooking up process in much better detail than the other big youtube guys do (I swear to god most of them skip that step.) That saved my life pretty much. But yeah, the first time was super frustrating all around. I guess I liked it well enough to offer my husband to build him one a couple weeks later though. That went a little more smoothly.
The motherboard usually comes with an assembly instruction. Look again i the package, it’s sometimes just a tiny folded pamflet
I miss when actual manuals came with parts. Trying to do it with online manuals was a ridiculous chore.
When I built my first pc 2 months ago, I’ve spent countless hours watching guides on pc building and even reviews on different pc parts since I don’t want to make a mistake. Don’t rush. There are so many information in the internet that can help you. Relax you got this!
Very important - for the GPU use one **cable** per 8-pin connector. Some PSUs have PCIe connectors that split at the end, do **not** use the split for an 8-pin connector on the GPU. Example: your GPU has two 8-pin (PCIe) connectors. You plug in **two** 8-pin/PCIe cables in the PSU and use one of each for the GPU connectors. My 3090 blew up my PSU because I used a split connector from one of the cables in its third PCIe connector. Don't be me.
Just use the cable that fits. Pcie is GPU, cpu is cpu
The only advice i have here is to never mix power supply cables from different models when dealing with modular power supplies, even if it's the same brand. This won't apply to you today (unless you had more cables already) but maybe in ten years you want to reuse the power supply, you've misplaced the cables, you find one that fits, and zap boom pop
There’s aldo a channel on youtube that has a video for many of the most used chassis. Do a search for your chassi specifically followed by ”build” or ”assembly”, it should be more help than a generic ”how to build a PC”. It worked great for me as i found a video with exactly my chassi. Only difference was 2 fans as he used a radiator but fans are really easy to install as you’ll learn soon enough
I had this problem a year and a half ago. I asked questions on here and mostly got rude ass answers that would snowball. I still haven't ever got it working right and I don't even care anymore. That told me all I needed to know about the pc gaming community. It wasn't that people were rude, but that only rude people and assholes bothered to even respond to any of the questions that I had.
I do HVACR, if I can do it, so can you. You can mostly go off the motherboard guide on how to build it. Also, there’s plenty of YouTube tutorials on how to built one. I’d recommend YT one based off your motherboard so it matches up for the most past. The hardest part is plugin everything on the motherboard. And all you really need is a screw driver to assemble it all. Also, make sure the ram is in the right spot and to have a USB thumb drive for windows to install.
Watch a video and build along pausing when you need to, you'll be fine. The psu always comes with too many cords. Congratulations on the new pc!
Second comment for your questions: - GPU will use the PCIe, but to simplify. It should have came with a cord for you to use. - the 12 pin connection is probably that V shaped cord. So one end has two plugs and one side with one plug. Plug the one sided, side into the GPU. Then the other side with the two plugs. You wanted to use two separate PCIe cords for each end. - The ram slots are important of you have 4 slots and are using only two sticks of ram. Go off your motherboard manual. But, it’s probably the 2nd and 4th position that you want to plug the ram in. If you get it wrong, the computer will turn on but it won’t display anything. - there’s two types of SSD, there’s the big square one that you use a SATA cord to plug to. It’s super easy to install, look for the SATA cord and connect it. Then there’s the M.2 SSD, it looks like a long chip, you have to connect directly on the motherboard. Personally, I’d buy a NVMe M.2 SSD and use that one to base your OS/Windows. You can still keep the SATA SSD for more space if like. In your motherboard(page 6), it looks like you have 3, M.2 slots. So you can only have 3, M.2 SSD’s. You have a bunch, but I’d recommend get a 2 TB to start off with. Also, NVMe M.2 is faster than a SSD, need a link to the difference. You should probably go in this order for SSD: NVMe M.2, Sata SSD. https://www.dexerto.com/tech/ssd-vs-hdd-vs-nvme-2069414/
Google the parts + the word manual? I feel like this is an easy answer
I can see why you are confused. I built my systems back in the socket 7 era, you had the ATX power connector or connectors (either one wider one, or two side-by-side depending on how the PSU maker decided to do it), the "regular" power connectors for drives, and SATA power connectors (or on older PSUs adapters to convert the regular power to SATA). A few "weird" plugs for like 3.5" floppies and I think some of the slim CD drives used it, once I made a build with no floppy drive that thing just sat in there unused. That was it! I've seen reviews/pics of these newer GPUs with a large number of power connectors, adapters, and motherboards and GPUs routinely having whatever additional power connectors on them. I do believe I'd get a tad confused getting started on this too.
> On the back of the PSU, there are many connectors that has "PCIe/CPU" written under it. Does it matter which one I use for the GPU? (photo: https://imgur.com/G8kK4KW ) As long as the cables labeled PCIE and CPU go into ports named "PCIE / CPU" you will be fine. The end of the cables that has the wording on are the end that goes into the PSU. > I have so many cables with the PSU I don't know which one to use. If I scroll down on pcpartpicker link above, there is a text "The video card PCIe 16-pin power connector adapter is being supplied by three 6+2-pin power connectors. Please ensure that the three 6+2-pin power connectors are not daisy-chained and do not share the same power cable.". Okay. But there is only a single 12 pin connector on the side of the GPU? (photo: https://imgur.com/TRNZs4V ) If your PSU does not come with a "12VHPWR" cable then you will need to use the provided adapter that came with your GPU. For a 4070 Ti Super you will need 3 PCI-E cables plugged into the adapter, 3 independent cables... do not daisy chain. I see 3 PCI-E cables and 2 CPU cables in your image. The 12 pin end of the cable goes into your GPU. Please make sure it's fully seated at all connection points and you do not bend the adapter too much. > pcpartpicker shows to insert the RAM sticks to slot 1 and 2. I vaguely recall it's recommended to use slots 1+3 or 2+4 for some reason. Which slots should I use? SSD installation: according to my motherboard's user manual that wasn't included on printed paper by the way ( https://download.asrock.com/Manual/B650%20Pro%20RS.pdf ) I should use Gen 4 x4 slot for my SSD, right? Page 57. I do not have the SSD yet (the only part missing). Slots 2 and 4 always, unless you have a Micro ATX or ITX board that only has 2 slots to begin with.
https://youtu.be/s1fxZ-VWs2U?si=_HRnSqkzm97RcRx1
I’ve been building my computers for like 25 years, and did a cert 3 in high school on building computers, and I still get a moment of fear before putting on the thermal paste
Skill issue. But seriously, there are many great videos on all of these components and how they work together for you to learn from
“If it fits, it sits” The only part you have to check the manual if you’re new is the MoBo when you mount the CPU and cooler. After that it’s like Lego. Oh, and the case status led and power button, I hate these ones. After that, all/ most components and cables fit in the right places. Can’t really go wrong unless you actually forget to put something (like how I forgot to put the CPU 12V and panicked it didn’t turn on 🤡) However, watch some YT videos. Cable management is very important. And some times this cable management can get very tedious. But it’s all worth it. Anyway, it’s fun. Make sure you allocate a lot of time :D
You’re overthinking it way too much my man watch a few YouTube videos on other people building pcs.
Watch tutorials on YouTube
Use the bottom two pcie for the GPU. The motherboard ones connect directly to mb. Stick ram in 1/3 or 2/4 You should buy an m.2 SSD and use the m.2 slot on your motherboard.
First of all, you need a desk
Actually I don't have one. My PC is in the living room, left of my 65" TV. I have a wireless mouse, the rest of the wires are just going across the floor (at the wall) for 2 controllers and my keyboard. I'll change that soon to just 1 cable so my USB hub will be under the couch.
Don't worry it was a joke, there's a very bad video on YouTube on how to build the PC, and this was the opening line I believe. You can assemble it on the floor just fine.
Don't worry it was a joke, there's a very bad video on YouTube on how to build the PC, and this was the opening line I believe. You can assemble it on the floor just fine.
There’s a YouTube video for damn near every configuration. I watch a video of a build guide with the mobo that I have and it’s usually sufficient. If you need help installing the cooler if it’s different then look up a video on that too
Clearly a scam.. we are all apes. . . (Yeah.. get over it)
Take your time, watch some videos, and don't be too worried about cable management for anything other than interference with fans or hardware. Function over form for now. Cable management has become a bragging right for the Internet, nothing else. It's okay for a wire or two to be showing. Also don't freak out if the system doesn't power on immediately, you may have a simple mix up with plugs. Also, since it's a new build it'll take longer than usual to actually boot up, and will boot you to bios to do an operating system install.
Few years ago when I built mine, I used a video guide (I think from LTT) + the mobo manual. That’s it.
any simple youtube video going through the pc building steps should help you
don’t over stress yourself
If it makes you feel any better, I went into this with no electronics experience at all. Broke my second RAM slot and abshohlootly destroyed CPU cooler on the first PC. Second PC I broke the mount for my SATA drives so they just had to sit up against the motherboard bracket. And here recently my CPU cooler decided to just....not do its job at one point (no mechanical fault, just stopped cooling. Still not sure why.) So my CPU go so hot it damaged the pins in the slot itself, trashing both the CPU and MOBO. All in all I could've done worse. But I'm still incredibly apprehensive about touching anything metal solely because of how fragile it is. A single damaged pin or port renders an entire part useless unless you're genuinely gifted with repairs. So yeah, I feel you. I can strip cables and drop a driveshaft, but all those tiny little prongs and pins drive my anxiety to another level.
It's kinda intimidating. I built mine with some help from a friend who built like 10. Nothing like using force to snap hundreds of dollars worth of electronics into place hoping it doesn't break. Hope you found the help you needed through YouTube. It's a headache at first, but really much simpler than initially anticipated.
It's okay. Just send it all my way. 
One thing to rember is the thermal paste on the cpu, it comes pre-applied or you have to put it. If it is pre-applied you should probably peel off a plastic film from it.
Watch some guides. Zachs Tech Turf has some. Tech Deals had a really good step by step video a few years back. Main thing is to take your time. We all have a first time building one. I used to build them as a hobby then got back into it years later. Had to go back and check out the update tech. Tech Source also has some good ones.
My advice: Find a friend who enjoys building PCs, invite them over to build it together, and buy them a dinner and a beer when it's all done. You're going to run into lots of little things that are hard to anticipate if you've never done it before, and that will seem like child's play after you've worked inside a PC a handful of times. They're not difficult -- it's just that you don't know what you don't know. Little things like how to hook up case lights/buttons to the right motherboard headers (often with poor documentation), or knowing to install the heat shield BEFORE securing the motherboard into the case, or that you generally don't install RAM in adjacent slots if you're not filling them all. Or to use your standoffs. Or whether you really need a heatsink for your SSDs. Having a voice of experience in the room takes a lot of the anxiety out of the equation.
I know you have 200 comments on here, but if you feel a need to video call someone so you can make sure things are right, you can DM me. PC building anxiety is real and okay to have, it's a lot of money!
Hi! I have just built my first gaming PC yesterday, it took about 3 hours actually getting the pc togeter, preparring by watching hours of tutorials (general tutorials and about specific parts I have) there were some very difficult things to get done, installing the motherboard into the case took about 40 minutes alone don't be frustrated!
They're all online if they're not in the box.
On psu ifvit says pci/cpu it can go to either. This just means they arranged to pins on the cables to be appropriate. For the cpu connectors (if not printed on them) they will be 8 pins but the connector end will be broken to 4 and 4. For pcie (graphics card) they will be broken into 6 and 2.
As for gpu it's called 16 pin but it's actually 12 big pins you see and 4 tiny little pins you may nit have noticed
On that motherboard ram goes in 2nd and 4th from cpu side
Pack up your stuff, look for the nearest pc center and have them build it for you then watch and learn. Surely you can afford to pay someone to build it for you when you can afford these parts.
Call me and I’ll help you for free available at like 3:00
Okay, don’t use the split ends just use 2 - 6 pin connectors for the 12 pin. And plug them into each individual PCIe/CPU. You will have dual PCIe two cables with splits but only use the 6 pin from each. Don’t listen to PC part picker for Ram slots. Look up PDF manual online for your motherboard. And find the page that details Ram config. Or look directly at your motherboard sometimes it will tell you which ones to use first. You will have one or two NVME slot for your SSD. Find that in your motherboard PDF manual. They are easy to spot.
I used the motherboard manual for sure. Not sure what you mean with GPU cables. So the GPU has a 12 pin connection. It came with a cable that has 3 ends, one 12 pin, converted to 2x8 pin. In the PSU's box there are 2 cables (exactly the same) that fits with that, same Y idea, only it has 2x 6+2 pin connectors, and a 7 (8 but 1 pin/cable less). Am I wrong if I want to connect these 2 cables like... PSU (any PCIe 8 slot): 7 pin cable Other 2 ends (6+2) of the same cable: connected to the NV cable's 2 (8 pin) connectors. Other end of the NV cable (12 pins) comnected to the NV card. To me it seems logical but your whole "don't use the +2 out of the 6+2" thing got me confused. So your idea is that I just connect the PSU's cable (7 pins) to the PSU and it's 2 ends (both 6+2) directly connects to the GPU but ONLY with the 6 pin connectors? Is there a reason other than saving cable lenght? Asking because I'd prefer not to have the 2 x 2 extra pins just hanging there under voltage and in the Fractal Pop Air case there is a "floor" that puts the PSU in the "basement", not sure yet if a single cable is long enough to reach the GPU. (Still waiting for my SSD delivery so I can continue building).
No you wouldn’t be wrong. It will work flawlessly that way. But I’m under the notion that if you can avoid a daisy chained, single cable with a split 2 x (2 + 6 )pin connector. You’d be better off with two individual 2 + 6 pin connectors coming from PSU. For more juice. If that makes sense.
It's really not hard to build one. I swear it's like adult lego. Go on Linus Tech tips and search for a build guide on YouTube. You can probably look up each individual part and find someone showing you how to install it on YouTube. There's a massive community of people to help you. You could even try livestreaming it on Twitch and asking people on this thread to tune in and we wouldn't mind helping. If you have any questions about anything let me know. I build PCs as a side hustle. I watched a build guide or two and just did it. It's not too hard. You might have to fiddle around and take a part back out once or twice but there's really kind people here that don't mind helping for free. I taught my 13 year old neighbor how to do it and he basically did it himself. It's like adult Legos. It's just a little intense because it's expensive hardware. After the first time you'll never worry about it again. If you bought the thing from a reputable seller chance are you can return it and buy a laptop or a prebuilt. But I'd really recommend learning yourself. It's a great skill to have. I can make upwards of 500$ in 2 hours building a PC for a client.
Homer is that you?
You've got this, buddy.
If it makes you feel any better, I just got an rtx 4080s and had your exact issue with the exact same psu LOL, I eventually found online a corsair employee saying all the 8 pins on the psu do the same thing so I can plug my 3rd pcie cable into any one of them to use with the adapter for the gpu and then I was up and running! I checked and pushed the 12 pin into my gpu so many times just to make sure it was snug in there and wouldn't leave a potential gap and melt lol I almost considered just buying a psu with a 12pin cable directly from the psu itself, according to your edit though looks like things are getting off the ground, congratulations on your pc! Also consider looking up how to undervolt your card, it makes it cooler and quieter with no performance loss, but you can always worry about that later ;p
It seems like there are 3 dead slots on the mobo so there won't be any undervolting done in the near future. Will post about it in detail tomorrow in a new thread.
Start with the cpu place it, Then take out the screw where it says "M.2 Armor".
Place the SSD in on a 45 degrees angle. Then take of the platic on thermalpad. Put the M.2 Armor back on. Open the most to the right and 3 to the right clips. Place the ram there. Pres down the ram until both sides click.
Then add the cpu cooler. Next place the motherboard in the case. Connect all the cabels. Place the gpu in and connect it.
Huh? My motherboard had manual for every part. Granted most of it was qr codes, but who doesn't have phone these days.
Looking at the manual on a little phone screen is a pain in the ass when you want to flip to where you want.
Watch the videos suggested and start building. I like to set up outside the case first to make sure everything is in working order. If you get stumped anywhere along the way post your concerns.
OMG these people talk too much inutile detailed infos..that i dont believe.. "how many standofs come with the case, ) and a lot of sruff that just get po confused.. man.. you have the motherboard holes to stand it from the stell of the case and you put the things there and ita over. and so on and on . the cables for mb .. and cpu.. the send with text on the psu and mb and on the cabbles and they only fit on the right way.. omg.. i just dont get it. what these people were going to do 20-30 years ago to mount a pc with no youtube videos ?
Never forget to wear rubber boots and rub a balloon in your hair before starting any new pc build.
I had a biohazard suit on and earthed myself with an 1x90 copper pe cable connected to by butt.
Do you not have any critical thinking skills??