First PC build - converting gaming build to photoshop PC

[LightField]

I'm not sure if you would be open to the idea, but you may be able to grab a used GTX 285 and save some money there.

Cards that can do Mercury-
http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/mercury-playback-engine.html

I like it a lot too Max. You make great points about the larger SSD and that working nearly as well as RAM.

I am tempted to forget the nostromo I was planning on buying just to get the RAM and the Video card....

Are Nostromos really that good? The kind of photoshop work I am doing would really be helped by one but I could tough it out. haha

Also, I'm not a student but one of my family members works for the school department I wonder if they could get a discount that way?

 

[Sleepingforest]

Basically, just buy it in a pair (or two identical 1 stick packages) and put it in the right slots. Your motherboard will tell you which ones. When you want to buy more, try to get another set with the same frequency and timings. In this case, I recommended RAM that is DDR3 1600MHz with 11-11-11-28 timings. It's helpful to save your packaging, or make a note somewhere you won't forget.

 

[LightField]

Thanks so much everyone especially Ken and Sleepingforest.. You seem to have answered all my questions and concerns... now I just have to buy it all. haha

What if it doesn't start up when I put it all together. Is figuring out what part doesn't work problematic?

 

[LightField]

Sleepingforest... you even found a case I like! haha Every case I had looked at I didn't like.. you even solved that problem!

 

[LightField]

A pair of RAM with the same size and other specs can run in dual channel mode, which increases the amount of bandwidth available. While people tend to use sticks of matching brands with identical specs, you should be able to use RAM from different companies and still get it provided the timings are the same.

Removing static is as simple as being in contact with metal, preferably that case chassis. An anti-static wristband works by conducting electricity(slowly since it has a 1 MegaOhm resistor) to whatever it is attached to.

Thanks Torn Mind. Great info. I am excited and nervous... I actually have to do this now.

 

[Sleepingforest]

It's a bit intimidating. Here's a guide with pictures; on this page is a video version.

I'd go in roughly this order:
Remove the sides, typically by removing thumb screws and sliding the panels off. Put the case sideways. Touch the case to discharge static.

Install the mobo stuff (RAM, CPU, cooler) onto the mobo while outside the case. Screw in motherboard standoffs if the case didn't come with them pre installed (they come in a box or bag with the case, and are small brass colored things with one hollow end). Screw the mobo onto the case (again, screws provided with case). Discharge static, again by touching the case. Put in PCI/PCIe cards on the screwed in motherboard.

Turn the PC upright and mount hard drives to the bays with the mechanism provided (typically, there will be "wings" which attach to a hard drive and then slide into a bay). Tape an SSD somewhere (electrical tape, zip ties, and velco are all solid options) in the case, preferably with the end with connectors facing the PSU and motherboard. Install the DVD burner if you need to. Touch the case to discharge.

Slide the PSU in the slot provided. Connect everything to it (GPU won't need it, I think. Motherboard gets one 24 pin connector (the thickest cable) and one 8 pin connector (marked with "CPU" usually). HDDs and SSD each need one). Then connect the SATA cables (one to each the HDD, SSD, and DVD burner). Like RAM, the manual will tell you to install to some slots first. Give priority to the SSD, then the HDD, then the burner.

Hook the computer up to the monitor and to the power supply. Power on (remember, the "line" symbol is on, and the "circle" symbol is off. The computer should tell you to give it a boot drive. This is your cue to put the Windows disc into the reader.

 

[LightField]

Is it scary to install the processor? The thought of screwing up the pins gives me the heebie jeebies.

 

[Torn Mind]

Is it scary to install the processor? The thought of screwing up the pins gives me the heebie jeebies.

The heatsink is trickier than the processor; it's not that hard though, just shove the heatsink into the holes. The processor mechanism, you just need to drop it in the right way. It has notches that help you determine if it fits in. This is also a small golden triangle to mark Pin 1.

 

[LightField]

Thanks Torn Mind. It's great hearing other experiences, makes it less scary.

 

[Torn Mind]

Thanks Torn Mind. It's great hearing other experiences, makes it less scary.

Lol, I screwed up the heatsink installation because I didn't read directions and look at youtube videos. I turned the screws as shown on the heatsink assembly. Turns out that turning the screws lets you remove the heatsink, not keep it in. When you pull the heatsink out of the box, it comes ready to shove into the motherboard holes. No need to turn screws or anything.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taLMhxPYuv0


Installation and removal is much simpler than the Socket 478(old Pentium 4 socket) heatsink assembly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNkJXTYZ9JE

Come to think of it, I have yet to install a heatsink perfectly yet out of the three times. Always did something to pull it up after I put thermal compound on it. Socket 478 was a real pain; one time, it just didn't fit in and the other time, the CPU wasn't pushed in all the way.

 

[Sleepingforest]

See the physical notches in on the upper half of the left and right sides? Those correspond with nubs in the sides of the socket. You'll be fine if you can match those up.

The first time I did this, I didn't hook up the power cables correctly and they kept coming loose after a few minutes of running. The second time I helped a friend, the power switch on the case was accidentally connected in reverse and didn't work, and then a rubber pad got stuck in the PSU fan, making a horrific sound (it was undamaged, fortunately). I'd recommend leaving the side panels off until it's booting consistently for a few minutes.

 

[LightField]

I feel like as long as all the components are operational I will be ok. Hopefully I get lucky.

 

[LightField]

Sleepingforest, you said something about "if you don't have a Microcenter around". Do they not ship and you need to go to the location?

edit: never mind.. I saw the notice on the page. I was worried that all the microcenter stuff had to be bought at the stores.