New Build. Really doing it this time.

Digital Solitude · 15-06-2015 10:09pm

Windows

8.1 Pro+Office is €50

If you type a good bit, you might as well splash on a mechanical keyboard. Something like a Ducky. Mouse for your needs would be a fairly standard €20 job

goz83 · 23-06-2015 12:49am

I ordered a Qpad 80 mechanical keyboard (cherry brown) and a Logitech M570 mouse from Amazon. Hopefully they will do the trick. They cost circa €200, so I expect good quality and longevity from them.

I will pick up some small logitech speakers in Argos for like €16 and a microphine of similar price. The keyboard has 2 usb ports for peripherals I believe.

HWVS received payment on the 17th and cleared the order for delivery an hour after that. When shoukd I expect to receive the order?

My pc is driving me nuts. It's like it knows that it's getting replaced and is trying to pish me off.

Digital Solitude · 23-06-2015 7:22am

Takes a solid week after delivery I've found

goz83 · 27-06-2015 11:11am

Keyboard and mouse arrived at parcel motel the day before yesterday. Brother in law picked them up for me, as I am in Italy for a week. Still no sign of the order though. Hopefully it gets there safely before I return.

So, what way do I install windows if I do it using reddit? I usually just have a windows disk for the 30 day trial and upgrade from there.

Digital Solitude · 27-06-2015 12:31pm

Go to the reddit link, download the ISO you need from the links on the right hand side, and use Rufus to create a bootable USB or CD.

You boot from the USB or CD, and install windows as normal.

to get your key, message the guy on reddit, send the money through PayPal and wait. You type it in during the install

goz83 · 29-06-2015 1:07pm

I rang hwvs today about the lack of information on my order. Turns out that they have no sata cables and held the order back:mad:

I asked the guy to remove the sata cables and the order should be shipped today. I would understand them holding the order for pretty much any other part of the build, but for the sake of sata cables, I was a bit annoyed tbh. Now I'm just waiting for the tracking number when they ship.

goz83 · 02-07-2015 9:18am

So, my delivery was delayed by a day due to some labour dispute in the UK according to UPS, but it suits me fine, as I arrive home late tonight from holidays and I will be home all day tomorrow, which is when delivery is scheduled.

I'm a little nervous about building it, but I am sure I will manage ok and should have help on hand if I need it.

I was wondering, if I did want to turn the build into a powerful gaming pc, can I just add a good GPU? It seems everything is in place.

And should I pick up an anti-static bracelet?

I assume I will get all the screws and stuff I need to install the parts?

My only exeperience with this kind of thing is:

i) 2 week contract working in a network computer place where I installed mother boards onto case plates and connected some components.
ii) removing and cleaning fans on my hp touchsmart pc.

Digital Solitude · 02-07-2015 9:31am

Yeah a GPU is all you need, maybe a power supply upgrade if you get a high end card.

All the screws and everything will be included.

You don't need one, just ground yourself before you start (touch bare metal) and don't build it on carpet.

You've seen yourself how many parts you're ordering, its basically ->connect to motherboard->connect to power supply and occasionally things need to be screwed into place like storage drives or GPU

goz83 · 03-07-2015 9:52pm

Cleared up post:

So i'm pretty much done putting it together. I took my time and was careful as possible. I haven't turned it on yet, or connected a monitor, or any peripherals. However, there are a few wires and connections I can't find a place for. They are:

A) the Nanoxia case has adjustable speed fans and up to 6 fans can be connected to the adjusters, so I just connected the 2 front fans to the 1A and 2A connector blocks. This leaves 1B, 1C, 2B & 2C free, which I think is ok.

the power unit has several wiring looms. I connected the S-ATA blocks to the 5 drives and the single DVD drive. I connected the power cable to the motherboard and all the sata cables are connected to the MB and drives too. There are some connectors which I found no place for.
i) 2x HDD Dvd and an fdd connector on one loom.
ii) CPU1 P4 and CPU P8 an another loom.
iii) 2x VGA1 connectors on the other loom.

An EPS cable came with the case and I don't know if it needs to be used.

edit: i turned the pc on, but it is a fail.

The led light on the power button flashes once. The led light on the dvd drive flashes once. The rear fan turns for a few seconds and then nothing.

wotzgoingon · 03-07-2015 10:00pm

goz83 wrote: »

So i'm pretty much done putting it together. I took my time and was careful as possible. I haven't turned it on yet, or connected a monitor, or any peripherals. However, there are a few connections I can't find a slot for. They are:

i) fan speed splits 1B 1C 2B 2C. I connected 1A and 2A to the front fans.
ii) the power unit has some cables spare. 2x HDD Dvd and an fdd on one loom.
CPU1 P4 and CPU P8 an another loom.
2x VGA1 connectirs on the other loom.
iii) there is also an ectension cable with 8 male pins on one end and 2x4 female pins on the other end.

Does this sound ok? I dont want to cause damage if something is not plugged in.

I also received 4 plugs for the power unit. 1 is an eu connection but the other 3 are uk/irish plugs

Maybe when Imopen the monitors, i might find the other 2 uk plugs are for those

I have no idea what you are saying, pictures would help put an image of each item described.

goz83 · 03-07-2015 10:29pm

wotzgoingon wrote: »

I have no idea what you are saying, pictures would help put an image of each item described.

I edited the post. Hopefully it is better understood now. I can't get any photos just yet and I tried turning it on, but no luck

Slutmonkey57b · 03-07-2015 10:44pm

Generally speaking your first port of call is to check that ask the cables are correctly seated and secure. Sometimes it'll seem OK but the connection might actually be a bit loose. Take them out and redo them to be sure.

Digital Solitude · 03-07-2015 11:51pm

The 8 pin CPU cable plugs in at the top of the motherboard, hard to see in the Nanoxia. That's why it's not booting

goz83 · 04-07-2015 12:16am

Digital Solitude wrote: »

The 8 pin CPU cable plugs in at the top of the motherboard, hard to see in the Nanoxia. That's why it's not booting

Result on that. I might hook up the monitors now and see what happens.

Digital Solitude · 04-07-2015 12:19am

You'll see POST screen

How did you find building it?

goz83 · 04-07-2015 12:43am

Digital Solitude wrote: »

You'll see POST screen How did you find building it?

Plugged in 1 monitor. Plugged into the hdmi on the gpu, so hdmi 2. I have a boot screen

I enjoyed putting it together, but was nervous about breaking stuff. So far, so good. Thanks for yoir help to date, you have made it possible.

I suppose i just need to create a boot thingy and go from there. I will keep the thread updated until everything is running as it should. The slow process of transferring my files from the old pc is going to be a pain in the butt.

Digital Solitude · 04-07-2015 12:45am

It's enjoyable the first few times, then its boring :pac: No worries, happy to help!

Just stick the HDD in? Or do you still need the old one too

wotzgoingon · 04-07-2015 12:45am

Fair play on your first self build.

I had no idea what cables you were talking about good job Digital knew as he must have the same board. If I was there I would have spotted the missing connector.

goz83 · 04-07-2015 12:52am

Digital Solitude wrote: »

It's enjoyable the first few times, then its boring :pac: No worries, happy to help!

Just stick the HDD in? Or do you still need the old one too

Will need the old one......family use. I plan to take the files I need, wipe the computer and maybe upgrade the ram.

Digital Solitude · 04-07-2015 12:57am

It's in the same place on all ATX boards, I've the same case as him though.

Install Steam and a game to SSD, set the transfer and game away for a few hours, or leave it overnight

wotzgoingon · 04-07-2015 1:01am

Digital Solitude wrote: »

It's in the same place on all ATX boards, I've the same case as him though.

Install Steam and a game to SSD, set the transfer and game away for a few hours, or leave it overnight

I have a bad memory. It is 2009 since I last built a machine(my own)

I'm an electrician and also done electronics in college for a few years so i would have seen the missing connection if I was there.

Digital Solitude · 04-07-2015 1:04am

I wasn't trying to have a go or anything, not sure how that looked

wotzgoingon · 04-07-2015 1:06am

Digital Solitude wrote: »

I wasn't trying to have a go or anything, not sure how that looked

Out of curiosity what course are you doing in college September? If I remember right you said you are starting. Just wondering if it is anything with computers as you seem to like this stuff.

Digital Solitude · 04-07-2015 1:11am

Electronic Engineering and Computing is my first choice :pac: In NUIG, DIT is the only other college with a similar course I found so I put it down too.

wotzgoingon · 04-07-2015 1:14am

Digital Solitude wrote: »

Electronic Engineering and Computing is my first choice :pac: In NUIG, DIT is the only other college with a similar course I found so I put it down too.

GMIT has that as well or well it used to anyway.

Digital Solitude · 04-07-2015 1:17am

I checked with 45 minutes left before it closed so it's likely I missed some

goz83 · 04-07-2015 8:44pm

Does that guy on Reddit take long to get back to people with keys? I sent a PM this morning and haven't heard anything. I want windows 8.1pro and MS office 2013 pro.

Digital Solitude · 04-07-2015 8:46pm

Took about 8 hours with me. Depends on time change and his own stuff, he'll get back to you I'd say

goz83 · 04-07-2015 9:55pm

I suppose I have to wait.

I am having a couple of problems you might be able to help with.

Issue 1)

I have only tested one monitor. I am not receiving signal when the HDMI is connected, but I did get a signal last night when it was connected to the graphics card HDMI. I unplugged the power cables and HDMI before going to bed and when I plugged it all back in, I got no signal. I tried:

The HDMI slot in the MB and the GPU with no luck. I switched from HDMI 1, to HDMI 2 and nothing. I tried the SVGA cable in the MB with no signal and then tried it in the the GPU slot and I got signal. I am only getting a signal fro the GPU SVGA port! wtf am I doing wrong? It worked with HDMI last night and nothing today.

EDIT: After some fiddling around, I can now say that the HDMI and SVGA on the graphics card are giving a signal, but I am getting nothing from either on the MB. I hooked up both monitors and did some more testing.

issue 2)

I clicked on the reddit "create media" link to download a windows ISO, but when I try to select a language, the box is blank and I can't select anything. Edition and architecture can't be touched until a language is selected and the next button is greyed out. I downlaoded an ISO from another site earlier today, but it's the american english version, so I haven't used it.

Digital Solitude · 04-07-2015 10:45pm

You've to turn on a setting in the BIOS to have the PC use the MB and GPU outputs at the same time. Can't you use the GPU for both?

As per the second, I haven't a clue. You can use the one you have and change the language

goz83 · 04-07-2015 11:01pm

Digital Solitude wrote: »

You've to turn on a setting in the BIOS to have the PC use the MB and GPU outputs at the same time. Can't you use the GPU for both?

As per the second, I haven't a clue. You can use the one you have and change the language

There is only one HDMI slot in the GPU and one in the MB and I would like to use the HDMI for both if I can. If it was too much trouble, I suppose I could use the SVGA on the GPU for one monitor.

I am not given an option to change the language in the open menu. Can I change it all over later? I would HATE to be stuck with american english.

Digital Solitude · 04-07-2015 11:09pm

I don't know the exact setting, different in different motherboard brands. Shouldn't be too hard to find.

W7 is it?

What GPU did you get out of curiousity?

goz83 · 04-07-2015 11:27pm

Digital Solitude wrote: »

I don't know the exact setting, different in different motherboard brands. Shouldn't be too hard to find.

W7 is it?

What GPU did you get out of curiousity?

I got the MSI R5450

I don't have an OS on it yet. I am waiting for the reddit guy to get back to me, but will be using windows 8.1 pro.

Digital Solitude · 05-07-2015 12:03am

I've no idea how to use W8.1 but in 7 the Control Panel has a Region and Language menu where I can change the language to whatever W7 supports, I'd assume you can do the same.

Hold off panicking on the monitors until you get Windows, my second monitor was straight into the mb and it was Plug and Play for me, but it doesn't work until Windows boots.

Ant695 · 05-07-2015 10:08am

When you are installing windows 8.1 you will have an option to set the region and language preferences. Its one of the first screens during install.

goz83 · 06-07-2015 8:50pm

Still no word from that guy on reddit. Any other recommendations?

frozenfrozen · 06-07-2015 9:19pm

you can use windows for 180 days without a license

goz83 · 07-07-2015 2:54am

My brothers friend installed W7 ultimate and said I would get the W10 upgrade when it comes out. The pc is up and running now. The monitors are running off the hdmi of the MB and GPU. There is a problem though. The displays look different. The MB display is not as vivid as the the GPU display. The colours are much more striking on the GPU display. I didn't expect this. Any ideas?

Slutmonkey57b · 07-07-2015 6:25am

You'll need to calibrate windows to the displays. Not sure how you go about it on multiple monitors, but there's an option in the displays control panel for calibration.

The MB display output will never be quite as good as the GPU because Intel's drivers will always be rubbish. You should be able to get them pretty close though.

FAILSAFE 00 · 07-07-2015 12:46pm

What ports does your GPU have?

Can you not output to both monitors from just the graphics card? For example, one monitor HDMI and second monitor DVI?

frozenfrozen · 07-07-2015 12:51pm

make sure the monitors are both set to have the same settings in terms of contrast and brightness and any other 'picture modes'.

Also in your gpu drivers make sure vibrance or any other settings in the software are set to default, if you haven't changed them yourself then they should still be at default but just in case someone did it.

Are they identical monitors? even high end panels will have slight differences to each other and will be noticeable but if its a big difference it's probably just your settings are different for one of them

you should try plug them both into the gpu

mordeith · 07-07-2015 1:17pm

FAILSAFE 00 wrote: »

What ports does your GPU have?

Can you not output to both monitors from just the graphics card? For example, one monitor HDMI and second monitor DVI?

Is that possible? If it is would it not treat the two outputs seperately thereby preventing a single extended desktop?

FAILSAFE 00 · 07-07-2015 1:52pm

mordeith wrote: »

Is that possible? If it is would it not treat the two outputs seperately thereby preventing a single extended desktop?

Yes.

Most graphics cards now support dual display. Windows then gives you the option to either mirror the display or extend the display utilising both monitors as separate displays.

goz83 · 07-07-2015 3:36pm

Slutmonkey57b wrote: »

You'll need to calibrate windows to the displays. Not sure how you go about it on multiple monitors, but there's an option in the displays control panel for calibration.

The MB display output will never be quite as good as the GPU because Intel's drivers will always be rubbish. You should be able to get them pretty close though.

I need a quality output. Maybe I should use the DVI and HDMI ports on the GPU then?

or, maybe I can upgrade the GPU to one that has 2+ HDMI ports?

frozenfrozen · 07-07-2015 3:38pm

What GPU do you have?

goz83 · 07-07-2015 3:40pm

I originally had the Monitors on the VGA and HDMI of the GPU. That worked ok, aside from the quality of the vga.

FAILSAFE 00 · 07-07-2015 3:49pm

goz83 wrote: »

I need a quality output. Maybe I should use the DVI and HDMI ports on the GPU then?

or, maybe I can upgrade the GPU to one that has 2+ HDMI ports?

Absolutely,

The DVI port will be perfect.

goz83 · 07-07-2015 4:23pm

Any recommendations on MS office? No luck with reddit link

frozenfrozen · 07-07-2015 4:30pm

buy it at full retail price or try get a key from someone else on the reddit software swap

Ant695 · 07-07-2015 4:37pm

goz83 wrote: »

Any recommendations on MS office? No luck with reddit link

Which reddit user were you buying from? I got my windows 8.1 pro key within 20 minutes from this guy:

https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/comments/387eir/h_windows_81_8_7_server_project_visio_office/

New Build. Really doing it this time.

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