Sanity Check before starting build

[marcplante]

It's been a while since my last build (The components in my Sig are telling 10+ years?). Box will be used for general computing and Occasional Driving Sim operation (Project Cars 2 with VR goggles). Yes, it's overkill for daily life, but I got a deal on the card. Plus I only build boxes every decade or so...

General components are:

ASUS Strix Z270e MB
i7 7700k Proc (incl cooler) (Thermal paste)
2 8G Sticks of Ripjaws memory
XFX 1080ti video card (not sure of exact model, it's at my office)
Corsair TX750M power supply
Crucial 512 GB SSD
Seagate 1 TB HD
Fractal Design R5 Silent case
Old Blueray burner for versatility's sake.
Windows 10. (Either home or Pro, haven't decided)

QUESTIONS:

1) Any known issues with components? or will driver updates take care of problems after the build?
2) SSD partitioning strategies - build a core partition for the OS and apps that I can rebuild if needed without disrupting working files an media? I figure set aside 200 GB, then use the remainder for apps/games and related media, then put music etc on the spinning disc (or the NAS)
a) Build a restore partion for Win 10 while I'm at it?
3) I assume I should load the OS on a fast USB stick. Or should I preload it on the SSD before starting?

 

[deustroop]

1) There should be no issues. Some details though. Either OS should be installed as x64. Post install I would look for updated video drivers. Then go to Advanced System Settings/Device Installation Settings in Control Panel, to ensure that the OS will not automatically update third party drivers from time to time.

2) Partitioning is old school. With the quick drive and abundant RAM you have it has no advantages. Grabbing a video from C: will be just as quick as from D: and more convenient. The mention of a restore partition brings up the apparent lack of a back up plan. As I mentioned, create and put everything in one partition and use the spinner as a back up drive. Use cloning or differential back up software to maintain a current copy there of the entire drive. The final element is a good electrical surge control device.

3) Use a disc or USB device. The MS Windows 10 web site provides for either.The key here is to partition with GPT. The install will do this so long as you use the UEFI option for the install device.

 

[marcplante]

Perfect. I'm used to partitioning since even with a backup, restoration of a large drive can be time consuming. I tend to have everything distributed now (PC for processing and apps/NAS for media), but thought with the larger local footprint I might keep more local vs on the NAS. I need to think through the household architecture a little more (Just moved in and setting things up).

Thanks.

Marc

 

[XavierMace]

While Fractal makes nice cases, depending on your room/desk setup you may want to consider switching to a case with a front/top HDMI port since you're running VR.

2) Partitioning is old school. With the quick drive and abundant RAM you have it has no advantages.

Seconded.

 

[bigi]

1. All fine. I am a fan of Samsung SSDs.
2. Skip SSD partitioning all together.
3. USB Stick in plenty fast for 1 time install.