- I used PCPartPicker.com to identify and select parts, using their guide for a Great Intel Gaming build.
- I modified the setup to include a less colorful Case and the recommended 1 TB solid state drive (SSD) from The Wirecutter
- I added in a wireless/bluetooth card since (don’t tell anyone) this computer won’t be using an ethernet cable for data and I like the option for bluetooth headphones
- I purchased a Windows license from Microsoft directly since I didn’t feel like dealing with Linux and game compatibility
- Decided that a soundcard was overkill since we already have one computer with a nicer soundcard and we’re not planning to record sound or run speakers from this computer
- Any extra cords needed for monitors
- Install the frame for the motherboard inputs so it doesn’t come back and bite me later. This required me to remove the fan (take a photo before removing) and took a bit more force than I expected to push it into place.
- CPU install: lever to open case was awkward to pull out. CPU just floats in place. I used the triangle to line it up in the correct alignment.
- RAM went into non-adjoining slots (Got this advice from BIOS after initial install). Took a bit more force that I wanted to install.
- Cooler had goo on it and I used that instead of the thermal paste I had since I didn’t want to clean the cooler goo off. This may be a mistake and I may have to go add back in again.
- Push pins on cooler base took more force to go into place than I wanted.
- Hard drive was easy peasy to install following the instructions that came with the drive
- Install the power supply unit.
- Install motherboard on the risers.
- Install GPU.
- Plugg all the things in
- the power went into two places on the motherboard
- all the fans
- the case plugs took some work to sort out where they wint
- install the case plugs before any extra PCI installs (I had to remove a card on a different computer install in order to get some wee sound plugs in place)
- GPU probably needs power. 🙂
- Turn things on and follow any instructions.
- If everything is happy, rationalize the cords. I mostly used little velcro straps. My case had a ton of extra room (but will be nice and cool?) so I used the bottom of the case where the optical dries would go to store extra cords since my power
- Add the operating boot disk (I use a wee USB drive)
- Install operating system
- If everything is happy, close up the case.
- Install drivers/support for GPU (I went to AMD for my Radeon card and it worked like a charm)
Extra notes:
Civilization didn’t work until I installed Microsoft C++