Time for the actual build
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You can wear an anti-static armband. But most serious builders simply just discharge by touching a large metal object before starting.
Static build-up/discharge does happen, but it's pretty infrequent for most people (when is the last time you built up enough to feel the discharge?). I built my last 2 PCs on a wooden table. No anti-static gear.
The vast majority of the time, you're not touching sensitive parts of the electronics. Slotting the CPU into the motherboard is the time to be most careful. Aside from static, the pins can easily bend.
Screwdriver is probably the only tool, but if you want a sleek looking build with good cable management, you need cable ties + wire tape.
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A Phillips head #2 screwdriver should be all you need. A #1 for smaller screws might help. Magnetized is helpful too.
I will be available through texting if you need some assistance. I can also make sure to check back here more often.
No need for an anti-static mat and clip as long as you discharge any static build up before handling anything. Once you are seated and doing the build, static build up is pretty much non-existent. You can take the power supply out and put on the bench. Plug it in but make sure the power switch is off. You can then just touch the casing of the power supply anytime you approach the work bench to discharge any static build-up.
Do a bench test build before installing anything into the case. Be very careful when handling the CPU. The pins can bend rather easily. Make sure you have the 0rientation correct before placing it in the socket.
Skip forward to 48 seconds to get to the start of the install procedure.
Link to video -
I've never built from scratch, but based on my adventures last week, get a magnetized screwdriver. Trying to fit a little M.2 SSD caused me no end of headaches without one.
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Also, this is very important, don't forget to turn on Star Trek so you can listen to it, and have at least 2 boxes of Hot Pockets ready........NERDS!
Just kidding, I've quasi-built a computer or two before. It's actually a fun process and honestly, good to know the basics of how a computer works.
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@jon-nyc said in Time for the actual build:
My guess George is the 3rd or 4th one you do takes less than 30m, and the first one takes hours.
I love doing the cable management on the back panel - takes time though (example):
Know one will ever know but you though.
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@george-k said in Time for the actual build:
It might be in the other thread, so I missed it
what with all of Mark's gloating. What components did you ultimately get?CPU - AMD Ryzen 7 5800x
GPU - Evga GeForce RTX 3070
Motherboard- Asus X570-Pro
SSD - Samsung NVMe M.2 SSD 980
RAM - TridentZ RGB DDR4 32GB
LianLi AIO 360 liquid cooler
Seasonic GX-850 power supply -
@jon-nyc said in Time for the actual build:
@george-k said in Time for the actual build:
It might be in the other thread, so I missed it
what with all of Mark's gloating. What components did you ultimately get?CPU - AMD Ryzen 7 5800x
GPU - Evga GeForce RTX 3070
Motherboard- Asus X570-Pro
SSD - Samsung NVMe M.2 SSD 980
RAM - TridentZ RGB DDR4 32GB
LianLi AIO 360 liquid cooler
Seasonic GX-850 power supplySo, using the cheapest case, you're in for about $1200.
Add a monitor and you could've gotten an iMa....Just yanking your chain.
I get it, why it might be fun, etc....
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@jon-nyc said in Time for the actual build:
@george-k I didn’t add it all up but I’m in for somewhere in the neighborhood of 2500.
I went to NewEgg and plugged in your purchases.
Of course, keyboard, mouse and monitor will add cash.
I'm not, by any means criticizing your decision to do this. Hell, I bought a PC about 15 years ago, just to "play" with it - I installed Linux, by the way.
If you're a Windows guy, it's probably a reasonable amount to pay for a mid-range PC, though I'll defer to others for that judgment.
But for less, you could have gotten a Mac...I really don't want to derail this, but a similarly equipped MacMini would cost about $1300 plus mouse, monitor and keyboard.If you're interested in gaming, etc, probably not a bad deal!