$800 build for gaming + audio/photo/(some)video editing

[mfenn]

ok update:

I bought all the parts and built it today! .... buuut:

In the process, the main problem was connecting the 24-pin ATX power cable from the PSU to the motherboard. Every single cable slid in easily and snapped in place, except this one. It took a good 20 minutes of fighting and I've managed to gently shove it in, but it's not quite in all the way (it hasn't snapped into place, and it certainly hasn't been smooth). OTOH, the computer seems to be running fine (as I install my OS).

Is this a problem?

TL;DR : My 24-pin ATX cable is mostly in the motherboard socket, but not quite. Is this safe/ok?

many thanks

That sounds, sub-optimal, to say the least. Is the ATX connector a solid 24-pin or is it 20+4? If it's the latter, look closely at how the +4 snaps in and makes sure that all the pins are lined up.

 

[matt44]

it's a 20+4. I've stared long and hard at those pins and I honestly can't tell a thing.

Am I doing damage to my system by running it as is?

 

[matt44]

is it perhaps best if I take the whole thing to the retailer who sold me all the parts, and ask if they can fix it? I'm not sure if it's a PSU or Mobo problem

 

[Cerb]

The tab should be over the notch. If not, wiggle it in. It can be a bit of a challenge, sometimes. Shouldn't take 20 minutes, but it doesn't always snap on the first try, especially with a removable +4.

Make sure you've disconnected power, and pressed the power button, before messing with it any more.

 

[Sleepingforest]

Make sure it's going in the right way and that the +4 pins are snapped into place correctly. It sounds like you are suffering from an alignment issue.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

The tab should be over the notch. If not, wiggle it in. It can be a bit of a challenge, sometimes. Shouldn't take 20 minutes, but it doesn't always snap on the first try, especially with a removable +4.

Make sure it's going in the right way and that the +4 pins are snapped into place correctly. It sounds like you are suffering from an alignment issue.

20+4's can require a bit of force to seat properly, and as Cerb and Sleepingforest wrote make sure the 4-pin is seated correctly on the 20-pin. It can take a bit of trial and error to figure out how they align. Some models have a couple of small plastic "pins" that you need to slide up from below the 20-pin:

 

[matt44]

hmm ok.

now that everything is installed in the case, and the MOBO doesn't seem to be a full ATX (it only uses 7 of the mounting pins), it's not 100% supported when I press against it, and I'm worried that I might snap the mobo with too much force.

 

[Termie]

hmm ok.

now that everything is installed in the case, and the MOBO doesn't seem to be a full ATX (it only uses 7 of the mounting pins), it's not 100% supported when I press against it, and I'm worried that I might snap the mobo with too much force.

I've had that problem as well. In fact, I had trouble getting a 24-pin cable to seat just a few weeks ago due to this. One option is to take the motherboard out, place it on a soft surface (a towel), and press the power supply cable in.

 

[Cerb]

hmm ok.

now that everything is installed in the case, and the MOBO doesn't seem to be a full ATX (it only uses 7 of the mounting pins), it's not 100% supported when I press against it, and I'm worried that I might snap the mobo with too much force.

Secure all screws you have screw holes for, and make sure you don't have any standoffs installed where there isn't a screw hole on the mobo. Based on the Newegg photos, it does look have 7.

They are made to be able to handle some degree of flexing (Intel's standard cooler mount has required that since either S478 or S775, IIRC). A few mm at the edges is OK. With PATA gone, the main power connector is all that typically flexes them too much, though.

 

[matt44]

OK thanks for all the advice. I'm going to try my best to get it all the way in.

But, just because I'm nervous and this is my first build (and the parts were expensive!), am risking anything major if I can't get the 24-pin in completely entirely 100%?

 

[mfenn]

But, just because I'm nervous and this is my first build (and the parts were expensive!), am risking anything major if I can't get the 24-pin in completely entirely 100%?

Mostly the connector coming loose over time and breaking contact an an inopportune time (i.e. while the PC is on). The cables are not designed to be hot plugged (i.e. the power and ground leads are the same length), so some arcing could occur during the disconnect. That would be bad.

Try fitting the +4 and the 20 pin separately. That should help you narrow down which is the problem. Expect to use a reasonable amount of force, it won't just slide in.