All language subtitles for 100.nakes.gierls

the original Last guide you'll ever need

the original Last guide you'll ever need
will stay up but there's some new stuff

will stay up but there's some new stuff

will stay up but there's some new stuff
that we need to talk about to keep it up

that we need to talk about to keep it up

that we need to talk about to keep it up
to date welcome to the 2024 edition of

to date welcome to the 2024 edition of

to date welcome to the 2024 edition of
our exhaustive PC build guide where we

our exhaustive PC build guide where we

our exhaustive PC build guide where we
won't specifically be recommending

won't specifically be recommending

won't specifically be recommending
anyone's products but rather we'll be

anyone's products but rather we'll be

anyone's products but rather we'll be
equipping you with the tools you need to

equipping you with the tools you need to

equipping you with the tools you need to
configure buy and build the right

configure buy and build the right

configure buy and build the right
machine for you the model numbers and

machine for you the model numbers and

machine for you the model numbers and
the small details have changed hence the

the small details have changed hence the

the small details have changed hence the
update but the process has not so

update but the process has not so

update but the process has not so
without further Ado let's give a quick

without further Ado let's give a quick

without further Ado let's give a quick
shout out to our sponsor seic seic makes

shout out to our sponsor seic seic makes

shout out to our sponsor seic seic makes
solid power supplies they're built to

solid power supplies they're built to

solid power supplies they're built to
last they're quiet and they have a great

last they're quiet and they have a great

last they're quiet and they have a great
warranty what more could you want maybe

warranty what more could you want maybe

warranty what more could you want maybe
the rest of the video to start you need

the rest of the video to start you need

the rest of the video to start you need
to ask yourself some questions what am I

to ask yourself some questions what am I

to ask yourself some questions what am I
going to do with this computer are you a

going to do with this computer are you a

going to do with this computer are you a
hardcore gamer you're going to want to

hardcore gamer you're going to want to

hardcore gamer you're going to want to
allocate more of your budget to your

allocate more of your budget to your

allocate more of your budget to your
graphics card and maybe CPU are you a

graphics card and maybe CPU are you a

graphics card and maybe CPU are you a
content creator maybe you can ease up on

content creator maybe you can ease up on

content creator maybe you can ease up on
the GPU a little bit and splurge on CPU

the GPU a little bit and splurge on CPU

the GPU a little bit and splurge on CPU
and RAM are you just using as a

and RAM are you just using as a

and RAM are you just using as a
glorified nass then you'll be looking

glorified nass then you'll be looking

glorified nass then you'll be looking
for motherboard with lots of IO and a

for motherboard with lots of IO and a

for motherboard with lots of IO and a
case with lots of Drive mounts and maybe

case with lots of Drive mounts and maybe

case with lots of Drive mounts and maybe
you'll want to Splash out on a

you'll want to Splash out on a

you'll want to Splash out on a
specialized redundant power supply no

specialized redundant power supply no

specialized redundant power supply no
matter what your budget is this is the

matter what your budget is this is the

matter what your budget is this is the
question you need to answer before going

question you need to answer before going

question you need to answer before going
any further so I'm going to roll that

any further so I'm going to roll that

any further so I'm going to roll that
intro while you figure it

out now that you have your answer ask

out now that you have your answer ask
the question again but deeper what kinds

the question again but deeper what kinds

the question again but deeper what kinds
of games do you play play Mr or M gamer

of games do you play play Mr or M gamer

of games do you play play Mr or M gamer
RPGs and Visually complex games where

RPGs and Visually complex games where

RPGs and Visually complex games where
exploration and sightseeing are

exploration and sightseeing are

exploration and sightseeing are
priorities mean you'll probably want a

priorities mean you'll probably want a

priorities mean you'll probably want a
high resolution display for the best

high resolution display for the best

high resolution display for the best
experience preferably with HDR

experience preferably with HDR

experience preferably with HDR
peripherals may not matter as much to

peripherals may not matter as much to

peripherals may not matter as much to
you and in fact you may prefer to get a

you and in fact you may prefer to get a

you and in fact you may prefer to get a
console controller for some of your

console controller for some of your

console controller for some of your
games rather than a typical PC gaming

games rather than a typical PC gaming

games rather than a typical PC gaming
keyboard and mouse do you prefer

keyboard and mouse do you prefer

keyboard and mouse do you prefer
hardcore competitive Shooters though

hardcore competitive Shooters though

hardcore competitive Shooters though
where every millisec counts well now

where every millisec counts well now

where every millisec counts well now
you'll want a premium Mouse for sure and

you'll want a premium Mouse for sure and

you'll want a premium Mouse for sure and
maybe even a high-end keyboard not to

maybe even a high-end keyboard not to

maybe even a high-end keyboard not to
mention a high refresh rate display even

mention a high refresh rate display even

mention a high refresh rate display even
if that costs you some resolution or

if that costs you some resolution or

if that costs you some resolution or
some color accuracy the games you play

some color accuracy the games you play

some color accuracy the games you play
will also affect the number of CPU cores

will also affect the number of CPU cores

will also affect the number of CPU cores
you should get since different genres of

you should get since different genres of

you should get since different genres of
games tend to utilize them differently A

games tend to utilize them differently A

games tend to utilize them differently A
good rule of thumb for future proofing

good rule of thumb for future proofing

good rule of thumb for future proofing
your build is to make sure that you have

your build is to make sure that you have

your build is to make sure that you have
at least as many cores as a current gen

at least as many cores as a current gen

at least as many cores as a current gen
console if you want to stream or record

console if you want to stream or record

console if you want to stream or record
your gameplay then maybe throw on two to

your gameplay then maybe throw on two to

your gameplay then maybe throw on two to
four more and make sure that you've got

four more and make sure that you've got

four more and make sure that you've got
a GPU with a highquality Hardware video

a GPU with a highquality Hardware video

a GPU with a highquality Hardware video
encoder built in as for the content

encoder built in as for the content

encoder built in as for the content
creators out there what should you focus

creators out there what should you focus

creators out there what should you focus
on well it depends on what you create a

on well it depends on what you create a

on well it depends on what you create a
digital artist might not need anything

digital artist might not need anything

digital artist might not need anything
special for a GPU but would definitely

special for a GPU but would definitely

special for a GPU but would definitely
benefit from a drawing tablet a musician

benefit from a drawing tablet a musician

benefit from a drawing tablet a musician
would want tons of ram to load up on

would want tons of ram to load up on

would want tons of ram to load up on
instrument patches and samples without

instrument patches and samples without

instrument patches and samples without
slowing to a crawl a video editor needs

slowing to a crawl a video editor needs

slowing to a crawl a video editor needs
at least a modest GPU a lot of RAM and a

at least a modest GPU a lot of RAM and a

at least a modest GPU a lot of RAM and a
buttload of storage preferably fast so

buttload of storage preferably fast so

buttload of storage preferably fast so
they can review their footage at full

they can review their footage at full

they can review their footage at full
quality a 3D modeler needs a reasonably

quality a 3D modeler needs a reasonably

quality a 3D modeler needs a reasonably
fast CPU and GPU for rendering a GPU cap

fast CPU and GPU for rendering a GPU cap

fast CPU and GPU for rendering a GPU cap
capable of real-time Ray tracing helps

capable of real-time Ray tracing helps

capable of real-time Ray tracing helps
tremendously in prototyping and previews

tremendously in prototyping and previews

tremendously in prototyping and previews
an engineer might sacrifice raw

an engineer might sacrifice raw

an engineer might sacrifice raw
horsepower for validated Hardware like a

horsepower for validated Hardware like a

horsepower for validated Hardware like a
Quadro GPU to ensure pain-free operation

Quadro GPU to ensure pain-free operation

Quadro GPU to ensure pain-free operation
a programmer wants a hefty CPU with a

a programmer wants a hefty CPU with a

a programmer wants a hefty CPU with a
lot of threads for handling frequent

lot of threads for handling frequent

lot of threads for handling frequent
compilation and a lot of ram to go with

compilation and a lot of ram to go with

compilation and a lot of ram to go with
it whereas a writer really only needs a

it whereas a writer really only needs a

it whereas a writer really only needs a
keyboard a decent display or two and a

keyboard a decent display or two and a

keyboard a decent display or two and a
quality water bottle to stay hydrated

quality water bottle to stay hydrated

quality water bottle to stay hydrated
LTG store.com is this a Nas or home

LTG store.com is this a Nas or home

LTG store.com is this a Nas or home
storage of some other sort if so what is

storage of some other sort if so what is

storage of some other sort if so what is
it for Cold Storage that won't often

it for Cold Storage that won't often

it for Cold Storage that won't often
change like backups ripped Media or game

change like backups ripped Media or game

change like backups ripped Media or game
installs won't need High speeded to be

installs won't need High speeded to be

installs won't need High speeded to be
usable instead you'll want higher

usable instead you'll want higher

usable instead you'll want higher
capacity hard drives warm storage that

capacity hard drives warm storage that

capacity hard drives warm storage that
changes frequently like a document or

changes frequently like a document or

changes frequently like a document or
photo dump is where you'll want a

photo dump is where you'll want a

photo dump is where you'll want a
balance of capacity and speed hot

balance of capacity and speed hot

balance of capacity and speed hot
storage like a footage inest or for use

storage like a footage inest or for use

storage like a footage inest or for use
as a network boot device will demand

as a network boot device will demand

as a network boot device will demand
higher speed increasing cost you may

higher speed increasing cost you may

higher speed increasing cost you may
also need a fast CPU depending on the

also need a fast CPU depending on the

also need a fast CPU depending on the
scale of your storage space adding

scale of your storage space adding

scale of your storage space adding
additional roles like Plex increases

additional roles like Plex increases

additional roles like Plex increases
system requirements so while slower

system requirements so while slower

system requirements so while slower
computers can get by as a basic file

computers can get by as a basic file

computers can get by as a basic file
server you're going to need to account

server you're going to need to account

server you're going to need to account
for CPU overhead especially for

for CPU overhead especially for

for CPU overhead especially for
transcoding now let's talk about form

transcoding now let's talk about form

transcoding now let's talk about form
factor computers are available in all

factor computers are available in all

factor computers are available in all
shapes and sizes from complete PCS the

shapes and sizes from complete PCS the

shapes and sizes from complete PCS the
size of a pack of gum to entire racks

size of a pack of gum to entire racks

size of a pack of gum to entire racks
that contain only the storage for a bank

that contain only the storage for a bank

that contain only the storage for a bank
of machines elsewhere in the data center

of machines elsewhere in the data center

of machines elsewhere in the data center
the most common variants or form factors

the most common variants or form factors

the most common variants or form factors
are as follows ATX is your classic it's

are as follows ATX is your classic it's

are as follows ATX is your classic it's
the big beige box size it usually

the big beige box size it usually

the big beige box size it usually
features at least five expansion slots

features at least five expansion slots

features at least five expansion slots
and a taller chassis you can find these

and a taller chassis you can find these

and a taller chassis you can find these
in Midtown Tower and full tower

in Midtown Tower and full tower

in Midtown Tower and full tower
configurations which basically just

configurations which basically just

configurations which basically just
indicate height full Towers tend to be

indicate height full Towers tend to be

indicate height full Towers tend to be
easier to work with but are much more

easier to work with but are much more

easier to work with but are much more
difficult to move around and find a home

difficult to move around and find a home

difficult to move around and find a home
for so they've been falling out of

for so they've been falling out of

for so they've been falling out of
fashion if you're not sure what to buy

fashion if you're not sure what to buy

fashion if you're not sure what to buy
an ATX form factor case can accommodate

an ATX form factor case can accommodate

an ATX form factor case can accommodate
any smaller size motherboard although

any smaller size motherboard although

any smaller size motherboard although
installing an ITX motherboard in one of

installing an ITX motherboard in one of

installing an ITX motherboard in one of
these seems more than a little silly

these seems more than a little silly

these seems more than a little silly
although maybe that is an aesthetic that

although maybe that is an aesthetic that

although maybe that is an aesthetic that
you want to uh Embrace Micro ATX is

you want to uh Embrace Micro ATX is

you want to uh Embrace Micro ATX is
smaller than ATX with at most four

smaller than ATX with at most four

smaller than ATX with at most four
expansion slots and for most people

expansion slots and for most people

expansion slots and for most people
that's totally sufficient

that's totally sufficient

that's totally sufficient
but you should always check to make sure

but you should always check to make sure

but you should always check to make sure
that you've got everything you need

that you've got everything you need

that you've got everything you need
you'll find some of the more interesting

you'll find some of the more interesting

you'll find some of the more interesting
case designs in this size like these

case designs in this size like these

case designs in this size like these
cute Cube shaped ones like ATX you can

cute Cube shaped ones like ATX you can

cute Cube shaped ones like ATX you can
fit smaller form factors like DTX and

fit smaller form factors like DTX and

fit smaller form factors like DTX and
ITX in here and it won't look as silly

ITX in here and it won't look as silly

ITX in here and it won't look as silly
if you do mini ITX and DTX are the

if you do mini ITX and DTX are the

if you do mini ITX and DTX are the
smallest mainstream sizes with only one

smallest mainstream sizes with only one

smallest mainstream sizes with only one
and two expansion slots respectively

and two expansion slots respectively

and two expansion slots respectively
these are the boards you'll find in the

these are the boards you'll find in the

these are the boards you'll find in the
tiniest builds and can often pack

tiniest builds and can often pack

tiniest builds and can often pack
impressive variety of features into

impressive variety of features into

impressive variety of features into
their diminutive size however their I/O

their diminutive size however their I/O

their diminutive size however their I/O
can be somewhat limited and and if your

can be somewhat limited and and if your

can be somewhat limited and and if your
goal is to go as Tiny as possible you'll

goal is to go as Tiny as possible you'll

goal is to go as Tiny as possible you'll
either want to get a couple of larger

either want to get a couple of larger

either want to get a couple of larger
builds under your belt first or pay

builds under your belt first or pay

builds under your belt first or pay
extra careful attention to your case

extra careful attention to your case

extra careful attention to your case
manufacturer's documentation a DTX board

manufacturer's documentation a DTX board

manufacturer's documentation a DTX board
may fit in the ITX case but also may not

may fit in the ITX case but also may not

may fit in the ITX case but also may not
and if you have a larger GPU or cooler

and if you have a larger GPU or cooler

and if you have a larger GPU or cooler
it may not fit in your case of choice at

it may not fit in your case of choice at

it may not fit in your case of choice at
least not without some difficulty the

least not without some difficulty the

least not without some difficulty the
next big question is arguably most

next big question is arguably most

next big question is arguably most
important what's my budget if your

important what's my budget if your

important what's my budget if your
answer is anywhere from less than I'd

answer is anywhere from less than I'd

answer is anywhere from less than I'd
like two I'll take what I can get then

like two I'll take what I can get then

like two I'll take what I can get then
your best bet is often to buy used you

your best bet is often to buy used you

your best bet is often to buy used you
can find off least Business Machines

can find off least Business Machines

can find off least Business Machines
available for a fraction of their

available for a fraction of their

available for a fraction of their
original price as we've shown a number

original price as we've shown a number

original price as we've shown a number
of times in the past these can be a

of times in the past these can be a

of times in the past these can be a
great starting point for a new build

great starting point for a new build

great starting point for a new build
most of the work is already done for you

most of the work is already done for you

most of the work is already done for you
and many can be improved for a

and many can be improved for a

and many can be improved for a
relatively small budget another option

relatively small budget another option

relatively small budget another option
is to look for previous gen Hardware you

is to look for previous gen Hardware you

is to look for previous gen Hardware you
can sometimes find killer deals as

can sometimes find killer deals as

can sometimes find killer deals as
retailers clear out old stock to make

retailers clear out old stock to make

retailers clear out old stock to make
way for the next big thing but this is

way for the next big thing but this is

way for the next big thing but this is
mostly applicable to used gear the good

mostly applicable to used gear the good

mostly applicable to used gear the good
news is that solid state components with

news is that solid state components with

news is that solid state components with
no moving Parts like CPUs rarely fail

no moving Parts like CPUs rarely fail

no moving Parts like CPUs rarely fail
and components with worn thermal

and components with worn thermal

and components with worn thermal
compound or bad fans can have those

compound or bad fans can have those

compound or bad fans can have those
repaired I nearly always start my builds

repaired I nearly always start my builds

repaired I nearly always start my builds
around my CPU and GPU because apart from

around my CPU and GPU because apart from

around my CPU and GPU because apart from
being the most expensive components and

being the most expensive components and

being the most expensive components and
therefore taking up most of my budget

therefore taking up most of my budget

therefore taking up most of my budget
they also dramatically narrow down the

they also dramatically narrow down the

they also dramatically narrow down the
other parts that I might select for

other parts that I might select for

other parts that I might select for
example I won't be able to buy an Intel

example I won't be able to buy an Intel

example I won't be able to buy an Intel
chipset motherboard if I use an AMD CPU

chipset motherboard if I use an AMD CPU

chipset motherboard if I use an AMD CPU
and vice versa and I won't be able to

and vice versa and I won't be able to

and vice versa and I won't be able to
use a small form factor case if I've got

use a small form factor case if I've got

use a small form factor case if I've got
a gigantic triple slot graphics card

a gigantic triple slot graphics card

a gigantic triple slot graphics card
when shopping for a CPU there are a few

when shopping for a CPU there are a few

when shopping for a CPU there are a few
things to keep in mind first is that

things to keep in mind first is that

things to keep in mind first is that
across brands or even different

across brands or even different

across brands or even different
generations of the same brand

generations of the same brand

generations of the same brand
specifications like clock frequency and

specifications like clock frequency and

specifications like clock frequency and
cash are not likely to be useful

cash are not likely to be useful

cash are not likely to be useful
indications of performance you can find

indications of performance you can find

indications of performance you can find
out more detail about this in this video

out more detail about this in this video

out more detail about this in this video
but that doesn't mean that you can

but that doesn't mean that you can

but that doesn't mean that you can
ignore them outright let's say you've

ignore them outright let's say you've

ignore them outright let's say you've
decided on a CPU series but there are

decided on a CPU series but there are

decided on a CPU series but there are
literally dozens of options obviously

literally dozens of options obviously

literally dozens of options obviously
choosing the best one is easy just sort

choosing the best one is easy just sort

choosing the best one is easy just sort
by Price high to low but is it really

by Price high to low but is it really

by Price high to low but is it really
that much faster is it worth it well

that much faster is it worth it well

that much faster is it worth it well
this is where the specs can help you

this is where the specs can help you

this is where the specs can help you
make direct comparisons between multiple

make direct comparisons between multiple

make direct comparisons between multiple
products in a single lineup take for

products in a single lineup take for

products in a single lineup take for
example Intel's Core i 91900 k this is

example Intel's Core i 91900 k this is

example Intel's Core i 91900 k this is
an 8 core CPU with 16 threads that runs

an 8 core CPU with 16 threads that runs

an 8 core CPU with 16 threads that runs
it up to 5.3 GHz that's the turbo speed

it up to 5.3 GHz that's the turbo speed

it up to 5.3 GHz that's the turbo speed
of course it's base frequency is just

of course it's base frequency is just

of course it's base frequency is just
3.5 meanwhile the core i711 700 K is

3.5 meanwhile the core i711 700 K is

3.5 meanwhile the core i711 700 K is
also an 8 core 16 thread CPU that only

also an 8 core 16 thread CPU that only

also an 8 core 16 thread CPU that only
runs at up to 5 GHz meaning that the

runs at up to 5 GHz meaning that the

runs at up to 5 GHz meaning that the
real world performance between these two

real world performance between these two

real world performance between these two
chips is 6% at most but with a price

chips is 6% at most but with a price

chips is 6% at most but with a price
difference of over $100 there's more to

difference of over $100 there's more to

difference of over $100 there's more to
picking a CPU than raw power however

picking a CPU than raw power however

picking a CPU than raw power however
sometimes you want integrated Graphics

sometimes you want integrated Graphics

sometimes you want integrated Graphics
sometimes you want more or faster PCI

sometimes you want more or faster PCI

sometimes you want more or faster PCI
Express Lanes and sometimes you just

Express Lanes and sometimes you just

Express Lanes and sometimes you just
want less heat and noise on the subject

want less heat and noise on the subject

want less heat and noise on the subject
of PCI Express or pcie as it's commonly

of PCI Express or pcie as it's commonly

of PCI Express or pcie as it's commonly
known historically each new generation

known historically each new generation

known historically each new generation
has doubled the perlane bandwidth of the

has doubled the perlane bandwidth of the

has doubled the perlane bandwidth of the
previous one making it a major selling

previous one making it a major selling

previous one making it a major selling
point for shiny new platforms the world

point for shiny new platforms the world

point for shiny new platforms the world
over however the importance of this for

over however the importance of this for

over however the importance of this for
gamers and regular consumers alike can

gamers and regular consumers alike can

gamers and regular consumers alike can
sometimes be overstated outside of raw

sometimes be overstated outside of raw

sometimes be overstated outside of raw
file copy tests uh PCI Express Gen 4 SSD

file copy tests uh PCI Express Gen 4 SSD

file copy tests uh PCI Express Gen 4 SSD
will perform very similarly at gen 3

will perform very similarly at gen 3

will perform very similarly at gen 3
speeds however again recognizing this

speeds however again recognizing this

speeds however again recognizing this
manufacturers are beginning to build

manufacturers are beginning to build

manufacturers are beginning to build
their newest generation add-in cards

their newest generation add-in cards

their newest generation add-in cards
like gpus and and ssds with fewer Lanes

like gpus and and ssds with fewer Lanes

like gpus and and ssds with fewer Lanes
to save on Power and on cost that means

to save on Power and on cost that means

to save on Power and on cost that means
that a CPU with fewer but faster Lanes

that a CPU with fewer but faster Lanes

that a CPU with fewer but faster Lanes
can avoid bottlenecks that otherwise

can avoid bottlenecks that otherwise

can avoid bottlenecks that otherwise
might harm performance for example as a

might harm performance for example as a

might harm performance for example as a
writing amd's apus can have as few as 10

writing amd's apus can have as few as 10

writing amd's apus can have as few as 10
PCI Express Lanes available for use only

PCI Express Lanes available for use only

PCI Express Lanes available for use only
four of which are actually usable for a

four of which are actually usable for a

four of which are actually usable for a
GPU if a future Apu upgraded those few

GPU if a future Apu upgraded those few

GPU if a future Apu upgraded those few
lanes to PCI Express Gen 5 and you

lanes to PCI Express Gen 5 and you

lanes to PCI Express Gen 5 and you
matched it with a Gen 5 GPU that

matched it with a Gen 5 GPU that

matched it with a Gen 5 GPU that
limitation becomes literally half as

limitation becomes literally half as

limitation becomes literally half as
impactful it's worth pointing out by the

impactful it's worth pointing out by the

impactful it's worth pointing out by the
way that some motherboards and even some

way that some motherboards and even some

way that some motherboards and even some
chipsets might differ in their PCI

chipsets might differ in their PCI

chipsets might differ in their PCI
Express version support even from one

Express version support even from one

Express version support even from one
slot to the next so pay close attention

slot to the next so pay close attention

slot to the next so pay close attention
if your first Choices put you over

if your first Choices put you over

if your first Choices put you over
budget it's time to experiment in

budget it's time to experiment in

budget it's time to experiment in
Bargain Hunt for Intel users an f-s

Bargain Hunt for Intel users an f-s

Bargain Hunt for Intel users an f-s
series CPU might be a good option as

series CPU might be a good option as

series CPU might be a good option as
those lack integrated graphics and cost

those lack integrated graphics and cost

those lack integrated graphics and cost
a little less to buy while for AMD users

a little less to buy while for AMD users

a little less to buy while for AMD users
paradoxically buying the G Series CPUs

paradoxically buying the G Series CPUs

paradoxically buying the G Series CPUs
Nets you integrated graphics and a

Nets you integrated graphics and a

Nets you integrated graphics and a
decent savings over the more expensive X

decent savings over the more expensive X

decent savings over the more expensive X
Series without sacrificing much

Series without sacrificing much

Series without sacrificing much
performance if you end up going back a

performance if you end up going back a

performance if you end up going back a
generation or two to make your budget

generation or two to make your budget

generation or two to make your budget
work be mindful of which CPU socket and

work be mindful of which CPU socket and

work be mindful of which CPU socket and
motherboard chipset you end up with

motherboard chipset you end up with

motherboard chipset you end up with
locking into something older might save

locking into something older might save

locking into something older might save
you a ton of money and still result in

you a ton of money and still result in

you a ton of money and still result in
satisfactory performance but it could

satisfactory performance but it could

satisfactory performance but it could
limit your ability to upgrade to a new

limit your ability to upgrade to a new

limit your ability to upgrade to a new
processor later on other parts work in

processor later on other parts work in

processor later on other parts work in
much the same way when the GeForce RTX

much the same way when the GeForce RTX

much the same way when the GeForce RTX
2080 came out its price was higher than

2080 came out its price was higher than

2080 came out its price was higher than
the cost of a GTX 1080ti while offering

the cost of a GTX 1080ti while offering

the cost of a GTX 1080ti while offering
effectively zero performance advantage

effectively zero performance advantage

effectively zero performance advantage
and a new headline feature that hadn't

and a new headline feature that hadn't

and a new headline feature that hadn't
even been used in games yet let alone

even been used in games yet let alone

even been used in games yet let alone
proven Savvy Shoppers were scooping up

proven Savvy Shoppers were scooping up

proven Savvy Shoppers were scooping up
1080 TI for great prices left and right

1080 TI for great prices left and right

1080 TI for great prices left and right
and the only drawbacks ended up coming

and the only drawbacks ended up coming

and the only drawbacks ended up coming
later with more limited support for

later with more limited support for

later with more limited support for
software features like RTX voice ambient

software features like RTX voice ambient

software features like RTX voice ambient
noise cancellation and in the longer

noise cancellation and in the longer

noise cancellation and in the longer
term probably an earlier driver support

term probably an earlier driver support

term probably an earlier driver support
end date and I wish I could say things

end date and I wish I could say things

end date and I wish I could say things
are better now but the sad fact is that

are better now but the sad fact is that

are better now but the sad fact is that
prices Remain extortionate the upper

prices Remain extortionate the upper

prices Remain extortionate the upper
echelons of GPU performance today can

echelons of GPU performance today can

echelons of GPU performance today can
cost more than twice what Nvidia charged

cost more than twice what Nvidia charged

cost more than twice what Nvidia charged
for their GTX 10 adti in 2017 and that's

for their GTX 10 adti in 2017 and that's

for their GTX 10 adti in 2017 and that's
adjusting for inflation we live in Dark

adjusting for inflation we live in Dark

adjusting for inflation we live in Dark
Times indeed but there is a silver

Times indeed but there is a silver

Times indeed but there is a silver
lining older gpus still provide a lot of

lining older gpus still provide a lot of

lining older gpus still provide a lot of
bang for the buck especially now that

bang for the buck especially now that

bang for the buck especially now that
GPU mining has cooled down secondhand

GPU mining has cooled down secondhand

GPU mining has cooled down secondhand
gpus are unlikely to come with any kind

gpus are unlikely to come with any kind

gpus are unlikely to come with any kind
of warranty and might lack modern

of warranty and might lack modern

of warranty and might lack modern
features like mesh shaders realtime rate

features like mesh shaders realtime rate

features like mesh shaders realtime rate
tracing or av1 encoding but they're a

tracing or av1 encoding but they're a

tracing or av1 encoding but they're a
great choice for traditional 1080P or

great choice for traditional 1080P or

great choice for traditional 1080P or
1440p gaming if you don't expect to run

1440p gaming if you don't expect to run

1440p gaming if you don't expect to run
it Max settings make sure you don't pick

it Max settings make sure you don't pick

it Max settings make sure you don't pick
up the first shiny thing you see with a

up the first shiny thing you see with a

up the first shiny thing you see with a
lot of megahertz as with CPUs you must

lot of megahertz as with CPUs you must

lot of megahertz as with CPUs you must
read reviews to evaluate the performance

read reviews to evaluate the performance

read reviews to evaluate the performance
of a graphics card do not be tempted to

of a graphics card do not be tempted to

of a graphics card do not be tempted to
draw a conclusion based on clock speeds

draw a conclusion based on clock speeds

draw a conclusion based on clock speeds
and memory do look out though for

and memory do look out though for

and memory do look out though for
features like Hardware video encoding

features like Hardware video encoding

features like Hardware video encoding
real-time rate tracing support and

real-time rate tracing support and

real-time rate tracing support and
anything else that your game or your

anything else that your game or your

anything else that your game or your
application might be able to use take

application might be able to use take

application might be able to use take
for example dlss which increases

for example dlss which increases

for example dlss which increases
performance at a small cost to visual

performance at a small cost to visual

performance at a small cost to visual
Fidelity or the blender optics renderer

Fidelity or the blender optics renderer

Fidelity or the blender optics renderer
for NVIDIA and on the AMD side there's

for NVIDIA and on the AMD side there's

for NVIDIA and on the AMD side there's
the Fidelity FX Suite which has some

the Fidelity FX Suite which has some

the Fidelity FX Suite which has some
pretty cool cool stuff in it as well now

pretty cool cool stuff in it as well now

pretty cool cool stuff in it as well now
if you have a choice between two

if you have a choice between two

if you have a choice between two
otherwise identical gpus but with

otherwise identical gpus but with

otherwise identical gpus but with
different amounts of onboard memory or

different amounts of onboard memory or

different amounts of onboard memory or
frame buffer I would recommend the one

frame buffer I would recommend the one

frame buffer I would recommend the one
that has more but be careful that it's

that has more but be careful that it's

that has more but be careful that it's
not slower memory both AMD and Nvidia

not slower memory both AMD and Nvidia

not slower memory both AMD and Nvidia
have been caught putting large amounts

have been caught putting large amounts

have been caught putting large amounts
of crummy memory on entry-level gpus

of crummy memory on entry-level gpus

of crummy memory on entry-level gpus
sometimes even mid-range gpus seemingly

sometimes even mid-range gpus seemingly

sometimes even mid-range gpus seemingly
in an attempt to make them look more

in an attempt to make them look more

in an attempt to make them look more
enticing even if it comes at the cost of

enticing even if it comes at the cost of

enticing even if it comes at the cost of
extremely poor performance your PC isn't

extremely poor performance your PC isn't

extremely poor performance your PC isn't
the only your GPU plugs into and as a

the only your GPU plugs into and as a

the only your GPU plugs into and as a
display owner myself I own a display I

display owner myself I own a display I

display owner myself I own a display I
know a thing or two about plugging in

know a thing or two about plugging in

know a thing or two about plugging in
displays when buying a GPU or monitor

displays when buying a GPU or monitor

displays when buying a GPU or monitor
pay close attention to the ports

pay close attention to the ports

pay close attention to the ports
available on the I/O plate here most

available on the I/O plate here most

available on the I/O plate here most
gpus today come with a bank of display

gpus today come with a bank of display

gpus today come with a bank of display
port connectors and an HDMI port and

port connectors and an HDMI port and

port connectors and an HDMI port and
while you might be forgiven for thinking

while you might be forgiven for thinking

while you might be forgiven for thinking
they're the same they are very much not

they're the same they are very much not

they're the same they are very much not
while they share some similarities

while they share some similarities

while they share some similarities
they're both digital they both carry

they're both digital they both carry

they're both digital they both carry
audio as well as video and as of writing

audio as well as video and as of writing

audio as well as video and as of writing
the latest versions of both Port

the latest versions of both Port

the latest versions of both Port
features like variable refresh rate and

features like variable refresh rate and

features like variable refresh rate and
HDR HDMI connectors are shaped like a

HDR HDMI connectors are shaped like a

HDR HDMI connectors are shaped like a
very tall D while display port looks

very tall D while display port looks

very tall D while display port looks
like you folded the corner of a

like you folded the corner of a

like you folded the corner of a
rectangle also while HDMI doesn't

rectangle also while HDMI doesn't

rectangle also while HDMI doesn't
normally lock most display port cables

normally lock most display port cables

normally lock most display port cables
will automatically click into place with

will automatically click into place with

will automatically click into place with
these little teeth which hold it firm

these little teeth which hold it firm

these little teeth which hold it firm
until you push the release some graphics

until you push the release some graphics

until you push the release some graphics
cards will also support more bandwidth

cards will also support more bandwidth

cards will also support more bandwidth
over display port than HDMI and some

over display port than HDMI and some

over display port than HDMI and some
displays will only support certain

displays will only support certain

displays will only support certain
features refresh rates or even

features refresh rates or even

features refresh rates or even
resolutions on on one type of connection

resolutions on on one type of connection

resolutions on on one type of connection
the bottom line is make sure you're

the bottom line is make sure you're

the bottom line is make sure you're
using an interface and cable that are

using an interface and cable that are

using an interface and cable that are
rated for sufficient bandwidth matching

rated for sufficient bandwidth matching

rated for sufficient bandwidth matching
the version numbers isn't enough a quick

the version numbers isn't enough a quick

the version numbers isn't enough a quick
note if you're short on HDMI ports but

note if you're short on HDMI ports but

note if you're short on HDMI ports but
you see this logo or dual mode display

you see this logo or dual mode display

you see this logo or dual mode display
port it means your Port can convert

port it means your Port can convert

port it means your Port can convert
directly to HDMI with a cheap passive

directly to HDMI with a cheap passive

directly to HDMI with a cheap passive
adapter one more thing some gpus have

adapter one more thing some gpus have

adapter one more thing some gpus have
USB type-c ports but you can't connect

USB type-c ports but you can't connect

USB type-c ports but you can't connect
it to just any display both the port and

it to just any display both the port and

it to just any display both the port and
the monitor will need to support display

the monitor will need to support display

the monitor will need to support display
playay Port alt mode which is an

playay Port alt mode which is an

playay Port alt mode which is an
optional part of the specification the

optional part of the specification the

optional part of the specification the
big draw to alt mode is that it can also

big draw to alt mode is that it can also

big draw to alt mode is that it can also
be combined with normal USB data and

be combined with normal USB data and

be combined with normal USB data and
even power in a single cable Thunderbolt

even power in a single cable Thunderbolt

even power in a single cable Thunderbolt
AKA USB 4.0 goes a step further and

AKA USB 4.0 goes a step further and

AKA USB 4.0 goes a step further and
guarantees alt mode and power delivery

guarantees alt mode and power delivery

guarantees alt mode and power delivery
will be available and even allows for

will be available and even allows for

will be available and even allows for
daisy chaining multiple displays or

daisy chaining multiple displays or

daisy chaining multiple displays or
devices without needing a hub while

devices without needing a hub while

devices without needing a hub while
there are pros and cons to all of these

there are pros and cons to all of these

there are pros and cons to all of these
connections which one you ultimately use

connections which one you ultimately use

connections which one you ultimately use
should be whichever one gives you the

should be whichever one gives you the

should be whichever one gives you the
features you need and is compatible with

features you need and is compatible with

features you need and is compatible with
your Hardware motherboard s are a

your Hardware motherboard s are a

your Hardware motherboard s are a
contentious issue because it's easy to

contentious issue because it's easy to

contentious issue because it's easy to
go for the biggest baddest board around

go for the biggest baddest board around

go for the biggest baddest board around
but the reality is that unless you're

but the reality is that unless you're

but the reality is that unless you're
the kind of Master overclocker who gets

the kind of Master overclocker who gets

the kind of Master overclocker who gets
all their boards sponsored anyway you're

all their boards sponsored anyway you're

all their boards sponsored anyway you're
unlikely to see a big performance

unlikely to see a big performance

unlikely to see a big performance
difference between low-end chipsets and

difference between low-end chipsets and

difference between low-end chipsets and
the higher end ones much less between

the higher end ones much less between

the higher end ones much less between
two models that use the same chipset

two models that use the same chipset

two models that use the same chipset
that's not to say you should just buy

that's not to say you should just buy

that's not to say you should just buy
the cheapest thing a lower-end chipset

the cheapest thing a lower-end chipset

the cheapest thing a lower-end chipset
will usually have some artificial

will usually have some artificial

will usually have some artificial
limitations on things like Ram speed

limitations on things like Ram speed

limitations on things like Ram speed
overclocking ability or pcie bandwidth

overclocking ability or pcie bandwidth

overclocking ability or pcie bandwidth
amd's a series chipsets for example

amd's a series chipsets for example

amd's a series chipsets for example
don't support overclocking as of a520

don't support overclocking as of a520

don't support overclocking as of a520
and feature fewer expansion ports while

and feature fewer expansion ports while

and feature fewer expansion ports while
their B series and X Series chipsets do

their B series and X Series chipsets do

their B series and X Series chipsets do
have much more expansion including the

have much more expansion including the

have much more expansion including the
ability to bifur or split pcie lanes for

ability to bifur or split pcie lanes for

ability to bifur or split pcie lanes for
multi-gpu or high-speed storage support

multi-gpu or high-speed storage support

multi-gpu or high-speed storage support
the bottom line is that while some

the bottom line is that while some

the bottom line is that while some
people get bogged down on details like

people get bogged down on details like

people get bogged down on details like
voltage regulators and cooling them the

voltage regulators and cooling them the

voltage regulators and cooling them the
reality is that a mid-range board with

reality is that a mid-range board with

reality is that a mid-range board with
good user reviews that has all the slots

good user reviews that has all the slots

good user reviews that has all the slots
sockets and RGB ports you need for other

sockets and RGB ports you need for other

sockets and RGB ports you need for other
Hardware is the path of leas resistance

Hardware is the path of leas resistance

Hardware is the path of leas resistance
and there's no shame in that system

and there's no shame in that system

and there's no shame in that system
memory or Ram can be both

memory or Ram can be both

memory or Ram can be both
straightforward and Incredibly deep

straightforward and Incredibly deep

straightforward and Incredibly deep
depending on who you ask and what you

depending on who you ask and what you

depending on who you ask and what you
plan to do with it it's usually labeled

plan to do with it it's usually labeled

plan to do with it it's usually labeled
according to three main values capacity

according to three main values capacity

according to three main values capacity
speed and timings the higher the

speed and timings the higher the

speed and timings the higher the
capacity the more concurrent tasks your

capacity the more concurrent tasks your

capacity the more concurrent tasks your
system can work on but the more memory

system can work on but the more memory

system can work on but the more memory
you have the more strain on your cpu's

you have the more strain on your cpu's

you have the more strain on your cpu's
memory controller which usually means

memory controller which usually means

memory controller which usually means
reduced frequency and increased timings

reduced frequency and increased timings

reduced frequency and increased timings
both of which are bad frequency

both of which are bad frequency

both of which are bad frequency
determines how often information can

determines how often information can

determines how often information can
travel from the memory stick or module

travel from the memory stick or module

travel from the memory stick or module
to the CPU and vice versa higher is

to the CPU and vice versa higher is

to the CPU and vice versa higher is
better while timings determine how long

better while timings determine how long

better while timings determine how long
the wait is for actual memory chips to

the wait is for actual memory chips to

the wait is for actual memory chips to
respond to a given request lower is

respond to a given request lower is

respond to a given request lower is
better it's important to note that there

better it's important to note that there

better it's important to note that there
are points of diminishing returns for

are points of diminishing returns for

are points of diminishing returns for
all of these attributes and that some

all of these attributes and that some

all of these attributes and that some
CPUs prefer certain memory frequencies

CPUs prefer certain memory frequencies

CPUs prefer certain memory frequencies
because they can lock their memory

because they can lock their memory

because they can lock their memory
controllers to match such as amd's ryzen

controllers to match such as amd's ryzen

controllers to match such as amd's ryzen
3000 and 5000 series CPUs which tend to

3000 and 5000 series CPUs which tend to

3000 and 5000 series CPUs which tend to
work best at memory speeds of 3600 or 30

work best at memory speeds of 3600 or 30

work best at memory speeds of 3600 or 30
800 megatrans per second ddr4 after

800 megatrans per second ddr4 after

800 megatrans per second ddr4 after
which point it's better to drive down

which point it's better to drive down

which point it's better to drive down
latencies than go for more speed and it

latencies than go for more speed and it

latencies than go for more speed and it
should be noted most of the fast kits on

should be noted most of the fast kits on

should be noted most of the fast kits on
the market are overclocked meaning both

the market are overclocked meaning both

the market are overclocked meaning both
the memory modules and the cpu's memory

the memory modules and the cpu's memory

the memory modules and the cpu's memory
controller will be pushed harder and

controller will be pushed harder and

controller will be pushed harder and
with More Voltage than usual ddr4

with More Voltage than usual ddr4

with More Voltage than usual ddr4
capable platforms like ryzen 5000 and

capable platforms like ryzen 5000 and

capable platforms like ryzen 5000 and
Intel's 14th gen core CPUs for example

Intel's 14th gen core CPUs for example

Intel's 14th gen core CPUs for example
only officially support up to 3200 megat

only officially support up to 3200 megat

only officially support up to 3200 megat
transfers per second ddr4 which means

transfers per second ddr4 which means

transfers per second ddr4 which means
reaching the speeds of a topspec memory

reaching the speeds of a topspec memory

reaching the speeds of a topspec memory
kit is any but guaranteed especially if

kit is any but guaranteed especially if

kit is any but guaranteed especially if
you've got more than two sticks of ram

you've got more than two sticks of ram

you've got more than two sticks of ram
ryzen 5000 and Intel's 11th gen core and

ryzen 5000 and Intel's 11th gen core and

ryzen 5000 and Intel's 11th gen core and
later CPUs support up to 3200 megat

later CPUs support up to 3200 megat

later CPUs support up to 3200 megat
transfers per second ddr4 natively after

transfers per second ddr4 natively after

transfers per second ddr4 natively after
which you're in overclock territory

which you're in overclock territory

which you're in overclock territory
regardless of speed you'll want to buy

regardless of speed you'll want to buy

regardless of speed you'll want to buy
your memory in matching pairs for dual

your memory in matching pairs for dual

your memory in matching pairs for dual
Channel motherboards triplets for triple

Channel motherboards triplets for triple

Channel motherboards triplets for triple
Channel and so on and while you're at it

Channel and so on and while you're at it

Channel and so on and while you're at it
for best performance you'll want to make

for best performance you'll want to make

for best performance you'll want to make
sure your memory is also running dual

sure your memory is also running dual

sure your memory is also running dual
rank now rank is essentially one or more

rank now rank is essentially one or more

rank now rank is essentially one or more
memory modules that receive commands as

memory modules that receive commands as

memory modules that receive commands as
a group if all of the memory sticks

a group if all of the memory sticks

a group if all of the memory sticks
memory is in one group that's single

memory is in one group that's single

memory is in one group that's single
rank while some larger memory modules

rank while some larger memory modules

rank while some larger memory modules
come split into two which is dual rank

come split into two which is dual rank

come split into two which is dual rank
the advantage is that while each rank

the advantage is that while each rank

the advantage is that while each rank
has to be accessed separately no matter

has to be accessed separately no matter

has to be accessed separately no matter
what they can still split the low

what they can still split the low

what they can still split the low
between themselves for better

between themselves for better

between themselves for better
performance if you've got a matched pair

performance if you've got a matched pair

performance if you've got a matched pair
of dual rank memory you'll get the

of dual rank memory you'll get the

of dual rank memory you'll get the
benefits by default but you can also

benefits by default but you can also

benefits by default but you can also
install four matched single rank modules

install four matched single rank modules

install four matched single rank modules
for the same effect if your motherboard

for the same effect if your motherboard

for the same effect if your motherboard
has four slots generally speaking larger

has four slots generally speaking larger

has four slots generally speaking larger
modules tend to be dual rank but you can

modules tend to be dual rank but you can

modules tend to be dual rank but you can
usually tell single Rank and dual rank

usually tell single Rank and dual rank

usually tell single Rank and dual rank
apart by one r or two R in the model

apart by one r or two R in the model

apart by one r or two R in the model
number one more thing to consider for

number one more thing to consider for

number one more thing to consider for
memory is error correction code or ECC

memory is error correction code or ECC

memory is error correction code or ECC
memory this has recently become a pretty

memory this has recently become a pretty

memory this has recently become a pretty
hot topic due to the per chip error

hot topic due to the per chip error

hot topic due to the per chip error
correction that's making its way into

correction that's making its way into

correction that's making its way into
ddr5 but there's a difference full ECC

ddr5 but there's a difference full ECC

ddr5 but there's a difference full ECC
memory has an extra chip that allows it

memory has an extra chip that allows it

memory has an extra chip that allows it
to detect and correct errors even when

to detect and correct errors even when

to detect and correct errors even when
the data is moving to and from the CPU

the data is moving to and from the CPU

the data is moving to and from the CPU
DDR 5's error correction is only making

DDR 5's error correction is only making

DDR 5's error correction is only making
sure that the data inside each chip is

sure that the data inside each chip is

sure that the data inside each chip is
safe this lets ddr5 vendors still offer

safe this lets ddr5 vendors still offer

safe this lets ddr5 vendors still offer
overclocked memory kits while you'd be

overclocked memory kits while you'd be

overclocked memory kits while you'd be
hardpressed to find anything like that

hardpressed to find anything like that

hardpressed to find anything like that
for full ECC the more robust nature of

for full ECC the more robust nature of

for full ECC the more robust nature of
full ECC memory meanwhile has made it a

full ECC memory meanwhile has made it a

full ECC memory meanwhile has made it a
favorite for servers and high-end

favorite for servers and high-end

favorite for servers and high-end
workstations where stability is key even

workstations where stability is key even

workstations where stability is key even
if it comes at the cost of some

if it comes at the cost of some

if it comes at the cost of some
performance so if that's you then you've

performance so if that's you then you've

performance so if that's you then you've
got some things to untangle first true

got some things to untangle first true

got some things to untangle first true
ECC can come in three flavors

ECC can come in three flavors

ECC can come in three flavors
unregistered registered and load reduced

unregistered registered and load reduced

unregistered registered and load reduced
unregistered memory also called udm is

unregistered memory also called udm is

unregistered memory also called udm is
the same kind that goes into your

the same kind that goes into your

the same kind that goes into your
desktop and notebook PC so your CPU will

desktop and notebook PC so your CPU will

desktop and notebook PC so your CPU will
access the memory chips directly with

access the memory chips directly with

access the memory chips directly with
nothing in between registered memory

nothing in between registered memory

nothing in between registered memory
also called R dim includes a goete chip

also called R dim includes a goete chip

also called R dim includes a goete chip
that the CPU talks to that manages the

that the CPU talks to that manages the

that the CPU talks to that manages the
data coming and going from each memory

data coming and going from each memory

data coming and going from each memory
chip load reduced memory called LR dim

chip load reduced memory called LR dim

chip load reduced memory called LR dim
takes this one step further by replacing

takes this one step further by replacing

takes this one step further by replacing
that register chip with an ultra fast

that register chip with an ultra fast

that register chip with an ultra fast
buffer this buffer reduces the amount of

buffer this buffer reduces the amount of

buffer this buffer reduces the amount of
chatter required to communicate with the

chatter required to communicate with the

chatter required to communicate with the
memory allowing the CPU to access as

memory allowing the CPU to access as

memory allowing the CPU to access as
many as eight ranks per module that's

many as eight ranks per module that's

many as eight ranks per module that's
how servers can have multiple terabytes

how servers can have multiple terabytes

how servers can have multiple terabytes
of memory in them the trade-off of

of memory in them the trade-off of

of memory in them the trade-off of
course is higher latency don't go

course is higher latency don't go

course is higher latency don't go
thinking you can just mix and match by

thinking you can just mix and match by

thinking you can just mix and match by
the way consumer motherboards almost

the way consumer motherboards almost

the way consumer motherboards almost
exclusively accept udims and not much

exclusively accept udims and not much

exclusively accept udims and not much
else and while some motherboards can

else and while some motherboards can

else and while some motherboards can
support both R dims and LR dims this is

support both R dims and LR dims this is

support both R dims and LR dims this is
no guarantee so check the manual for

no guarantee so check the manual for

no guarantee so check the manual for
your motherboard for information on what

your motherboard for information on what

your motherboard for information on what
it can handle before you pull the

it can handle before you pull the

it can handle before you pull the
trigger most motherboard manufacturers

trigger most motherboard manufacturers

trigger most motherboard manufacturers
will have manuals available online in

will have manuals available online in

will have manuals available online in
their support section storage drives can

their support section storage drives can

their support section storage drives can
be divided broadly into two categories

be divided broadly into two categories

be divided broadly into two categories
old school SATA and PCI Express based

old school SATA and PCI Express based

old school SATA and PCI Express based
nvme drives there are different

nvme drives there are different

nvme drives there are different
connections for both of these with this

connections for both of these with this

connections for both of these with this
being the most common for SATA and this

being the most common for SATA and this

being the most common for SATA and this
being the most common for nvme your

being the most common for nvme your

being the most common for nvme your
motherboard manual will include a list

motherboard manual will include a list

motherboard manual will include a list
of these ports that tells you exactly

of these ports that tells you exactly

of these ports that tells you exactly
how many you can install mechanical hard

how many you can install mechanical hard

how many you can install mechanical hard
drives are for bulk storage on the cheap

drives are for bulk storage on the cheap

drives are for bulk storage on the cheap
and typically use a SATA interface we'll

and typically use a SATA interface we'll

and typically use a SATA interface we'll
talk a bit more about these later solid

talk a bit more about these later solid

talk a bit more about these later solid
state drives or ssds are more expensive

state drives or ssds are more expensive

state drives or ssds are more expensive
but are recommended is a boot drive for

but are recommended is a boot drive for

but are recommended is a boot drive for
your operating system and for key

your operating system and for key

your operating system and for key
applications at almost any price point

applications at almost any price point

applications at almost any price point
due to their much higher performance

due to their much higher performance

due to their much higher performance
they are available with SATA interfaces

they are available with SATA interfaces

they are available with SATA interfaces
but have mostly gone nvme at this point

but have mostly gone nvme at this point

but have mostly gone nvme at this point
in the m.2 form factor remember that

in the m.2 form factor remember that

in the m.2 form factor remember that
term it means size and shape even among

term it means size and shape even among

term it means size and shape even among
nvme ssds there is an obvious broad

nvme ssds there is an obvious broad

nvme ssds there is an obvious broad
performance spectrum and with

performance spectrum and with

performance spectrum and with
Microsoft's upcoming implementation of

Microsoft's upcoming implementation of

Microsoft's upcoming implementation of
direct storage a premium pcie Gen 4 SSD

direct storage a premium pcie Gen 4 SSD

direct storage a premium pcie Gen 4 SSD
or greater might offer a clear

or greater might offer a clear

or greater might offer a clear
performance benefit but for most average

performance benefit but for most average

performance benefit but for most average
users and Gamers the main things you

users and Gamers the main things you

users and Gamers the main things you
want are a dram cache and some kind of

want are a dram cache and some kind of

want are a dram cache and some kind of
manufacturer indication of endurance

manufacturer indication of endurance

manufacturer indication of endurance
which is a measure of how many times the

which is a measure of how many times the

which is a measure of how many times the
drives can be written before the cells

drives can be written before the cells

drives can be written before the cells
wear out drives with short warranties

wear out drives with short warranties

wear out drives with short warranties
are probably best avoided and even

are probably best avoided and even

are probably best avoided and even
quality drives should be backed up

quality drives should be backed up

quality drives should be backed up
regularly now let's talk talk cooling

regularly now let's talk talk cooling

regularly now let's talk talk cooling
enthusiasts tend to instinctively

enthusiasts tend to instinctively

enthusiasts tend to instinctively
gravitate towards custom Loop liquid

gravitate towards custom Loop liquid

gravitate towards custom Loop liquid
cooling and this is usually the absolute

cooling and this is usually the absolute

cooling and this is usually the absolute
best you can get without going Subzero

best you can get without going Subzero

best you can get without going Subzero
which isn't sustainable long term if

which isn't sustainable long term if

which isn't sustainable long term if
you're a coward but from a cost to

you're a coward but from a cost to

you're a coward but from a cost to
Performance standpoint it rarely makes

Performance standpoint it rarely makes

Performance standpoint it rarely makes
sense liquid cooling is a topic all in

sense liquid cooling is a topic all in

sense liquid cooling is a topic all in
itself but the short version is that

itself but the short version is that

itself but the short version is that
your primary concerns are going to be

your primary concerns are going to be

your primary concerns are going to be
the water blocks and the total surface

the water blocks and the total surface

the water blocks and the total surface
area of your radiator setup generally

area of your radiator setup generally

area of your radiator setup generally
speaking surface area is King more fins

speaking surface area is King more fins

speaking surface area is King more fins
on your coal plate means more heat

on your coal plate means more heat

on your coal plate means more heat
transfer from your CPU and more radiator

transfer from your CPU and more radiator

transfer from your CPU and more radiator
surface area means the more heat you can

surface area means the more heat you can

surface area means the more heat you can
remove from your liquid or if you like

remove from your liquid or if you like

remove from your liquid or if you like
more silence the slower you can run your

more silence the slower you can run your

more silence the slower you can run your
many fans materials are less intuitive

many fans materials are less intuitive

many fans materials are less intuitive
though copper is the superior conductor

though copper is the superior conductor

though copper is the superior conductor
but it's more expensive than aluminum

but it's more expensive than aluminum

but it's more expensive than aluminum
which might make you think you could get

which might make you think you could get

which might make you think you could get
away with copper for your GPU and

away with copper for your GPU and

away with copper for your GPU and
aluminum for everything else but if you

aluminum for everything else but if you

aluminum for everything else but if you
try to mix and match the

try to mix and match the

try to mix and match the
it's going to be terrible I give you my

it's going to be terrible I give you my

it's going to be terrible I give you my
lonus tech tips guarantee that galvanic

lonus tech tips guarantee that galvanic

lonus tech tips guarantee that galvanic
corrosion will ruin your day sometime

corrosion will ruin your day sometime

corrosion will ruin your day sometime
down the line you can try out those like

down the line you can try out those like

down the line you can try out those like
you know anti-corrosion mixtures don't

you know anti-corrosion mixtures don't

you know anti-corrosion mixtures don't
do it it'll be really bad some metals

do it it'll be really bad some metals

do it it'll be really bad some metals
can be mixed relatively safely here's a

can be mixed relatively safely here's a

can be mixed relatively safely here's a
chart of what's safe to mix and what's

chart of what's safe to mix and what's

chart of what's safe to mix and what's
not most people don't want to deal with

not most people don't want to deal with

not most people don't want to deal with
all that though all-in-one Solutions are

all that though all-in-one Solutions are

all that though all-in-one Solutions are
both cheaper and easier to work with the

both cheaper and easier to work with the

both cheaper and easier to work with the
general rule is that a 240 mm radiator

general rule is that a 240 mm radiator

general rule is that a 240 mm radiator
is fine for most CPUs but topend CPUs

is fine for most CPUs but topend CPUs

is fine for most CPUs but topend CPUs
with power ratings over 200 WS will want

with power ratings over 200 WS will want

with power ratings over 200 WS will want
to beefier 360 mm or 2080 mm radiator

to beefier 360 mm or 2080 mm radiator

to beefier 360 mm or 2080 mm radiator
for full performance or even more oh God

for full performance or even more oh God

for full performance or even more oh God
it's so big the main drawbacks of aios

it's so big the main drawbacks of aios

it's so big the main drawbacks of aios
is that they are more expensive less

is that they are more expensive less

is that they are more expensive less
reliable and units smaller than 360 mm

reliable and units smaller than 360 mm

reliable and units smaller than 360 mm
often have questionable performance

often have questionable performance

often have questionable performance
benefits compared to larger Tower style

benefits compared to larger Tower style

benefits compared to larger Tower style
heat sinks that's why for most people we

heat sinks that's why for most people we

heat sinks that's why for most people we
recommend a large heat sink for

recommend a large heat sink for

recommend a large heat sink for
hassle-free long-term operation the only

hassle-free long-term operation the only

hassle-free long-term operation the only
drawback of these that due to their size

drawback of these that due to their size

drawback of these that due to their size
some consider them unsightly they're

some consider them unsightly they're

some consider them unsightly they're
wrong and they can be a hazard during

wrong and they can be a hazard during

wrong and they can be a hazard during
Transportation due to their immense

Transportation due to their immense

Transportation due to their immense
weight at the end of the day whatever

weight at the end of the day whatever

weight at the end of the day whatever
comes of your CPU is fine for most

comes of your CPU is fine for most

comes of your CPU is fine for most
people but it might run hotter or louder

people but it might run hotter or louder

people but it might run hotter or louder
than you want thermal compound for most

than you want thermal compound for most

than you want thermal compound for most
people doesn't matter as long it's a

people doesn't matter as long it's a

people doesn't matter as long it's a
decent brand and it's not some just bulk

decent brand and it's not some just bulk

decent brand and it's not some just bulk
stuff you got off of wish but there are

stuff you got off of wish but there are

stuff you got off of wish but there are
couple things to consider if you're not

couple things to consider if you're not

couple things to consider if you're not
going with the easy to use but not

going with the easy to use but not

going with the easy to use but not
thermally amazing graphite pads that

thermally amazing graphite pads that

thermally amazing graphite pads that
cover your CPU like a cozy little

cover your CPU like a cozy little

cover your CPU like a cozy little
blanket you're going to want to make

blanket you're going to want to make

blanket you're going to want to make
sure that whatever you get is

sure that whatever you get is

sure that whatever you get is
electrically non-conductive and the best

electrically non-conductive and the best

electrically non-conductive and the best
way to do that is to just look at the

way to do that is to just look at the

way to do that is to just look at the
label most companies exclusively carry

label most companies exclusively carry

label most companies exclusively carry
non-conductive compounds with the

non-conductive compounds with the

non-conductive compounds with the
exception being liquid metal thermal

exception being liquid metal thermal

exception being liquid metal thermal
Grizzlies conduct or not for example is

Grizzlies conduct or not for example is

Grizzlies conduct or not for example is
an actual metal alloy called gallon

an actual metal alloy called gallon

an actual metal alloy called gallon
standand that's fully liquid at

standand that's fully liquid at

standand that's fully liquid at
temperature as low as 8° C it's both

temperature as low as 8° C it's both

temperature as low as 8° C it's both
electrically conductive and potentially

electrically conductive and potentially

electrically conductive and potentially
reactive with aluminum parts like heat

reactive with aluminum parts like heat

reactive with aluminum parts like heat
sinks and this reaction is not a good

sinks and this reaction is not a good

sinks and this reaction is not a good
thing while an aluminum oxide layer is

thing while an aluminum oxide layer is

thing while an aluminum oxide layer is
usually present on aluminum a tiny

usually present on aluminum a tiny

usually present on aluminum a tiny
scratch your scuff is all that's needed

scratch your scuff is all that's needed

scratch your scuff is all that's needed
for the gallium to work its magic and

for the gallium to work its magic and

for the gallium to work its magic and
turn your cooler into a crumbly mess

turn your cooler into a crumbly mess

turn your cooler into a crumbly mess
that doesn't even look real if you

that doesn't even look real if you

that doesn't even look real if you
decide to try liquid metal make sure

decide to try liquid metal make sure

decide to try liquid metal make sure
you're using copper or nickel plated

you're using copper or nickel plated

you're using copper or nickel plated
coolers if you're content with cheaper

coolers if you're content with cheaper

coolers if you're content with cheaper
traditional compounds then you've got

traditional compounds then you've got

traditional compounds then you've got
nothing to fear there are some things

nothing to fear there are some things

nothing to fear there are some things
you just shouldn't cheap out on however

you just shouldn't cheap out on however

you just shouldn't cheap out on however
power supplies are a major one while

power supplies are a major one while

power supplies are a major one while
early on it was pretty easy to figure

early on it was pretty easy to figure

early on it was pretty easy to figure
out whether a power supply was decent by

out whether a power supply was decent by

out whether a power supply was decent by
just looking at its 80 plus rating and

just looking at its 80 plus rating and

just looking at its 80 plus rating and
it is 80 plus gold that is the real draw

it is 80 plus gold that is the real draw

it is 80 plus gold that is the real draw
for this power supply Series right there

for this power supply Series right there

for this power supply Series right there
it is so easy to hit the 80 plus

it is so easy to hit the 80 plus

it is so easy to hit the 80 plus
standards these days that it's not

standards these days that it's not

standards these days that it's not
really a useful measure anymore the good

really a useful measure anymore the good

really a useful measure anymore the good
news is cybernetics lab has stepped up

news is cybernetics lab has stepped up

news is cybernetics lab has stepped up
to build a more meaningful certification

to build a more meaningful certification

to build a more meaningful certification
system that addresses both efficiency

system that addresses both efficiency

system that addresses both efficiency
and noise levels and hopefully more in

and noise levels and hopefully more in

and noise levels and hopefully more in
the future beyond that the main feature

the future beyond that the main feature

the future beyond that the main feature
you need to decide if you need is a

you need to decide if you need is a

you need to decide if you need is a
modular interface those usually cost

modular interface those usually cost

modular interface those usually cost
more but as connectivity standards

more but as connectivity standards

more but as connectivity standards
evolve like the controversial ATX 12vt

evolve like the controversial ATX 12vt

evolve like the controversial ATX 12vt
high power connector it means that you

high power connector it means that you

high power connector it means that you
have a chance of Simply swapping a cable

have a chance of Simply swapping a cable

have a chance of Simply swapping a cable
rather than being forced to use an

rather than being forced to use an

rather than being forced to use an
adapter or even replace a perfectly

adapter or even replace a perfectly

adapter or even replace a perfectly
functional power supply power supplies

functional power supply power supplies

functional power supply power supplies
have kind of plateaued these days to the

have kind of plateaued these days to the

have kind of plateaued these days to the
point where where no matter what I'm

point where where no matter what I'm

point where where no matter what I'm
building I would expect five or even 10

building I would expect five or even 10

building I would expect five or even 10
years of trouble-free service which

years of trouble-free service which

years of trouble-free service which
means that I'm expecting it to power

means that I'm expecting it to power

means that I'm expecting it to power
more than one build cic's vertex series

more than one build cic's vertex series

more than one build cic's vertex series
of power supplies have stepped up the

of power supplies have stepped up the

of power supplies have stepped up the
game in terms of build quality their

game in terms of build quality their

game in terms of build quality their
vertex gx750 is fully modular and

vertex gx750 is fully modular and

vertex gx750 is fully modular and
they've added a new cable to help with

they've added a new cable to help with

they've added a new cable to help with
GPU compatibility the fans on these bad

GPU compatibility the fans on these bad

GPU compatibility the fans on these bad
boys stay quiet without any compromises

boys stay quiet without any compromises

boys stay quiet without any compromises
to your system's temperature and they've

to your system's temperature and they've

to your system's temperature and they've
upped their warranty to 12 years so go

upped their warranty to 12 years so go

upped their warranty to 12 years so go
check them out there's a link yeah down

check them out there's a link yeah down

check them out there's a link yeah down
there click it whatever connectors

there click it whatever connectors

there click it whatever connectors
you're using though I would advise you

you're using though I would advise you

you're using though I would advise you
to avoid unnecessary cosmetic adapters

to avoid unnecessary cosmetic adapters

to avoid unnecessary cosmetic adapters
on your high power connectors they might

on your high power connectors they might

on your high power connectors they might
improve at some point but I'm pretty

improve at some point but I'm pretty

improve at some point but I'm pretty
tired of hearing stories about these

tired of hearing stories about these

tired of hearing stories about these
things melting power supplies like

things melting power supplies like

things melting power supplies like
motherboards and cases have different

motherboards and cases have different

motherboards and cases have different
form factors that you need to look out

form factors that you need to look out

form factors that you need to look out
for though this consideration is mostly

for though this consideration is mostly

for though this consideration is mostly
important for small form factor builds

important for small form factor builds

important for small form factor builds
where the sfx standard provides a

where the sfx standard provides a

where the sfx standard provides a
smaller footprint in order to

smaller footprint in order to

smaller footprint in order to
accommodate tinier builds while sfx

accommodate tinier builds while sfx

accommodate tinier builds while sfx
defines a maximum depth for power supply

defines a maximum depth for power supply

defines a maximum depth for power supply
that sort of makes it look like a flat

that sort of makes it look like a flat

that sort of makes it look like a flat
rectangle sfx L relaxes this to a square

rectangle sfx L relaxes this to a square

rectangle sfx L relaxes this to a square
shape and while it doesn't necessarily

shape and while it doesn't necessarily

shape and while it doesn't necessarily
offer more connections you'll actually

offer more connections you'll actually

offer more connections you'll actually
find that usually the more powerful

find that usually the more powerful

find that usually the more powerful
small form factor units are sfx L and

small form factor units are sfx L and

small form factor units are sfx L and
they have the added benefit of using

they have the added benefit of using

they have the added benefit of using
larger fans so they tend to be a little

larger fans so they tend to be a little

larger fans so they tend to be a little
bit quieter just double check your cases

bit quieter just double check your cases

bit quieter just double check your cases
compatibility because not all cases that

compatibility because not all cases that

compatibility because not all cases that
support one can also support the other

support one can also support the other

support one can also support the other
another class of power supplies that has

another class of power supplies that has

another class of power supplies that has
grown in popularity over the last 10 10

grown in popularity over the last 10 10

grown in popularity over the last 10 10
years is DC todc converter power

years is DC todc converter power

years is DC todc converter power
supplies these use an external brick

supplies these use an external brick

supplies these use an external brick
just like some monitors or your laptop

just like some monitors or your laptop

just like some monitors or your laptop
and then have a super efficient DC todc

and then have a super efficient DC todc

and then have a super efficient DC todc
conversion hence the name that takes

conversion hence the name that takes

conversion hence the name that takes
whatever the input voltage is and splits

whatever the input voltage is and splits

whatever the input voltage is and splits
it out to all the voltages that you need

it out to all the voltages that you need

it out to all the voltages that you need
internally they tend to be fanless and

internally they tend to be fanless and

internally they tend to be fanless and
extremely small though it does come at

extremely small though it does come at

extremely small though it does come at
the cost of that external brick now

the cost of that external brick now

the cost of that external brick now
there are other esoteric form factors

there are other esoteric form factors

there are other esoteric form factors
like tfx that is often used in rack

like tfx that is often used in rack

like tfx that is often used in rack
mount servers but for nearly everything

mount servers but for nearly everything

mount servers but for nearly everything
else you'll be fine with an ATX form

else you'll be fine with an ATX form

else you'll be fine with an ATX form
factor power supply it's big it's chunky

factor power supply it's big it's chunky

factor power supply it's big it's chunky
and it's the standard that we've had

and it's the standard that we've had

and it's the standard that we've had
since not long after the Windows 95 days

since not long after the Windows 95 days

since not long after the Windows 95 days
these offer the highest wattages on the

these offer the highest wattages on the

these offer the highest wattages on the
market with the largest assortment of

market with the largest assortment of

market with the largest assortment of
peripheral and 12volt plugs for CPU and

peripheral and 12volt plugs for CPU and

peripheral and 12volt plugs for CPU and
PCI Express devices and drives and all

PCI Express devices and drives and all

PCI Express devices and drives and all
that good stuff but buyer beware the ATX

that good stuff but buyer beware the ATX

that good stuff but buyer beware the ATX
form factor only specifies the width and

form factor only specifies the width and

form factor only specifies the width and
height of the power supply at the back

height of the power supply at the back

height of the power supply at the back
plate it says nothing about the depth so

plate it says nothing about the depth so

plate it says nothing about the depth so
you will need to take into consideration

you will need to take into consideration

you will need to take into consideration
whether your power supply will fit your

whether your power supply will fit your

whether your power supply will fit your
chosen case if it's not in the typical

chosen case if it's not in the typical

chosen case if it's not in the typical
Square footprint make sure you buffer a

Square footprint make sure you buffer a

Square footprint make sure you buffer a
little extra if you have a modular

little extra if you have a modular

little extra if you have a modular
interface because those plugs take up a

interface because those plugs take up a

interface because those plugs take up a
little bit more space now cases this is

little bit more space now cases this is

little bit more space now cases this is
where builds can get very interesting

where builds can get very interesting

where builds can get very interesting
there are options that can be found for

there are options that can be found for

there are options that can be found for
as low as $20 on sale and there are

as low as $20 on sale and there are

as low as $20 on sale and there are
options costing well over 10 times that

options costing well over 10 times that

options costing well over 10 times that
much or 100 times who cares just keep

much or 100 times who cares just keep

much or 100 times who cares just keep
going if you want something truly unique

going if you want something truly unique

going if you want something truly unique
we've already gone over the different

we've already gone over the different

we've already gone over the different
major form factors but even Within These

major form factors but even Within These

major form factors but even Within These
constraints there is an incredible

constraints there is an incredible

constraints there is an incredible
amount of variety out there because

amount of variety out there because

amount of variety out there because
picking a case on its own is so

picking a case on its own is so

picking a case on its own is so
personalized and situational we're just

personalized and situational we're just

personalized and situational we're just
going to go over a few basic things to

going to go over a few basic things to

going to go over a few basic things to
keep in mind while picking one out first

keep in mind while picking one out first

keep in mind while picking one out first
and foremost is airf flow regardless of

and foremost is airf flow regardless of

and foremost is airf flow regardless of
whether you're after a quiet rig or an

whether you're after a quiet rig or an

whether you're after a quiet rig or an
extreme cooling rig you're going to need

extreme cooling rig you're going to need

extreme cooling rig you're going to need
air flow and there's no substitute for a

air flow and there's no substitute for a

air flow and there's no substitute for a
mesh front panel counterintuitively they

mesh front panel counterintuitively they

mesh front panel counterintuitively they
tend to even offer better acoustic

tend to even offer better acoustic

tend to even offer better acoustic
performance than closed front panel

performance than closed front panel

performance than closed front panel
cases because the fans don't need to

cases because the fans don't need to

cases because the fans don't need to
ramp up as high not everyone is into

ramp up as high not everyone is into

ramp up as high not everyone is into
that aesthetic though so vendors like

that aesthetic though so vendors like

that aesthetic though so vendors like
Corsair come up with options with glass

Corsair come up with options with glass

Corsair come up with options with glass
front panels instead with spacing and

front panels instead with spacing and

front panels instead with spacing and
even extra intakes on the motherboard

even extra intakes on the motherboard

even extra intakes on the motherboard
side panel to keep things looking pretty

side panel to keep things looking pretty

side panel to keep things looking pretty
while maintaining solid air flow

while maintaining solid air flow

while maintaining solid air flow
secondary to air flow should be ease of

secondary to air flow should be ease of

secondary to air flow should be ease of
maintenance if your case has great air

maintenance if your case has great air

maintenance if your case has great air
flow but it's a pain to clean once it's

flow but it's a pain to clean once it's

flow but it's a pain to clean once it's
sucked a bit of dust in you're going to

sucked a bit of dust in you're going to

sucked a bit of dust in you're going to
have a bad time removable dust filters

have a bad time removable dust filters

have a bad time removable dust filters
and easily accessible front panels help

and easily accessible front panels help

and easily accessible front panels help
tremendously with maintenance and most

tremendously with maintenance and most

tremendously with maintenance and most
good cases will come with these features

good cases will come with these features

good cases will come with these features
finally expansion what you get will

finally expansion what you get will

finally expansion what you get will
depend on how much of what kind of stuff

depend on how much of what kind of stuff

depend on how much of what kind of stuff
you want to cram in plain and simple

you want to cram in plain and simple

you want to cram in plain and simple
then beyond that it should ideally be

then beyond that it should ideally be

then beyond that it should ideally be
well laid out for cable management and

well laid out for cable management and

well laid out for cable management and
open enough that it's easy to work in of

open enough that it's easy to work in of

open enough that it's easy to work in of
course you won't have any cooling

course you won't have any cooling

course you won't have any cooling
without fans so what do you buy there

without fans so what do you buy there

without fans so what do you buy there
are several considerations here

are several considerations here

are several considerations here
including the Fan's diameter and bearing

including the Fan's diameter and bearing

including the Fan's diameter and bearing
type whether the blade is optimized for

type whether the blade is optimized for

type whether the blade is optimized for
air flow or static pressure and of

air flow or static pressure and of

air flow or static pressure and of
course whether or not it has addressable

course whether or not it has addressable

course whether or not it has addressable
RGB bearings are what let the fan blade

RGB bearings are what let the fan blade

RGB bearings are what let the fan blade
spin freely so the better quality of the

spin freely so the better quality of the

spin freely so the better quality of the
bearing the more efficient and less

bearing the more efficient and less

bearing the more efficient and less
noisy a fan can be and there are three

noisy a fan can be and there are three

noisy a fan can be and there are three
major types sleeve bearings are cost

major types sleeve bearings are cost

major types sleeve bearings are cost
effective and quiet but tend to wear out

effective and quiet but tend to wear out

effective and quiet but tend to wear out
quickly because they rely on a lubricant

quickly because they rely on a lubricant

quickly because they rely on a lubricant
to keep them going higher quality sleeve

to keep them going higher quality sleeve

to keep them going higher quality sleeve
bearing fans can last for years thanks

bearing fans can last for years thanks

bearing fans can last for years thanks
to better seals but that lubricant will

to better seals but that lubricant will

to better seals but that lubricant will
expire and once it does so does the fan

expire and once it does so does the fan

expire and once it does so does the fan
sleeve bearing fans are also designed to

sleeve bearing fans are also designed to

sleeve bearing fans are also designed to
run vertically to prevent the lubricant

run vertically to prevent the lubricant

run vertically to prevent the lubricant
from pooling making them unsuitable for

from pooling making them unsuitable for

from pooling making them unsuitable for
use in the top or bottom of cases ball

use in the top or bottom of cases ball

use in the top or bottom of cases ball
bearing fans are far more reliable and

bearing fans are far more reliable and

bearing fans are far more reliable and
much more expensive to match but they

much more expensive to match but they

much more expensive to match but they
tend to be louder because they utilize

tend to be louder because they utilize

tend to be louder because they utilize
actual physical ball bearings to

actual physical ball bearings to

actual physical ball bearings to
overcome friction instead of a lubricant

overcome friction instead of a lubricant

overcome friction instead of a lubricant
this also means they're much more likely

this also means they're much more likely

this also means they're much more likely
to survive high temperatures than a

to survive high temperatures than a

to survive high temperatures than a
sleeve fan so they're common in servers

sleeve fan so they're common in servers

sleeve fan so they're common in servers
and other reliability first environments

and other reliability first environments

and other reliability first environments
more advanced sleeve style bearings

more advanced sleeve style bearings

more advanced sleeve style bearings
called fluid dynamic or hydrodynamic

called fluid dynamic or hydrodynamic

called fluid dynamic or hydrodynamic
bearings are positioned as a bridging

bearings are positioned as a bridging

bearings are positioned as a bridging
gap between traditional sleeve and ball

gap between traditional sleeve and ball

gap between traditional sleeve and ball
bearing fans while their mechanisms are

bearing fans while their mechanisms are

bearing fans while their mechanisms are
similar to sleeve bearings they're

similar to sleeve bearings they're

similar to sleeve bearings they're
typically filled with pressurized oil

typically filled with pressurized oil

typically filled with pressurized oil
and higher quality seals than a regular

and higher quality seals than a regular

and higher quality seals than a regular
lubricating grease not all fans that use

lubricating grease not all fans that use

lubricating grease not all fans that use
these bearings are good but noctua for

these bearings are good but noctua for

these bearings are good but noctua for
example exclusively uses their SSO

example exclusively uses their SSO

example exclusively uses their SSO
series bearings which are hydrodynamic

series bearings which are hydrodynamic

series bearings which are hydrodynamic
and very well regarded I think corers

and very well regarded I think corers

and very well regarded I think corers
are also pretty good too there are other

are also pretty good too there are other

are also pretty good too there are other
bearings like mag glove which use

bearings like mag glove which use

bearings like mag glove which use
magnetic levitation for effectively zero

magnetic levitation for effectively zero

magnetic levitation for effectively zero
friction and are thus extremely quiet

friction and are thus extremely quiet

friction and are thus extremely quiet
long lasting and they also call cost

long lasting and they also call cost

long lasting and they also call cost
significantly more than other types of

significantly more than other types of

significantly more than other types of
bearings Corsair famously has a magb

bearings Corsair famously has a magb

bearings Corsair famously has a magb
series of fans in their ml lineup but

series of fans in their ml lineup but

series of fans in their ml lineup but
they tend to have fewer RGB options and

they tend to have fewer RGB options and

they tend to have fewer RGB options and
cost significantly more than their other

cost significantly more than their other

cost significantly more than their other
fans regardless of the bearings fans

fans regardless of the bearings fans

fans regardless of the bearings fans
tend to get graded on two major criteria

tend to get graded on two major criteria

tend to get graded on two major criteria
static pressure and air flow with some

static pressure and air flow with some

static pressure and air flow with some
designs leaning further one way than the

designs leaning further one way than the

designs leaning further one way than the
other corsair's SP and no TOA P series

other corsair's SP and no TOA P series

other corsair's SP and no TOA P series
fans are optimized for static pressure

fans are optimized for static pressure

fans are optimized for static pressure
the higher the static pressure the more

the higher the static pressure the more

the higher the static pressure the more
air that can be for course through a

air that can be for course through a

air that can be for course through a
restrictive filter or fins of a radiator

restrictive filter or fins of a radiator

restrictive filter or fins of a radiator
or heat sink on the other side of the

or heat sink on the other side of the

or heat sink on the other side of the
spectrum corsair's AF and noct as a

spectrum corsair's AF and noct as a

spectrum corsair's AF and noct as a
series are examples of fans that are

series are examples of fans that are

series are examples of fans that are
optimized for pure air flow so don't put

optimized for pure air flow so don't put

optimized for pure air flow so don't put
it in front of your radiator but at like

it in front of your radiator but at like

it in front of your radiator but at like
the back of your case with no

the back of your case with no

the back of your case with no
obstructions they're really great for

obstructions they're really great for

obstructions they're really great for
that you'll often run across different

that you'll often run across different

that you'll often run across different
diameters of fans ranging all the way

diameters of fans ranging all the way

diameters of fans ranging all the way
from diminutive 40 mm all the way to

from diminutive 40 mm all the way to

from diminutive 40 mm all the way to
Behemoth 200 mm and Beyond as a rule of

Behemoth 200 mm and Beyond as a rule of

Behemoth 200 mm and Beyond as a rule of
thumb the smaller the fan the faster

thumb the smaller the fan the faster

thumb the smaller the fan the faster
needs to spin to push the same amount of

needs to spin to push the same amount of

needs to spin to push the same amount of
air as a larger one and the faster a fan

air as a larger one and the faster a fan

air as a larger one and the faster a fan
spins the louder it will be which is why

spins the louder it will be which is why

spins the louder it will be which is why
120 to 140 mm fans have become the go-to

120 to 140 mm fans have become the go-to

120 to 140 mm fans have become the go-to
thanks to the amount of air that they

thanks to the amount of air that they

thanks to the amount of air that they
can push while being relatively quiet 80

can push while being relatively quiet 80

can push while being relatively quiet 80
and 92 mm used to be common place in

and 92 mm used to be common place in

and 92 mm used to be common place in
older computer cases and you can still

older computer cases and you can still

older computer cases and you can still
find mounts for these in some small form

find mounts for these in some small form

find mounts for these in some small form
factor Rigs and on smaller air coolers

factor Rigs and on smaller air coolers

factor Rigs and on smaller air coolers
like nocuous 9s thickness is another

like nocuous 9s thickness is another

like nocuous 9s thickness is another
thing that can vary and again the

thing that can vary and again the

thing that can vary and again the
thinner the fan the less air it can push

thinner the fan the less air it can push

thinner the fan the less air it can push
at a given noise level a full-sized 92mm

at a given noise level a full-sized 92mm

at a given noise level a full-sized 92mm
fan for example will actually push more

fan for example will actually push more

fan for example will actually push more
air with more pressure than a 120 mm

air with more pressure than a 120 mm

air with more pressure than a 120 mm
slim fan you'll only really want to use

slim fan you'll only really want to use

slim fan you'll only really want to use
thin fans for small form factor builds

thin fans for small form factor builds

thin fans for small form factor builds
where you have absolutely no alternative

where you have absolutely no alternative

where you have absolutely no alternative
then there's the connectors some fans

then there's the connectors some fans

then there's the connectors some fans
have three pins on them and some of them

have three pins on them and some of them

have three pins on them and some of them
have four what gives with that well

have four what gives with that well

have four what gives with that well
practically speaking they both work the

practically speaking they both work the

practically speaking they both work the
same but the three pin variant speed is

same but the three pin variant speed is

same but the three pin variant speed is
controlled by changing the voltage being

controlled by changing the voltage being

controlled by changing the voltage being
delivered to the motor the four pin on

delivered to the motor the four pin on

delivered to the motor the four pin on
the other hand use a control scheme

the other hand use a control scheme

the other hand use a control scheme
called pwm which means that the motor

called pwm which means that the motor

called pwm which means that the motor
exclusively receives 12vt power but it

exclusively receives 12vt power but it

exclusively receives 12vt power but it
gets it in bursts so it's rapidly turned

gets it in bursts so it's rapidly turned

gets it in bursts so it's rapidly turned
on and off depending on the speed that

on and off depending on the speed that

on and off depending on the speed that
is requested by the user in short pwm

is requested by the user in short pwm

is requested by the user in short pwm
fans tend to be more efficient and offer

fans tend to be more efficient and offer

fans tend to be more efficient and offer
finer control over their rotational

finer control over their rotational

finer control over their rotational
speeds but it's more important to match

speeds but it's more important to match

speeds but it's more important to match
your fan type with your controller than

your fan type with your controller than

your fan type with your controller than
to choose one over the other most of

to choose one over the other most of

to choose one over the other most of
your fans are going to be plugged

your fans are going to be plugged

your fans are going to be plugged
directly into your motherboard but if

directly into your motherboard but if

directly into your motherboard but if
you have a truly ridiculous number of

you have a truly ridiculous number of

you have a truly ridiculous number of
fans or you just want to control and

fans or you just want to control and

fans or you just want to control and
cable manage them all from one place you

cable manage them all from one place you

cable manage them all from one place you
can get controller hubs from companies

can get controller hubs from companies

can get controller hubs from companies
like Corsair or NZXT that provide

like Corsair or NZXT that provide

like Corsair or NZXT that provide
significantly more connectors to suit

significantly more connectors to suit

significantly more connectors to suit
your needs and depending on your needs

your needs and depending on your needs

your needs and depending on your needs
you might want to add one or more hard

you might want to add one or more hard

you might want to add one or more hard
drives to your system either for

drives to your system either for

drives to your system either for
long-term storage or maybe to give

long-term storage or maybe to give

long-term storage or maybe to give
storage tying a go for a blend of high

storage tying a go for a blend of high

storage tying a go for a blend of high
performance and low cost whatever the

performance and low cost whatever the

performance and low cost whatever the
reason there are some things you should

reason there are some things you should

reason there are some things you should
be aware of like the RPM cache size

be aware of like the RPM cache size

be aware of like the RPM cache size
noise level and cost per gigabyte or

noise level and cost per gigabyte or

noise level and cost per gigabyte or
terabyte it used to be common to just

terabyte it used to be common to just

terabyte it used to be common to just
pick a 7200 RPM Drive no matter what for

pick a 7200 RPM Drive no matter what for

pick a 7200 RPM Drive no matter what for
for extra speed and lower response time

for extra speed and lower response time

for extra speed and lower response time
but it's actually becoming more of a

but it's actually becoming more of a

but it's actually becoming more of a
liability for the drive's long-term

liability for the drive's long-term

liability for the drive's long-term
Health now that high-capacity ssds exist

Health now that high-capacity ssds exist

Health now that high-capacity ssds exist
higher RPMs mean more noise and

higher RPMs mean more noise and

higher RPMs mean more noise and
critically more heat so before

critically more heat so before

critically more heat so before
committing to a high-speed hard drive

committing to a high-speed hard drive

committing to a high-speed hard drive
you should consider whether it's needed

you should consider whether it's needed

you should consider whether it's needed
at all and when you do install one be

at all and when you do install one be

at all and when you do install one be
aware of its operating temperature so

aware of its operating temperature so

aware of its operating temperature so
that the platter stays spinning for as

that the platter stays spinning for as

that the platter stays spinning for as
long as possible for everybody else a

long as possible for everybody else a

long as possible for everybody else a
5600 or 5900 RPM hard drive should

5600 or 5900 RPM hard drive should

5600 or 5900 RPM hard drive should
suffice and should be significantly

suffice and should be significantly

suffice and should be significantly
quieter and kick out less heat finally

quieter and kick out less heat finally

quieter and kick out less heat finally
if you want to really class up your

if you want to really class up your

if you want to really class up your
build you're probably going to want RG

build you're probably going to want RG

build you're probably going to want RG
GB and that means you're going to need

GB and that means you're going to need

GB and that means you're going to need
to learn what to look for currently

to learn what to look for currently

to learn what to look for currently
there are three major types of

there are three major types of

there are three major types of
controllable RGB non-addressable

controllable RGB non-addressable

controllable RGB non-addressable
addressable and USB non-addressable is

addressable and USB non-addressable is

addressable and USB non-addressable is
inexpensive and is the original RGB

inexpensive and is the original RGB

inexpensive and is the original RGB
header that uses 12vt power and four

header that uses 12vt power and four

header that uses 12vt power and four
pins each device in the chain be it a

pins each device in the chain be it a

pins each device in the chain be it a
light strip or a fan plugs into the

light strip or a fan plugs into the

light strip or a fan plugs into the
header on a motherboard a splitter or

header on a motherboard a splitter or

header on a motherboard a splitter or
into another RGB device in a daisy chain

into another RGB device in a daisy chain

into another RGB device in a daisy chain
every LED in this chain will show the

every LED in this chain will show the

every LED in this chain will show the
same color of your choosing which is

same color of your choosing which is

same color of your choosing which is
fine for ambient lighting or for when

fine for ambient lighting or for when

fine for ambient lighting or for when
you don't really care about patterns and

you don't really care about patterns and

you don't really care about patterns and
animations but if you do care about

animations but if you do care about

animations but if you do care about
those addressable is your new best

those addressable is your new best

those addressable is your new best
friend because like its name suggests it

friend because like its name suggests it

friend because like its name suggests it
allows each individual LED in the chain

allows each individual LED in the chain

allows each individual LED in the chain
to be controlled independently it

to be controlled independently it

to be controlled independently it
typically uses a 5volt three pin header

typically uses a 5volt three pin header

typically uses a 5volt three pin header
that's the same physical size as the

that's the same physical size as the

that's the same physical size as the
non-addressable type with a pin blocked

non-addressable type with a pin blocked

non-addressable type with a pin blocked
off to differentiate it if you have a

off to differentiate it if you have a

off to differentiate it if you have a
lot of LED strips you should be aware

lot of LED strips you should be aware

lot of LED strips you should be aware
that only a limited number of strips can

that only a limited number of strips can

that only a limited number of strips can
be run off a single connector without

be run off a single connector without

be run off a single connector without
running into problems like dimming at

running into problems like dimming at

running into problems like dimming at
the ends or the inability to control all

the ends or the inability to control all

the ends or the inability to control all
the LEDs if this all sounds complicated

the LEDs if this all sounds complicated

the LEDs if this all sounds complicated
well it kind of is that's why some

well it kind of is that's why some

well it kind of is that's why some
companies like Corsair have devices that

companies like Corsair have devices that

companies like Corsair have devices that
use their own method via USB this lets

use their own method via USB this lets

use their own method via USB this lets
them know exactly what devices are

them know exactly what devices are

them know exactly what devices are
connected and how many LEDs each of them

connected and how many LEDs each of them

connected and how many LEDs each of them
has these will usually plug into a USB

has these will usually plug into a USB

has these will usually plug into a USB
header on your motherboard and can be

header on your motherboard and can be

header on your motherboard and can be
more complex to wire up but often are

more complex to wire up but often are

more complex to wire up but often are
much simpler to set up usually using

much simpler to set up usually using

much simpler to set up usually using
proprietary software now there are

proprietary software now there are

proprietary software now there are
packages for Universal RGB control like

packages for Universal RGB control like

packages for Universal RGB control like
signal RGB open RGB and even a function

signal RGB open RGB and even a function

signal RGB open RGB and even a function
built into Windows 11 but compatibility

built into Windows 11 but compatibility

built into Windows 11 but compatibility
can be spotty and the interface may not

can be spotty and the interface may not

can be spotty and the interface may not
be as elegant as the official software

be as elegant as the official software

be as elegant as the official software
or it could be significantly better so

or it could be significantly better so

or it could be significantly better so
your mileage will definitely vary this

your mileage will definitely vary this

your mileage will definitely vary this
vendor lockin means that unlike non-usb

vendor lockin means that unlike non-usb

vendor lockin means that unlike non-usb
options they're usually not

options they're usually not

options they're usually not
cross-compatible between Brands so

cross-compatible between Brands so

cross-compatible between Brands so
you'll probably end up choosing your

you'll probably end up choosing your

you'll probably end up choosing your
favorite and then using the same vendor

favorite and then using the same vendor

favorite and then using the same vendor
for all your other RGB unless you want

for all your other RGB unless you want

for all your other RGB unless you want
to deal with adapters this especially

to deal with adapters this especially

to deal with adapters this especially
sucks because some companies offer LED

sucks because some companies offer LED

sucks because some companies offer LED
strips with different styles that might

strips with different styles that might

strips with different styles that might
be more in line with what you're going

be more in line with what you're going

be more in line with what you're going
for visually like fantex digital RGB

for visually like fantex digital RGB

for visually like fantex digital RGB
neon strips finally finally you'll

neon strips finally finally you'll

neon strips finally finally you'll
probably want some cable ties and to

probably want some cable ties and to

probably want some cable ties and to
make sure that you have the tools you

make sure that you have the tools you

make sure that you have the tools you
need to set everything up if you go for

need to set everything up if you go for

need to set everything up if you go for
zip ties for a lower profile cable

zip ties for a lower profile cable

zip ties for a lower profile cable
management job you'll need to make sure

management job you'll need to make sure

management job you'll need to make sure
that you have Flush Cutters for the

that you have Flush Cutters for the

that you have Flush Cutters for the
cleanest look whereas if you go for hook

cleanest look whereas if you go for hook

cleanest look whereas if you go for hook
and loop ties like the ones you can find

and loop ties like the ones you can find

and loop ties like the ones you can find
on eltit store.com then you don't need

on eltit store.com then you don't need

on eltit store.com then you don't need
anything special you should consider

anything special you should consider

anything special you should consider
though whether optional stuff like

though whether optional stuff like

though whether optional stuff like
custom cables will be in your build at

custom cables will be in your build at

custom cables will be in your build at
this point they're pretty costly but

this point they're pretty costly but

this point they're pretty costly but
they're a cool way to Jazz up your rig

they're a cool way to Jazz up your rig

they're a cool way to Jazz up your rig
if you've got the cash to spare and

if you've got the cash to spare and

if you've got the cash to spare and
you're after a specific look if not

you're after a specific look if not

you're after a specific look if not
though don't sweat it not everybody is

though don't sweat it not everybody is

though don't sweat it not everybody is
out to build an art piece and there is

out to build an art piece and there is

out to build an art piece and there is
no performance benefit to them

no performance benefit to them

no performance benefit to them
whatsoever and besides building a PC

whatsoever and besides building a PC

whatsoever and besides building a PC
yourself is already a bigger step

yourself is already a bigger step

yourself is already a bigger step
towards making it yours than most people

towards making it yours than most people

towards making it yours than most people
will ever take once you've settled on a

will ever take once you've settled on a

will ever take once you've settled on a
build you can go ahead and click through

build you can go ahead and click through

build you can go ahead and click through
the checkout process and wait for the

the checkout process and wait for the

the checkout process and wait for the
parts to arrive or if you live near a

parts to arrive or if you live near a

parts to arrive or if you live near a
computer store with all the stuff that

computer store with all the stuff that

computer store with all the stuff that
you need lucky you you get to haul it

you need lucky you you get to haul it

you need lucky you you get to haul it
all home yourself assemble the boxes in

all home yourself assemble the boxes in

all home yourself assemble the boxes in
a photogenic pile for a quick social

a photogenic pile for a quick social

a photogenic pile for a quick social
media pick and finally you're ready to

media pick and finally you're ready to

media pick and finally you're ready to
begin step two setting up your work area

begin step two setting up your work area

begin step two setting up your work area
are we only on step two jeez all right

are we only on step two jeez all right

are we only on step two jeez all right
don't worry guys the hard part's over

don't worry guys the hard part's over

don't worry guys the hard part's over
things are going to go a little faster

things are going to go a little faster

things are going to go a little faster
now clear your desk or table you're

now clear your desk or table you're

now clear your desk or table you're
going to want a well lit area with

going to want a well lit area with

going to want a well lit area with
enough space to be able to easily move

enough space to be able to easily move

enough space to be able to easily move
around your case whether it's laid flat

around your case whether it's laid flat

around your case whether it's laid flat
or upright and grab any tools you'll

or upright and grab any tools you'll

or upright and grab any tools you'll
need a Phillips head screwdriver is a

need a Phillips head screwdriver is a

need a Phillips head screwdriver is a
must and it's it's got a long neck a

must and it's it's got a long neck a

must and it's it's got a long neck a
magnetic tip and a ratcheting mechanism

magnetic tip and a ratcheting mechanism

magnetic tip and a ratcheting mechanism
that'll make things a lot easier one or

that'll make things a lot easier one or

that'll make things a lot easier one or
two coffee filters and some 99%

two coffee filters and some 99%

two coffee filters and some 99%
isopropyl alcohol is optional but useful

isopropyl alcohol is optional but useful

isopropyl alcohol is optional but useful
for cleaning surfaces without leaving

for cleaning surfaces without leaving

for cleaning surfaces without leaving
behind any residue paper towels can also

behind any residue paper towels can also

behind any residue paper towels can also
work in a pinch but be careful not to

work in a pinch but be careful not to

work in a pinch but be careful not to
leave behind any bits and for when

leave behind any bits and for when

leave behind any bits and for when
you're finishing up another optional

you're finishing up another optional

you're finishing up another optional
item is a microfiber cloth to get rid of

item is a microfiber cloth to get rid of

item is a microfiber cloth to get rid of
all the greasy fingerprints that you

all the greasy fingerprints that you

all the greasy fingerprints that you
might leave behind less optional is a

might leave behind less optional is a

might leave behind less optional is a
flashlight of some sort even if it's

flashlight of some sort even if it's

flashlight of some sort even if it's
just just the flash on your phone since

just just the flash on your phone since

just just the flash on your phone since
it can otherwise be tough to see what

it can otherwise be tough to see what

it can otherwise be tough to see what
you're doing when you're trying to get

you're doing when you're trying to get

you're doing when you're trying to get
that one last wire installed after

that one last wire installed after

that one last wire installed after
everything else is in place now

everything else is in place now

everything else is in place now
completely set aside any food or drink

completely set aside any food or drink

completely set aside any food or drink
while you're building up your machine

while you're building up your machine

while you're building up your machine
this is build time not snack time and

this is build time not snack time and

this is build time not snack time and
make sure there's nothing around that

make sure there's nothing around that

make sure there's nothing around that
could fall if it's accidentally bumped

could fall if it's accidentally bumped

could fall if it's accidentally bumped
an anti-static mat or a desk pad is

an anti-static mat or a desk pad is

an anti-static mat or a desk pad is
ideal here to prevent scuffs and scrapes

ideal here to prevent scuffs and scrapes

ideal here to prevent scuffs and scrapes
not only on your desk but also on your

not only on your desk but also on your

not only on your desk but also on your
new machine now this next bit is a bit

new machine now this next bit is a bit

new machine now this next bit is a bit
contentious but if the air in your area

contentious but if the air in your area

contentious but if the air in your area
is dry then you will definitely want an

is dry then you will definitely want an

is dry then you will definitely want an
anti-static wrist strap we did show that

anti-static wrist strap we did show that

anti-static wrist strap we did show that
it takes a lot to outright destroy PC

it takes a lot to outright destroy PC

it takes a lot to outright destroy PC
components in this collab with electr

components in this collab with electr

components in this collab with electr
boom but what we don't know is what kind

boom but what we don't know is what kind

boom but what we don't know is what kind
of minor damage might have been done

of minor damage might have been done

of minor damage might have been done
internally with each of those zaps it is

internally with each of those zaps it is

internally with each of those zaps it is
possible that each one of them took a

possible that each one of them took a

possible that each one of them took a
year off of our victim's life and no by

year off of our victim's life and no by

year off of our victim's life and no by
the way Wireless antistatic wrist straps

the way Wireless antistatic wrist straps

the way Wireless antistatic wrist straps
do not work your strap needs to be

do not work your strap needs to be

do not work your strap needs to be
connected to a proper ground and the

connected to a proper ground and the

connected to a proper ground and the
same goes for an antistatic mat that's

same goes for an antistatic mat that's

same goes for an antistatic mat that's
what that connector on the end is for to

what that connector on the end is for to

what that connector on the end is for to
do that the most foolproof way that

do that the most foolproof way that

do that the most foolproof way that
works in any country is to plug your

works in any country is to plug your

works in any country is to plug your
power supply into Main's power and clip

power supply into Main's power and clip

power supply into Main's power and clip
your antistatic lead to its chassis just

your antistatic lead to its chassis just

your antistatic lead to its chassis just
make sure you're not using one of these

make sure you're not using one of these

make sure you're not using one of these
never use one of these unless you know

never use one of these unless you know

never use one of these unless you know
exactly how to use one because if you're

exactly how to use one because if you're

exactly how to use one because if you're
not actually grounded you're doing all

not actually grounded you're doing all

not actually grounded you're doing all
of this work for nothing to say nothing

of this work for nothing to say nothing

of this work for nothing to say nothing
of the safety risk if you don't have a

of the safety risk if you don't have a

of the safety risk if you don't have a
strap it's a lot better than nothing to

strap it's a lot better than nothing to

strap it's a lot better than nothing to
plug in your power supply anyway and

plug in your power supply anyway and

plug in your power supply anyway and
then periodically touch it especially if

then periodically touch it especially if

then periodically touch it especially if
you move your feet around if you are

you move your feet around if you are

you move your feet around if you are
using a strap though a pro tip is to

using a strap though a pro tip is to

using a strap though a pro tip is to
wrap it around your ankle instead of of

wrap it around your ankle instead of of

wrap it around your ankle instead of of
your wrist so you don't end up yanking

your wrist so you don't end up yanking

your wrist so you don't end up yanking
things around while you're focused on

things around while you're focused on

things around while you're focused on
building step three motherboard and CPU

building step three motherboard and CPU

building step three motherboard and CPU
install aka the delicate part we'll

install aka the delicate part we'll

install aka the delicate part we'll
start by unboxing our motherboard and

start by unboxing our motherboard and

start by unboxing our motherboard and
placing it on top of its box a

placing it on top of its box a

placing it on top of its box a
convenient and free static safe surface

convenient and free static safe surface

convenient and free static safe surface
if you want to power on your system

if you want to power on your system

if you want to power on your system
before you put it in the case which I

before you put it in the case which I

before you put it in the case which I
highly recommend you'll want to use the

highly recommend you'll want to use the

highly recommend you'll want to use the
box it pulls double duty by letting you

box it pulls double duty by letting you

box it pulls double duty by letting you
slot in a GPU which wouldn't be possible

slot in a GPU which wouldn't be possible

slot in a GPU which wouldn't be possible
if the motherboard was FL on a desk or

if the motherboard was FL on a desk or

if the motherboard was FL on a desk or
an antistatic mat now your motherboard

an antistatic mat now your motherboard

an antistatic mat now your motherboard
may have one of two socket types as of

may have one of two socket types as of

may have one of two socket types as of
today the quickly Vanishing pin git

today the quickly Vanishing pin git

today the quickly Vanishing pin git
array or PGA where the pins are all on

array or PGA where the pins are all on

array or PGA where the pins are all on
the CPU or the near ubiquitous land grit

the CPU or the near ubiquitous land grit

the CPU or the near ubiquitous land grit
array or LGA where the pins are on the

array or LGA where the pins are on the

array or LGA where the pins are on the
motherboard why is this important

motherboard why is this important

motherboard why is this important
because if your motherboard is LGA you

because if your motherboard is LGA you

because if your motherboard is LGA you
need to inspect the pins before you do

need to inspect the pins before you do

need to inspect the pins before you do
anything else if you bought the board at

anything else if you bought the board at

anything else if you bought the board at
a brick and mortar store then they'll

a brick and mortar store then they'll

a brick and mortar store then they'll
often get you to do this Step at the

often get you to do this Step at the

often get you to do this Step at the
store to cover their butts in case you

store to cover their butts in case you

store to cover their butts in case you
come back with bent pins because this is

come back with bent pins because this is

come back with bent pins because this is
something that's typically not covered

something that's typically not covered

something that's typically not covered
by the manufacturer's warranty to do

by the manufacturer's warranty to do

by the manufacturer's warranty to do
this on an Intel socket push down on the

this on an Intel socket push down on the

this on an Intel socket push down on the
retention latch and pull out away from

retention latch and pull out away from

retention latch and pull out away from
the socket if you're dealing with a

the socket if you're dealing with a

the socket if you're dealing with a
high-end desktop socket there could be a

high-end desktop socket there could be a

high-end desktop socket there could be a
secondary latch for the retention

secondary latch for the retention

secondary latch for the retention
mechanism that comes out the same way

mechanism that comes out the same way

mechanism that comes out the same way
and they'll only open in the correct

and they'll only open in the correct

and they'll only open in the correct
order when you ease up on the clip it

order when you ease up on the clip it

order when you ease up on the clip it
should want to Spring upwards this is

should want to Spring upwards this is

should want to Spring upwards this is
good pull it upwards all the way and the

good pull it upwards all the way and the

good pull it upwards all the way and the
retention clip will come up revealing

retention clip will come up revealing

retention clip will come up revealing
the socket beneath don't worry about the

the socket beneath don't worry about the

the socket beneath don't worry about the
plastic cover plate for now for AMD

plastic cover plate for now for AMD

plastic cover plate for now for AMD
thread Ripper and epic SP sp3 dve

thread Ripper and epic SP sp3 dve

thread Ripper and epic SP sp3 dve
sockets you'll need to undo these three

sockets you'll need to undo these three

sockets you'll need to undo these three
screws in order with the included torque

screws in order with the included torque

screws in order with the included torque
wrench and then let the retention C clip

wrench and then let the retention C clip

wrench and then let the retention C clip
flip open the cpu's carrier will need to

flip open the cpu's carrier will need to

flip open the cpu's carrier will need to
come up next which you can easily do by

come up next which you can easily do by

come up next which you can easily do by
pulling up on these tabs finally remove

pulling up on these tabs finally remove

pulling up on these tabs finally remove
the plastic cover plate to reveal the

the plastic cover plate to reveal the

the plastic cover plate to reveal the
socket beneath for Intel's high-end

socket beneath for Intel's high-end

socket beneath for Intel's high-end
server and workstation Zeon motherboards

server and workstation Zeon motherboards

server and workstation Zeon motherboards
using higher pin counts like 3647 or

using higher pin counts like 3647 or

using higher pin counts like 3647 or
4677 there is no retention mechanism

4677 there is no retention mechanism

4677 there is no retention mechanism
simply a plastic cover plate the cooler

simply a plastic cover plate the cooler

simply a plastic cover plate the cooler
then screws directly down into the metal

then screws directly down into the metal

then screws directly down into the metal
around the socket with the CPU already

around the socket with the CPU already

around the socket with the CPU already
clipped to the cooler with the pins

clipped to the cooler with the pins

clipped to the cooler with the pins
visible it's easier to spot damage if

visible it's easier to spot damage if

visible it's easier to spot damage if
you angle the motherboard so the pins

you angle the motherboard so the pins

you angle the motherboard so the pins
are reflecting light directly back at

are reflecting light directly back at

are reflecting light directly back at
you and rotated around to make sure that

you and rotated around to make sure that

you and rotated around to make sure that
everything looks even any pins that are

everything looks even any pins that are

everything looks even any pins that are
bent will need to be dealt with before

bent will need to be dealt with before

bent will need to be dealt with before
you go any further you can refer to this

you go any further you can refer to this

you go any further you can refer to this
video we did on LGA repair here but the

video we did on LGA repair here but the

video we did on LGA repair here but the
short version is you may need to use a

short version is you may need to use a

short version is you may need to use a
magnifying glass and a pair of fine

magnifying glass and a pair of fine

magnifying glass and a pair of fine
point tweezers or similar instrument to

point tweezers or similar instrument to

point tweezers or similar instrument to
try and straighten it back out fresh out

try and straighten it back out fresh out

try and straighten it back out fresh out
of the factory a motherboard shouldn't

of the factory a motherboard shouldn't

of the factory a motherboard shouldn't
have Bend pins at all but if you bought

have Bend pins at all but if you bought

have Bend pins at all but if you bought
open boxed or used it's a possibility

open boxed or used it's a possibility

open boxed or used it's a possibility
once you're satisfied your pins are okay

once you're satisfied your pins are okay

once you're satisfied your pins are okay
it's time to unbox your CPU for most

it's time to unbox your CPU for most

it's time to unbox your CPU for most
CPUs the outer box is Expendable unless

CPUs the outer box is Expendable unless

CPUs the outer box is Expendable unless
you want to put it on display but make

you want to put it on display but make

you want to put it on display but make
sure you take care of the inner plastic

sure you take care of the inner plastic

sure you take care of the inner plastic
clam shell that actually contains the

clam shell that actually contains the

clam shell that actually contains the
processor not only do you not want to

processor not only do you not want to

processor not only do you not want to
drop it under any circumstances you'll

drop it under any circumstances you'll

drop it under any circumstances you'll
also want to keep it for future in case

also want to keep it for future in case

also want to keep it for future in case
you need to RMA or sell your CPU to

you need to RMA or sell your CPU to

you need to RMA or sell your CPU to
someone else regardless of your CPU you

someone else regardless of your CPU you

someone else regardless of your CPU you
want to avoid touching any of the

want to avoid touching any of the

want to avoid touching any of the
exposed gold contacts be they on the

exposed gold contacts be they on the

exposed gold contacts be they on the
flat underside of an LGA CPU or the

flat underside of an LGA CPU or the

flat underside of an LGA CPU or the
fragile pins of a PGA CPU we'll get to

fragile pins of a PGA CPU we'll get to

fragile pins of a PGA CPU we'll get to
those but first we're going to keep

those but first we're going to keep

those but first we're going to keep
going with consumer style LGA line your

going with consumer style LGA line your

going with consumer style LGA line your
CPU up with the socket usually there

CPU up with the socket usually there

CPU up with the socket usually there
will be a triangular Arrow or dot or

will be a triangular Arrow or dot or

will be a triangular Arrow or dot or
other indicator to help you you figure

other indicator to help you you figure

other indicator to help you you figure
out which orientation is correct Intel

out which orientation is correct Intel

out which orientation is correct Intel
for instance has notches on the side of

for instance has notches on the side of

for instance has notches on the side of
its CPUs that only allow you to insert a

its CPUs that only allow you to insert a

its CPUs that only allow you to insert a
compatible CPU and only in the correct

compatible CPU and only in the correct

compatible CPU and only in the correct
orientation so you can line up with

orientation so you can line up with

orientation so you can line up with
those I like to line up the bottom edge

those I like to line up the bottom edge

those I like to line up the bottom edge
of the CPU with the bottom edge of the

of the CPU with the bottom edge of the

of the CPU with the bottom edge of the
socket as a bit of an anchor point then

socket as a bit of an anchor point then

socket as a bit of an anchor point then
gently lower it in give it a little

gently lower it in give it a little

gently lower it in give it a little
wiggle once it's down to make sure it's

wiggle once it's down to make sure it's

wiggle once it's down to make sure it's
seated completely before closing the

seated completely before closing the

seated completely before closing the
retention mechanism and pushing the

retention mechanism and pushing the

retention mechanism and pushing the
latch down if it feels a little stiff

latch down if it feels a little stiff

latch down if it feels a little stiff
and creaky that's okay it's supposed to

and creaky that's okay it's supposed to

and creaky that's okay it's supposed to
and then the plastic socket cover is

and then the plastic socket cover is

and then the plastic socket cover is
going to kind of pop off that's normal

going to kind of pop off that's normal

going to kind of pop off that's normal
too keep going until you can hook the

too keep going until you can hook the

too keep going until you can hook the
latch back into place then store the

latch back into place then store the

latch back into place then store the
socket cover somewhere safe like in the

socket cover somewhere safe like in the

socket cover somewhere safe like in the
motherboard box you'll need this in case

motherboard box you'll need this in case

motherboard box you'll need this in case
you need to RMA your board or sell it

you need to RMA your board or sell it

you need to RMA your board or sell it
later on the process is the same for

later on the process is the same for

later on the process is the same for
amd's motherboards that use LGA sockets

amd's motherboards that use LGA sockets

amd's motherboards that use LGA sockets
like am5 because LGA sockets have a

like am5 because LGA sockets have a

like am5 because LGA sockets have a
retention bracket that can sometimes

retention bracket that can sometimes

retention bracket that can sometimes
affect cooler mounting and thus cooling

affect cooler mounting and thus cooling

affect cooler mounting and thus cooling
performance some Builders have taken to

performance some Builders have taken to

performance some Builders have taken to
using CPU contact frames like this one

using CPU contact frames like this one

using CPU contact frames like this one
B4 War though these May void your

B4 War though these May void your

B4 War though these May void your
motherboard's warranty for what I hope

motherboard's warranty for what I hope

motherboard's warranty for what I hope
are fairly obvious reasons so check that

are fairly obvious reasons so check that

are fairly obvious reasons so check that
first and proceed with caution to use a

first and proceed with caution to use a

first and proceed with caution to use a
contact frame on either Intel or AMD you

contact frame on either Intel or AMD you

contact frame on either Intel or AMD you
first need to remove the existing

first need to remove the existing

first need to remove the existing
retention mechanism which can be a

retention mechanism which can be a

retention mechanism which can be a
little scary even for veteran Builders

little scary even for veteran Builders

little scary even for veteran Builders
since it completely exposes the socket

since it completely exposes the socket

since it completely exposes the socket
carefully unscrew the retaining screws a

carefully unscrew the retaining screws a

carefully unscrew the retaining screws a
tool is often included in case you don't

tool is often included in case you don't

tool is often included in case you don't
have the right driver then install your

have the right driver then install your

have the right driver then install your
CPU as before next next the contact

CPU as before next next the contact

CPU as before next next the contact
frame goes over the CPU and bolts down

frame goes over the CPU and bolts down

frame goes over the CPU and bolts down
with the original retention mechanism

with the original retention mechanism

with the original retention mechanism
screws the main disadvantage to this

screws the main disadvantage to this

screws the main disadvantage to this
approach is that if you ever need to

approach is that if you ever need to

approach is that if you ever need to
receip or replace your CPU for any

receip or replace your CPU for any

receip or replace your CPU for any
reason it's a bit more of a chore to get

reason it's a bit more of a chore to get

reason it's a bit more of a chore to get
it out if your CPU is PGA take this time

it out if your CPU is PGA take this time

it out if your CPU is PGA take this time
to make sure that your pins are all

to make sure that your pins are all

to make sure that your pins are all
straight it should be as easy as looking

straight it should be as easy as looking

straight it should be as easy as looking
at it from two different angles to make

at it from two different angles to make

at it from two different angles to make
sure that you can see through Straight

sure that you can see through Straight

sure that you can see through Straight
rows of pins if any of them are bent

rows of pins if any of them are bent

rows of pins if any of them are bent
your best bet is to use a mechanical

your best bet is to use a mechanical

your best bet is to use a mechanical
pencil or a very thin piece of metal

pencil or a very thin piece of metal

pencil or a very thin piece of metal
like a razor or an iFix it Jimmy opening

like a razor or an iFix it Jimmy opening

like a razor or an iFix it Jimmy opening
tool to gently nudge them back into

tool to gently nudge them back into

tool to gently nudge them back into
position too much force though or too

position too much force though or too

position too much force though or too
much back and forth and these can easily

much back and forth and these can easily

much back and forth and these can easily
snap off making for a very difficult

snap off making for a very difficult

snap off making for a very difficult
repair job so make sure you have steady

repair job so make sure you have steady

repair job so make sure you have steady
hands once you're satisfied lift the

hands once you're satisfied lift the

hands once you're satisfied lift the
Locking arm and line the CPU up just as

Locking arm and line the CPU up just as

Locking arm and line the CPU up just as
we did with LGA using the indicator on

we did with LGA using the indicator on

we did with LGA using the indicator on
the CPU and the socket to determine the

the CPU and the socket to determine the

the CPU and the socket to determine the
correct orientation on PGA CPUs you can

correct orientation on PGA CPUs you can

correct orientation on PGA CPUs you can
also just have a look at the pins and

also just have a look at the pins and

also just have a look at the pins and
the holes in the socket typically the

the holes in the socket typically the

the holes in the socket typically the
pins are arranged so that there's a

pins are arranged so that there's a

pins are arranged so that there's a
corner with fewer pins so that it can

corner with fewer pins so that it can

corner with fewer pins so that it can
only drop in one way and it will drop

only drop in one way and it will drop

only drop in one way and it will drop
right in so if you encounter any

right in so if you encounter any

right in so if you encounter any
resistance at all do not push check your

resistance at all do not push check your

resistance at all do not push check your
pins then line it up and try again a few

pins then line it up and try again a few

pins then line it up and try again a few
more seconds of your time now is worth

more seconds of your time now is worth

more seconds of your time now is worth
it compared to hours for totally mashed

it compared to hours for totally mashed

it compared to hours for totally mashed
pins once the CPU is in place I like to

pins once the CPU is in place I like to

pins once the CPU is in place I like to
press down on it to prevent it from

press down on it to prevent it from

press down on it to prevent it from
moving while I close the lever if you're

moving while I close the lever if you're

moving while I close the lever if you're
a high roller and you've got a more

a high roller and you've got a more

a high roller and you've got a more
exotic socket you'll be surprised to

exotic socket you'll be surprised to

exotic socket you'll be surprised to
learn that it's actually pretty easy

learn that it's actually pretty easy

learn that it's actually pretty easy
despite how complicated it looks before

despite how complicated it looks before

despite how complicated it looks before
you begin some high-end motherboards

you begin some high-end motherboards

you begin some high-end motherboards
have support for dual CPUs these are

have support for dual CPUs these are

have support for dual CPUs these are
usually epic or Zeon if that's what

usually epic or Zeon if that's what

usually epic or Zeon if that's what
you're building and you only have one

you're building and you only have one

you're building and you only have one
CPU you'll need to consult your

CPU you'll need to consult your

CPU you'll need to consult your
motherboard's manual for which socket to

motherboard's manual for which socket to

motherboard's manual for which socket to
use and which Ram slots are connected to

use and which Ram slots are connected to

use and which Ram slots are connected to
said socket if you have two then just

said socket if you have two then just

said socket if you have two then just
double up on the CPU installation

double up on the CPU installation

double up on the CPU installation
instructions trust me it's exactly as

instructions trust me it's exactly as

instructions trust me it's exactly as
fun as it sounds for AMD sp3 based

fun as it sounds for AMD sp3 based

fun as it sounds for AMD sp3 based
sockets remove the plastic dummy CPU

sockets remove the plastic dummy CPU

sockets remove the plastic dummy CPU
from the carrier arm then Gras the cpu's

from the carrier arm then Gras the cpu's

from the carrier arm then Gras the cpu's
plastic tabs and gently guide it into

plastic tabs and gently guide it into

plastic tabs and gently guide it into
the carrier rails it helps to pull back

the carrier rails it helps to pull back

the carrier rails it helps to pull back
a little bit on the tab while you do so

a little bit on the tab while you do so

a little bit on the tab while you do so
in order to make the CPU stays aligned

in order to make the CPU stays aligned

in order to make the CPU stays aligned
with the top of the arm you'll know what

with the top of the arm you'll know what

with the top of the arm you'll know what
I'm talking about if you end up slipping

I'm talking about if you end up slipping

I'm talking about if you end up slipping
once it's almost all the way in it'll

once it's almost all the way in it'll

once it's almost all the way in it'll
stop moving freely and you'll need to

stop moving freely and you'll need to

stop moving freely and you'll need to
push it down another notch before you're

push it down another notch before you're

push it down another notch before you're
ready to start closing things up lower

ready to start closing things up lower

ready to start closing things up lower
the carrier arm to the socket until you

the carrier arm to the socket until you

the carrier arm to the socket until you
can't move it freely any further if

can't move it freely any further if

can't move it freely any further if
you've guessed we need to push it a

you've guessed we need to push it a

you've guessed we need to push it a
little more you're right Each corner

little more you're right Each corner

little more you're right Each corner
clicks into place and with that done all

clicks into place and with that done all

clicks into place and with that done all
that's left is to close the retention

that's left is to close the retention

that's left is to close the retention
mechanism if you're using the

mechanism if you're using the

mechanism if you're using the
screwdriver that came with the CPU this

screwdriver that came with the CPU this

screwdriver that came with the CPU this
is easy take note of the close order and

is easy take note of the close order and

is easy take note of the close order and
screw in the screws in that order it

screw in the screws in that order it

screw in the screws in that order it
makes things a little easier to get them

makes things a little easier to get them

makes things a little easier to get them
all started a tiny bit before tightening

all started a tiny bit before tightening

all started a tiny bit before tightening
them dead all the way it's important not

them dead all the way it's important not

them dead all the way it's important not
to overtighten the screws however this

to overtighten the screws however this

to overtighten the screws however this
is where the included screwdriver is

is where the included screwdriver is

is where the included screwdriver is
great once it reaches the right tension

great once it reaches the right tension

great once it reaches the right tension
the driver will snap to let you know

the driver will snap to let you know

the driver will snap to let you know
you're done when the last screw is down

you're done when the last screw is down

you're done when the last screw is down
Intel Zeon sockets are pretty simple too

Intel Zeon sockets are pretty simple too

Intel Zeon sockets are pretty simple too
it's an intimidating looking mechanism

it's an intimidating looking mechanism

it's an intimidating looking mechanism
at first but in fact it's so simple that

at first but in fact it's so simple that

at first but in fact it's so simple that
you aren't even supposed to install the

you aren't even supposed to install the

you aren't even supposed to install the
CPU into it wait what yeah you install

CPU into it wait what yeah you install

CPU into it wait what yeah you install
the CPU onto the cooler itself first and

the CPU onto the cooler itself first and

the CPU onto the cooler itself first and
then the cooler is the carrier that

then the cooler is the carrier that

then the cooler is the carrier that
lines the CPU up onto the socket which

lines the CPU up onto the socket which

lines the CPU up onto the socket which
thanks to this pattern of screw holes

thanks to this pattern of screw holes

thanks to this pattern of screw holes
and posts means you you can't really

and posts means you you can't really

and posts means you you can't really
misalign it unless something goes very

misalign it unless something goes very

misalign it unless something goes very
very wrong the way this plays out is

very wrong the way this plays out is

very wrong the way this plays out is
like so you have your CPU Cooler

like so you have your CPU Cooler

like so you have your CPU Cooler
motherboard and plastic CPU carrier the

motherboard and plastic CPU carrier the

motherboard and plastic CPU carrier the
CPU snaps into the carrier by lining up

CPU snaps into the carrier by lining up

CPU snaps into the carrier by lining up
a Golden Triangle on one corner of the

a Golden Triangle on one corner of the

a Golden Triangle on one corner of the
CPU with a triangle cutout on the

CPU with a triangle cutout on the

CPU with a triangle cutout on the
carrier itself then angling it in like

carrier itself then angling it in like

carrier itself then angling it in like
so you might need to bend the carrier a

so you might need to bend the carrier a

so you might need to bend the carrier a
little to make it snap together but once

little to make it snap together but once

little to make it snap together but once
you do it'll be a firm hold then after

you do it'll be a firm hold then after

you do it'll be a firm hold then after
applying thermal compound more on that

applying thermal compound more on that

applying thermal compound more on that
soon align the Triangular cutout of the

soon align the Triangular cutout of the

soon align the Triangular cutout of the
CPU carrier with the heat sink and clip

CPU carrier with the heat sink and clip

CPU carrier with the heat sink and clip
it into place it doesn't matter which

it into place it doesn't matter which

it into place it doesn't matter which
orientation you use but if you're using

orientation you use but if you're using

orientation you use but if you're using
a liquid cooler you'll want to pay

a liquid cooler you'll want to pay

a liquid cooler you'll want to pay
attention to which side the tubes will

attention to which side the tubes will

attention to which side the tubes will
be coming from to align with the socket

be coming from to align with the socket

be coming from to align with the socket
once you're ready line up the triangle

once you're ready line up the triangle

once you're ready line up the triangle
on the CPU carrier with the triangle on

on the CPU carrier with the triangle on

on the CPU carrier with the triangle on
the motherboard socket and place it down

the motherboard socket and place it down

the motherboard socket and place it down
the posts automatically align everything

the posts automatically align everything

the posts automatically align everything
for you so all you have to do here is

for you so all you have to do here is

for you so all you have to do here is
tighten the torque screws until they

tighten the torque screws until they

tighten the torque screws until they
stop the LGA 4677 socket introduced with

stop the LGA 4677 socket introduced with

stop the LGA 4677 socket introduced with
sapphire Rapids is slightly different

sapphire Rapids is slightly different

sapphire Rapids is slightly different
because there will be two different

because there will be two different

because there will be two different
carriers one for CPUs with 112 PCI

carriers one for CPUs with 112 PCI

carriers one for CPUs with 112 PCI
Express Lanes marked with e1a and

Express Lanes marked with e1a and

Express Lanes marked with e1a and
another for CPUs with 64 Lanes marked

another for CPUs with 64 Lanes marked

another for CPUs with 64 Lanes marked
e1b you'll know which you need to use by

e1b you'll know which you need to use by

e1b you'll know which you need to use by
checking for the corresponding marking

checking for the corresponding marking

checking for the corresponding marking
on the cpu's heat spreader first clip

on the cpu's heat spreader first clip

on the cpu's heat spreader first clip
the appropriate carrier to your cooler

the appropriate carrier to your cooler

the appropriate carrier to your cooler
with the remover lever in the same

with the remover lever in the same

with the remover lever in the same
direction the fan will blow or tubes

direction the fan will blow or tubes

direction the fan will blow or tubes
will run then apply thermal paste

will run then apply thermal paste

will run then apply thermal paste
compound again more on that later and

compound again more on that later and

compound again more on that later and
align the Golden Triangle on the CPU

align the Golden Triangle on the CPU

align the Golden Triangle on the CPU
with a corresponding white triangle on

with a corresponding white triangle on

with a corresponding white triangle on
the carrier insert that side first then

the carrier insert that side first then

the carrier insert that side first then
gently press down on the other side to

gently press down on the other side to

gently press down on the other side to
clip it in place you'll then want to

clip it in place you'll then want to

clip it in place you'll then want to
press it down on each of the four

press it down on each of the four

press it down on each of the four
corners to make sure it's seated you can

corners to make sure it's seated you can

corners to make sure it's seated you can
sometimes give it a little wiggle once

sometimes give it a little wiggle once

sometimes give it a little wiggle once
you've gotten it the right way around

you've gotten it the right way around

you've gotten it the right way around
align the completed assembly with the

align the completed assembly with the

align the completed assembly with the
triangle on the socket and the mounting

triangle on the socket and the mounting

triangle on the socket and the mounting
posts and lower it in place the process

posts and lower it in place the process

posts and lower it in place the process
from here is the same as LGA 3647 so

from here is the same as LGA 3647 so

from here is the same as LGA 3647 so
tighten down the cooler screws in an x

tighten down the cooler screws in an x

tighten down the cooler screws in an x
pattern unless it says otherwise and now

pattern unless it says otherwise and now

pattern unless it says otherwise and now
your CPU is installed we'll come back to

your CPU is installed we'll come back to

your CPU is installed we'll come back to
the cooler in a minute first we want to

the cooler in a minute first we want to

the cooler in a minute first we want to
deal with ram because depending on your

deal with ram because depending on your

deal with ram because depending on your
cooler it could be anywhere from a

cooler it could be anywhere from a

cooler it could be anywhere from a
little bit to a lot easier to install it

little bit to a lot easier to install it

little bit to a lot easier to install it
now rather than later unbox your RAM and

now rather than later unbox your RAM and

now rather than later unbox your RAM and
lay it out in front of you depending on

lay it out in front of you depending on

lay it out in front of you depending on
your motherboard and your priorities you

your motherboard and your priorities you

your motherboard and your priorities you
might have anywhere from one stick to 12

might have anywhere from one stick to 12

might have anywhere from one stick to 12
or 60 sticks of memory or even more the

or 60 sticks of memory or even more the

or 60 sticks of memory or even more the
ultimate Authority for which slots to

ultimate Authority for which slots to

ultimate Authority for which slots to
use will be your motherboard

use will be your motherboard

use will be your motherboard
manufacturer so check your manual to be

manufacturer so check your manual to be

manufacturer so check your manual to be
sure you never know when some engineer

sure you never know when some engineer

sure you never know when some engineer
is going to get a fun new idea for how

is going to get a fun new idea for how

is going to get a fun new idea for how
things are supposed to be colorcoded but

things are supposed to be colorcoded but

things are supposed to be colorcoded but
we'll go over the most common

we'll go over the most common

we'll go over the most common
configurations anyway if you look at

configurations anyway if you look at

configurations anyway if you look at
your motherboard closely you'll usually

your motherboard closely you'll usually

your motherboard closely you'll usually
see silk screen labels for the memory

see silk screen labels for the memory

see silk screen labels for the memory
channels on Asus for example dim A1 dim

channels on Asus for example dim A1 dim

channels on Asus for example dim A1 dim
B1 dim A2 and so on the letter here

B1 dim A2 and so on the letter here

B1 dim A2 and so on the letter here
indicates which channel the slot is

indicates which channel the slot is

indicates which channel the slot is
connected to so for two sticks in dual

connected to so for two sticks in dual

connected to so for two sticks in dual
Channel you'd install each module in the

Channel you'd install each module in the

Channel you'd install each module in the
same numbered slot one in Channel a and

same numbered slot one in Channel a and

same numbered slot one in Channel a and
the second in Channel B dual Channel now

the second in Channel B dual Channel now

the second in Channel B dual Channel now
we mentioned before that dual Channel

we mentioned before that dual Channel

we mentioned before that dual Channel
operation is usually best for Consumer

operation is usually best for Consumer

operation is usually best for Consumer
PCS but if your motherboard has only two

PCS but if your motherboard has only two

PCS but if your motherboard has only two
Ram slots you might have opted for a

Ram slots you might have opted for a

Ram slots you might have opted for a
single large stick today in order to

single large stick today in order to

single large stick today in order to
leave room for an upgrade later rather

leave room for an upgrade later rather

leave room for an upgrade later rather
than going for two smaller sticks adding

than going for two smaller sticks adding

than going for two smaller sticks adding
up to the same capacity that will both

up to the same capacity that will both

up to the same capacity that will both
need to be replaced if you need to

need to be replaced if you need to

need to be replaced if you need to
upgrade this is a a totally valid

upgrade this is a a totally valid

upgrade this is a a totally valid
strategy though you should bear in mind

strategy though you should bear in mind

strategy though you should bear in mind
that some newer CPUs in particular will

that some newer CPUs in particular will

that some newer CPUs in particular will
give up a significant amount of

give up a significant amount of

give up a significant amount of
performance running in single Channel

performance running in single Channel

performance running in single Channel
mode if you're willing to make that

mode if you're willing to make that

mode if you're willing to make that
trade-off just make sure to install your

trade-off just make sure to install your

trade-off just make sure to install your
single module in the slot that is

single module in the slot that is

single module in the slot that is
nearest to the CPU or in the one

nearest to the CPU or in the one

nearest to the CPU or in the one
indicated by your motherboard manual if

indicated by your motherboard manual if

indicated by your motherboard manual if
that sounds weird to veteran Builders

that sounds weird to veteran Builders

that sounds weird to veteran Builders
that's because they're used to dual

that's because they're used to dual

that's because they're used to dual
Channel configurations with two sticks

Channel configurations with two sticks

Channel configurations with two sticks
of ram usually unless you're filling out

of ram usually unless you're filling out

of ram usually unless you're filling out
all the slots you should leave the slots

all the slots you should leave the slots

all the slots you should leave the slots
closest to the CPU empty in order to

closest to the CPU empty in order to

closest to the CPU empty in order to
improve the stability of the system at

improve the stability of the system at

improve the stability of the system at
higher speeds this is because the

higher speeds this is because the

higher speeds this is because the
farthest slots from each channel are

farthest slots from each channel are

farthest slots from each channel are
where the channel itself ends when you

where the channel itself ends when you

where the channel itself ends when you
have something in the near slot but the

have something in the near slot but the

have something in the near slot but the
fire slot is empty signals can reflect

fire slot is empty signals can reflect

fire slot is empty signals can reflect
off of the empty slot and mess things up

off of the empty slot and mess things up

off of the empty slot and mess things up
in fun and unpredictable ways the same

in fun and unpredictable ways the same

in fun and unpredictable ways the same
principle applies to triple and quad

principle applies to triple and quad

principle applies to triple and quad
Channel setups they're just usually that

Channel setups they're just usually that

Channel setups they're just usually that
many more RAM slots although the exact

many more RAM slots although the exact

many more RAM slots although the exact
layout can change from board to board so

layout can change from board to board so

layout can change from board to board so
for these setups it's almost always best

for these setups it's almost always best

for these setups it's almost always best
to rtfm multiple CPUs get weirder still

to rtfm multiple CPUs get weirder still

to rtfm multiple CPUs get weirder still
with two entire rows of memory slots

with two entire rows of memory slots

with two entire rows of memory slots
with potentially opposite Channel

with potentially opposite Channel

with potentially opposite Channel
Arrangements due to the orientation of

Arrangements due to the orientation of

Arrangements due to the orientation of
the CPU again in this scenario rtfm do

the CPU again in this scenario rtfm do

the CPU again in this scenario rtfm do
not skimp on rtfm do it are you still

not skimp on rtfm do it are you still

not skimp on rtfm do it are you still
with me good here's how you actually

with me good here's how you actually

with me good here's how you actually
install memory first push down the tabs

install memory first push down the tabs

install memory first push down the tabs
at the ends of the slot that you're

at the ends of the slot that you're

at the ends of the slot that you're
installing the memory into some boards

installing the memory into some boards

installing the memory into some boards
will have two tabs one on each end While

will have two tabs one on each end While

will have two tabs one on each end While
others will have just one which can make

others will have just one which can make

others will have just one which can make
things a little bit easier if you have

things a little bit easier if you have

things a little bit easier if you have
clearance issues with a large graphics

clearance issues with a large graphics

clearance issues with a large graphics
card next look at at the pins on the

card next look at at the pins on the

card next look at at the pins on the
memory module itself there will be at

memory module itself there will be at

memory module itself there will be at
least one notch as shown here with ddr4

least one notch as shown here with ddr4

least one notch as shown here with ddr4
memory this is offset from the middle of

memory this is offset from the middle of

memory this is offset from the middle of
the module and there's a matching Post

the module and there's a matching Post

the module and there's a matching Post
in the slot itself so that it can only

in the slot itself so that it can only

in the slot itself so that it can only
go in one way hold up the module so the

go in one way hold up the module so the

go in one way hold up the module so the
notch is aligned with the post then line

notch is aligned with the post then line

notch is aligned with the post then line
up the module with the grooves on the

up the module with the grooves on the

up the module with the grooves on the
slot getting one lined up at a time is

slot getting one lined up at a time is

slot getting one lined up at a time is
often easiest and push down until you

often easiest and push down until you

often easiest and push down until you
feel resistance at that point press a

feel resistance at that point press a

feel resistance at that point press a
little harder until the tab or tabs lock

little harder until the tab or tabs lock

little harder until the tab or tabs lock
back into place on their own you should

back into place on their own you should

back into place on their own you should
hear a distinct click if it's done

hear a distinct click if it's done

hear a distinct click if it's done
correctly then repeat these steps for

correctly then repeat these steps for

correctly then repeat these steps for
any more memory modules that you have to

any more memory modules that you have to

any more memory modules that you have to
install here's a pro tip by the way you

install here's a pro tip by the way you

install here's a pro tip by the way you
can skip figuring out subsequent modules

can skip figuring out subsequent modules

can skip figuring out subsequent modules
orientations by looking for the label

orientations by looking for the label

orientations by looking for the label
side of the stick you already installed

side of the stick you already installed

side of the stick you already installed
and matching against that instead keep

and matching against that instead keep

and matching against that instead keep
in mind though for some motherboards

in mind though for some motherboards

in mind though for some motherboards
with ram on both sides of the CPU socket

with ram on both sides of the CPU socket

with ram on both sides of the CPU socket
one side will often be flipped if your

one side will often be flipped if your

one side will often be flipped if your
build has an m.2 SSD now is the time to

build has an m.2 SSD now is the time to

build has an m.2 SSD now is the time to
install it it's pretty common for the

install it it's pretty common for the

install it it's pretty common for the
slots to be hidden under heat sinks so

slots to be hidden under heat sinks so

slots to be hidden under heat sinks so
if you don't see any you'll want to

if you don't see any you'll want to

if you don't see any you'll want to
check your motherboard manual to figure

check your motherboard manual to figure

check your motherboard manual to figure
out where these slots might be hiding

out where these slots might be hiding

out where these slots might be hiding
some m.2 slots only support nvme while

some m.2 slots only support nvme while

some m.2 slots only support nvme while
some only support SATA and some support

some only support SATA and some support

some only support SATA and some support
both your motherboard manual again will

both your motherboard manual again will

both your motherboard manual again will
help you to identify them so if your SSD

help you to identify them so if your SSD

help you to identify them so if your SSD
is seta you should purposely avoid an

is seta you should purposely avoid an

is seta you should purposely avoid an
nvme slot that's labeled as going to

nvme slot that's labeled as going to

nvme slot that's labeled as going to
your CPU to leave it open for a faster

your CPU to leave it open for a faster

your CPU to leave it open for a faster
nvme SSD later on down the road but it

nvme SSD later on down the road but it

nvme SSD later on down the road but it
really shouldn't matter as long as the

really shouldn't matter as long as the

really shouldn't matter as long as the
slot supports SATA on the flip side if

slot supports SATA on the flip side if

slot supports SATA on the flip side if
your SSD is nvme you should avoid slots

your SSD is nvme you should avoid slots

your SSD is nvme you should avoid slots
label is going through the chipset or

label is going through the chipset or

label is going through the chipset or
PCH because these could bottleneck the

PCH because these could bottleneck the

PCH because these could bottleneck the
drive's performance compared to a CP

drive's performance compared to a CP

drive's performance compared to a CP
connected slot if you have multiple nvme

connected slot if you have multiple nvme

connected slot if you have multiple nvme
ssds and don't really have a choice

ssds and don't really have a choice

ssds and don't really have a choice
you'll want to use the CPU m.2 slot for

you'll want to use the CPU m.2 slot for

you'll want to use the CPU m.2 slot for
the faster SSD if applicable thankfully

the faster SSD if applicable thankfully

the faster SSD if applicable thankfully
because m.2 slots have the same

because m.2 slots have the same

because m.2 slots have the same
installation instructions regardless you

installation instructions regardless you

installation instructions regardless you
don't need to take any of that into

don't need to take any of that into

don't need to take any of that into
consideration when it's time to actually

consideration when it's time to actually

consideration when it's time to actually
put it together remove the heat sink

put it together remove the heat sink

put it together remove the heat sink
from your motherboard if applicable and

from your motherboard if applicable and

from your motherboard if applicable and
For the Love of All that's good take off

For the Love of All that's good take off

For the Love of All that's good take off
the protective film on the thermal pad

the protective film on the thermal pad

the protective film on the thermal pad
now so you don't forget next make sure

now so you don't forget next make sure

now so you don't forget next make sure
that the standoff is in the appropriate

that the standoff is in the appropriate

that the standoff is in the appropriate
position most .2 ssds use the 80 mm long

position most .2 ssds use the 80 mm long

position most .2 ssds use the 80 mm long
2280 position it may already be

2280 position it may already be

2280 position it may already be
installed here and if so it may also

installed here and if so it may also

installed here and if so it may also
have a very small Phillips screw

have a very small Phillips screw

have a very small Phillips screw
inserted into it you'll need to remove

inserted into it you'll need to remove

inserted into it you'll need to remove
that Phillips screw before going any

that Phillips screw before going any

that Phillips screw before going any
further if so but if you don't have a

further if so but if you don't have a

further if so but if you don't have a
standoff at all you'll had to find it in

standoff at all you'll had to find it in

standoff at all you'll had to find it in
your motherboard box usually it's in a

your motherboard box usually it's in a

your motherboard box usually it's in a
little baggie along with the tiny

little baggie along with the tiny

little baggie along with the tiny
Phillip screw free it from its prison

Phillip screw free it from its prison

Phillip screw free it from its prison
twist it into place on the 2280 position

twist it into place on the 2280 position

twist it into place on the 2280 position
and you're up to speed visually line up

and you're up to speed visually line up

and you're up to speed visually line up
the ssd's pin side with the slot taking

the ssd's pin side with the slot taking

the ssd's pin side with the slot taking
note of the notch that's cut into it

note of the notch that's cut into it

note of the notch that's cut into it
this should line up perfectly with a tab

this should line up perfectly with a tab

this should line up perfectly with a tab
on the m.2 slot and typically results in

on the m.2 slot and typically results in

on the m.2 slot and typically results in
the ssd's label facing out it's okay if

the ssd's label facing out it's okay if

the ssd's label facing out it's okay if
your SSD has two notches but your slot

your SSD has two notches but your slot

your SSD has two notches but your slot
only has one this keying means that the

only has one this keying means that the

only has one this keying means that the
SSD is either SATA or supports two PCI

SSD is either SATA or supports two PCI

SSD is either SATA or supports two PCI
Express Lanes rather than four a special

Express Lanes rather than four a special

Express Lanes rather than four a special
note for if your SSD has its own heat

note for if your SSD has its own heat

note for if your SSD has its own heat
sink the connector side will almost

sink the connector side will almost

sink the connector side will almost
always be on the bottom of the heat sink

always be on the bottom of the heat sink

always be on the bottom of the heat sink
with the fins facing outwards if your

with the fins facing outwards if your

with the fins facing outwards if your
motherboard has a heat sink for this

motherboard has a heat sink for this

motherboard has a heat sink for this
slot you might want to remove the heat

slot you might want to remove the heat

slot you might want to remove the heat
sink from your SSD now in order to use

sink from your SSD now in order to use

sink from your SSD now in order to use
that instead there's usually some clips

that instead there's usually some clips

that instead there's usually some clips
on the Sid so you can just prize apart

on the Sid so you can just prize apart

on the Sid so you can just prize apart
to release it there will be a gummy

to release it there will be a gummy

to release it there will be a gummy
thermal pad on the inside that sticks to

thermal pad on the inside that sticks to

thermal pad on the inside that sticks to
it but no one I'm aware of glues these

it but no one I'm aware of glues these

it but no one I'm aware of glues these
together so it shouldn't be a big deal

together so it shouldn't be a big deal

together so it shouldn't be a big deal
to peel it free all right enough

to peel it free all right enough

to peel it free all right enough
foreplay already angle the SSD by about

foreplay already angle the SSD by about

foreplay already angle the SSD by about
30° or so relative to the slot and line

30° or so relative to the slot and line

30° or so relative to the slot and line
it up it should slip in easily with a

it up it should slip in easily with a

it up it should slip in easily with a
little bit of pressure and once you can

little bit of pressure and once you can

little bit of pressure and once you can
no longer see the pins it should stand

no longer see the pins it should stand

no longer see the pins it should stand
up freely on its own from here it's

up freely on its own from here it's

up freely on its own from here it's
easier if you get the tiny Phillips

easier if you get the tiny Phillips

easier if you get the tiny Phillips
screw on the tip of a magnetic

screw on the tip of a magnetic

screw on the tip of a magnetic
screwdriver before going any further

screwdriver before going any further

screwdriver before going any further
because you'll need to push the SSD down

because you'll need to push the SSD down

because you'll need to push the SSD down
flat against the standoff we installed

flat against the standoff we installed

flat against the standoff we installed
earlier and hold it there while you

earlier and hold it there while you

earlier and hold it there while you
screw it into place now you want to be

screw it into place now you want to be

screw it into place now you want to be
careful with this screw it's very thin

careful with this screw it's very thin

careful with this screw it's very thin
very fragile and very easy to misplace

very fragile and very easy to misplace

very fragile and very easy to misplace
it also offends easily line it up and

it also offends easily line it up and

it also offends easily line it up and
twist it counterclockwise until you feel

twist it counterclockwise until you feel

twist it counterclockwise until you feel
a little click then start turning it

a little click then start turning it

a little click then start turning it
clockwise to tighten it it only needs to

clockwise to tighten it it only needs to

clockwise to tighten it it only needs to
be snug enough that the SSD no longer

be snug enough that the SSD no longer

be snug enough that the SSD no longer
moves when you let go now you can put

moves when you let go now you can put

moves when you let go now you can put
your motherboard heat sink back on if

your motherboard heat sink back on if

your motherboard heat sink back on if
applicable now there are other ways to

applicable now there are other ways to

applicable now there are other ways to
install an m 2 SSD including on a PCI

install an m 2 SSD including on a PCI

install an m 2 SSD including on a PCI
Express card or Asus dim. 2 interface

Express card or Asus dim. 2 interface

Express card or Asus dim. 2 interface
and these are conceptually similar to

and these are conceptually similar to

and these are conceptually similar to
connecting directly to the motherboard

connecting directly to the motherboard

connecting directly to the motherboard
with the exception of how they slot in

with the exception of how they slot in

with the exception of how they slot in
dim. two installation is identical to

dim. two installation is identical to

dim. two installation is identical to
standard Ram modules open the tab line

standard Ram modules open the tab line

standard Ram modules open the tab line
up the key notches with the slot then

up the key notches with the slot then

up the key notches with the slot then
align yourself with the vertical posts

align yourself with the vertical posts

align yourself with the vertical posts
push down and click into place the PCI

push down and click into place the PCI

push down and click into place the PCI
Express card is the same as any other

Express card is the same as any other

Express card is the same as any other
expansion card and we'll take care of

expansion card and we'll take care of

expansion card and we'll take care of
that later for now it's time to move on

that later for now it's time to move on

that later for now it's time to move on
to your cooler if you've got an

to your cooler if you've got an

to your cooler if you've got an
all-in-one liquid cooler this step will

all-in-one liquid cooler this step will

all-in-one liquid cooler this step will
be just installing the appropriate

be just installing the appropriate

be just installing the appropriate
bracket but if you have an air cooler or

bracket but if you have an air cooler or

bracket but if you have an air cooler or
a CPU block for a custom Loop both of

a CPU block for a custom Loop both of

a CPU block for a custom Loop both of
these will be installed now most coolers

these will be installed now most coolers

these will be installed now most coolers
use similar mounting mechanisms in

use similar mounting mechanisms in

use similar mounting mechanisms in
theory but often the actual install will

theory but often the actual install will

theory but often the actual install will
be pretty different for air coolers

be pretty different for air coolers

be pretty different for air coolers
mounts like noctua SECU firm system are

mounts like noctua SECU firm system are

mounts like noctua SECU firm system are
among the easiest for Consumer

among the easiest for Consumer

among the easiest for Consumer
processors no matter what socket it

processors no matter what socket it

processors no matter what socket it
consists of two pieces of metal with

consists of two pieces of metal with

consists of two pieces of metal with
screw down posts on the top side that

screw down posts on the top side that

screw down posts on the top side that
screw into a back plate there are

screw into a back plate there are

screw into a back plate there are
spacers fitted to make sure the vertical

spacers fitted to make sure the vertical

spacers fitted to make sure the vertical
alignment with the the socket is just

alignment with the the socket is just

alignment with the the socket is just
right for optimal mounting pressure and

right for optimal mounting pressure and

right for optimal mounting pressure and
the cooler itself screws down into these

the cooler itself screws down into these

the cooler itself screws down into these
screw posts right here for a secure

screw posts right here for a secure

screw posts right here for a secure
connection let's see what that looks

connection let's see what that looks

connection let's see what that looks
like in practice on Intel consumer

like in practice on Intel consumer

like in practice on Intel consumer
systems nocta provides a back plate

systems nocta provides a back plate

systems nocta provides a back plate
since that socket actually lacks one out

since that socket actually lacks one out

since that socket actually lacks one out
of the box so instead of screws going

of the box so instead of screws going

of the box so instead of screws going
down into it the back plate has posts

down into it the back plate has posts

down into it the back plate has posts
that stick up through four holes in the

that stick up through four holes in the

that stick up through four holes in the
motherboard along with a little Notch

motherboard along with a little Notch

motherboard along with a little Notch
that allows it to clear the retention

that allows it to clear the retention

that allows it to clear the retention
bolt on the lower side of the socket

bolt on the lower side of the socket

bolt on the lower side of the socket
spacers are added per the instruction

spacers are added per the instruction

spacers are added per the instruction
manual double check the color and then

manual double check the color and then

manual double check the color and then
the approach apprpriate bars are put on

the approach apprpriate bars are put on

the approach apprpriate bars are put on
top now because Intel's cooler

top now because Intel's cooler

top now because Intel's cooler
dimensions are symmetrical that means

dimensions are symmetrical that means

dimensions are symmetrical that means
they can go in either orientation

they can go in either orientation

they can go in either orientation
depending on how you want your air to

depending on how you want your air to

depending on how you want your air to
flow in your case in most situations you

flow in your case in most situations you

flow in your case in most situations you
want your cooler to blow air towards the

want your cooler to blow air towards the

want your cooler to blow air towards the
rear of the chassis so you would install

rear of the chassis so you would install

rear of the chassis so you would install
These Bars laterally then screw them

These Bars laterally then screw them

These Bars laterally then screw them
down with these reverse thumb screws on

down with these reverse thumb screws on

down with these reverse thumb screws on
AMD because a back plate is included the

AMD because a back plate is included the

AMD because a back plate is included the
spacers simply fit over the parts of the

spacers simply fit over the parts of the

spacers simply fit over the parts of the
back plate that stick up through the

back plate that stick up through the

back plate that stick up through the
motherboard which means that your first

motherboard which means that your first

motherboard which means that your first
order of business is to remove these

order of business is to remove these

order of business is to remove these
plastic clip adapters that come standard

plastic clip adapters that come standard

plastic clip adapters that come standard
on AMD board boards make sure you keep

on AMD board boards make sure you keep

on AMD board boards make sure you keep
those by the way because some coolers do

those by the way because some coolers do

those by the way because some coolers do
require them and losing them is pretty

require them and losing them is pretty

require them and losing them is pretty
bad for resale value then your mounting

bad for resale value then your mounting

bad for resale value then your mounting
bars go on and get screwed down in the

bars go on and get screwed down in the

bars go on and get screwed down in the
same way now because amd's cooler holes

same way now because amd's cooler holes

same way now because amd's cooler holes
are asymmetrical there are two sets of

are asymmetrical there are two sets of

are asymmetrical there are two sets of
mounting bars one long and one short the

mounting bars one long and one short the

mounting bars one long and one short the
short bars are what most people will use

short bars are what most people will use

short bars are what most people will use
as these are installed laterally so the

as these are installed laterally so the

as these are installed laterally so the
cooler can exhaust air towards the rear

cooler can exhaust air towards the rear

cooler can exhaust air towards the rear
of the case once it's screwed into place

of the case once it's screwed into place

of the case once it's screwed into place
you're ready to go we interrupt your

you're ready to go we interrupt your

you're ready to go we interrupt your
regularly scheduled broadcast with a

regularly scheduled broadcast with a

regularly scheduled broadcast with a
quick word for from seic reliable that's

quick word for from seic reliable that's

quick word for from seic reliable that's
the word whether it's how seic stands

the word whether it's how seic stands

the word whether it's how seic stands
behind their warranty or the fact that

behind their warranty or the fact that

behind their warranty or the fact that
their power supplies just work seic has

their power supplies just work seic has

their power supplies just work seic has
your back so grab one of their power

your back so grab one of their power

your back so grab one of their power
supplies today by clicking the link

supplies today by clicking the link

supplies today by clicking the link
below Intel's LGA 2000 series of sockets

below Intel's LGA 2000 series of sockets

below Intel's LGA 2000 series of sockets
are a little more straightforward simply

are a little more straightforward simply

are a little more straightforward simply
screw in the four studs slot the

screw in the four studs slot the

screw in the four studs slot the
mounting bars over in the orientation

mounting bars over in the orientation

mounting bars over in the orientation
you prefer or that will fit and tighten

you prefer or that will fit and tighten

you prefer or that will fit and tighten
them down with reverse thumb screws

them down with reverse thumb screws

them down with reverse thumb screws
similar to Intel's consumer desktop

similar to Intel's consumer desktop

similar to Intel's consumer desktop
sockets finally thread Ripper and epic

sockets finally thread Ripper and epic

sockets finally thread Ripper and epic
sockets are simpler still the cooler

sockets are simpler still the cooler

sockets are simpler still the cooler
just bolts down straight onto the

just bolts down straight onto the

just bolts down straight onto the
socket's own retention mechanism because

socket's own retention mechanism because

socket's own retention mechanism because
of the socket design the cooler can only

of the socket design the cooler can only

of the socket design the cooler can only
go on one way so make sure to align it

go on one way so make sure to align it

go on one way so make sure to align it
properly one side is space narrow and

properly one side is space narrow and

properly one side is space narrow and
the other side space wide but that

the other side space wide but that

the other side space wide but that
mechanism is so simple that we're

mechanism is so simple that we're

mechanism is so simple that we're
getting ahead of ourselves we need

getting ahead of ourselves we need

getting ahead of ourselves we need
thermal compound first many coolers come

thermal compound first many coolers come

thermal compound first many coolers come
with some compound pre-applied and feel

with some compound pre-applied and feel

with some compound pre-applied and feel
free to use that if you like it's

free to use that if you like it's

free to use that if you like it's
usually fine and it's easier than

usually fine and it's easier than

usually fine and it's easier than
cleaning it off to apply something

cleaning it off to apply something

cleaning it off to apply something
different but if you want something

different but if you want something

different but if you want something
fresh or you're remounting an old cooler

fresh or you're remounting an old cooler

fresh or you're remounting an old cooler
that's where isopropyl alcohol and

that's where isopropyl alcohol and

that's where isopropyl alcohol and
coffee filters or paper towels come in

coffee filters or paper towels come in

coffee filters or paper towels come in
if it is an old cooler I'd recommend

if it is an old cooler I'd recommend

if it is an old cooler I'd recommend
doing a dry wipe first but if not not

doing a dry wipe first but if not not

doing a dry wipe first but if not not
wet the bottom of the filter or paper

wet the bottom of the filter or paper

wet the bottom of the filter or paper
towel with isopropyl alcohol then rub

towel with isopropyl alcohol then rub

towel with isopropyl alcohol then rub
away the thermal compound from the

away the thermal compound from the

away the thermal compound from the
cooler in a circular pattern until most

cooler in a circular pattern until most

cooler in a circular pattern until most
of it is wiped away then go over it one

of it is wiped away then go over it one

of it is wiped away then go over it one
or two or three more times with some

or two or three more times with some

or two or three more times with some
fresh isopropyl and a clean part of the

fresh isopropyl and a clean part of the

fresh isopropyl and a clean part of the
towel until the towel starts to come off

towel until the towel starts to come off

towel until the towel starts to come off
clean to make sure the finger grease and

clean to make sure the finger grease and

clean to make sure the finger grease and
dust is removed you should repeat that

dust is removed you should repeat that

dust is removed you should repeat that
last step with the CPU itself as well

last step with the CPU itself as well

last step with the CPU itself as well
with the surface is clean you can grab

with the surface is clean you can grab

with the surface is clean you can grab
your thermal compound most of the time

your thermal compound most of the time

your thermal compound most of the time
it'll be in a syringe like this so Twist

it'll be in a syringe like this so Twist

it'll be in a syringe like this so Twist
Off the cap then hold it at an angle

Off the cap then hold it at an angle

Off the cap then hold it at an angle
against the CPU like so making sure it's

against the CPU like so making sure it's

against the CPU like so making sure it's
flat and perpendicular to your surface

flat and perpendicular to your surface

flat and perpendicular to your surface
perpendicular I think we should just

perpendicular I think we should just

perpendicular I think we should just
leave that I actually prefer that slowly

leave that I actually prefer that slowly

leave that I actually prefer that slowly
squeeze the plunger until the thermal

squeeze the plunger until the thermal

squeeze the plunger until the thermal
compound flows the amount you want and

compound flows the amount you want and

compound flows the amount you want and
where to put it varies by CPU Intel

where to put it varies by CPU Intel

where to put it varies by CPU Intel
consumer CPUs need about as much as a

consumer CPUs need about as much as a

consumer CPUs need about as much as a
cooked grain of brown rice from there

cooked grain of brown rice from there

cooked grain of brown rice from there
LGA 2011 and 2066 and amd's am4

LGA 2011 and 2066 and amd's am4

LGA 2011 and 2066 and amd's am4
processors get about a psize blob and

processors get about a psize blob and

processors get about a psize blob and
it's up to you if you want to just plop

it's up to you if you want to just plop

it's up to you if you want to just plop
it down in the middle or go for the line

it down in the middle or go for the line

it down in the middle or go for the line
or the X method it doesn't really matter

or the X method it doesn't really matter

or the X method it doesn't really matter
as long as there's enough compound at

as long as there's enough compound at

as long as there's enough compound at
the end of the day for large CPUs like

the end of the day for large CPUs like

the end of the day for large CPUs like
thread Ripper and zon Platinum however

thread Ripper and zon Platinum however

thread Ripper and zon Platinum however
you're going to need a lot more you can

you're going to need a lot more you can

you're going to need a lot more you can
go with two psize blobs and hope for the

go with two psize blobs and hope for the

go with two psize blobs and hope for the
best but in our experience a series of

best but in our experience a series of

best but in our experience a series of
dots or a line setup like this works

dots or a line setup like this works

dots or a line setup like this works
best and we've seen in the community

best and we've seen in the community

best and we've seen in the community
that a large x pattern can work great

that a large x pattern can work great

that a large x pattern can work great
too if you're nervous about it just

too if you're nervous about it just

too if you're nervous about it just
spread it out to make sure you have full

spread it out to make sure you have full

spread it out to make sure you have full
coverage and if you're really nervous

coverage and if you're really nervous

coverage and if you're really nervous
about it the Honeywell PTM 7950 thermal

about it the Honeywell PTM 7950 thermal

about it the Honeywell PTM 7950 thermal
pads that we sell on LTT store.com are

pads that we sell on LTT store.com are

pads that we sell on LTT store.com are
really easy you just cut it to the size

really easy you just cut it to the size

really easy you just cut it to the size
of the CPU peel it off stick it on if

of the CPU peel it off stick it on if

of the CPU peel it off stick it on if
you're having trouble put it in the

you're having trouble put it in the

you're having trouble put it in the
fridge easy can't screw it up the main

fridge easy can't screw it up the main

fridge easy can't screw it up the main
take takeway is just to make sure you

take takeway is just to make sure you

take takeway is just to make sure you
use enough to completely cover the

use enough to completely cover the

use enough to completely cover the
Cooler's integrated heat spreader or IHS

Cooler's integrated heat spreader or IHS

Cooler's integrated heat spreader or IHS
that's the metal part on top of the CPU

that's the metal part on top of the CPU

that's the metal part on top of the CPU
with its name lasered onto it once

with its name lasered onto it once

with its name lasered onto it once
you're satisfied with the amount of

you're satisfied with the amount of

you're satisfied with the amount of
thermal paste you've used you can press

thermal paste you've used you can press

thermal paste you've used you can press
the tip flat against the CPU to break

the tip flat against the CPU to break

the tip flat against the CPU to break
the surface tension of the paste so it

the surface tension of the paste so it

the surface tension of the paste so it
doesn't come up off the CPU when you

doesn't come up off the CPU when you

doesn't come up off the CPU when you
lift the syringe away don't forget to

lift the syringe away don't forget to

lift the syringe away don't forget to
recap it of course if you're using a

recap it of course if you're using a

recap it of course if you're using a
thermal pad don't just plop it down on

thermal pad don't just plop it down on

thermal pad don't just plop it down on
there make sure you buy one that's sized

there make sure you buy one that's sized

there make sure you buy one that's sized
for the CPU you want to use it with you

for the CPU you want to use it with you

for the CPU you want to use it with you
might need to use multiples for a big

might need to use multiples for a big

might need to use multiples for a big
rectangular Beast like thread Ripper now

rectangular Beast like thread Ripper now

rectangular Beast like thread Ripper now
the thermal compound sorted just bolt

the thermal compound sorted just bolt

the thermal compound sorted just bolt
down your cooler for Tower style coolers

down your cooler for Tower style coolers

down your cooler for Tower style coolers
you'll first want to uncp the fan from

you'll first want to uncp the fan from

you'll first want to uncp the fan from
the cooler like so in order to access

the cooler like so in order to access

the cooler like so in order to access
the screws then it's as simple as

the screws then it's as simple as

the screws then it's as simple as
aligning the heat sink with the screw

aligning the heat sink with the screw

aligning the heat sink with the screw
posts and tightening it down for coolers

posts and tightening it down for coolers

posts and tightening it down for coolers
with just two screws it's best to

with just two screws it's best to

with just two screws it's best to
tighten one side a little then go to the

tighten one side a little then go to the

tighten one side a little then go to the
other side and just keep on going back

other side and just keep on going back

other side and just keep on going back
and forth until you can't go any further

and forth until you can't go any further

and forth until you can't go any further
for coolers that have four screws like

for coolers that have four screws like

for coolers that have four screws like
the custom Loop CPU blocks and air

the custom Loop CPU blocks and air

the custom Loop CPU blocks and air
coolers like the hyper 212 you'll first

coolers like the hyper 212 you'll first

coolers like the hyper 212 you'll first
want to make sure there's no sticker on

want to make sure there's no sticker on

want to make sure there's no sticker on
the coal plate and then you'll want to

the coal plate and then you'll want to

the coal plate and then you'll want to
screw them in in an x pattern it helps

screw them in in an x pattern it helps

screw them in in an x pattern it helps
to get all of them started partway first

to get all of them started partway first

to get all of them started partway first
then start teing them down a bit at a

then start teing them down a bit at a

then start teing them down a bit at a
time by alternating to the opposite

time by alternating to the opposite

time by alternating to the opposite
corner until it's tightened down all the

corner until it's tightened down all the

corner until it's tightened down all the
way you're using an air cooler now is as

way you're using an air cooler now is as

way you're using an air cooler now is as
good of a time as any to attach the air

good of a time as any to attach the air

good of a time as any to attach the air
part depending on the configuration you

part depending on the configuration you

part depending on the configuration you
might have one fan two fans or zero fans

might have one fan two fans or zero fans

might have one fan two fans or zero fans
if you're one of those passive types you

if you're one of those passive types you

if you're one of those passive types you
lock can just ignore this bin you can

lock can just ignore this bin you can

lock can just ignore this bin you can
also ignore it if your fan is integrated

also ignore it if your fan is integrated

also ignore it if your fan is integrated
into the cooler like with a stock one

into the cooler like with a stock one

into the cooler like with a stock one
fans are directional and we'll talk more

fans are directional and we'll talk more

fans are directional and we'll talk more
about this later in the case fan section

about this later in the case fan section

about this later in the case fan section
but here is all that you need to know

but here is all that you need to know

but here is all that you need to know
for now some fans have markers that show

for now some fans have markers that show

for now some fans have markers that show
the direction the air will flow from

the direction the air will flow from

the direction the air will flow from
them but if you're unsure the side with

them but if you're unsure the side with

them but if you're unsure the side with
the stickered part that doesn't move

the stickered part that doesn't move

the stickered part that doesn't move
usually indicates that's the side the

usually indicates that's the side the

usually indicates that's the side the
air will come out of when installing a

air will come out of when installing a

air will come out of when installing a
fan into a cooler it's tidiest to have

fan into a cooler it's tidiest to have

fan into a cooler it's tidiest to have
the Fan's power cable coming out towards

the Fan's power cable coming out towards

the Fan's power cable coming out towards
the motherboard so just take that into

the motherboard so just take that into

the motherboard so just take that into
account when you're

account when you're

account when you're
finanger coolers these days have wire

finanger coolers these days have wire

finanger coolers these days have wire
clips that hook into the Fan's mounting

clips that hook into the Fan's mounting

clips that hook into the Fan's mounting
holes in order to then clip into the

holes in order to then clip into the

holes in order to then clip into the
grooves on the cooler itself it can be a

grooves on the cooler itself it can be a

grooves on the cooler itself it can be a
little tricky but it's basically just a

little tricky but it's basically just a

little tricky but it's basically just a
matter of placing the fan in the desired

matter of placing the fan in the desired

matter of placing the fan in the desired
orientation and stretching those wires

orientation and stretching those wires

orientation and stretching those wires
over the grooves in the heat sink it'll

over the grooves in the heat sink it'll

over the grooves in the heat sink it'll
clip into place and you're good to go

clip into place and you're good to go

clip into place and you're good to go
repeat as desired if your cooler takes

repeat as desired if your cooler takes

repeat as desired if your cooler takes
more than one fan but be careful about

more than one fan but be careful about

more than one fan but be careful about
the orientation and especially note any

the orientation and especially note any

the orientation and especially note any
clearance issues with nearby motherboard

clearance issues with nearby motherboard

clearance issues with nearby motherboard
heat sinks or memory you may need to

heat sinks or memory you may need to

heat sinks or memory you may need to
either Mount the fan a bit higher than

either Mount the fan a bit higher than

either Mount the fan a bit higher than
you otherwise would or just scrap it

you otherwise would or just scrap it

you otherwise would or just scrap it
entirely it's still fine one fan will do

entirely it's still fine one fan will do

entirely it's still fine one fan will do
it once the fans are in look for the

it once the fans are in look for the

it once the fans are in look for the
four pin header labeled CPU fan on your

four pin header labeled CPU fan on your

four pin header labeled CPU fan on your
motherboard or similar this is almost

motherboard or similar this is almost

motherboard or similar this is almost
always right next to the CPU socket and

always right next to the CPU socket and

always right next to the CPU socket and
for Asus motherboards it tends to be on

for Asus motherboards it tends to be on

for Asus motherboards it tends to be on
the top Edge as seen here line up the

the top Edge as seen here line up the

the top Edge as seen here line up the
tabs on the cable with the one on the

tabs on the cable with the one on the

tabs on the cable with the one on the
motherboard and press it into position

motherboard and press it into position

motherboard and press it into position
either a three pin or four pin fan can

either a three pin or four pin fan can

either a three pin or four pin fan can
function perfectly plugged into a

function perfectly plugged into a

function perfectly plugged into a
connector like this and as we said

connector like this and as we said

connector like this and as we said
previously all the fourth pin does is

previously all the fourth pin does is

previously all the fourth pin does is
add a separate pin for a finer fan speed

add a separate pin for a finer fan speed

add a separate pin for a finer fan speed
control via pwm so four pins are ideal

control via pwm so four pins are ideal

control via pwm so four pins are ideal
but not necessary and in the case of

but not necessary and in the case of

but not necessary and in the case of
liquid coolers there might actually only

liquid coolers there might actually only

liquid coolers there might actually only
be one wire to sense the RPM of the pump

be one wire to sense the RPM of the pump

be one wire to sense the RPM of the pump
because it will draw power from a

because it will draw power from a

because it will draw power from a
separate Molex or SATA connector so that

separate Molex or SATA connector so that

separate Molex or SATA connector so that
RPM sense wire is just to ensure that in

RPM sense wire is just to ensure that in

RPM sense wire is just to ensure that in
the event your pump fails your

the event your pump fails your

the event your pump fails your
motherboard can either set off an alarm

motherboard can either set off an alarm

motherboard can either set off an alarm
or initiate a safe shut down now if your

or initiate a safe shut down now if your

or initiate a safe shut down now if your
cooler has two fans you're going to want

cooler has two fans you're going to want

cooler has two fans you're going to want
to check for a CPU opt or two header if

to check for a CPU opt or two header if

to check for a CPU opt or two header if
there isn't one the cooler will often

there isn't one the cooler will often

there isn't one the cooler will often
include a y splitter that lets you

include a y splitter that lets you

include a y splitter that lets you
connect both fans to a single header

connect both fans to a single header

connect both fans to a single header
usually it is no problem to have two

usually it is no problem to have two

usually it is no problem to have two
fans on one header but don't go

fans on one header but don't go

fans on one header but don't go
overboard because there are current

overboard because there are current

overboard because there are current
limits through those connectors with

limits through those connectors with

limits through those connectors with
that done we're finished with our

that done we're finished with our

that done we're finished with our
motherboard for now but now is also an

motherboard for now but now is also an

motherboard for now but now is also an
excellent time to power on our system

excellent time to power on our system

excellent time to power on our system
and make sure that everything's working

and make sure that everything's working

and make sure that everything's working
while it's easy to access for you air

while it's easy to access for you air

while it's easy to access for you air
jockeys you get to relax while the

jockeys you get to relax while the

jockeys you get to relax while the
all-in-one liquid cooler users awkwardly

all-in-one liquid cooler users awkwardly

all-in-one liquid cooler users awkwardly
hook their coolers up now outside the

hook their coolers up now outside the

hook their coolers up now outside the
case only to uninstall them again once

case only to uninstall them again once

case only to uninstall them again once
they're done and reinstall them yet

they're done and reinstall them yet

they're done and reinstall them yet
again when everything is inside the case

again when everything is inside the case

again when everything is inside the case
yes it is a pain but it's a small price

yes it is a pain but it's a small price

yes it is a pain but it's a small price
to pay for not having to tear everything

to pay for not having to tear everything

to pay for not having to tear everything
down if it doesn't work now most liquid

down if it doesn't work now most liquid

down if it doesn't work now most liquid
coolers simply have a bracket that

coolers simply have a bracket that

coolers simply have a bracket that
twists on and off depending on the

twists on and off depending on the

twists on and off depending on the
socket that you're using and then screw

socket that you're using and then screw

socket that you're using and then screw
straight down onto the mounting bracket

straight down onto the mounting bracket

straight down onto the mounting bracket
that you installed earlier if that's you

that you installed earlier if that's you

that you installed earlier if that's you
make sure you tighten them down in an x

make sure you tighten them down in an x

make sure you tighten them down in an x
pattern going a little on each Corner

pattern going a little on each Corner

pattern going a little on each Corner
one by one until none can go any further

one by one until none can go any further

one by one until none can go any further
there are unfortunately some vendors

there are unfortunately some vendors

there are unfortunately some vendors
like Cooler Master and newer Corsair

like Cooler Master and newer Corsair

like Cooler Master and newer Corsair
units that use Clips on AMD systems

units that use Clips on AMD systems

units that use Clips on AMD systems
instead of screwing into the back plate

instead of screwing into the back plate

instead of screwing into the back plate
and this is where those standard AMD

and this is where those standard AMD

and this is where those standard AMD
plastic clip things come in it's

plastic clip things come in it's

plastic clip things come in it's
inelegant in the modern age but it

inelegant in the modern age but it

inelegant in the modern age but it
ensures that coolers remain compatible

ensures that coolers remain compatible

ensures that coolers remain compatible
backwards and forwards to an absolutely

backwards and forwards to an absolutely

backwards and forwards to an absolutely
ludicrous degree so you can't really

ludicrous degree so you can't really

ludicrous degree so you can't really
blame AMD for this Slide the Clips

blame AMD for this Slide the Clips

blame AMD for this Slide the Clips
through the holes on the Block start the

through the holes on the Block start the

through the holes on the Block start the
retaining thumb screws enough to keep

retaining thumb screws enough to keep

retaining thumb screws enough to keep
them from falling out and then put the

them from falling out and then put the

them from falling out and then put the
whole thing in place and make sure the

whole thing in place and make sure the

whole thing in place and make sure the
tabs were captured by the clip then

tabs were captured by the clip then

tabs were captured by the clip then
while holding the Clips in position

while holding the Clips in position

while holding the Clips in position
tighten it all down it's going to feel

tighten it all down it's going to feel

tighten it all down it's going to feel
really delicate but stick with it and

really delicate but stick with it and

really delicate but stick with it and
eventually it'll all be okay consider

eventually it'll all be okay consider

eventually it'll all be okay consider
this a practice run for when you don't

this a practice run for when you don't

this a practice run for when you don't
have so much room to maneuver as for

have so much room to maneuver as for

have so much room to maneuver as for
those of you who just have a water block

those of you who just have a water block

those of you who just have a water block
and nothing else right now well you

and nothing else right now well you

and nothing else right now well you
could fill up your loop on the bench and

could fill up your loop on the bench and

could fill up your loop on the bench and
that is what I would recommend but if

that is what I would recommend but if

that is what I would recommend but if
all you want to do is verify that it's

all you want to do is verify that it's

all you want to do is verify that it's
working you can slap the block on

working you can slap the block on

working you can slap the block on
without water in it and Power on for

without water in it and Power on for

without water in it and Power on for
just long enough to see the post screen

just long enough to see the post screen

just long enough to see the post screen
about 10 to 20 seconds it should be fine

about 10 to 20 seconds it should be fine

about 10 to 20 seconds it should be fine
let's get into what that looks like step

let's get into what that looks like step

let's get into what that looks like step
seven pre-built test aka the part where

seven pre-built test aka the part where

seven pre-built test aka the part where
it going horribly wrong is a good thing

it going horribly wrong is a good thing

it going horribly wrong is a good thing
because if you don't find out now you'll

because if you don't find out now you'll

because if you don't find out now you'll
definitely find out later in order to do

definitely find out later in order to do

definitely find out later in order to do
a quick test you'll need three things

a quick test you'll need three things

a quick test you'll need three things
your power supply with accessories your

your power supply with accessories your

your power supply with accessories your
graphics card if applicable and a

graphics card if applicable and a

graphics card if applicable and a
screwdriver first if you have one

screwdriver first if you have one

screwdriver first if you have one
install your graphics card this is

install your graphics card this is

install your graphics card this is
significantly easier to do while the

significantly easier to do while the

significantly easier to do while the
system is outside the case make sure

system is outside the case make sure

system is outside the case make sure
that the tab on the long PCI Express x16

that the tab on the long PCI Express x16

that the tab on the long PCI Express x16
slot is pushed down then grab your

slot is pushed down then grab your

slot is pushed down then grab your
graphics card pull off any protective

graphics card pull off any protective

graphics card pull off any protective
covers on the card Edge connector then

covers on the card Edge connector then

covers on the card Edge connector then
light it up with the slot giving it a

light it up with the slot giving it a

light it up with the slot giving it a
gentle push until the retention clip is

gentle push until the retention clip is

gentle push until the retention clip is
pushed into the Locking position make

pushed into the Locking position make

pushed into the Locking position make
sure it's in straight and you can't see

sure it's in straight and you can't see

sure it's in straight and you can't see
any pins because outside of the case

any pins because outside of the case

any pins because outside of the case
there isn't anything to hold it down

there isn't anything to hold it down

there isn't anything to hold it down
once it's in one trick to make it a

once it's in one trick to make it a

once it's in one trick to make it a
little bit more stable is to use the

little bit more stable is to use the

little bit more stable is to use the
motherboard Box's flap to Anchor the

motherboard Box's flap to Anchor the

motherboard Box's flap to Anchor the
card in place if it does have a flap

card in place if it does have a flap

card in place if it does have a flap
that you can kind of slide it into next

that you can kind of slide it into next

that you can kind of slide it into next
grab your power supply cables at a

grab your power supply cables at a

grab your power supply cables at a
minimum you'll need the 12vt CPU

minimum you'll need the 12vt CPU

minimum you'll need the 12vt CPU
connector which is usually eight pins

connector which is usually eight pins

connector which is usually eight pins
but sometimes four a 24 pin connector

but sometimes four a 24 pin connector

but sometimes four a 24 pin connector
and if you're running a GPU you'll need

and if you're running a GPU you'll need

and if you're running a GPU you'll need
as many connections as your GPU requires

as many connections as your GPU requires

as many connections as your GPU requires
most won't work without them expect to

most won't work without them expect to

most won't work without them expect to
see a combination of 6 and8 pin or 12

see a combination of 6 and8 pin or 12

see a combination of 6 and8 pin or 12
and 16 pin connectors on our machines

and 16 pin connectors on our machines

and 16 pin connectors on our machines
take special note by the way that GPU

take special note by the way that GPU

take special note by the way that GPU
power connectors even the ones that look

power connectors even the ones that look

power connectors even the ones that look
similar are not the same as the eight

similar are not the same as the eight

similar are not the same as the eight
pin for the motherboard do do not force

pin for the motherboard do do not force

pin for the motherboard do do not force
anything lining these up outside the

anything lining these up outside the

anything lining these up outside the
case is easy make sure the tabs line up

case is easy make sure the tabs line up

case is easy make sure the tabs line up
then push them down until they clip into

then push them down until they clip into

then push them down until they clip into
place you also want to make sure that

place you also want to make sure that

place you also want to make sure that
you press down a little bit more on them

you press down a little bit more on them

you press down a little bit more on them
after you've clipped them in just to

after you've clipped them in just to

after you've clipped them in just to
make sure that they're seated properly

make sure that they're seated properly

make sure that they're seated properly
this is especially important for the ATX

this is especially important for the ATX

this is especially important for the ATX
12volt high power connector which can

12volt high power connector which can

12volt high power connector which can
get a little spicy when it's not plugged

get a little spicy when it's not plugged

get a little spicy when it's not plugged
in all the way and this will be

in all the way and this will be

in all the way and this will be
especially important later when it's

especially important later when it's

especially important later when it's
inside the case if your motherboard has

inside the case if your motherboard has

inside the case if your motherboard has
more than one 12v CPU connector usually

more than one 12v CPU connector usually

more than one 12v CPU connector usually
the one marked as one is the primary one

the one marked as one is the primary one

the one marked as one is the primary one
that's actually required but it's good

that's actually required but it's good

that's actually required but it's good
practice to install all of them if you

practice to install all of them if you

practice to install all of them if you
can these cables can often be split into

can these cables can often be split into

can these cables can often be split into
two groups of four if for example your

two groups of four if for example your

two groups of four if for example your
motherboard has an eight and a four pin

motherboard has an eight and a four pin

motherboard has an eight and a four pin
connector rather than two eight pins

connector rather than two eight pins

connector rather than two eight pins
with all that done connect up your

with all that done connect up your

with all that done connect up your
keyboard and display making sure of

keyboard and display making sure of

keyboard and display making sure of
course to plug into your graphics card

course to plug into your graphics card

course to plug into your graphics card
and not your motherboard if you have a

and not your motherboard if you have a

and not your motherboard if you have a
graphics card installed then you can

graphics card installed then you can

graphics card installed then you can
flip on the power switch on your power

flip on the power switch on your power

flip on the power switch on your power
supply and wait um where's the power

supply and wait um where's the power

supply and wait um where's the power
button about that there isn't one not

button about that there isn't one not

button about that there isn't one not
always anyway this is where the

always anyway this is where the

always anyway this is where the
screwdriver comes in find the front

screwdriver comes in find the front

screwdriver comes in find the front
panel header for your motherboard often

panel header for your motherboard often

panel header for your motherboard often
in the lower right corner and then find

in the lower right corner and then find

in the lower right corner and then find
the pins labeled for power switch what

the pins labeled for power switch what

the pins labeled for power switch what
now stick the screwdriver in yes

now stick the screwdriver in yes

now stick the screwdriver in yes
seriously your screwdriver doubles as a

seriously your screwdriver doubles as a

seriously your screwdriver doubles as a
button who

button who

button who
knew wow what else can screwdrivers do

knew wow what else can screwdrivers do

knew wow what else can screwdrivers do
LTD store.com maybe someday anyway if

LTD store.com maybe someday anyway if

LTD store.com maybe someday anyway if
you have a boot screen mash the setup

you have a boot screen mash the setup

you have a boot screen mash the setup
key which is usually delete until you

key which is usually delete until you

key which is usually delete until you
get into the BIOS check to be sure that

get into the BIOS check to be sure that

get into the BIOS check to be sure that
everything's been detected all your

everything's been detected all your

everything's been detected all your
memory your CPU your fans and your m.2

memory your CPU your fans and your m.2

memory your CPU your fans and your m.2
ssds should all be visible either on the

ssds should all be visible either on the

ssds should all be visible either on the
main info page in the system health

main info page in the system health

main info page in the system health
section or in a storage related menu

section or in a storage related menu

section or in a storage related menu
like nvme configuration or SATA

like nvme configuration or SATA

like nvme configuration or SATA
configuration if you're using an empty

configuration if you're using an empty

configuration if you're using an empty
water block this is as far as you want

water block this is as far as you want

water block this is as far as you want
to go your CPU is probably already

to go your CPU is probably already

to go your CPU is probably already
getting toasty however for anyone else

getting toasty however for anyone else

getting toasty however for anyone else
it's worth making sure that your

it's worth making sure that your

it's worth making sure that your
temperatures are okay here let it sit

temperatures are okay here let it sit

temperatures are okay here let it sit
powered on for a few minutes and see

powered on for a few minutes and see

powered on for a few minutes and see
where the temperatures get to when it's

where the temperatures get to when it's

where the temperatures get to when it's
warmed up a bit some CPUs will idle

warmed up a bit some CPUs will idle

warmed up a bit some CPUs will idle
pretty hot in the Bios regardless of the

pretty hot in the Bios regardless of the

pretty hot in the Bios regardless of the
cooler and that's normal what you're

cooler and that's normal what you're

cooler and that's normal what you're
looking for for is temperatures to

looking for for is temperatures to

looking for for is temperatures to
stabilize and for them to not get any

stabilize and for them to not get any

stabilize and for them to not get any
better or worse by pushing down on the

better or worse by pushing down on the

better or worse by pushing down on the
cooler if they do change that's an

cooler if they do change that's an

cooler if they do change that's an
indication that your cooler may not be

indication that your cooler may not be

indication that your cooler may not be
making proper contact with the CPU so

making proper contact with the CPU so

making proper contact with the CPU so
what you should do now is shut it down

what you should do now is shut it down

what you should do now is shut it down
pull off the cooler check the pattern of

pull off the cooler check the pattern of

pull off the cooler check the pattern of
your thermal compound to be sure that

your thermal compound to be sure that

your thermal compound to be sure that
it's spread evenly then repaste and try

it's spread evenly then repaste and try

it's spread evenly then repaste and try
again but what if every novice Builder's

again but what if every novice Builder's

again but what if every novice Builder's
worst nightmare happens and nothing

worst nightmare happens and nothing

worst nightmare happens and nothing
shows up on the screen after powering it

shows up on the screen after powering it

shows up on the screen after powering it
up thankly there are often ways to

up thankly there are often ways to

up thankly there are often ways to
understand what's gone wrong some

understand what's gone wrong some

understand what's gone wrong some
motherboards have led displays that show

motherboards have led displays that show

motherboards have led displays that show
a two character hexid decimal code that

a two character hexid decimal code that

a two character hexid decimal code that
should help identify which part of the

should help identify which part of the

should help identify which part of the
boot process failed and you can look up

boot process failed and you can look up

boot process failed and you can look up
what those mean in your manual or online

what those mean in your manual or online

what those mean in your manual or online
often another LED indicator somewhere on

often another LED indicator somewhere on

often another LED indicator somewhere on
the motherboard is present either

the motherboard is present either

the motherboard is present either
instead of or alongside that help make

instead of or alongside that help make

instead of or alongside that help make
it even more clear Asus for example

it even more clear Asus for example

it even more clear Asus for example
tends to put a kind of stoplight type of

tends to put a kind of stoplight type of

tends to put a kind of stoplight type of
array of LEDs that show red to indicate

array of LEDs that show red to indicate

array of LEDs that show red to indicate
CPU tests orange to indicate memory

CPU tests orange to indicate memory

CPU tests orange to indicate memory
tests white to indicate storage and

tests white to indicate storage and

tests white to indicate storage and
green to indicate graphics with these

green to indicate graphics with these

green to indicate graphics with these
you can tell at a glance exactly where

you can tell at a glance exactly where

you can tell at a glance exactly where
the issue is even if there's nothing on

the issue is even if there's nothing on

the issue is even if there's nothing on
the screen other vendors have LEDs that

the screen other vendors have LEDs that

the screen other vendors have LEDs that
light up each section of the mother

light up each section of the mother

light up each section of the mother
board as they tested that startup so

board as they tested that startup so

board as they tested that startup so
check around your CPU socket Ram slots

check around your CPU socket Ram slots

check around your CPU socket Ram slots
or graphics card to see if there's

or graphics card to see if there's

or graphics card to see if there's
anything lit up the most common cause of

anything lit up the most common cause of

anything lit up the most common cause of
no video is an issue with the cable

no video is an issue with the cable

no video is an issue with the cable
either broken or lowquality cables or

either broken or lowquality cables or

either broken or lowquality cables or
plugging it into the wrong Port it

plugging it into the wrong Port it

plugging it into the wrong Port it
doesn't really matter where on the

doesn't really matter where on the

doesn't really matter where on the
graphics card you plug it in but if you

graphics card you plug it in but if you

graphics card you plug it in but if you
plug it into the motherboard especially

plug it into the motherboard especially

plug it into the motherboard especially
for older AMD or Intel f-s series

for older AMD or Intel f-s series

for older AMD or Intel f-s series
systems without integrated Graphics

systems without integrated Graphics

systems without integrated Graphics
you're not going to get anything failing

you're not going to get anything failing

you're not going to get anything failing
that make sure your graphics card is

that make sure your graphics card is

that make sure your graphics card is
fully inserted receip if you aren't sure

fully inserted receip if you aren't sure

fully inserted receip if you aren't sure
and do the same for memory if you have

and do the same for memory if you have

and do the same for memory if you have
more than one memory module try removing

more than one memory module try removing

more than one memory module try removing
all but one and then if everything works

all but one and then if everything works

all but one and then if everything works
try adding them back one by one if none

try adding them back one by one if none

try adding them back one by one if none
of that helps but the PC turns on you

of that helps but the PC turns on you

of that helps but the PC turns on you
may need to try reating your CPU and

may need to try reating your CPU and

may need to try reating your CPU and
especially check to be sure that there

especially check to be sure that there

especially check to be sure that there
are no bent pins and that there's no

are no bent pins and that there's no

are no bent pins and that there's no
lint or anything in the socket that

lint or anything in the socket that

lint or anything in the socket that
might prevent a good connection it's

might prevent a good connection it's

might prevent a good connection it's
rare these days but some computers won't

rare these days but some computers won't

rare these days but some computers won't
boot or stay on without the CPU fan

boot or stay on without the CPU fan

boot or stay on without the CPU fan
header connected so that's one more

header connected so that's one more

header connected so that's one more
thing to try if the rest doesn't help if

thing to try if the rest doesn't help if

thing to try if the rest doesn't help if
nothing happened at all when you press

nothing happened at all when you press

nothing happened at all when you press
the power button I'm sorry uh the first

the power button I'm sorry uh the first

the power button I'm sorry uh the first
thing you should check is that the

thing you should check is that the

thing you should check is that the
motherboard is getting p power usually

motherboard is getting p power usually

motherboard is getting p power usually
there will be an LED or two that turns

there will be an LED or two that turns

there will be an LED or two that turns
on when you flip the power supply into

on when you flip the power supply into

on when you flip the power supply into
the on position assuming of course

the on position assuming of course

the on position assuming of course
you've plugged it into the wall you

you've plugged it into the wall you

you've plugged it into the wall you
check that right oh wait okay good if

check that right oh wait okay good if

check that right oh wait okay good if
there's still nothing then turn off the

there's still nothing then turn off the

there's still nothing then turn off the
power supply and make sure your cables

power supply and make sure your cables

power supply and make sure your cables
are properly connected the 24 pin

are properly connected the 24 pin

are properly connected the 24 pin
connector can often split into a 20 and

connector can often split into a 20 and

connector can often split into a 20 and
four pin connector for compatibility

four pin connector for compatibility

four pin connector for compatibility
reasons so it's possible that summer all

reasons so it's possible that summer all

reasons so it's possible that summer all
of one part hasn't been fully inserted

of one part hasn't been fully inserted

of one part hasn't been fully inserted
push the click holding it into place and

push the click holding it into place and

push the click holding it into place and
pull it out then make sure it's all

pull it out then make sure it's all

pull it out then make sure it's all
lined up and try again same thing can

lined up and try again same thing can

lined up and try again same thing can
happen with the 12vt EPS connectors so

happen with the 12vt EPS connectors so

happen with the 12vt EPS connectors so
triple check those two and of course

triple check those two and of course

triple check those two and of course
make sure they're all plugged into the

make sure they're all plugged into the

make sure they're all plugged into the
proper power connection points on the

proper power connection points on the

proper power connection points on the
power supply itself most modern power

power supply itself most modern power

power supply itself most modern power
supplies should make it impossible to

supplies should make it impossible to

supplies should make it impossible to
plug these things into the wrong

plug these things into the wrong

plug these things into the wrong
connectors but you never know failing

connectors but you never know failing

connectors but you never know failing
all of that there could be some

all of that there could be some

all of that there could be some
compatibility reasons your system isn't

compatibility reasons your system isn't

compatibility reasons your system isn't
firing up some AMD motherboards in

firing up some AMD motherboards in

firing up some AMD motherboards in
particular might require a bios update

particular might require a bios update

particular might require a bios update
to enable support for certain

to enable support for certain

to enable support for certain
generations of CPUs or it might be too

generations of CPUs or it might be too

generations of CPUs or it might be too
far forward and you need to roll it back

far forward and you need to roll it back

far forward and you need to roll it back
for your generation of CPU just look it

for your generation of CPU just look it

for your generation of CPU just look it
up in the motherb manual you may need to

up in the motherb manual you may need to

up in the motherb manual you may need to
contact the store you bought it from or

contact the store you bought it from or

contact the store you bought it from or
AMD directly to arrange to have that

AMD directly to arrange to have that

AMD directly to arrange to have that
done if none of that helps then you'll

done if none of that helps then you'll

done if none of that helps then you'll
need to do some more advanced

need to do some more advanced

need to do some more advanced
troubleshooting preferably with a

troubleshooting preferably with a

troubleshooting preferably with a
different computer or sets of components

different computer or sets of components

different computer or sets of components
check the LT forums for more info there

check the LT forums for more info there

check the LT forums for more info there
once you're satisfied that everything's

once you're satisfied that everything's

once you're satisfied that everything's
powered on and working flick off the

powered on and working flick off the

powered on and working flick off the
power disconnect everything and then put

power disconnect everything and then put

power disconnect everything and then put
it to the side it's time to make your

it to the side it's time to make your

it to the side it's time to make your
case it might help to lay down a blanket

case it might help to lay down a blanket

case it might help to lay down a blanket
or a towel or something so you don't

or a towel or something so you don't

or a towel or something so you don't
scratch up your case or your desk while

scratch up your case or your desk while

scratch up your case or your desk while
you work with it as a bonus it'll reduce

you work with it as a bonus it'll reduce

you work with it as a bonus it'll reduce
the friction of the feet so you can

the friction of the feet so you can

the friction of the feet so you can
rotate it around more easily while

rotate it around more easily while

rotate it around more easily while
working every case is going to be

working every case is going to be

working every case is going to be
different in terms of layout build

different in terms of layout build

different in terms of layout build
quality and cable management but there

quality and cable management but there

quality and cable management but there
are some general notes to keep in mind

are some general notes to keep in mind

are some general notes to keep in mind
when prepping first take off your side

when prepping first take off your side

when prepping first take off your side
panels and store them in a safe place

panels and store them in a safe place

panels and store them in a safe place
place the Box the case came in is a good

place the Box the case came in is a good

place the Box the case came in is a good
candidate depending on your case the

candidate depending on your case the

candidate depending on your case the
side panels might need a screwdriver or

side panels might need a screwdriver or

side panels might need a screwdriver or
have thumb screws if they're plastic or

have thumb screws if they're plastic or

have thumb screws if they're plastic or
metal or they might have side screws or

metal or they might have side screws or

metal or they might have side screws or
even be held in magnetically on a hinge

even be held in magnetically on a hinge

even be held in magnetically on a hinge
of their tempered glass if they're fancy

of their tempered glass if they're fancy

of their tempered glass if they're fancy
with your case open remove the hardware

with your case open remove the hardware

with your case open remove the hardware
box if it's stored inside the chassis

box if it's stored inside the chassis

box if it's stored inside the chassis
and put it aside for now if your

and put it aside for now if your

and put it aside for now if your
motherboard comes with an IO Shield you

motherboard comes with an IO Shield you

motherboard comes with an IO Shield you
should install that now line up the io

should install that now line up the io

should install that now line up the io
shield with the back of your motherboard

shield with the back of your motherboard

shield with the back of your motherboard
to determine which orientation it should

to determine which orientation it should

to determine which orientation it should
go in the flat end phes towards the

go in the flat end phes towards the

go in the flat end phes towards the
mother motherboard then align the io

mother motherboard then align the io

mother motherboard then align the io
shield with a cutout in the rear of the

shield with a cutout in the rear of the

shield with a cutout in the rear of the
case and snap it into place using one

case and snap it into place using one

case and snap it into place using one
corner as an anchor it may take a bit of

corner as an anchor it may take a bit of

corner as an anchor it may take a bit of
force to get it in just right and

force to get it in just right and

force to get it in just right and
cheaper cases May Flex when you do this

cheaper cases May Flex when you do this

cheaper cases May Flex when you do this
and cause it to pop back out but don't

and cause it to pop back out but don't

and cause it to pop back out but don't
get discouraged keep at it until you're

get discouraged keep at it until you're

get discouraged keep at it until you're
satisfied it's not going to pop out when

satisfied it's not going to pop out when

satisfied it's not going to pop out when
you look at it the wrong way another

you look at it the wrong way another

you look at it the wrong way another
thing you should do now is move any

thing you should do now is move any

thing you should do now is move any
cables out of the way sometimes they'll

cables out of the way sometimes they'll

cables out of the way sometimes they'll
be tied up with a twist tie or zip tie

be tied up with a twist tie or zip tie

be tied up with a twist tie or zip tie
but generally you want to get them on

but generally you want to get them on

but generally you want to get them on
the other side of the case so you don't

the other side of the case so you don't

the other side of the case so you don't
have to worry about pinching them or

have to worry about pinching them or

have to worry about pinching them or
getting them trapped under the

getting them trapped under the

getting them trapped under the
motherboard when it's installed it also

motherboard when it's installed it also

motherboard when it's installed it also
makes it much easier to Cable manage

makes it much easier to Cable manage

makes it much easier to Cable manage
later now let's talk standoffs some

later now let's talk standoffs some

later now let's talk standoffs some
cases will come with some or all of

cases will come with some or all of

cases will come with some or all of
these pre-installed and if not

these pre-installed and if not

these pre-installed and if not
everything you need will be in the

everything you need will be in the

everything you need will be in the
hardware box that you removed earlier

hardware box that you removed earlier

hardware box that you removed earlier
they're essentially just extensions for

they're essentially just extensions for

they're essentially just extensions for
the screw holes on the motherboard tray

the screw holes on the motherboard tray

the screw holes on the motherboard tray
to prevent the motherboard from shorting

to prevent the motherboard from shorting

to prevent the motherboard from shorting
out on the tray and they screw in the

out on the tray and they screw in the

out on the tray and they screw in the
same way that a normal screw would just

same way that a normal screw would just

same way that a normal screw would just
you know without a screw head you can

you know without a screw head you can

you know without a screw head you can
check the hole pattern on your

check the hole pattern on your

check the hole pattern on your
motherboard to determine where the

motherboard to determine where the

motherboard to determine where the
standof should go and which extra ones

standof should go and which extra ones

standof should go and which extra ones
might need to be removed hand tightening

might need to be removed hand tightening

might need to be removed hand tightening
these is enough to build but I've run

these is enough to build but I've run

these is enough to build but I've run
into issues disassembling systems that

into issues disassembling systems that

into issues disassembling systems that
were only hand tight where the standoff

were only hand tight where the standoff

were only hand tight where the standoff
will come out instead of the motherboard

will come out instead of the motherboard

will come out instead of the motherboard
screw just be careful if you do decide

screw just be careful if you do decide

screw just be careful if you do decide
to tighten them with a 5mm hex socket

to tighten them with a 5mm hex socket

to tighten them with a 5mm hex socket
driver because cheaper cases will often

driver because cheaper cases will often

driver because cheaper cases will often
just strip the threads or skip back out

just strip the threads or skip back out

just strip the threads or skip back out
instead of just tightening down if

instead of just tightening down if

instead of just tightening down if
you're trying to remove one and you

you're trying to remove one and you

you're trying to remove one and you
don't have an adapter or driver or your

don't have an adapter or driver or your

don't have an adapter or driver or your
fingers just aren't cutting it then

fingers just aren't cutting it then

fingers just aren't cutting it then
pliers can give you quite a bit more

pliers can give you quite a bit more

pliers can give you quite a bit more
leverage but this this will damage its

leverage but this this will damage its

leverage but this this will damage its
finish if that matters to you a

finish if that matters to you a

finish if that matters to you a
sacrificial paper towel or microfiber

sacrificial paper towel or microfiber

sacrificial paper towel or microfiber
cloth can help mitigate this you'll

cloth can help mitigate this you'll

cloth can help mitigate this you'll
notice that there are more holes and

notice that there are more holes and

notice that there are more holes and
there are standoffs what's up with that

there are standoffs what's up with that

there are standoffs what's up with that
while there are standard layouts for

while there are standard layouts for

while there are standard layouts for
these for each form factor not every

these for each form factor not every

these for each form factor not every
motherboard will use every mounting

motherboard will use every mounting

motherboard will use every mounting
point or some may use non-standard ones

point or some may use non-standard ones

point or some may use non-standard ones
while you don't strictly speaking need a

while you don't strictly speaking need a

while you don't strictly speaking need a
standoff for every Mount point on your

standoff for every Mount point on your

standoff for every Mount point on your
motherboard let's just say it's highly

motherboard let's just say it's highly

motherboard let's just say it's highly
recommended and it's absolutely critical

recommended and it's absolutely critical

recommended and it's absolutely critical
that there are no EX exas a standoff

that there are no EX exas a standoff

that there are no EX exas a standoff
placed where there isn't a mount Point

placed where there isn't a mount Point

placed where there isn't a mount Point
could short something out if you aren't

could short something out if you aren't

could short something out if you aren't
careful or worse it could cause your

careful or worse it could cause your

careful or worse it could cause your
motherboard to flex and potentially

motherboard to flex and potentially

motherboard to flex and potentially
break something if you screw the others

break something if you screw the others

break something if you screw the others
in and the motherboard ends up flexing

in and the motherboard ends up flexing

in and the motherboard ends up flexing
once you're satisfied you can do a test

once you're satisfied you can do a test

once you're satisfied you can do a test
fit first count the numbers of standoffs

fit first count the numbers of standoffs

fit first count the numbers of standoffs
in the case and the holes in your

in the case and the holes in your

in the case and the holes in your
motherboard watch out some motherboards

motherboard watch out some motherboards

motherboard watch out some motherboards
actually have holes that are hidden by

actually have holes that are hidden by

actually have holes that are hidden by
cosmetic covers and SSD heat sinks these

cosmetic covers and SSD heat sinks these

cosmetic covers and SSD heat sinks these
days if they match gently lay your

days if they match gently lay your

days if they match gently lay your
motherboard into the case and align it

motherboard into the case and align it

motherboard into the case and align it
with the standoffs you should see screw

with the standoffs you should see screw

with the standoffs you should see screw
threads for each hole

threads for each hole

threads for each hole
if you don't then make a note of which

if you don't then make a note of which

if you don't then make a note of which
is missing remove your motherboard and

is missing remove your motherboard and

is missing remove your motherboard and
rearrange the missing standoffs until

rearrange the missing standoffs until

rearrange the missing standoffs until
you've got everything lined up if

you've got everything lined up if

you've got everything lined up if
everything looks good then now is a

everything looks good then now is a

everything looks good then now is a
great time to hook up your 8 Pin 12volt

great time to hook up your 8 Pin 12volt

great time to hook up your 8 Pin 12volt
cables for the CPU these are also called

cables for the CPU these are also called

cables for the CPU these are also called
EPS connectors these things are

EPS connectors these things are

EPS connectors these things are
notoriously difficult to get plugged in

notoriously difficult to get plugged in

notoriously difficult to get plugged in
when the motherboard and especially the

when the motherboard and especially the

when the motherboard and especially the
cooler are installed so if your power

cooler are installed so if your power

cooler are installed so if your power
supply is modular go ahead and attach

supply is modular go ahead and attach

supply is modular go ahead and attach
the motherboard side then feed the other

the motherboard side then feed the other

the motherboard side then feed the other
end through the cable management hole

end through the cable management hole

end through the cable management hole
that is probably up here otherwise

that is probably up here otherwise

that is probably up here otherwise
you'll just have to drape it across the

you'll just have to drape it across the

you'll just have to drape it across the
motherboard with that done it's time to

motherboard with that done it's time to

motherboard with that done it's time to
screw your board down now each case is a

screw your board down now each case is a

screw your board down now each case is a
little different so check the manual

little different so check the manual

little different so check the manual
before proceeding but if you don't have

before proceeding but if you don't have

before proceeding but if you don't have
one then usually the larger 632 screws

one then usually the larger 632 screws

one then usually the larger 632 screws
are used for this rather than the

are used for this rather than the

are used for this rather than the
smaller finer M3 screws you can safely

smaller finer M3 screws you can safely

smaller finer M3 screws you can safely
test this by threading one into a

test this by threading one into a

test this by threading one into a
standoff with your fingers if a 632

standoff with your fingers if a 632

standoff with your fingers if a 632
screw doesn't tighten easily then you

screw doesn't tighten easily then you

screw doesn't tighten easily then you
need to use an M3 and if it's loose with

need to use an M3 and if it's loose with

need to use an M3 and if it's loose with
an M3 then you need to use a 632 it's

an M3 then you need to use a 632 it's

an M3 then you need to use a 632 it's
easiest to start with the central Mount

easiest to start with the central Mount

easiest to start with the central Mount
point if present this will anchor the

point if present this will anchor the

point if present this will anchor the
board into place and help keep things

board into place and help keep things

board into place and help keep things
aligned while you're screwing everything

aligned while you're screwing everything

aligned while you're screwing everything
in hence the peg version that some cases

in hence the peg version that some cases

in hence the peg version that some cases
come with align the screw in the hole

come with align the screw in the hole

come with align the screw in the hole
twist counterclockwise until you feel a

twist counterclockwise until you feel a

twist counterclockwise until you feel a
click then go clockwise to screw it into

click then go clockwise to screw it into

click then go clockwise to screw it into
place Pro tip by the way don't fully

place Pro tip by the way don't fully

place Pro tip by the way don't fully
tighten this screw yet leaving a little

tighten this screw yet leaving a little

tighten this screw yet leaving a little
bit of slack helps you reposition the

bit of slack helps you reposition the

bit of slack helps you reposition the
motherboard as you're putting in the

motherboard as you're putting in the

motherboard as you're putting in the
rest of the screws next get the corners

rest of the screws next get the corners

rest of the screws next get the corners
and if you did everything right the

and if you did everything right the

and if you did everything right the
motherboard should now be perfectly

motherboard should now be perfectly

motherboard should now be perfectly
aligned and you can tighten everything

aligned and you can tighten everything

aligned and you can tighten everything
down completely if you've got more Mount

down completely if you've got more Mount

down completely if you've got more Mount
points to screw down keep going until

points to screw down keep going until

points to screw down keep going until
they're all done ideally you would

they're all done ideally you would

they're all done ideally you would
populate every Mount point with a screw

populate every Mount point with a screw

populate every Mount point with a screw
but in the event that you can't due to a

but in the event that you can't due to a

but in the event that you can't due to a
clearance issue a missing one isn't

clearance issue a missing one isn't

clearance issue a missing one isn't
going to hurt anything it's easiest to

going to hurt anything it's easiest to

going to hurt anything it's easiest to
wire the front panel header now while

wire the front panel header now while

wire the front panel header now while
there are a few obstructions and cables

there are a few obstructions and cables

there are a few obstructions and cables
in the way because you're dealing with

in the way because you're dealing with

in the way because you're dealing with
small one or two wire connections before

small one or two wire connections before

small one or two wire connections before
doing anything grab the whole bundle of

doing anything grab the whole bundle of

doing anything grab the whole bundle of
them and make sure they're not Tangled

them and make sure they're not Tangled

them and make sure they're not Tangled
Up in anything else they should hang

Up in anything else they should hang

Up in anything else they should hang
freely from where they enter the case

freely from where they enter the case

freely from where they enter the case
from the front panel from here you'll

from the front panel from here you'll

from the front panel from here you'll
want to find a hole that's close to

want to find a hole that's close to

want to find a hole that's close to
where they need to go as mentioned

where they need to go as mentioned

where they need to go as mentioned
before the front panel header is often

before the front panel header is often

before the front panel header is often
located in the lower right corner of the

located in the lower right corner of the

located in the lower right corner of the
motherboard and there are often silk

motherboard and there are often silk

motherboard and there are often silk
screened markings on the motherboard to

screened markings on the motherboard to

screened markings on the motherboard to
indicate which pins are for what if you

indicate which pins are for what if you

indicate which pins are for what if you
don't see any markings for it consult

don't see any markings for it consult

don't see any markings for it consult
your motherboard's manual if your case

your motherboard's manual if your case

your motherboard's manual if your case
has Cable Management guides it's best to

has Cable Management guides it's best to

has Cable Management guides it's best to
use these now so you don't have to

use these now so you don't have to

use these now so you don't have to
rewire anything when cable managing

rewire anything when cable managing

rewire anything when cable managing
later just because of how fiddly these

later just because of how fiddly these

later just because of how fiddly these
can be be conscious of how long the

can be be conscious of how long the

can be be conscious of how long the
wires are and how far they had to go and

wires are and how far they had to go and

wires are and how far they had to go and
try to make sure that they don't cross

try to make sure that they don't cross

try to make sure that they don't cross
anything that needs access you don't

anything that needs access you don't

anything that needs access you don't
want to knock them loose by accident

want to knock them loose by accident

want to knock them loose by accident
later at a minimum all computers should

later at a minimum all computers should

later at a minimum all computers should
come with a power switch lead that needs

come with a power switch lead that needs

come with a power switch lead that needs
to be plugged into the front panel

to be plugged into the front panel

to be plugged into the front panel
header but they may also come with a

header but they may also come with a

header but they may also come with a
power LED HDD LED and reset switch very

power LED HDD LED and reset switch very

power LED HDD LED and reset switch very
occasionally these days you may also

occasionally these days you may also

occasionally these days you may also
have a speaker or buzzer in the hardware

have a speaker or buzzer in the hardware

have a speaker or buzzer in the hardware
box and this is also where that goes the

box and this is also where that goes the

box and this is also where that goes the
usual layout is to have the power LED

usual layout is to have the power LED

usual layout is to have the power LED
plus and minus on the top left power

plus and minus on the top left power

plus and minus on the top left power
switch immediately right of that and PC

switch immediately right of that and PC

switch immediately right of that and PC
speaker plus and minus to the right of

speaker plus and minus to the right of

speaker plus and minus to the right of
that on the top row the bottom row

that on the top row the bottom row

that on the top row the bottom row
usually goes HDD LED plus and minus then

usually goes HDD LED plus and minus then

usually goes HDD LED plus and minus then
reset switch sometimes there will be a

reset switch sometimes there will be a

reset switch sometimes there will be a
second three pin wide power LED plus and

second three pin wide power LED plus and

second three pin wide power LED plus and
minus to the right of that for

minus to the right of that for

minus to the right of that for
compatibility with older cases using a

compatibility with older cases using a

compatibility with older cases using a
wider power LED connector of these

wider power LED connector of these

wider power LED connector of these
connections you might note that three

connections you might note that three

connections you might note that three
have plus and minus or polarity that is

have plus and minus or polarity that is

have plus and minus or polarity that is
it matters in which orientation you have

it matters in which orientation you have

it matters in which orientation you have
them the connector will usually have a

them the connector will usually have a

them the connector will usually have a
positive and negative indicator silk

positive and negative indicator silk

positive and negative indicator silk
screened onto it or even be separated

screened onto it or even be separated

screened onto it or even be separated
into individual wires but if not they

into individual wires but if not they

into individual wires but if not they
should be colorcoded and the white or

should be colorcoded and the white or

should be colorcoded and the white or
black wies us usually the negative for

black wies us usually the negative for

black wies us usually the negative for
LEDs the polarity needs to be correct or

LEDs the polarity needs to be correct or

LEDs the polarity needs to be correct or
your lights won't function properly the

your lights won't function properly the

your lights won't function properly the
good news is that if you put them in

good news is that if you put them in

good news is that if you put them in
wrong it won't hurt anything just flip

wrong it won't hurt anything just flip

wrong it won't hurt anything just flip
them around the PC speaker header

them around the PC speaker header

them around the PC speaker header
follows the same black equals negative

follows the same black equals negative

follows the same black equals negative
wire convention but these are becoming

wire convention but these are becoming

wire convention but these are becoming
so rare that you may never see one while

so rare that you may never see one while

so rare that you may never see one while
building a computer for yourself its

building a computer for yourself its

building a computer for yourself its
primary role these days is to provide

primary role these days is to provide

primary role these days is to provide
feedback during boot beep codes can be

feedback during boot beep codes can be

feedback during boot beep codes can be
useful for troubleshooting but have

useful for troubleshooting but have

useful for troubleshooting but have
largely been replaced by diagnostic LEDs

largely been replaced by diagnostic LEDs

largely been replaced by diagnostic LEDs
it has other uses but it's mostly just a

it has other uses but it's mostly just a

it has other uses but it's mostly just a
relic of a byon era two of the front

relic of a byon era two of the front

relic of a byon era two of the front
panel connections absolutely do not

panel connections absolutely do not

panel connections absolutely do not
matter which orientation they go in and

matter which orientation they go in and

matter which orientation they go in and
that's the power switch and reset switch

that's the power switch and reset switch

that's the power switch and reset switch
because unlike devices like LEDs or

because unlike devices like LEDs or

because unlike devices like LEDs or
speakers that need the draw Power these

speakers that need the draw Power these

speakers that need the draw Power these
are simple switches that close a circuit

are simple switches that close a circuit

are simple switches that close a circuit
still it's neatest to make sure that

still it's neatest to make sure that

still it's neatest to make sure that
they line up with the other cables if

they line up with the other cables if

they line up with the other cables if
present once you've wired up the front

present once you've wired up the front

present once you've wired up the front
panel gently pull the slack back through

panel gently pull the slack back through

panel gently pull the slack back through
the rear panel it's a good idea to also

the rear panel it's a good idea to also

the rear panel it's a good idea to also
wire up USB and front panel audio now if

wire up USB and front panel audio now if

wire up USB and front panel audio now if
present front panel audio may have two

present front panel audio may have two

present front panel audio may have two
connectors AC 9 7 and HD audio or aelia

connectors AC 9 7 and HD audio or aelia

connectors AC 9 7 and HD audio or aelia
both are keyed the same way that is they

both are keyed the same way that is they

both are keyed the same way that is they
have a blank do pin on the connector

have a blank do pin on the connector

have a blank do pin on the connector
that allows them to go in only one way

that allows them to go in only one way

that allows them to go in only one way
but how they work is different the tldr

but how they work is different the tldr

but how they work is different the tldr
is that ac97 is a mostly dumb connection

is that ac97 is a mostly dumb connection

is that ac97 is a mostly dumb connection
that doesn't provide any feedback as to

that doesn't provide any feedback as to

that doesn't provide any feedback as to
what's plugged in an HD audio or aelia

what's plugged in an HD audio or aelia

what's plugged in an HD audio or aelia
allows for things like Jack sensing and

allows for things like Jack sensing and

allows for things like Jack sensing and
reassignment most computers since the

reassignment most computers since the

reassignment most computers since the
mid 2000s will have support for HD audio

mid 2000s will have support for HD audio

mid 2000s will have support for HD audio
so use that unless your computer is

so use that unless your computer is

so use that unless your computer is
really old the header for this is

really old the header for this is

really old the header for this is
usually on the lower left corner of the

usually on the lower left corner of the

usually on the lower left corner of the
motherboard but if you don't see it

motherboard but if you don't see it

motherboard but if you don't see it
there check your manual to locate it

there check your manual to locate it

there check your manual to locate it
like your front panel wires from before

like your front panel wires from before

like your front panel wires from before
make sure they're completely free of

make sure they're completely free of

make sure they're completely free of
obstructions then use the cable

obstructions then use the cable

obstructions then use the cable
management guides now if you have them

management guides now if you have them

management guides now if you have them
to reduce the need for rewiring later

to reduce the need for rewiring later

to reduce the need for rewiring later
find a hole close to the header then go

find a hole close to the header then go

find a hole close to the header then go
through it for an ATX motherboard you

through it for an ATX motherboard you

through it for an ATX motherboard you
can usually get away with pulling it

can usually get away with pulling it

can usually get away with pulling it
through this little channel here even if

through this little channel here even if

through this little channel here even if
your power supply will go right up

your power supply will go right up

your power supply will go right up
against it and that will give you a very

against it and that will give you a very

against it and that will give you a very
clean look a common mistake when

clean look a common mistake when

clean look a common mistake when
plugging these in is to only plug in one

plugging these in is to only plug in one

plugging these in is to only plug in one
row make sure there are no pins hanging

row make sure there are no pins hanging

row make sure there are no pins hanging
out directly above or below your

out directly above or below your

out directly above or below your
connector when you plug it in it can

connector when you plug it in it can

connector when you plug it in it can
only go in one way yes but only if all

only go in one way yes but only if all

only go in one way yes but only if all
the rows are aligned first when it's on

the rows are aligned first when it's on

the rows are aligned first when it's on
there pull the slack through and move on

there pull the slack through and move on

there pull the slack through and move on
to the next one front panel USB is

to the next one front panel USB is

to the next one front panel USB is
broken up into three types USB 2.0 USB

broken up into three types USB 2.0 USB

broken up into three types USB 2.0 USB
3.0 and USB 3 .2 often used for the

3.0 and USB 3 .2 often used for the

3.0 and USB 3 .2 often used for the
type-c ports USB 2 connectors consist of

type-c ports USB 2 connectors consist of

type-c ports USB 2 connectors consist of
two rows of four pins with a fifth pin

two rows of four pins with a fifth pin

two rows of four pins with a fifth pin
on only one row to make sure you don't

on only one row to make sure you don't

on only one row to make sure you don't
plug it in the wrong way around usually

plug it in the wrong way around usually

plug it in the wrong way around usually
but not always there's a plastic shield

but not always there's a plastic shield

but not always there's a plastic shield
around these on the motherboard to make

around these on the motherboard to make

around these on the motherboard to make
sure it lines up exactly when it's

sure it lines up exactly when it's

sure it lines up exactly when it's
plugged in but it's usually pretty easy

plugged in but it's usually pretty easy

plugged in but it's usually pretty easy
and they can share this design with both

and they can share this design with both

and they can share this design with both
seral and fire wire make absolutely

seral and fire wire make absolutely

seral and fire wire make absolutely
certain that you do not plug a USB into

certain that you do not plug a USB into

certain that you do not plug a USB into
anything that's called fire wire FW or

anything that's called fire wire FW or

anything that's called fire wire FW or
1394 because uses a much higher voltage

1394 because uses a much higher voltage

1394 because uses a much higher voltage
and will destroy USB devices plugged

and will destroy USB devices plugged

and will destroy USB devices plugged
into it usually the right headers will

into it usually the right headers will

into it usually the right headers will
be labeled with USB sometimes followed

be labeled with USB sometimes followed

be labeled with USB sometimes followed
by a port number and the headers that

by a port number and the headers that

by a port number and the headers that
correspond to it but if it doesn't say

correspond to it but if it doesn't say

correspond to it but if it doesn't say
or you aren't sure consult your

or you aren't sure consult your

or you aren't sure consult your
motherboard's manual follow the same

motherboard's manual follow the same

motherboard's manual follow the same
procedure as front panel audio for these

procedure as front panel audio for these

procedure as front panel audio for these
cables make sure they're free from

cables make sure they're free from

cables make sure they're free from
obstruction use the cable management

obstruction use the cable management

obstruction use the cable management
guides and find a hole close to the

guides and find a hole close to the

guides and find a hole close to the
header for it to go through through

header for it to go through through

header for it to go through through
remember it can only go on one way so

remember it can only go on one way so

remember it can only go on one way so
don't force it and mash up the pins pull

don't force it and mash up the pins pull

don't force it and mash up the pins pull
the slck through for the cable

the slck through for the cable

the slck through for the cable
management later and repeat as necessary

management later and repeat as necessary

management later and repeat as necessary
but what about USB 3 and 3.2 these are

but what about USB 3 and 3.2 these are

but what about USB 3 and 3.2 these are
much larger stiffer cables and usually

much larger stiffer cables and usually

much larger stiffer cables and usually
you'll find their headers on the right

you'll find their headers on the right

you'll find their headers on the right
edge of the motherboard or at the bottom

edge of the motherboard or at the bottom

edge of the motherboard or at the bottom
Edge they're quite wide and sometimes

Edge they're quite wide and sometimes

Edge they're quite wide and sometimes
difficult to get through Cable

difficult to get through Cable

difficult to get through Cable
Management channels so if you haven't

Management channels so if you haven't

Management channels so if you haven't
been paying attention to Cable

been paying attention to Cable

been paying attention to Cable
Management pay attention now because

Management pay attention now because

Management pay attention now because
these are the worst as before find a

these are the worst as before find a

these are the worst as before find a
hole near the USB 3 hutter on the

hole near the USB 3 hutter on the

hole near the USB 3 hutter on the
motherboard and line it up but don't

motherboard and line it up but don't

motherboard and line it up but don't
connect it just yet listen first usb3

connect it just yet listen first usb3

connect it just yet listen first usb3
connectors are very fussy and it's easy

connectors are very fussy and it's easy

connectors are very fussy and it's easy
even for a professional builder to mash

even for a professional builder to mash

even for a professional builder to mash
the pins due to the way that it's

the pins due to the way that it's

the pins due to the way that it's
installed the connector easily contacts

installed the connector easily contacts

installed the connector easily contacts
the pins before it is fully aligned and

the pins before it is fully aligned and

the pins before it is fully aligned and
the force required to plug it in is much

the force required to plug it in is much

the force required to plug it in is much
higher than the other connectors we've

higher than the other connectors we've

higher than the other connectors we've
seen so far that basically means that

seen so far that basically means that

seen so far that basically means that
you won't know if it's aligned and you

you won't know if it's aligned and you

you won't know if it's aligned and you
won't know if you've mashed anything by

won't know if you've mashed anything by

won't know if you've mashed anything by
feel alone if you do manage to bend a

feel alone if you do manage to bend a

feel alone if you do manage to bend a
pin chances are it won't unbend without

pin chances are it won't unbend without

pin chances are it won't unbend without
snapping so very carefully line it up

snapping so very carefully line it up

snapping so very carefully line it up
and don't apply pressure until you are

and don't apply pressure until you are

and don't apply pressure until you are
reasonably sure that the pins are

reasonably sure that the pins are

reasonably sure that the pins are
aligned if all goes well it should snap

aligned if all goes well it should snap

aligned if all goes well it should snap
or click into place and you can breathe

or click into place and you can breathe

or click into place and you can breathe
a sigh of relief unlike the other cables

a sigh of relief unlike the other cables

a sigh of relief unlike the other cables
this one is very stiff so Cable

this one is very stiff so Cable

this one is very stiff so Cable
Management should be done with a very

Management should be done with a very

Management should be done with a very
gentle touch if you accidentally pull it

gentle touch if you accidentally pull it

gentle touch if you accidentally pull it
out you'll probably end up bending all

out you'll probably end up bending all

out you'll probably end up bending all
the pins in the header at the same time

the pins in the header at the same time

the pins in the header at the same time
and at that point you can just say

and at that point you can just say

and at that point you can just say
goodbye friend you USB 3 USB 3.2 is a

goodbye friend you USB 3 USB 3.2 is a

goodbye friend you USB 3 USB 3.2 is a
lot easier but has the annoying quality

lot easier but has the annoying quality

lot easier but has the annoying quality
of being both very stiff and standing

of being both very stiff and standing

of being both very stiff and standing
straight up off the motherboard most of

straight up off the motherboard most of

straight up off the motherboard most of
the time usually these connectors will

the time usually these connectors will

the time usually these connectors will
be found near the 24 pin power connector

be found near the 24 pin power connector

be found near the 24 pin power connector
and are keyed to only go in one way you

and are keyed to only go in one way you

and are keyed to only go in one way you
don't have to worry about mashing pins

don't have to worry about mashing pins

don't have to worry about mashing pins
on this one thankfully so you can just

on this one thankfully so you can just

on this one thankfully so you can just
plug it right in but it does have the

plug it right in but it does have the

plug it right in but it does have the
annoying tendency to kind of rock out of

annoying tendency to kind of rock out of

annoying tendency to kind of rock out of
place so again a light touch is needed

place so again a light touch is needed

place so again a light touch is needed
for cable management now there are other

for cable management now there are other

for cable management now there are other
older headers that you might come across

older headers that you might come across

older headers that you might come across
even today like cereal fire wire

even today like cereal fire wire

even today like cereal fire wire
parallel and more and you can think of

parallel and more and you can think of

parallel and more and you can think of
these the same way that you think of the

these the same way that you think of the

these the same way that you think of the
USB 2 or front panel audio connectors

USB 2 or front panel audio connectors

USB 2 or front panel audio connectors
just make absolutely certain that you

just make absolutely certain that you

just make absolutely certain that you
are connecting to what you think you are

are connecting to what you think you are

are connecting to what you think you are
serial for example is often labeled Comm

serial for example is often labeled Comm

serial for example is often labeled Comm
parallel will often be labeled lpt and

parallel will often be labeled lpt and

parallel will often be labeled lpt and
firewire may be labeled 1394 just keep

firewire may be labeled 1394 just keep

firewire may be labeled 1394 just keep
this in mind if you're hunting around

this in mind if you're hunting around

this in mind if you're hunting around
for more USB headers to plug into oh a

for more USB headers to plug into oh a

for more USB headers to plug into oh a
fun little aside is if you run out of

fun little aside is if you run out of

fun little aside is if you run out of
internal usb2 headers you can actually

internal usb2 headers you can actually

internal usb2 headers you can actually
get hubs that will expand them since

get hubs that will expand them since

get hubs that will expand them since
that's a thing that USB can do if you

that's a thing that USB can do if you

that's a thing that USB can do if you
have any 2 and 1/2 in or 3 and 1/2 in

have any 2 and 1/2 in or 3 and 1/2 in

have any 2 and 1/2 in or 3 and 1/2 in
drives now's a good time to get them

drives now's a good time to get them

drives now's a good time to get them
installed most modern cases have

installed most modern cases have

installed most modern cases have
dedicated trays behind the motherboard

dedicated trays behind the motherboard

dedicated trays behind the motherboard
or elsewhere for the smaller 2 and 1/2

or elsewhere for the smaller 2 and 1/2

or elsewhere for the smaller 2 and 1/2
in type usually with the expectation

in type usually with the expectation

in type usually with the expectation
that you'll be using them with an SSD

that you'll be using them with an SSD

that you'll be using them with an SSD
and let's face it you probably are these

and let's face it you probably are these

and let's face it you probably are these
are almost always removable with a thumb

are almost always removable with a thumb

are almost always removable with a thumb
screw or something like that just remove

screw or something like that just remove

screw or something like that just remove
the screw and slide it free to get

the screw and slide it free to get

the screw and slide it free to get
access your SSD will also have fine

access your SSD will also have fine

access your SSD will also have fine
threaded and three holes that screw onto

threaded and three holes that screw onto

threaded and three holes that screw onto
the bottom of the tray as well as the

the bottom of the tray as well as the

the bottom of the tray as well as the
sides some trays use one set or the

sides some trays use one set or the

sides some trays use one set or the
other and there will be counter sunk or

other and there will be counter sunk or

other and there will be counter sunk or
flat screws for this purpose included

flat screws for this purpose included

flat screws for this purpose included
with the case Hardware box align the SSD

with the case Hardware box align the SSD

with the case Hardware box align the SSD
with the holes then screw it in place

with the holes then screw it in place

with the holes then screw it in place
when it's solid go ahead and slip it

when it's solid go ahead and slip it

when it's solid go ahead and slip it
back into the position by aligning the

back into the position by aligning the

back into the position by aligning the
tabs and using the thumb screws to

tabs and using the thumb screws to

tabs and using the thumb screws to
secure it if you got more go ahead and

secure it if you got more go ahead and

secure it if you got more go ahead and
repeat the process most cases come with

repeat the process most cases come with

repeat the process most cases come with
removable trays for 3 and 1/2 in hard

removable trays for 3 and 1/2 in hard

removable trays for 3 and 1/2 in hard
drives these days usually clipped in

drives these days usually clipped in

drives these days usually clipped in
with two tabs like this pinch them and

with two tabs like this pinch them and

with two tabs like this pinch them and
Slide the tray out to remove it and like

Slide the tray out to remove it and like

Slide the tray out to remove it and like
the 2 and 1/2 in sled it may have holes

the 2 and 1/2 in sled it may have holes

the 2 and 1/2 in sled it may have holes
either on the sides or the bottom

either on the sides or the bottom

either on the sides or the bottom
depending on the manufacturer the drive

depending on the manufacturer the drive

depending on the manufacturer the drive
should face label up with the PCB on the

should face label up with the PCB on the

should face label up with the PCB on the
bottom and its connector should be on

bottom and its connector should be on

bottom and its connector should be on
the side without tabs so that when it

the side without tabs so that when it

the side without tabs so that when it
slides back in they're facing the

slides back in they're facing the

slides back in they're facing the
motherboard tray side of the case many

motherboard tray side of the case many

motherboard tray side of the case many
of these will have shock absorbing

of these will have shock absorbing

of these will have shock absorbing
rubber grommets through which long

rubber grommets through which long

rubber grommets through which long
course threaded 632 screws from the

course threaded 632 screws from the

course threaded 632 screws from the
hardware box are inserted these are the

hardware box are inserted these are the

hardware box are inserted these are the
good ones some however are completely

good ones some however are completely

good ones some however are completely
tooless and these can be kind of

tooless and these can be kind of

tooless and these can be kind of
annoying because you need to kind of

annoying because you need to kind of

annoying because you need to kind of
stretch it around the hard drive to get

stretch it around the hard drive to get

stretch it around the hard drive to get
it to clip into place it never feels

it to clip into place it never feels

it to clip into place it never feels
quite right regardless of the type most

quite right regardless of the type most

quite right regardless of the type most
modern 3 and 1/2 in trays also have 2

modern 3 and 1/2 in trays also have 2

modern 3 and 1/2 in trays also have 2
and 1/2 in mounting holes for ssds too

and 1/2 in mounting holes for ssds too

and 1/2 in mounting holes for ssds too
which follow the same installation steps

which follow the same installation steps

which follow the same installation steps
unless they don't have grommets in which

unless they don't have grommets in which

unless they don't have grommets in which
case you're just going to screw it

case you're just going to screw it

case you're just going to screw it
directly in like the other 2 and 1/2 in

directly in like the other 2 and 1/2 in

directly in like the other 2 and 1/2 in
Drive sleds we mentioned earlier

Drive sleds we mentioned earlier

Drive sleds we mentioned earlier
assuming that's the case screw in the

assuming that's the case screw in the

assuming that's the case screw in the
fine threaded M3 screws from the bottom

fine threaded M3 screws from the bottom

fine threaded M3 screws from the bottom
with the label up and the connectors

with the label up and the connectors

with the label up and the connectors
facing the rear repeat these steps until

facing the rear repeat these steps until

facing the rear repeat these steps until
all of your drives are installed if your

all of your drives are installed if your

all of your drives are installed if your
case is an older design with fixed Mount

case is an older design with fixed Mount

case is an older design with fixed Mount
says is common with extreme budget

says is common with extreme budget

says is common with extreme budget
builds then you'll need to angle the

builds then you'll need to angle the

builds then you'll need to angle the
drive into place and then line it up on

drive into place and then line it up on

drive into place and then line it up on
the rail with the connectors facing

the rail with the connectors facing

the rail with the connectors facing
inside of the case yes it is as messy as

inside of the case yes it is as messy as

inside of the case yes it is as messy as
that sounds when you line it up two

that sounds when you line it up two

that sounds when you line it up two
mounting holes for course threaded 6 32

mounting holes for course threaded 6 32

mounting holes for course threaded 6 32
screws on each side should be visible

screws on each side should be visible

screws on each side should be visible
through the cutouts and while some cases

through the cutouts and while some cases

through the cutouts and while some cases
give you some leeway from mounting it

give you some leeway from mounting it

give you some leeway from mounting it
further forward or rearward you're

further forward or rearward you're

further forward or rearward you're
limited to these holes a lot of people

limited to these holes a lot of people

limited to these holes a lot of people
neglect the screws on the other side but

neglect the screws on the other side but

neglect the screws on the other side but
you're not like them are you you're not

you're not like them are you you're not

you're not like them are you you're not
one of those no of course not I mean if

one of those no of course not I mean if

one of those no of course not I mean if
you need to mount a 2.5 in SSD this way

you need to mount a 2.5 in SSD this way

you need to mount a 2.5 in SSD this way
that's fine they don't have any moving

that's fine they don't have any moving

that's fine they don't have any moving
parts and they're not all that heavy so

parts and they're not all that heavy so

parts and they're not all that heavy so
you can even just like double-sided tape

you can even just like double-sided tape

you can even just like double-sided tape
them to wherever you want if it comes to

them to wherever you want if it comes to

them to wherever you want if it comes to
that but heavy 3.5 in hard drives need

that but heavy 3.5 in hard drives need

that but heavy 3.5 in hard drives need
to be screwed in properly at least if

to be screwed in properly at least if

to be screwed in properly at least if
you want them to last for any period of

you want them to last for any period of

you want them to last for any period of
time you're probably wondering how the

time you're probably wondering how the

time you're probably wondering how the
computer talks to these drives at this

computer talks to these drives at this

computer talks to these drives at this
point and that's where the data cable

point and that's where the data cable

point and that's where the data cable
comes in Serial ATA has made things dead

comes in Serial ATA has made things dead

comes in Serial ATA has made things dead
simple and most motherboards will come

simple and most motherboards will come

simple and most motherboards will come
with cables for it in the Box sometimes

with cables for it in the Box sometimes

with cables for it in the Box sometimes
they'll have locking tabs on them to

they'll have locking tabs on them to

they'll have locking tabs on them to
keep them in place while installing them

keep them in place while installing them

keep them in place while installing them
they'll kind of clip in automatically

they'll kind of clip in automatically

they'll kind of clip in automatically
but to remove them you need to press

but to remove them you need to press

but to remove them you need to press
down on the clip to pull it out

down on the clip to pull it out

down on the clip to pull it out
regardless as to whether or not they

regardless as to whether or not they

regardless as to whether or not they
clip though they're key in an L shape

clip though they're key in an L shape

clip though they're key in an L shape
that makes it very obvious which way is

that makes it very obvious which way is

that makes it very obvious which way is
the right way to insert them line the L

the right way to insert them line the L

the right way to insert them line the L
on the cable up with the L on the drive

on the cable up with the L on the drive

on the cable up with the L on the drive
and just plug it in making sure it's

and just plug it in making sure it's

and just plug it in making sure it's
flush with the drive then route the

flush with the drive then route the

flush with the drive then route the
cable through to your motherboard sounds

cable through to your motherboard sounds

cable through to your motherboard sounds
simple but these are stiff cables that

simple but these are stiff cables that

simple but these are stiff cables that
are tough to Cable manage so you may

are tough to Cable manage so you may

are tough to Cable manage so you may
need to get a little bit creative when

need to get a little bit creative when

need to get a little bit creative when
hiding them especially if the

hiding them especially if the

hiding them especially if the
corresponding connector on your

corresponding connector on your

corresponding connector on your
motherboard isn't facing the edge like

motherboard isn't facing the edge like

motherboard isn't facing the edge like
this and instead sticks up like this

this and instead sticks up like this

this and instead sticks up like this
like the USB 3 connector you'll want to

like the USB 3 connector you'll want to

like the USB 3 connector you'll want to
be care careful while cable managing

be care careful while cable managing

be care careful while cable managing
these if you accidentally overdo it you

these if you accidentally overdo it you

these if you accidentally overdo it you
can break off the L block on the drive

can break off the L block on the drive

can break off the L block on the drive
rendering it useless unless you've got

rendering it useless unless you've got

rendering it useless unless you've got
some pretty mad soldering skills I mean

some pretty mad soldering skills I mean

some pretty mad soldering skills I mean
I guess it's not that difficult but oh

I guess it's not that difficult but oh

I guess it's not that difficult but oh
you don't want to do it anyway go ahead

you don't want to do it anyway go ahead

you don't want to do it anyway go ahead
and connect the other end of the cable

and connect the other end of the cable

and connect the other end of the cable
to the drive now you should check with

to the drive now you should check with

to the drive now you should check with
your motherboard manual which Port

your motherboard manual which Port

your motherboard manual which Port
you're plugging into because some may

you're plugging into because some may

you're plugging into because some may
actually share bandwidth with PCI

actually share bandwidth with PCI

actually share bandwidth with PCI
Express devices especially m.2 drives so

Express devices especially m.2 drives so

Express devices especially m.2 drives so
you may either get worse performance or

you may either get worse performance or

you may either get worse performance or
completely lose the ability to use these

completely lose the ability to use these

completely lose the ability to use these
ports in those circumstances

ports in those circumstances

ports in those circumstances
it's worth mentioning that you'll

it's worth mentioning that you'll

it's worth mentioning that you'll
sometimes get Serial ATA cables with

sometimes get Serial ATA cables with

sometimes get Serial ATA cables with
right angle ends and some with straight

right angle ends and some with straight

right angle ends and some with straight
ends uh what gives with that well right

ends uh what gives with that well right

ends uh what gives with that well right
angle is usually cleaner for hanging off

angle is usually cleaner for hanging off

angle is usually cleaner for hanging off
the back of a hard drive that's

the back of a hard drive that's

the back of a hard drive that's
installed in a removable tray like this

installed in a removable tray like this

installed in a removable tray like this
while straight cables are almost a

while straight cables are almost a

while straight cables are almost a
necessity for 2.5 in ssds mounted on a

necessity for 2.5 in ssds mounted on a

necessity for 2.5 in ssds mounted on a
dedicated tray behind the motherboard or

dedicated tray behind the motherboard or

dedicated tray behind the motherboard or
anywhere else they mount flush with the

anywhere else they mount flush with the

anywhere else they mount flush with the
case they're way cleaner this way and

case they're way cleaner this way and

case they're way cleaner this way and
depending on the orientation it may not

depending on the orientation it may not

depending on the orientation it may not
even be possible to connect a right

even be possible to connect a right

even be possible to connect a right
angle connector on one of these drives

angle connector on one of these drives

angle connector on one of these drives
so saving the straight ones for flush

so saving the straight ones for flush

so saving the straight ones for flush
fitting drives is a good idea what's

fitting drives is a good idea what's

fitting drives is a good idea what's
that other connector for though power

that other connector for though power

that other connector for though power
we'll get to that soon but first this is

we'll get to that soon but first this is

we'll get to that soon but first this is
an excellent time to wire up any case

an excellent time to wire up any case

an excellent time to wire up any case
fans you might have and for builds with

fans you might have and for builds with

fans you might have and for builds with
liquid coolers this is where those come

liquid coolers this is where those come

liquid coolers this is where those come
in if you're going to use a fan

in if you're going to use a fan

in if you're going to use a fan
controller then you should find a

controller then you should find a

controller then you should find a
centrally accessible place for it to go

centrally accessible place for it to go

centrally accessible place for it to go
usually they'll come with an adhesive

usually they'll come with an adhesive

usually they'll come with an adhesive
backing so you can just find your own

backing so you can just find your own

backing so you can just find your own
spot for it and hook it there just don't

spot for it and hook it there just don't

spot for it and hook it there just don't
cover up any holes or cable management

cover up any holes or cable management

cover up any holes or cable management
holes if you can help it we'll deal with

holes if you can help it we'll deal with

holes if you can help it we'll deal with
the power for that later for now let's

the power for that later for now let's

the power for that later for now let's
get to the fans themselves whether

get to the fans themselves whether

get to the fans themselves whether
you're replacing existing fans or

you're replacing existing fans or

you're replacing existing fans or
installing new ones you'll need to pay

installing new ones you'll need to pay

installing new ones you'll need to pay
close attention to the direction the fan

close attention to the direction the fan

close attention to the direction the fan
will blow some people prefer a balanced

will blow some people prefer a balanced

will blow some people prefer a balanced
approach to air flow with equal number

approach to air flow with equal number

approach to air flow with equal number
of fans pulling air in than pushing it

of fans pulling air in than pushing it

of fans pulling air in than pushing it
out while others prefer to have more

out while others prefer to have more

out while others prefer to have more
fans facing in resulting in a slightly

fans facing in resulting in a slightly

fans facing in resulting in a slightly
positive pressure environment inside of

positive pressure environment inside of

positive pressure environment inside of
the case combined with filtered intakes

the case combined with filtered intakes

the case combined with filtered intakes
this can help control dust and debris

this can help control dust and debris

this can help control dust and debris
the opposite negative pressure is not

the opposite negative pressure is not

the opposite negative pressure is not
recommended regardless you want to have

recommended regardless you want to have

recommended regardless you want to have
a direct path for air to travel with

a direct path for air to travel with

a direct path for air to travel with
fresh air being pulled over your hottest

fresh air being pulled over your hottest

fresh air being pulled over your hottest
components so ideally drawing Air at the

components so ideally drawing Air at the

components so ideally drawing Air at the
front and bottom and exhausting it from

front and bottom and exhausting it from

front and bottom and exhausting it from
the top and rear also make sure you

the top and rear also make sure you

the top and rear also make sure you
don't have any intake and exhausts on

don't have any intake and exhausts on

don't have any intake and exhausts on
the same side how you install the fan

the same side how you install the fan

the same side how you install the fan
will be determined by what the fan is

will be determined by what the fan is

will be determined by what the fan is
going to do if the fan is strictly for

going to do if the fan is strictly for

going to do if the fan is strictly for
case air flow then it's as simple as

case air flow then it's as simple as

case air flow then it's as simple as
lining it up with the correct set of

lining it up with the correct set of

lining it up with the correct set of
holes in the location you want it and

holes in the location you want it and

holes in the location you want it and
screwing it in with these chungus fan

screwing it in with these chungus fan

screwing it in with these chungus fan
screws or or little rubber doodads like

screws or or little rubber doodads like

screws or or little rubber doodads like
these ones be sure to keep the fan

these ones be sure to keep the fan

these ones be sure to keep the fan
cabling clear of the blades and Chassis

cabling clear of the blades and Chassis

cabling clear of the blades and Chassis
while you do this and it's optimal to

while you do this and it's optimal to

while you do this and it's optimal to
have the fan cable sticking out of the

have the fan cable sticking out of the

have the fan cable sticking out of the
corner closest to the fan header that

corner closest to the fan header that

corner closest to the fan header that
you expect to use it with usually

you expect to use it with usually

you expect to use it with usually
towards the back panel it helps to not

towards the back panel it helps to not

towards the back panel it helps to not
tighten down all the screws until

tighten down all the screws until

tighten down all the screws until
they're all at least a little bit in and

they're all at least a little bit in and

they're all at least a little bit in and
you'll want to do opposing Corners first

you'll want to do opposing Corners first

you'll want to do opposing Corners first
to stabilize it so that it doesn't slip

to stabilize it so that it doesn't slip

to stabilize it so that it doesn't slip
around on you while you torque in the

around on you while you torque in the

around on you while you torque in the
screws some cheaper cases by the way

screws some cheaper cases by the way

screws some cheaper cases by the way
might warp while you do this leading to

might warp while you do this leading to

might warp while you do this leading to
the unfortunate situation where your fan

the unfortunate situation where your fan

the unfortunate situation where your fan
blades will brush against the chassis

blades will brush against the chassis

blades will brush against the chassis
which is both irritating and not great

which is both irritating and not great

which is both irritating and not great
for air flow you can try to bend out the

for air flow you can try to bend out the

for air flow you can try to bend out the
metal but the best solution in this case

metal but the best solution in this case

metal but the best solution in this case
is to undo the screws a little bit or

is to undo the screws a little bit or

is to undo the screws a little bit or
better yet find something to use as a

better yet find something to use as a

better yet find something to use as a
spacer rinse and repeat for every fan

spacer rinse and repeat for every fan

spacer rinse and repeat for every fan
you need to install if these fans are

you need to install if these fans are

you need to install if these fans are
part of a liquid cooling setup then your

part of a liquid cooling setup then your

part of a liquid cooling setup then your
radiator is going to go in now and you

radiator is going to go in now and you

radiator is going to go in now and you
can put away those chungus fan screws in

can put away those chungus fan screws in

can put away those chungus fan screws in
favor of Slimmer but potentially even

favor of Slimmer but potentially even

favor of Slimmer but potentially even
more chungus screws where the radiator

more chungus screws where the radiator

more chungus screws where the radiator
goes is up to you some people like to

goes is up to you some people like to

goes is up to you some people like to
have it exhaust air out the top of their

have it exhaust air out the top of their

have it exhaust air out the top of their
chassis While others like to have it

chassis While others like to have it

chassis While others like to have it
pull cool air through the front but at

pull cool air through the front but at

pull cool air through the front but at
the end of the day you're probably going

the end of the day you're probably going

the end of the day you're probably going
to put it wherever it fits best which is

to put it wherever it fits best which is

to put it wherever it fits best which is
usually in the top of the case now from

usually in the top of the case now from

usually in the top of the case now from
a performance standpoint it doesn't

a performance standpoint it doesn't

a performance standpoint it doesn't
really matter whether your fans pull air

really matter whether your fans pull air

really matter whether your fans pull air
through the fins or push air through the

through the fins or push air through the

through the fins or push air through the
fins but what it does affect is

fins but what it does affect is

fins but what it does affect is
maintenance I always recommend

maintenance I always recommend

maintenance I always recommend
installing fans in a pole configuration

installing fans in a pole configuration

installing fans in a pole configuration
that allows easy access to the radiator

that allows easy access to the radiator

that allows easy access to the radiator
to clear off dust for Aesthetics you may

to clear off dust for Aesthetics you may

to clear off dust for Aesthetics you may
decide to take a different path but just

decide to take a different path but just

decide to take a different path but just
remember that in 2 years when you're

remember that in 2 years when you're

remember that in 2 years when you're
taking your whole cooler apart so you

taking your whole cooler apart so you

taking your whole cooler apart so you
can get the cat hair out of it I

can get the cat hair out of it I

can get the cat hair out of it I
freaking told you another important

freaking told you another important

freaking told you another important
consideration is that AI coolers are

consideration is that AI coolers are

consideration is that AI coolers are
quieter and last longer the combination

quieter and last longer the combination

quieter and last longer the combination
pump and coal plate is below the area

pump and coal plate is below the area

pump and coal plate is below the area
where the tubes connect to the radiator

where the tubes connect to the radiator

where the tubes connect to the radiator
you want to make sure that any air that

you want to make sure that any air that

you want to make sure that any air that
might be trapped in there Rises to the

might be trapped in there Rises to the

might be trapped in there Rises to the
top and that top is not your pump this

top and that top is not your pump this

top and that top is not your pump this
isn't as much of an issue for custom

isn't as much of an issue for custom

isn't as much of an issue for custom
Loops because the pump is usually going

Loops because the pump is usually going

Loops because the pump is usually going
to end up at the bottom of the case

to end up at the bottom of the case

to end up at the bottom of the case
anyway but if you didn't know this now

anyway but if you didn't know this now

anyway but if you didn't know this now
you do

you do

you do
put your pump down low lining up the

put your pump down low lining up the

put your pump down low lining up the
radiator with fans on the outside is a

radiator with fans on the outside is a

radiator with fans on the outside is a
major pain in the butt which is why some

major pain in the butt which is why some

major pain in the butt which is why some
fans like artics bionics can daisy chain

fans like artics bionics can daisy chain

fans like artics bionics can daisy chain
together with a bridge connector which

together with a bridge connector which

together with a bridge connector which
helps hold them in place regardless you

helps hold them in place regardless you

helps hold them in place regardless you
want all of your cables to be clear the

want all of your cables to be clear the

want all of your cables to be clear the
fans and the radiator pinching them here

fans and the radiator pinching them here

fans and the radiator pinching them here
and having to redo the whole thing sucks

and having to redo the whole thing sucks

and having to redo the whole thing sucks
line everything up like so and then use

line everything up like so and then use

line everything up like so and then use
these long screws to secure Each corner

these long screws to secure Each corner

these long screws to secure Each corner
then the other and then Each corner of

then the other and then Each corner of

then the other and then Each corner of
the fan until you've got them all secure

the fan until you've got them all secure

the fan until you've got them all secure
if you're lucky your case will let you

if you're lucky your case will let you

if you're lucky your case will let you
detach the radiator Mount and make it so

detach the radiator Mount and make it so

detach the radiator Mount and make it so
much easier by just doing the whole

much easier by just doing the whole

much easier by just doing the whole
thing on a bench and dealing with the

thing on a bench and dealing with the

thing on a bench and dealing with the
completed assembly after it gets much

completed assembly after it gets much

completed assembly after it gets much
more Awkward with a front panel Mount

more Awkward with a front panel Mount

more Awkward with a front panel Mount
where you need to basically hold the

where you need to basically hold the

where you need to basically hold the
radiator and fan together like this and

radiator and fan together like this and

radiator and fan together like this and
screw them in one at a time so they

screw them in one at a time so they

screw them in one at a time so they
don't just fall around everywhere again

don't just fall around everywhere again

don't just fall around everywhere again
if your case lets you remove this

if your case lets you remove this

if your case lets you remove this
bracket your life will be so much easier

bracket your life will be so much easier

bracket your life will be so much easier
another key benefit to a pull

another key benefit to a pull

another key benefit to a pull
configuration is that it usually allows

configuration is that it usually allows

configuration is that it usually allows
you to screw all the fans into the

you to screw all the fans into the

you to screw all the fans into the
radiator ahead of time then Mount the

radiator ahead of time then Mount the

radiator ahead of time then Mount the
radiator to the case using these little

radiator to the case using these little

radiator to the case using these little
screws now we're not going to revisit

screws now we're not going to revisit

screws now we're not going to revisit
cooler and thermal compound application

cooler and thermal compound application

cooler and thermal compound application
at this time please go back and refer to

at this time please go back and refer to

at this time please go back and refer to
that section from earlier if you need to

that section from earlier if you need to

that section from earlier if you need to
and don't forget to check your manual as

and don't forget to check your manual as

and don't forget to check your manual as
many all-in-one coolers have their own

many all-in-one coolers have their own

many all-in-one coolers have their own
little installation quirks like for

little installation quirks like for

little installation quirks like for
example the inclusion of a dedicated

example the inclusion of a dedicated

example the inclusion of a dedicated
pump power plug or an extra USB

pump power plug or an extra USB

pump power plug or an extra USB
connection for controlling RGB lighting

connection for controlling RGB lighting

connection for controlling RGB lighting
or even a little built-in screen or an

or even a little built-in screen or an

or even a little built-in screen or an
integrated fan splitter that's

integrated fan splitter that's

integrated fan splitter that's
controlled by the AI through software

controlled by the AI through software

controlled by the AI through software
I'd recommend using that by the way if

I'd recommend using that by the way if

I'd recommend using that by the way if
you've got it because it'll let your

you've got it because it'll let your

you've got it because it'll let your
pump and your fans work together when

pump and your fans work together when

pump and your fans work together when
they need to cool your CPU during a

they need to cool your CPU during a

they need to cool your CPU during a
heavy gaming session now let's power up

heavy gaming session now let's power up

heavy gaming session now let's power up
the rest of our fans if you want them to

the rest of our fans if you want them to

the rest of our fans if you want them to
be controlled by the motherboard you'll

be controlled by the motherboard you'll

be controlled by the motherboard you'll
either need to plug them into a fanhub

either need to plug them into a fanhub

either need to plug them into a fanhub
that is plugged into your motherboard

that is plugged into your motherboard

that is plugged into your motherboard
some cases include these by the way or

some cases include these by the way or

some cases include these by the way or
directly into the motherboard itself

directly into the motherboard itself

directly into the motherboard itself
either individually into their own

either individually into their own

either individually into their own
headers or using Splitters now depending

headers or using Splitters now depending

headers or using Splitters now depending
on how many fans you have you may run

on how many fans you have you may run

on how many fans you have you may run
out of fan headers on the motherboard

out of fan headers on the motherboard

out of fan headers on the motherboard
and you might need to use wi spitters

and you might need to use wi spitters

and you might need to use wi spitters
they won't harm anything but they do

they won't harm anything but they do

they won't harm anything but they do
tend to look a little Messier most of

tend to look a little Messier most of

tend to look a little Messier most of
the time there's at least one case fan

the time there's at least one case fan

the time there's at least one case fan
header to the lower left of the CPU

header to the lower left of the CPU

header to the lower left of the CPU
socket and there are usually at least

socket and there are usually at least

socket and there are usually at least
another two on the lower right edge of

another two on the lower right edge of

another two on the lower right edge of
the motherboard but motherboard

the motherboard but motherboard

the motherboard but motherboard
manufacturers do strange things

manufacturers do strange things

manufacturers do strange things
sometimes so if you can't find your fan

sometimes so if you can't find your fan

sometimes so if you can't find your fan
headers of course check your manual

headers of course check your manual

headers of course check your manual
plugging them in is the same as any

plugging them in is the same as any

plugging them in is the same as any
other fan like we already did for the

other fan like we already did for the

other fan like we already did for the
CPU just align the tabs on the cable

CPU just align the tabs on the cable

CPU just align the tabs on the cable
with the tab on the board cable managing

with the tab on the board cable managing

with the tab on the board cable managing
them though can be a bit of a challenge

them though can be a bit of a challenge

them though can be a bit of a challenge
for the exhaust fan next to the io panel

for the exhaust fan next to the io panel

for the exhaust fan next to the io panel
you can usually run it through and

you can usually run it through and

you can usually run it through and
bundle it up against the motherboard's

bundle it up against the motherboard's

bundle it up against the motherboard's
io section for a clean look but intake

io section for a clean look but intake

io section for a clean look but intake
fans can be trickier still do your best

fans can be trickier still do your best

fans can be trickier still do your best
with it RGB wiring can also end up

with it RGB wiring can also end up

with it RGB wiring can also end up
really messy look at all the cabling

really messy look at all the cabling

really messy look at all the cabling
that requires thankfully companies have

that requires thankfully companies have

that requires thankfully companies have
begun shipping fans both with RGB and

begun shipping fans both with RGB and

begun shipping fans both with RGB and
without that can daisy chain together so

without that can daisy chain together so

without that can daisy chain together so
only a single fan needs to be wired up

only a single fan needs to be wired up

only a single fan needs to be wired up
the traditional way but if you're not

the traditional way but if you're not

the traditional way but if you're not
lucky enough or wealthy enough to have

lucky enough or wealthy enough to have

lucky enough or wealthy enough to have
those well I hope you like cable

management most of this can be hidden

management most of this can be hidden
behind the motherboard tray temporarily

behind the motherboard tray temporarily

behind the motherboard tray temporarily
we'll come back to this later for now

we'll come back to this later for now

we'll come back to this later for now
step 12 power supply if you're counting

step 12 power supply if you're counting

step 12 power supply if you're counting
this has been many many more steps than

this has been many many more steps than

this has been many many more steps than
12 and you're probably sick of wearing

12 and you're probably sick of wearing

12 and you're probably sick of wearing
that anti-static strap well good news

that anti-static strap well good news

that anti-static strap well good news
it's time to get the power supply in to

it's time to get the power supply in to

it's time to get the power supply in to
ground the whole dang computer if you've

ground the whole dang computer if you've

ground the whole dang computer if you've
been following along your power supply

been following along your power supply

been following along your power supply
is already out of its box and connect it

is already out of its box and connect it

is already out of its box and connect it
to the wall go ahead and disconnect it

to the wall go ahead and disconnect it

to the wall go ahead and disconnect it
now turn your case around and look at

now turn your case around and look at

now turn your case around and look at
the power supply cutout are there thumb

the power supply cutout are there thumb

the power supply cutout are there thumb
screws if so remove those to free the

screws if so remove those to free the

screws if so remove those to free the
back plate this plate and plates like it

back plate this plate and plates like it

back plate this plate and plates like it
sometimes make it a little bit easier to

sometimes make it a little bit easier to

sometimes make it a little bit easier to
install later the orientation of the

install later the orientation of the

install later the orientation of the
power supply determines which screw

power supply determines which screw

power supply determines which screw
holes you'll end up using and the ideal

holes you'll end up using and the ideal

holes you'll end up using and the ideal
is to have the fan facing downward

is to have the fan facing downward

is to have the fan facing downward
pulling air up through a filtered intake

pulling air up through a filtered intake

pulling air up through a filtered intake
at the bottom of your case if there is

at the bottom of your case if there is

at the bottom of your case if there is
not an intake there you'll want to mount

not an intake there you'll want to mount

not an intake there you'll want to mount
it fan up unless you want to starve it

it fan up unless you want to starve it

it fan up unless you want to starve it
for air flow and

for air flow and

for air flow and
spoiler alert you do not want to start

spoiler alert you do not want to start

spoiler alert you do not want to start
it for air flow begin plugging in your

it for air flow begin plugging in your

it for air flow begin plugging in your
power supply cables if you've got a

power supply cables if you've got a

power supply cables if you've got a
modular unit now the end for the power

modular unit now the end for the power

modular unit now the end for the power
supply will usually have a PSU marking

supply will usually have a PSU marking

supply will usually have a PSU marking
to tell you where it goes first grab the

to tell you where it goes first grab the

to tell you where it goes first grab the
power connectors for your GPU if you

power connectors for your GPU if you

power connectors for your GPU if you
haven't already it'll be some

haven't already it'll be some

haven't already it'll be some
combination of one to three six pin or8

combination of one to three six pin or8

combination of one to three six pin or8
pin connectors or it might be one of

pin connectors or it might be one of

pin connectors or it might be one of
those new fangled Nvidia 12 pin or ATX

those new fangled Nvidia 12 pin or ATX

those new fangled Nvidia 12 pin or ATX
12vt high power connectors in which case

12vt high power connectors in which case

12vt high power connectors in which case
you'll need to grab the adapter bundled

you'll need to grab the adapter bundled

you'll need to grab the adapter bundled
with your GPU if your power supply

with your GPU if your power supply

with your GPU if your power supply
doesn't have one in the box just be

doesn't have one in the box just be

doesn't have one in the box just be
careful when you're identifying those

careful when you're identifying those

careful when you're identifying those
12volt high power connectors some can

12volt high power connectors some can

12volt high power connectors some can
handle more wattage than others and the

handle more wattage than others and the

handle more wattage than others and the
labels can be small and hard to read if

labels can be small and hard to read if

labels can be small and hard to read if
you're still not sure well there's still

you're still not sure well there's still

you're still not sure well there's still
that adapter to convert your older style

that adapter to convert your older style

that adapter to convert your older style
cables in your gpus box speaking of it's

cables in your gpus box speaking of it's

cables in your gpus box speaking of it's
worth noting that these daisy chain

worth noting that these daisy chain

worth noting that these daisy chain
connectors and six plus two pin

connectors and six plus two pin

connectors and six plus two pin
connectors aren't inherently evil but

connectors aren't inherently evil but

connectors aren't inherently evil but
it's preferred to use individual cables

it's preferred to use individual cables

it's preferred to use individual cables
with actual dedicated conductors for

with actual dedicated conductors for

with actual dedicated conductors for
each pin if possible once you're

each pin if possible once you're

each pin if possible once you're
satisfied with your choice

satisfied with your choice

satisfied with your choice
clip them into place making sure they're

clip them into place making sure they're

clip them into place making sure they're
fully seated and Route the cable

fully seated and Route the cable

fully seated and Route the cable
somewhere accessible for now it's time

somewhere accessible for now it's time

somewhere accessible for now it's time
to install the PSU itself if you've got

to install the PSU itself if you've got

to install the PSU itself if you've got
a back plate go ahead and attach it to

a back plate go ahead and attach it to

a back plate go ahead and attach it to
your power supply Now using coar

your power supply Now using coar

your power supply Now using coar
threaded 632 screws most of these back

threaded 632 screws most of these back

threaded 632 screws most of these back
plates are going to have enough

plates are going to have enough

plates are going to have enough
clearance to put in all four screws but

clearance to put in all four screws but

clearance to put in all four screws but
if your switch gets in the way for

if your switch gets in the way for

if your switch gets in the way for
example don't stress you can put in

example don't stress you can put in

example don't stress you can put in
three screws it's going to be okay once

three screws it's going to be okay once

three screws it's going to be okay once
it's secure feed the wires through the

it's secure feed the wires through the

it's secure feed the wires through the
power supply mount on your case and

power supply mount on your case and

power supply mount on your case and
Slide the power supply into position

Slide the power supply into position

Slide the power supply into position
it's a at this point that you'll want to

it's a at this point that you'll want to

it's a at this point that you'll want to
connect your 12volt CPU cables to your

connect your 12volt CPU cables to your

connect your 12volt CPU cables to your
power supply if you've got a modular

power supply if you've got a modular

power supply if you've got a modular
unit next if you've got a back plate all

unit next if you've got a back plate all

unit next if you've got a back plate all
you need to do now is tighten the thumb

you need to do now is tighten the thumb

you need to do now is tighten the thumb
screws but if you're raw dogging it this

screws but if you're raw dogging it this

screws but if you're raw dogging it this
is where you'll screw the power supply

is where you'll screw the power supply

is where you'll screw the power supply
into the back of your case pay attention

into the back of your case pay attention

into the back of your case pay attention
to which of the mounting holes on the

to which of the mounting holes on the

to which of the mounting holes on the
case have screw threading from the power

case have screw threading from the power

case have screw threading from the power
supply behind them though it is very

supply behind them though it is very

supply behind them though it is very
easy to make the mistake of accidentally

easy to make the mistake of accidentally

easy to make the mistake of accidentally
screwing into one of the honeycomb

screwing into one of the honeycomb

screwing into one of the honeycomb
shaped holes that are for ventilation on

shaped holes that are for ventilation on

shaped holes that are for ventilation on
the back of the power supply that is not

the back of the power supply that is not

the back of the power supply that is not
actually

actually

actually
secure if you don't have a modular power

secure if you don't have a modular power

secure if you don't have a modular power
supply handling the 12vt CPU cables will

supply handling the 12vt CPU cables will

supply handling the 12vt CPU cables will
be a little trickier at this stage but

be a little trickier at this stage but

be a little trickier at this stage but
if you got small hands or a high pain

if you got small hands or a high pain

if you got small hands or a high pain
threshold you can make it work line up

threshold you can make it work line up

threshold you can make it work line up
the tabs and click them into place make

the tabs and click them into place make

the tabs and click them into place make
sure that they're in there before moving

sure that they're in there before moving

sure that they're in there before moving
on by the way because if you really

on by the way because if you really

on by the way because if you really
can't get in there there is no shame in

can't get in there there is no shame in

can't get in there there is no shame in
pulling off your CPU heat SN temporarily

pulling off your CPU heat SN temporarily

pulling off your CPU heat SN temporarily
now and putting it back on when you're

now and putting it back on when you're

now and putting it back on when you're
done at this point the instructions are

done at this point the instructions are

done at this point the instructions are
the same between modular and non-modular

the same between modular and non-modular

the same between modular and non-modular
power supplies it's time for your 24 pin

power supplies it's time for your 24 pin

power supplies it's time for your 24 pin
ATX connector separate that cable from

ATX connector separate that cable from

ATX connector separate that cable from
the others and fish the cable out

the others and fish the cable out

the others and fish the cable out
through the nearest Cable Management

through the nearest Cable Management

through the nearest Cable Management
hole to your motherboard's 24 pin

hole to your motherboard's 24 pin

hole to your motherboard's 24 pin
connector from here it's just like

connector from here it's just like

connector from here it's just like
before line up the tabs and press it in

before line up the tabs and press it in

before line up the tabs and press it in
until it clicks with that done you can

until it clicks with that done you can

until it clicks with that done you can
use the peripheral cables to wire up

use the peripheral cables to wire up

use the peripheral cables to wire up
power to any drives or fan controllers

power to any drives or fan controllers

power to any drives or fan controllers
you have installed in your system

you have installed in your system

you have installed in your system
usually these have just enough spacing

usually these have just enough spacing

usually these have just enough spacing
between the connectors to line up neatly

between the connectors to line up neatly

between the connectors to line up neatly
with hard drive stacked in a bay like

with hard drive stacked in a bay like

with hard drive stacked in a bay like
this plugging these power cables in is

this plugging these power cables in is

this plugging these power cables in is
the same as plugging in the SATA data

the same as plugging in the SATA data

the same as plugging in the SATA data
cable just line up the little l-shape

cable just line up the little l-shape

cable just line up the little l-shape
and press it into place these ones

and press it into place these ones

and press it into place these ones
usually don't have locking connectors

usually don't have locking connectors

usually don't have locking connectors
though so make sure it's on straight

though so make sure it's on straight

though so make sure it's on straight
before moving on this will also tell you

before moving on this will also tell you

before moving on this will also tell you
if you've accidentally half connected it

if you've accidentally half connected it

if you've accidentally half connected it
upside down which is a thing that you

upside down which is a thing that you

upside down which is a thing that you
can do even today you'll need to

can do even today you'll need to

can do even today you'll need to
occasionally install these Molex

occasionally install these Molex

occasionally install these Molex
connectors instead of SATA power

connectors instead of SATA power

connectors instead of SATA power
connectors and they're a bit of a pain

connectors and they're a bit of a pain

connectors and they're a bit of a pain
because of how big they are but on the

because of how big they are but on the

because of how big they are but on the
bright side they're really difficult to

bright side they're really difficult to

bright side they're really difficult to
install wrong you can also use them for

install wrong you can also use them for

install wrong you can also use them for
just 12 Vols and 5 volts to connect up

just 12 Vols and 5 volts to connect up

just 12 Vols and 5 volts to connect up
to your project if you really want to

to your project if you really want to

to your project if you really want to
they have a beveled Edge on one side and

they have a beveled Edge on one side and

they have a beveled Edge on one side and
they fit quite snugly so much so that

they fit quite snugly so much so that

they fit quite snugly so much so that
the sometimes push the pins out of

the sometimes push the pins out of

the sometimes push the pins out of
things like fan adapters this happens

things like fan adapters this happens

things like fan adapters this happens
slip the pin back into place it should

slip the pin back into place it should

slip the pin back into place it should
just clip in there then try again just

just clip in there then try again just

just clip in there then try again just
be patient and line it up correctly

be patient and line it up correctly

be patient and line it up correctly
finally your power supply might have

finally your power supply might have

finally your power supply might have
come with a button like this one this is

come with a button like this one this is

come with a button like this one this is
usually for hybrid fan control in the O

usually for hybrid fan control in the O

usually for hybrid fan control in the O
position the fan will only power up

position the fan will only power up

position the fan will only power up
while load or heat levels are high

while load or heat levels are high

while load or heat levels are high
enough while in the in position the fan

enough while in the in position the fan

enough while in the in position the fan
will just always be on there's little

will just always be on there's little

will just always be on there's little
reason to have it in the in position

reason to have it in the in position

reason to have it in the in position
unless you're counting on your PSU

unless you're counting on your PSU

unless you're counting on your PSU
contributing as a case fan so just leave

contributing as a case fan so just leave

contributing as a case fan so just leave
it out for lower nose levels but wait

it out for lower nose levels but wait

it out for lower nose levels but wait
did I say finally there's still

did I say finally there's still

did I say finally there's still
something we haven't plugged in yet the

something we haven't plugged in yet the

something we haven't plugged in yet the
GPU if you're lucky enough to have one

GPU if you're lucky enough to have one

GPU if you're lucky enough to have one
that is prices are still on the moon as

that is prices are still on the moon as

that is prices are still on the moon as
of early 2024 but if you follow our

of early 2024 but if you follow our

of early 2024 but if you follow our
guide for buying one used even if you

guide for buying one used even if you

guide for buying one used even if you
have a skinny wallet you should be able

have a skinny wallet you should be able

have a skinny wallet you should be able
to get something decent first you need

to get something decent first you need

to get something decent first you need
to figure out which slot you should use

to figure out which slot you should use

to figure out which slot you should use
for ITX motherboards this going to be

for ITX motherboards this going to be

for ITX motherboards this going to be
obvious

obvious

obvious
the slot the one you get but things get

the slot the one you get but things get

the slot the one you get but things get
a little murkier the larger you go as a

a little murkier the larger you go as a

a little murkier the larger you go as a
rule of thumb the top most slot is

rule of thumb the top most slot is

rule of thumb the top most slot is
usually the best it's almost always

usually the best it's almost always

usually the best it's almost always
connected directly to the CPU for

connected directly to the CPU for

connected directly to the CPU for
maximum bandwidth and you'll often see

maximum bandwidth and you'll often see

maximum bandwidth and you'll often see
this pointed out in your motherboard's

this pointed out in your motherboard's

this pointed out in your motherboard's
manual as well once you've determined

manual as well once you've determined

manual as well once you've determined
the right slot you'll need to remove the

the right slot you'll need to remove the

the right slot you'll need to remove the
corresponding slot covers usually by

corresponding slot covers usually by

corresponding slot covers usually by
simply removing the screws that hold

simply removing the screws that hold

simply removing the screws that hold
them in place but on some cheaper cases

them in place but on some cheaper cases

them in place but on some cheaper cases
you'll need to break them off instead

you'll need to break them off instead

you'll need to break them off instead
and if if so be care full it's simple

and if if so be care full it's simple

and if if so be care full it's simple
enough to do you can push it down with a

enough to do you can push it down with a

enough to do you can push it down with a
screwdriver and then finish the job with

screwdriver and then finish the job with

screwdriver and then finish the job with
your fingers but if you're too

your fingers but if you're too

your fingers but if you're too
aggressive you could slip and when it

aggressive you could slip and when it

aggressive you could slip and when it
finally snaps off that's a bad

finally snaps off that's a bad

finally snaps off that's a bad
time um I've gotten bit by cheap cases

time um I've gotten bit by cheap cases

time um I've gotten bit by cheap cases
before and

before and

before and
uh it it it there was there was a mess

uh it it it there was there was a mess

uh it it it there was there was a mess
for a while be patient and just use a

for a while be patient and just use a

for a while be patient and just use a
gentle up and down motion don't twists

gentle up and down motion don't twists

gentle up and down motion don't twists
push or pull it'll come free before long

push or pull it'll come free before long

push or pull it'll come free before long
just just fatigue the metal and it'll

just just fatigue the metal and it'll

just just fatigue the metal and it'll
just come right off now the the covers

just come right off now the the covers

just come right off now the the covers
are gone make sure the tab at the end of

are gone make sure the tab at the end of

are gone make sure the tab at the end of
the slot is pushed back if there is one

the slot is pushed back if there is one

the slot is pushed back if there is one
then line up the card with the slot and

then line up the card with the slot and

then line up the card with the slot and
press it in it should slide in

press it in it should slide in

press it in it should slide in
relatively easily and the clip at the

relatively easily and the clip at the

relatively easily and the clip at the
back will snap shut once it's all the

back will snap shut once it's all the

back will snap shut once it's all the
way in next line up the gpu's bracket

way in next line up the gpu's bracket

way in next line up the gpu's bracket
with the holes on the case that used to

with the holes on the case that used to

with the holes on the case that used to
hold in those slot covers and use the

hold in those slot covers and use the

hold in those slot covers and use the
screws you either removed previously or

screws you either removed previously or

screws you either removed previously or
retrieved from your accessories bundle

retrieved from your accessories bundle

retrieved from your accessories bundle
to secure it into place a coar threaded

to secure it into place a coar threaded

to secure it into place a coar threaded
632 screw is usually the right one for

632 screw is usually the right one for

632 screw is usually the right one for
the job here if you're not too sure but

the job here if you're not too sure but

the job here if you're not too sure but
some cases are a little bit different if

some cases are a little bit different if

some cases are a little bit different if
you have a multi-lot GPU and you find

you have a multi-lot GPU and you find

you have a multi-lot GPU and you find
yourself with only one screw for some

yourself with only one screw for some

yourself with only one screw for some
reason put it on any other slot than the

reason put it on any other slot than the

reason put it on any other slot than the
top one for best results you still have

top one for best results you still have

top one for best results you still have
all your screws though right by the way

all your screws though right by the way

all your screws though right by the way
this is the GPU section but what you

this is the GPU section but what you

this is the GPU section but what you
just did should work with any PCI

just did should work with any PCI

just did should work with any PCI
Express expansion card unlike most cards

Express expansion card unlike most cards

Express expansion card unlike most cards
some big gpus might sag a bit even after

some big gpus might sag a bit even after

some big gpus might sag a bit even after
you've secured them into place and some

you've secured them into place and some

you've secured them into place and some
cards even come with adjustable anti-ag

cards even come with adjustable anti-ag

cards even come with adjustable anti-ag
brackets or spacers that you can sit on

brackets or spacers that you can sit on

brackets or spacers that you can sit on
the bottom of your chassi this isn't

the bottom of your chassi this isn't

the bottom of your chassi this isn't
strictly necessary but it just keeps

strictly necessary but it just keeps

strictly necessary but it just keeps
everything looking nice and reduces the

everything looking nice and reduces the

everything looking nice and reduces the
risk that something will break if you

risk that something will break if you

risk that something will break if you
move your PC just slip it into place and

move your PC just slip it into place and

move your PC just slip it into place and
Slide the bracket up until it's holding

Slide the bracket up until it's holding

Slide the bracket up until it's holding
your GPU at the right height then

your GPU at the right height then

your GPU at the right height then
tighten it so it stays there other

tighten it so it stays there other

tighten it so it stays there other
Solutions may involve drilling into your

Solutions may involve drilling into your

Solutions may involve drilling into your
case or some cases even include a sag

case or some cases even include a sag

case or some cases even include a sag
bracket on their own now it's time to

bracket on their own now it's time to

bracket on their own now it's time to
run power to your GPU we already

run power to your GPU we already

run power to your GPU we already
determined which cables we need and how

determined which cables we need and how

determined which cables we need and how
many when we install their power supply

many when we install their power supply

many when we install their power supply
so grab those and Route them through the

so grab those and Route them through the

so grab those and Route them through the
appropriate Cable Management hole

appropriate Cable Management hole

appropriate Cable Management hole
according to your preference some people

according to your preference some people

according to your preference some people
like to come in from behind the GPU and

like to come in from behind the GPU and

like to come in from behind the GPU and
others like the cables coming straight

others like the cables coming straight

others like the cables coming straight
up from the basement like me whichever

up from the basement like me whichever

up from the basement like me whichever
you choose you should make sure you have

you choose you should make sure you have

you choose you should make sure you have
enough slack to get them into position

enough slack to get them into position

enough slack to get them into position
and that it's clear of all other cables

and that it's clear of all other cables

and that it's clear of all other cables
to simplify your cable management just

to simplify your cable management just

to simplify your cable management just
like with the 12volt CPU connectors PCI

like with the 12volt CPU connectors PCI

like with the 12volt CPU connectors PCI
Express connectors are keyed to only go

Express connectors are keyed to only go

Express connectors are keyed to only go
one way although a six pin cable can be

one way although a six pin cable can be

one way although a six pin cable can be
inserted to an 8 pin connector if you're

inserted to an 8 pin connector if you're

inserted to an 8 pin connector if you're
not careful this won't harm anything but

not careful this won't harm anything but

not careful this won't harm anything but
the GPU will probably complain and

the GPU will probably complain and

the GPU will probably complain and
prevent you from booting if you try

prevent you from booting if you try

prevent you from booting if you try
regardless of how many pins you're

regardless of how many pins you're

regardless of how many pins you're
looking at select the matching cable

looking at select the matching cable

looking at select the matching cable
line up the tabs and click them into

line up the tabs and click them into

line up the tabs and click them into
place again make sure they're fully

place again make sure they're fully

place again make sure they're fully
seated once you're done especially if

seated once you're done especially if

seated once you're done especially if
you're using the ATX 12volt high power

you're using the ATX 12volt high power

you're using the ATX 12volt high power
connector it's often quite stiff so you

connector it's often quite stiff so you

connector it's often quite stiff so you
might be tempted to to bend it so it's

might be tempted to to bend it so it's

might be tempted to to bend it so it's
not sticking out so far but please do

not sticking out so far but please do

not sticking out so far but please do
not let it curve if your power supply

not let it curve if your power supply

not let it curve if your power supply
cables are 6 plus2 like this and you

cables are 6 plus2 like this and you

cables are 6 plus2 like this and you
need to make it go into an 8 Pin

need to make it go into an 8 Pin

need to make it go into an 8 Pin
receptacle just make sure the two pieces

receptacle just make sure the two pieces

receptacle just make sure the two pieces
are coupled together so the pins are

are coupled together so the pins are

are coupled together so the pins are
flush and the separate two pin connector

flush and the separate two pin connector

flush and the separate two pin connector
can't move once it's plugged in it's no

can't move once it's plugged in it's no

can't move once it's plugged in it's no
good if they're only partway installed

good if they're only partway installed

good if they're only partway installed
congratulations you've just finished

congratulations you've just finished

congratulations you've just finished
building your PC except you haven't

building your PC except you haven't

building your PC except you haven't
really finished not quite yet if you've

really finished not quite yet if you've

really finished not quite yet if you've
been following the guide up till now you

been following the guide up till now you

been following the guide up till now you
should have reasonably well-managed

should have reasonably well-managed

should have reasonably well-managed
cables but they're all going be kind of

cables but they're all going be kind of

cables but they're all going be kind of
loose and not very tidy on most modern

loose and not very tidy on most modern

loose and not very tidy on most modern
cases you should have at the very least

cases you should have at the very least

cases you should have at the very least
little Hoops to slip cable ties through

little Hoops to slip cable ties through

little Hoops to slip cable ties through
to provide a solid anchor for the cables

to provide a solid anchor for the cables

to provide a solid anchor for the cables
that are running around your case you

that are running around your case you

that are running around your case you
can use single-use zip ties to bundle

can use single-use zip ties to bundle

can use single-use zip ties to bundle
cables together more tightly and for

cables together more tightly and for

cables together more tightly and for
cables that route together like the

cables that route together like the

cables that route together like the
12volt CPU and pcie cables you might

12volt CPU and pcie cables you might

12volt CPU and pcie cables you might
want to do so to keep them neat but you

want to do so to keep them neat but you

want to do so to keep them neat but you
also might want to use reusable hook and

also might want to use reusable hook and

also might want to use reusable hook and
loop ties for the main runs which can

loop ties for the main runs which can

loop ties for the main runs which can
both add a modern look and be a godsend

both add a modern look and be a godsend

both add a modern look and be a godsend
if you ever need to add or move any

if you ever need to add or move any

if you ever need to add or move any
cables in the future take it from me if

cables in the future take it from me if

cables in the future take it from me if
you have to snip a zip tie you're

you have to snip a zip tie you're

you have to snip a zip tie you're
probably not going to replace it and

probably not going to replace it and

probably not going to replace it and
you'll end up just undoing all the hard

you'll end up just undoing all the hard

you'll end up just undoing all the hard
work you've done today the platonic

work you've done today the platonic

work you've done today the platonic
ideal of cable management is a single

ideal of cable management is a single

ideal of cable management is a single
trunk of cables where little branches

trunk of cables where little branches

trunk of cables where little branches
come off and go wherever they need to go

come off and go wherever they need to go

come off and go wherever they need to go
with no overlap unfortunately cables are

with no overlap unfortunately cables are

with no overlap unfortunately cables are
finite in length so unless you

finite in length so unless you

finite in length so unless you
pre-measured and picked up some custom

pre-measured and picked up some custom

pre-measured and picked up some custom
length cable mod cables or something

length cable mod cables or something

length cable mod cables or something
you'll almost always have to improvise

you'll almost always have to improvise

you'll almost always have to improvise
we've actually got a full video on cable

we've actually got a full video on cable

we've actually got a full video on cable
management that you can go check out

management that you can go check out

management that you can go check out
here but for now let's get to

tidying troubleshooting is a whole other

tidying troubleshooting is a whole other
kettle of fish but here are some quick

kettle of fish but here are some quick

kettle of fish but here are some quick
things that you can do if you don't get

things that you can do if you don't get

things that you can do if you don't get
any output and you're sure that the

any output and you're sure that the

any output and you're sure that the
power supply and the outlet it's plugged

power supply and the outlet it's plugged

power supply and the outlet it's plugged
into are both switched on check all your

into are both switched on check all your

into are both switched on check all your
cables first these are the most likely

cables first these are the most likely

cables first these are the most likely
culprits then check your RAM and your

culprits then check your RAM and your

culprits then check your RAM and your
expansion slots to make sure that they

expansion slots to make sure that they

expansion slots to make sure that they
are properly seated if your PC is

are properly seated if your PC is

are properly seated if your PC is
powering on but you're not getting any

powering on but you're not getting any

powering on but you're not getting any
display make sure you've plugged your

display make sure you've plugged your

display make sure you've plugged your
monitor into your graphics card rather

monitor into your graphics card rather

monitor into your graphics card rather
than into your motherboard directly you

than into your motherboard directly you

than into your motherboard directly you
can also check the diagnostic LEDs on

can also check the diagnostic LEDs on

can also check the diagnostic LEDs on
your motherboard Asus has a little stop

your motherboard Asus has a little stop

your motherboard Asus has a little stop
light that goes along with this where

light that goes along with this where

light that goes along with this where
red means CPU orange means memory white

red means CPU orange means memory white

red means CPU orange means memory white
means GPU and green means good others

means GPU and green means good others

means GPU and green means good others
might have LEDs that light up for each

might have LEDs that light up for each

might have LEDs that light up for each
section of the motherboard that's been

section of the motherboard that's been

section of the motherboard that's been
initialized as well you just might have

initialized as well you just might have

initialized as well you just might have
to look them up in your motherboard's

to look them up in your motherboard's

to look them up in your motherboard's
manual to figure out exactly which codes

manual to figure out exactly which codes

manual to figure out exactly which codes
and which numbers and letters correspond

and which numbers and letters correspond

and which numbers and letters correspond
to what one of the codes is 0 if you get

to what one of the codes is 0 if you get

to what one of the codes is 0 if you get
this one you should try reting your CPU

this one you should try reting your CPU

this one you should try reting your CPU
and firing it up again if your system

and firing it up again if your system

and firing it up again if your system
simply isn't powering on but is getting

simply isn't powering on but is getting

simply isn't powering on but is getting
power you might have a short this is an

power you might have a short this is an

power you might have a short this is an
annoying problem to diagnose but the

annoying problem to diagnose but the

annoying problem to diagnose but the
most common culprit is an extra standoff

most common culprit is an extra standoff

most common culprit is an extra standoff
between the motherboard tray and the

between the motherboard tray and the

between the motherboard tray and the
back of the motherboard or some errant

back of the motherboard or some errant

back of the motherboard or some errant
piece of metallic something sitting

piece of metallic something sitting

piece of metallic something sitting
bridging two pins if you're still having

bridging two pins if you're still having

bridging two pins if you're still having
trouble you can always hit up the Linus

trouble you can always hit up the Linus

trouble you can always hit up the Linus
tips.com Forum to get more help now that

tips.com Forum to get more help now that

tips.com Forum to get more help now that
you've got the ufi bio setup screen the

you've got the ufi bio setup screen the

you've got the ufi bio setup screen the
very first things you should do do in

very first things you should do do in

very first things you should do do in
order are check your CPU temperatures

order are check your CPU temperatures

order are check your CPU temperatures
check that all your RAM is showing up

check that all your RAM is showing up

check that all your RAM is showing up
and check that your storage is showing

and check that your storage is showing

and check that your storage is showing
up if all of that looks good then you

up if all of that looks good then you

up if all of that looks good then you
can continue on otherwise you'll need to

can continue on otherwise you'll need to

can continue on otherwise you'll need to
power down and resat your cooler memory

power down and resat your cooler memory

power down and resat your cooler memory
or storage devices until they all show

or storage devices until they all show

or storage devices until they all show
up one unintuitive thing is sometimes

up one unintuitive thing is sometimes

up one unintuitive thing is sometimes
you might have some memory that's not

you might have some memory that's not

you might have some memory that's not
showing up and it's actually caused by

showing up and it's actually caused by

showing up and it's actually caused by
your CPU not being seated in the socket

your CPU not being seated in the socket

your CPU not being seated in the socket
correctly so you might have to resat

correctly so you might have to resat

correctly so you might have to resat
that and with that your PC is now built

that and with that your PC is now built

that and with that your PC is now built
whoa hang on your Ram's not running at

whoa hang on your Ram's not running at

whoa hang on your Ram's not running at
the right speed what's up with that time

the right speed what's up with that time

the right speed what's up with that time
to adjust some common settings first to

to adjust some common settings first to

to adjust some common settings first to
fix your RAM speed you'll want to enable

fix your RAM speed you'll want to enable

fix your RAM speed you'll want to enable
XMP or Expo which are memory

XMP or Expo which are memory

XMP or Expo which are memory
overclocking features for Intel and AMD

overclocking features for Intel and AMD

overclocking features for Intel and AMD
respectively this will automatically

respectively this will automatically

respectively this will automatically
adjust the frequency the timings and the

adjust the frequency the timings and the

adjust the frequency the timings and the
voltage to what's on the package rather

voltage to what's on the package rather

voltage to what's on the package rather
than you know the defaults and it's

than you know the defaults and it's

than you know the defaults and it's
almost certainly what you want unless

almost certainly what you want unless

almost certainly what you want unless
you're running ECC memory or even if you

you're running ECC memory or even if you

you're running ECC memory or even if you
are on an overclockable workstation

are on an overclockable workstation

are on an overclockable workstation
platform like thread Ripper 7000 it

platform like thread Ripper 7000 it

platform like thread Ripper 7000 it
should be noted though that because this

should be noted though that because this

should be noted though that because this
is technically overclocking it can be

is technically overclocking it can be

is technically overclocking it can be
unstable that's why some prefer to keep

unstable that's why some prefer to keep

unstable that's why some prefer to keep
it disabled until they have the

it disabled until they have the

it disabled until they have the
operating system installed and they're

operating system installed and they're

operating system installed and they're
sure the rest of their PC is working

sure the rest of their PC is working

sure the rest of their PC is working
correctly that's a pretty good idea just

correctly that's a pretty good idea just

correctly that's a pretty good idea just
remember to come back and do it later or

remember to come back and do it later or

remember to come back and do it later or
you could be leaving some performance on

you could be leaving some performance on

you could be leaving some performance on
the table speaking of you'll also want

the table speaking of you'll also want

the table speaking of you'll also want
to check the status of the multi-core

to check the status of the multi-core

to check the status of the multi-core
enhancement setting usually this is an

enhancement setting usually this is an

enhancement setting usually this is an
advanced option if it's even present on

advanced option if it's even present on

advanced option if it's even present on
your motherboard at all there are a

your motherboard at all there are a

your motherboard at all there are a
bunch of different names for it so here

bunch of different names for it so here

bunch of different names for it so here
are some of the common ones found in

are some of the common ones found in

are some of the common ones found in
boards from from major vendors

boards from from major vendors

boards from from major vendors
regardless of the name it tweaks or

regardless of the name it tweaks or

regardless of the name it tweaks or
removes your cpu's limits so it can

removes your cpu's limits so it can

removes your cpu's limits so it can
turbo more aggressively and for far

turbo more aggressively and for far

turbo more aggressively and for far
longer than it normally would improving

longer than it normally would improving

longer than it normally would improving
performance at the cost of extra heat

performance at the cost of extra heat

performance at the cost of extra heat
and vice versa stock operation is with

and vice versa stock operation is with

and vice versa stock operation is with
this setting disabled of course but if

this setting disabled of course but if

this setting disabled of course but if
you have a beefy cooler you might want

you have a beefy cooler you might want

you have a beefy cooler you might want
to use it to get a little more oomph out

to use it to get a little more oomph out

to use it to get a little more oomph out
of your Hardware most other settings can

of your Hardware most other settings can

of your Hardware most other settings can
be left at their defaults although if

be left at their defaults although if

be left at their defaults although if
you're installing Windows 11 you should

you're installing Windows 11 you should

you're installing Windows 11 you should
make sure to enable the TPM and secure

make sure to enable the TPM and secure

make sure to enable the TPM and secure
boot modules and disable the

boot modules and disable the

boot modules and disable the
compatibility support module or CSM

compatibility support module or CSM

compatibility support module or CSM
exactly how to do that varies by vendors

exactly how to do that varies by vendors

exactly how to do that varies by vendors
so check your motherboard's manual to be

so check your motherboard's manual to be

so check your motherboard's manual to be
sure another option that began with the

sure another option that began with the

sure another option that began with the
Radeon 6000 series from AMD and the RTX

Radeon 6000 series from AMD and the RTX

Radeon 6000 series from AMD and the RTX
3000 Series from Nvidia is resizable bar

3000 Series from Nvidia is resizable bar

3000 Series from Nvidia is resizable bar
also known as smart access memory or

also known as smart access memory or

also known as smart access memory or
rebar the simple explanation is that

rebar the simple explanation is that

rebar the simple explanation is that
normally your CPU can only access a

normally your CPU can only access a

normally your CPU can only access a
small portion of your gpu's memory at

small portion of your gpu's memory at

small portion of your gpu's memory at
once traditionally just like 256 Megs at

once traditionally just like 256 Megs at

once traditionally just like 256 Megs at
a time to access multiple gigabytes of

a time to access multiple gigabytes of

a time to access multiple gigabytes of
vram that 250 6eg window is simply moved

vram that 250 6eg window is simply moved

vram that 250 6eg window is simply moved
around as needed if different parts of

around as needed if different parts of

around as needed if different parts of
memory need to be accessed at the same

memory need to be accessed at the same

memory need to be accessed at the same
time however the system has to wait for

time however the system has to wait for

time however the system has to wait for
one access to finish before the window

one access to finish before the window

one access to finish before the window
can move to the next one this delay can

can move to the next one this delay can

can move to the next one this delay can
slow down your GPU and in extreme cases

slow down your GPU and in extreme cases

slow down your GPU and in extreme cases
can cause significant performance

can cause significant performance

can cause significant performance
degradation resizable bar lets the CPU

degradation resizable bar lets the CPU

degradation resizable bar lets the CPU
access all the vram without that moving

access all the vram without that moving

access all the vram without that moving
window so there's no extra downtime as

window so there's no extra downtime as

window so there's no extra downtime as
games have grown in scale and complexity

games have grown in scale and complexity

games have grown in scale and complexity
is gone from heat to necessary to enable

is gone from heat to necessary to enable

is gone from heat to necessary to enable
it you'll first need to make sure that

it you'll first need to make sure that

it you'll first need to make sure that
the compatibility support module from

the compatibility support module from

the compatibility support module from
before is disabled then enable above 4G

before is disabled then enable above 4G

before is disabled then enable above 4G
decoding and resizable bar as usual the

decoding and resizable bar as usual the

decoding and resizable bar as usual the
exact location of these settings depends

exact location of these settings depends

exact location of these settings depends
on your motherboard's bios so check the

on your motherboard's bios so check the

on your motherboard's bios so check the
manual if you can't find it some older

manual if you can't find it some older

manual if you can't find it some older
boards might need a bios update for it

boards might need a bios update for it

boards might need a bios update for it
to work but most released since 2021 can

to work but most released since 2021 can

to work but most released since 2021 can
do it and some newer boards might even

do it and some newer boards might even

do it and some newer boards might even
ship with it on by default it's worth

ship with it on by default it's worth

ship with it on by default it's worth
noting that there are occasions where

noting that there are occasions where

noting that there are occasions where
turning on resizable bar can reduce use

turning on resizable bar can reduce use

turning on resizable bar can reduce use
performance but thankfully this is a

performance but thankfully this is a

performance but thankfully this is a
relatively rare experience and graphic

relatively rare experience and graphic

relatively rare experience and graphic
drivers are beginning to handle them on

drivers are beginning to handle them on

drivers are beginning to handle them on
a caseby Case basis our recommendation

a caseby Case basis our recommendation

a caseby Case basis our recommendation
therefore is to keep it enabled unless

therefore is to keep it enabled unless

therefore is to keep it enabled unless
you encounter any problems and just make

you encounter any problems and just make

you encounter any problems and just make
sure that you keep your graphics driver

sure that you keep your graphics driver

sure that you keep your graphics driver
up to date after you install your

up to date after you install your

up to date after you install your
operating system finally your operating

operating system finally your operating

operating system finally your operating
systems installer should automatically

systems installer should automatically

systems installer should automatically
boot after inserting the flash drive but

boot after inserting the flash drive but

boot after inserting the flash drive but
if it doesn't you can usually hit f8 or

if it doesn't you can usually hit f8 or

if it doesn't you can usually hit f8 or
F12 on the first boot screen to bring up

F12 on the first boot screen to bring up

F12 on the first boot screen to bring up
a boot menu and select it that way if

a boot menu and select it that way if

a boot menu and select it that way if
it's still doesn't show up there go back

it's still doesn't show up there go back

it's still doesn't show up there go back
into the UEFI settings and make sure

into the UEFI settings and make sure

into the UEFI settings and make sure
that the Legacy USB devices setting is

that the Legacy USB devices setting is

that the Legacy USB devices setting is
enabled you shouldn't have to enable

enabled you shouldn't have to enable

enabled you shouldn't have to enable
this under normal circumstances but

this under normal circumstances but

this under normal circumstances but
sometimes having it disabled is enough

sometimes having it disabled is enough

sometimes having it disabled is enough
to disable USB storage altogether most

to disable USB storage altogether most

to disable USB storage altogether most
operating systems should just boot at

operating systems should just boot at

operating systems should just boot at
this point now your PC is built and it's

this point now your PC is built and it's

this point now your PC is built and it's
all thanks to our sponsor seic if you

all thanks to our sponsor seic if you

all thanks to our sponsor seic if you
need a power supply just head down to

need a power supply just head down to

need a power supply just head down to
the description and click the link it's

the description and click the link it's

the description and click the link it's
that simple at this point we've made it

that simple at this point we've made it

that simple at this point we've made it
pretty clear why we've worked for cic

pretty clear why we've worked for cic

pretty clear why we've worked for cic
for as long as we have we've used many

for as long as we have we've used many

for as long as we have we've used many
of their different power supplies in our

of their different power supplies in our

of their different power supplies in our
builds over the years both for personal

builds over the years both for personal

builds over the years both for personal
use as well as computers you've seen on

use as well as computers you've seen on

use as well as computers you've seen on
the channel they've been a great partner

the channel they've been a great partner

the channel they've been a great partner
to work with and we're happy to have

to work with and we're happy to have

to work with and we're happy to have
them back as a sponsor for our updated

them back as a sponsor for our updated

them back as a sponsor for our updated
build guide seriously go show them some

build guide seriously go show them some

build guide seriously go show them some
love if you care about reliability and

love if you care about reliability and

love if you care about reliability and
build quality click the link below

build quality click the link below

build quality click the link below
they've been running sales and promos

they've been running sales and promos

they've been running sales and promos
more regularly so you may even save some

more regularly so you may even save some

more regularly so you may even save some
money on your shiny new PSU if the time

money on your shiny new PSU if the time

money on your shiny new PSU if the time
is right huge thanks to them for

is right huge thanks to them for

is right huge thanks to them for
sponsoring this update we literally took

sponsoring this update we literally took

sponsoring this update we literally took
the longest video we've ever made and

the longest video we've ever made and

the longest video we've ever made and
made it 20 minutes long

made it 20 minutes long

made it 20 minutes long
woohoo thanks to you for watching if

woohoo thanks to you for watching if

woohoo thanks to you for watching if
you're looking for something else like

you're looking for something else like

you're looking for something else like
this to watch you absolute mad lad then

this to watch you absolute mad lad then

this to watch you absolute mad lad then
maybe check out our companion video on

maybe check out our companion video on

maybe check out our companion video on
how to set up your PC now that you're

how to set up your PC now that you're

how to set up your PC now that you're
done the build again let us know if

done the build again let us know if

done the build again let us know if
there's anything we missed down below

there's anything we missed down below

there's anything we missed down below
and maybe we'll get to it in the next

and maybe we'll get to it in the next

and maybe we'll get to it in the next
one