When buying and setting up a new gaming PC: What are the precautions and preparation?

KasperL

KasperL

New Member
Hello ComputerForum.

I am highly considering buying a new gaming PC and I was wondering if anyone as some good tips as to what I should do before receiving the PC and what I should do when I have it set up.

The PC that I am considering to buy, will be prebuilt because of my lack of experince. It will have Windows 7 installed, and an SSD + a storage 7200 RPM harddive on 1 TB(for recordings).

I know some of the more obvious things, like these:

Keep the space, in which the PC will be, clean and tidy(To prevent dust and such to hog the PC's fans).

Make sure the PC has sufficient cooling.

Do not overclock it, unless you know how to do it and it is absolutely necessary.

When the OS is setup, install or update graphic drivers and motherboard drivers(any other drivers that are important to update?)

Make sure a good anti-virus program is installed.


What other things, do you recommend? And by that I mean, things like securing a long lasting life for the SSD, and other components. I have read something about an SSD needing to ''dump'' files. For this to be initiated, you have to simply log off windows and leave it at the start screen. Is this correct?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Dude, can I seriously say, putting a computer together is like mechano/lego. Seriously, you cannot put the wrong thing in the wrong place. Hardware is lock and key.

The most tricky bit is putting the thermal paste on and locking down the heat sink. But if you're using stock then just use the stock intel cpu fan and heatsink that comes with the CPU. It clicks in like lego too, has the paste already applied. Just lock it down diagonally.

But seriously, build it mate, you'll be glad you did. (this is a computer forum afterall).

Also, overclocking is a selling point so chip makers know the max it can hit, rate it under that (derate).

So really, most modern CPUs, (intel particularly), will go significantly faster clocks. So its only a matter entering the number 41 in the configuration settings (ie modern UEFI BIOS) and you have a stable, cool and zippy as hell 3570K for example.

Gigabyte make nice motherboards, so search Newegg for a motherboards that supports 1155 socket (if you want intel) and AM3+ socket for AMD. the 3570K is an intel and replace the older sandybridge 2500K which is also a great CPU and will also work in the 1155 motherboards.

Choose a Z77 chipset, (although I think the Z88 is coming out soon). Also so is Haswell which I would wait for. It apparently will cover the CPU and GPU duties pretty damn well.

600W PSU from Corsair (the prebuilt companies will try sell you turd in a tin). Ensure you get quality.

Highest capacity SSD you can afford.

Windows 7 Pro 64bit

8GB DDR3 1600

1TB Spinpoint F5

Antec 300 case

660Ti

Job done for very little.

Bring back links of the above that you're considering and we'll comment on that.
 
Last edited:
Okedokey said:
Dude, can I seriously say, putting a computer together is like mechano/lego. Seriously, you cannot put the wrong thing in the wrong place. Hardware is lock and key.

The most tricky bit is putting the thermal paste on and locking down the heat sink. But if you're using stock then just use the stock intel cpu fan and heatsink that comes with the CPU. It clicks in like lego too, has the paste already applied. Just lock it down diagonally.

But seriously, build it mate, you'll be glad you did. (this is a computer forum afterall).

Also, overclocking is a selling point so chip makers know the max it can hit, rate it under that (derate).

So really, most modern CPUs, (intel particularly), will go significantly faster clocks. So its only a matter entering the number 41 in the configuration settings (ie modern UEFI BIOS) and you have a stable, cool and zippy as hell 3570K for example.

Gigabyte make nice motherboards, so search Newegg for a motherboards that supports 1155 socket (if you want intel) and AM3+ socket for AMD. the 3570K is an intel and replace the older sandybridge 2500K which is also a great CPU and will fit in the 1155motherboards.

Choose a Z77 chipset, (although I think the Z88 is coming out soon). Also so is Haswell which I would wait for. It apparently will cover the CPU and GPU duties pretty damn well.

600W PSU from Corsair (the prebuilt companies will try sell you turd in a tin). Ensure you get quality.

Highest capacity SSD you can afford.

Windows 7 Pro 64bit

8GB DDR3 1600

1TB Spinpoint F5

Antec 300 case

660Ti

Job done for very little.
Click to expand...

Any big precautions I should take before putting together my own PC, except for making sure that I ground myself?


Thanks for the tips, they help!
 
Grounding yourself is important, but yeah, touch the chasis.

  • Take your time.
  • Think about the whole job before you start. Go through each step in your mind first.
  • Have all tools ready.
  • Ensure you put all necessary motherboard RISERs (come with case) - for your motherboard. Not one too less or too many. (noob mistake).
  • Watch multiple how to videos on Youtube
  • Watch videos on youtube about the products you purchase/considering

The order is quite important.

  1. Remove the motherboard CMOS battery (watch battery) - resets BIOS
  2. Put the cpu in the motherboard and attach the cooler. Plug fan cable into the CPU_1 fan header (look at manual if not sure).
  3. Insert RAM modules
  4. Reinstall CMOS battery
  5. Install motherboard speaker (usually comes with motherboard) - allows you to hear beeps codes if necessary).
  6. Put motherboard into case. Screw in with all screws (corresponding with the RISERS) finger tight with screwdriver.
  7. Install hard drives.
  8. Connect SATA cables to HDD and motherboard.
  9. Connect case fans to the motherboard.
  10. Connect 12v power cable to motherboard (near the CPU)
  11. Connect 24pin cable to motherboard.
  12. Install graphics card.
  13. Install Windows.
 
Last edited:
Okedokey said:
Grounding yourself is important, but yeah, touch the chasis.

  • Take your time.
  • Think about the whole job before you start. Go through each step in your mind first.
  • Have all tools ready.
  • Ensure you put all necessary motherboard RISERs (come with case) - for your motherboard. Not one too less or too many. (noob mistake).

The order is quite important.

  1. Remove the motherboard CMOS battery (watch battery) - resets BIOS
  2. Put the cpu in the motherboard and attach the cooler. Plug fan cable into the CPU_1 fan header (look at manual if not sure).
  3. Insert RAM modules
  4. Reinstall CMOS battery
  5. Install motherboard speaker (usually comes with motherboard) - allows you to hear beeps codes if necessary).
  6. Put motherboard into case. Screw in with all screws (corresponding with the RISERS) finger tight with screwdriver.
  7. Install hard drives.
  8. Connect SATA cables to HDD and motherboard.
  9. Connect case fans to the motherboard.
  10. Connect 12v power cable to motherboard (near the CPU)
  11. Connect 24pin cable to motherboard.
  12. Install graphics card.
  13. Install Windows.
Click to expand...

The thing that I question the most about this guide, is the resetting of the BIOS. Is there an obvious button for that?

The rest is just cables in and out, is it not?
 
Basically yes.

Most motherboards have a reset cmos button now, but unless its installed it isn't earthed properly, so the button will have no function.

CMOS battery removal is easy whilst out of case and is certain to reset BIOS.

oh and btw, you don't have to quote every time if its just two of us
 
Okedokey said:
Basically yes.

Most motherboards have a reset cmos button now, but unless its installed it isn't earthed properly, so the button will have no function.

CMOS battery removal is easy whilst out of case and is certain to reset BIOS.
Click to expand...

Great, thank you for these tips!

The components that you posted above, will they ensure highest graphics in every game? The I have sufficient funds to pay for parts, that will ensure me at least 70+ FPS in every game, with the highest settings.
 
No. Not even the 680 can claim that. Even the 690 is tested in Crysis 3 apparently.

So yeah, but at 1080p or lower, the 660 is fine. However, with that PSU and if you can afford it; you can easily go up to any single GPU config you want/can afford.

The GTX680; Haswell/Z88 board or Ivybridge (1155)/Z77 board; CX600; 16GB DDR 3 (ram prices are about to go up so I would purchase this immediately regardless - it will work on any board you will choose.

And then the other stuff I mentioned.
 
Last edited:
Kasper, you got an i7 3930K @ 4.2ghz + a gtx670 (I think). Why do you need a new one? Are you crazy or something? xD
I'm not sure what gpu you have but you could just swap some parts to make it more powerful...
You can just buy an extra SSD or other things your really want...

Just throw in a GTX titan and you'll be okey. Or go for a second 670 and go sli.
 
Last edited:
SmileMan said:
Kasper, you got an i7 3930K @ 4.2ghz + a gtx670 (I think). Why do you need a new one? Are you crazy or something? xD
I'm not sure what gpu you have but you could just swap some parts to make it more powerful...
You can just buy an extra SSD or other things your really want...

Just throw in a GTX titan and you'll be okey. Or go for a second 670 and go sli.
Click to expand...
I was going to say that too! Kasper mate, your PC is already as powerful as needs to be! I suppose if you wanted to you could stick a GTX 680 or two in there to get more performance but honestly, it'll cost a lot of money for not a lot of gain.
 
SmileMan said:
Kasper, you got an i7 3930K @ 4.2ghz + a gtx670 (I think). Why do you need a new one? Are you crazy or something? xD
I'm not sure what gpu you have but you could just swap some parts to make it more powerful...
You can just buy an extra SSD or other things your really want...

Just throw in a GTX titan and you'll be okey. Or go for a second 670 and go sli.
Click to expand...

No bro, I have two 560 TI that does not provide enough power. TBH, I think I'll just upgrade with an SSD and then eventually a new GPU. Buying a whole new PC was a stupid thought in the first place.
 
spirit said:
I was going to say that too! Kasper mate, your PC is already as powerful as needs to be! I suppose if you wanted to you could stick a GTX 680 or two in there to get more performance but honestly, it'll cost a lot of money for not a lot of gain.
Click to expand...

You think so?

Will a GTX 680 not beast my cards by far?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top