I usually stage it, first rough-in all the parts without cable cleanup then boot it on a linux usb just for a sanity check at least overnight. Then if all is well do the clean up then the OS install and all the real fun parts.

It's super fun though.

Best part is "designing" the build, sourcing components and buying. Worst part is waiting for them to arrive and not be able to put the hands on it.
I'm putting together a computer. Got some parts here, other parts there. Had to return the PSU since I changed GPU at last minute because of a good deal and need a PSU upgrade (from 550w to 650w and 2 PCIe connectors. And with the rush to get the new GPU I forgot to change PSU. Not the end of the world as I can return it. Problem is, been waiting for the new PSU for a week, they say it will arrive today at the depot (although I start have my doubts since parcels usually arrive in the morning and I get a notification). Even worse, the depot store will close for a week and apparently they are not getting orders today and I will need to go to the main post office that has the exact same working hours as me, so I'm screwed.
We have a weekend of rain that would be perfect to finish the build... I even got a kit of all the different screws, risers, adapters for the case/MB. The works.
I did a try-out on top of the MB case using my other GPU. Just to test out MB and CPU. Had to update bios but all looks OK.
Once it's all assembled, it's good times ahead again. Installing OS and doing the ropes is fun to me. For now, I have to sadly look at the pile of parts.

Originally posted by x:

Best part is "designing" the build, sourcing components and buying. Worst part is waiting for them to arrive and not be able to put the hands on it.
I'm putting together a computer. Got some parts here, other parts there. Had to return the PSU since I changed GPU at last minute because of a good deal and need a PSU upgrade (from 550w to 650w and 2 PCIe connectors. And with the rush to get the new GPU I forgot to change PSU. Not the end of the world as I can return it. Problem is, been waiting for the new PSU for a week, they say it will arrive today at the depot (although I start have my doubts since parcels usually arrive in the morning and I get a notification). Even worse, the depot store will close for a week and apparently they are not getting orders today and I will need to go to the main post office that has the exact same working hours as me, so I'm screwed.
We have a weekend of rain that would be perfect to finish the build... I even got a kit of all the different screws, risers, adapters for the case/MB. The works.
I did a try-out on top of the MB case using my other GPU. Just to test out MB and CPU. Had to update bios but all looks OK.
Once it's all assembled, it's good times ahead again. Installing OS and doing the ropes is fun to me. For now, I have to sadly look at the pile of parts.

I would hate having to wait so long! The worst part for me was I was scared I would break something or if something turned up broken and I would have to send it back and wait for new ones. Luckily it all went together and it seems to be working well.

itll get easier the more you build

Originally posted by Iris Vandale:

I would hate having to wait so long! The worst part for me was I was scared I would break something or if something turned up broken and I would have to send it back and wait for new ones. Luckily it all went together and it seems to be working well.

I asked the guy at the depot to shake the box with the case. My heart stopped for half a second just waiting for that broken glass sound. But no, all was good.
And the fact that you are scared is kind of good. I haven't built many PCs but I have dissemble, salvaged parts, "made" computers out of spare parts and junk, swapped CPUs, opened PSUs, fans, coolers.. at work. But when it's my builds, I always get that little tingle.

Originally posted by Talby:

I usually stage it, first rough-in all the parts without cable cleanup then boot it on a linux usb just for a sanity check at least overnight. Then if all is well do the clean up then the OS install and all the real fun parts.

^ yeah, basic install (preferably on a test-bench if you have one) and run a Burn-in-test on it for 8+ hours to make sure the hardware is all good. Then I'll do the install proper in the case with cable management, and OS install, etc.

First time is always hardest, next one will be lot easier. The poorer you are the more anxiety you will have about breaking stuff, wont really get around that.

basic steps

1. assemble mobo outside of case
cpu, ram, m.2 drives, cpu cooler mount (for tower or aio), or stock cooler

2. prepare case
check mobo layout and screw mounts
insert rear io plate, install sata hdd/ssd, fans, odd

3. install mobo in case
plug in front panel wires, usb, audio, power/reset buttons, power/hdd lights, fans into header
cpu cooler if tower/aio and its fans/pump into headers

4. install gpu

5. install psu
plug into mobo, drives, molex fans or anything that needs power

full builds should take less than 2 hours even if new at it

"$&"&"&##/"$&""#/"

PSU didn't get here today. So yeah... I'm really going to have a word with amazon this time, but I have to stick with them on this. It was on sale and getting another (well, I'm actually getting 2 to replace on the other computer too) it's a bit of money. And tomorrow is a holiday, so no change of popping somewhere to get another.

As this point I'm wondering if I build everything (minus the PSU) or if I wait.

Originally posted by Iris Vandale:

I'm so tired now, it was such hard work.

Yeah... hard work indeed and I'm not even close to done... :D