CDs' System Upgrade w/Step-by-Step Pics!

[CDsDontBurn]

Here are some before pics of my system. Specs are as follow:

s478 p4 3.2Ghz Prescott
2GB (2x 1Gb) 400Mhz OCZ Platinum RAM 2-3-2-5
Abit IC7-G
PowerColor 4670 1GB
OCZ PowerStream 520w PSU
250GB HDD, 320GB HDD, 500GB HDD

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1219121701.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1219121702.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1219121702a.jpg

Haven't blown / cleaned it out in a while. The clean streak there across the video card was from the night before from me opening the case and my daughter "checking" out my system.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1219121703.jpg

Aside from the dirt that you see, here is the - up until now, what I thought was good - wiring job of my system.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1219121703a.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1219121704.jpg

Just did a general cleaning out with the compressor. Big difference in the amount of dust. Still a small amount of dust here and there though.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1219121741.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1219121741a.jpg

Some of the wiring on the rear side of my system.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1219121744.jpg

Beginning the backup of all my crap over from my 320GB HDD to my 500GB HDD.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1220121027.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

Beginning the tear-down of my old components

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1220121659.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1220121659a.jpg

My system fell over before the tear-down and the top case fan broke as a result. That was one of several unanticipated slow-downs I came across while building my system.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1220121723.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1220121724.jpg

Motherboard is out!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1220121755.jpg

The motherboard itself.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1220121755a.jpg

Everything else is out.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121043a.jpg

Specs of my old PSU.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121045.jpg

The inside of my case all gutted.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121053.jpg

Another angle of the inside.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121053a.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

Mid-Case fan, flash off.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121054.jpg

Mid-case fan, flash on.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121054a.jpg

Here's that top fan I mentioned earlier.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121055.jpg

All the HDDs I intended on using.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121133.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121224.jpg
Core components of my new system.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121230.jpg

I/O shield installed

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121232.jpg

Intel i5-3570k installed!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121239.jpg

Still an avid user of AS-5.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121240.jpg

CPU fan installed. This is a Scythe SCSMZ-2100 92mm Samurai ZZ Rev.B - Compliments of malmental.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121311.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

Other angles of the CPU fan.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121311a.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121312.jpg

I noticed that the DIMM slots were slightly angled. As long as all the pins are going through the interface, this shouldn't be an issue.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121312a.jpg

The RAM!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121314.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121315.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121315a.jpg

The RAM installed.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121316.jpg

My better, yet questionable quality, power supply.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121556.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121557.jpg

The top fan has been replaced with another identical fan.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121621.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

My 7870 Myst Edition video card!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121625.jpg

Front panel headers connected.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121640.jpg

Test fit with my new video card. As soon as I did this, I had a gut feeling that my video card wasn't going to fit. I did a few test fits with the top HDD tray with the 250GB HDD installed in both slots to see if it was going to fit or not. It doesn't. I need the case to be about a half in longer in order for the card to fit. :annoyed:

Oh yea. MoBo is installed.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1221121650.jpg

Took my system home. Was having issues getting my optical drives out.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120039.jpg

Took off the front panel to get the optical drives out.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120100.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120145.jpg

Thinking of how to continue

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120146.jpg

All my optical drives. The old ones and my new one.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120259.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120259a.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

SATA and IDE optical drives are in. IDE one is there just to fill space more than anything.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120304.jpg

My daughter exploring all the computer goodies.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120304a.jpg

Beginning the wiring job. Here, I've already done the front panel cables as well as the SATA cable from the optical drive.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120315.jpg

Power cables of my HDDs.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120339.jpg

My daughter "helping" me.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120346.jpg

Another angle of my daughter helping me.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222120346a.jpg

The power cables are a bit close to that bottom middle fan.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222122323.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222122324.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222122324a.jpg

Heat will fix that.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222122324b.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

Notice how far the cables "pop out".

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222122325.jpg

Applying heat to make the cables maluable and put them in the position I want.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222122329.jpg

Cables have cooled down now and are in the position I want.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222122331.jpg

It's hard to see, but the cables are actually further away than before to the fan.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222122345.jpg

Beginning cable management work on the SATA cables.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222122346.jpg

Cable management of SATA cables done.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1222122353.jpg

My PSU has a mesh grille to protect the fan. This grille though pops out ever so slightly and causes it to "bend" up.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120013.jpg

Tried to use the PSU retention bracket. Long story short, it didn't work because of that "bend".

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120303.jpg

Attempting to slide the PSU in with that one fan there. Long story short, that doesn't work.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120303a.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120311.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

Case fan has been removed to make room for the PSU to slide in and get installed.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120330.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120340.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120341.jpg

Fan has been reinstalled.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120345.jpg

Another angle.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120346.jpg

My daugther helping me with cable management.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120352.jpg

Zip-ties!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120416.jpg

Moar zip-ties!!!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120504.jpg

Zip-ties are so awesome.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120504a.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

Finished!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120551.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120552.jpg

A blurry shot, I know. But here she is :).

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1223120553.jpg

Specs here are:

Intel i5-3570k
8GB (2x 4GB) AMD - By Patriot - RAM
ASUS P8 Z77-VLK
PowerColor 7870 Myst Edition
Sparkle-Nala 1250w PSU
3x 320GB HDD, 500GB HDD

If the 250GB HDD would have fit, that would have been my OS drive. Now, I'm going to have to do a 3x RAID 0 array which I didn't want to do. I might end up partitioning the array, but that will just defeate the purpose of having RAID 0 IMO.

I forgot the side panels at work, so right now it's missing those. Also, I haven't had the time to install windows as of yet. I should have time for that tomorrow.

[Cody_Irwin]

Your host for pics suck FYI, taking way too long to load. I would use a different one like IMGUR.com As holy crap 5 mins later still loading half pics...lol

[CDsDontBurn]

My host is my DropBox account.

Try refreshing the page. That works for me usually.

[brokenwave]

too many cd rom

[blackplague]

Nice set up

[peti1212]

Very nice, now to complete the system, you need an SSD.

[werty316]

Do you plan on leaving the IDE in to fill the space? I am guess you are doing this because you don't have a front cover to fill the space.

[CDsDontBurn]

Very nice, now to complete the system, you need an SSD.

An SSD is ij the plans to add to my system. Just not now. It'll probably be the next thing I get.

Now, if I only got one of those Kingston SSDs from the Holiday give away competition :)


Do you plan on leaving the IDE in to fill the space? I am guess you are doing this because you don't have a front cover to fill the space.

That's precisely it. I will get a BR-RW drive later on to replace the IDE drive. Not sure if I want to keep my Vantec fan controller, but skeeping that may be the only place where I can install the SSD later on (the SSD would be directly behind the fan controller).

But, now that I'm thinking of all this, I think I might have to upgrade the MoBo as well since this board only has 6 SATA ports and me writing all this is making me realize that I need a MoBo with 7 SATA ports...

[Pablo 54]

Excellent build. Why no liquid cooling? Would love to know how the AMD memory functions and the longevity of the PSU. I have never used a Sparkle – unless it is rebranded under another name.

Nice to see your daughter helping. Both my kids used to help me as well. They each now own MacBook Pro’s. I am a failure. :icon_frown:

[PP Mguire]

I lold at the AMD RAM on the Intel board.

An FYI, pics loaded fine for me.

[CDsDontBurn]

Excellent build. Why no liquid cooling? Would love to know how the AMD memory functions and the longevity of the PSU. I have never used a Sparkle – unless it is rebranded under another name.

Nice to see your daughter helping. Both my kids used to help me as well. They each now own MacBook Pro’s. I am a failure. :icon_frown:

There's no liquid cooling because it cost money :lol:. This system build really only cost me $80 as several of the big dollar parts were gifted to me. The rest was attained through me selling some extra stuff I had lying around that I didn't use anymore. The RAM *should* work. At least according to Patriot's (http://www.patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=9&catid=34&prodgroupid=226&id=1171&type=1) website, it's "100% compatible with Intel and AMD motherboards". The PSU is from the company next door to my work. We use their PSUs for testing on our test benches. My friend that works there gave one out to me when I told him I was building a new system. As for where the PSU actually comes from, it is indeed a rebranded PSU. The PSU is a Magic Power PSU (http://www.mgpower.com/) which is typically known for their industrial PSUs and not commercial PSUs.


I lold at the AMD RAM on the Intel board.

An FYI, pics loaded fine for me.

I got the RAM for free from AMD. Originally this was going to be an all AMD build as I got the RAM and CPU from AMD at an AMD event back in October. I just needed the MoBo and video card, but then a friend gave me the i5-3570 and that changed my entire perspective on the system build. Since I already had the RAM, I wasn't going to go out and buy new RAM.

This system will be upgraded over time with more RAM, an SSD, perhaps a BR drive, a different PSU, case swap, and a few other things I can't remember right now. But those will all be over time. The first one to happen will likely be the SSD though.

[najiro]

I lold at the AMD RAM on the Intel board.

An FYI, pics loaded fine for me.

hahahaha! that's something to see and to be LOLed for!

[PP Mguire]

There's no liquid cooling because it cost money :lol:. This system build really only cost me $80 as several of the big dollar parts were gifted to me. The rest was attained through me selling some extra stuff I had lying around that I didn't use anymore. The RAM *should* work. At least according to Patriot's (http://www.patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=9&catid=34&prodgroupid=226&id=1171&type=1) website, it's "100% compatible with Intel and AMD motherboards". The PSU is from the company next door to my work. We use their PSUs for testing on our test benches. My friend that works there gave one out to me when I told him I was building a new system. As for where the PSU actually comes from, it is indeed a rebranded PSU. The PSU is a Magic Power PSU (http://www.mgpower.com/) which is typically known for their industrial PSUs and not commercial PSUs.



I got the RAM for free from AMD. Originally this was going to be an all AMD build as I got the RAM and CPU from AMD at an AMD event back in October. I just needed the MoBo and video card, but then a friend gave me the i5-3570 and that changed my entire perspective on the system build. Since I already had the RAM, I wasn't going to go out and buy new RAM.

This system will be upgraded over time with more RAM, an SSD, perhaps a BR drive, a different PSU, case swap, and a few other things I can't remember right now. But those will all be over time. The first one to happen will likely be the SSD though.Oh I don't see a point to change the RAM as it's fine. I just thought it was hilarious to have AMD RAM on an Intel build.

[ryandigweed]

Wow. That's an amazing upgrade. Reminds me of myself. But great pictures. It gives a good idea for a first time computer builder

[najiro]

That's a very neat build! Even the P4 build is very clean with excellent cable management!
:)

[CDsDontBurn]

5.25 -> 3.5 bracket ready to go! I'll update my OP after I've installed this. I'll make another update after I've Installed Win7 :-D

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1226121911.jpg

[najiro]

^ wow that's very neat!
I think the neatness and order of build largely depend on the case. The chassis layout determines everything X____X
in most generic cases sold here in my country (from China of course!) have a build-in drive cage which I personally find dangerous for the drives after learning that is should have some sort of cushioning to absorb vibrations.

Also, your non-modular PSU cable management is just perfect X_X
I kinda hate myself for not having the patience to do the same. Do you hack or shorten the cables if you find them too long?

[Joshua_Mahr]

Very nice work CM looks great, however the ram should be placed in the A2 and B2 slots when running 2 sticks. You currently have them in A1 and B1.

[werty316]

+1

When running two sticks of memory its recommended to install them in the blue slots.

[CDsDontBurn]

Really? Why is that?

And thanks. I took some more pictures during this process. I decided to remove the fan controller in the process because the mod I was trying to do couldn't happen since I dont have the tools needed for the mod. The sucky lart about it though is that I now have a gaping 5.25in hole in the front of my case. Basically, the end result woukd have left me with the fan controller and the HDD directly behind the fan controller covering the hole I now have open.

[PP Mguire]

Really? Why is that?

And thanks. I took some more pictures during this process. I decided to remove the fan controller in the process because the mod I was trying to do couldn't happen since I dont have the tools needed for the mod. The sucky lart about it though is that I now have a gaping 5.25in hole in the front of my case. Basically, the end result woukd have left me with the fan controller and the HDD directly behind the fan controller covering the hole I now have open.
It really doesn't matter. They will run in dual either way. Few of the high ups had that convo with me and quad in the old Intel board. Programs and benchmarks were all identical in either configuration.

[CDsDontBurn]

It really doesn't matter. They will run in dual either way. Few of the high ups had that convo with me and quad in the old Intel board. Programs and benchmarks were all identical in either configuration.

That's what I thought as well.

[Joshua_Mahr]

It is what it states in the manual to your motherboard. However the only time i noticed a difference was when going for insane mem clocks on my M4E. Most P/Z67 Z77 mobos are this way.

[PP Mguire]

It is what it states in the manual to your motherboard. However the only time i noticed a difference was when going for insane mem clocks on my M4E. Most P/Z67 Z77 mobos are this way.
I don't see him trying for 2400MHz on cheap AMD RAM honestly. It's been this way since DDR days that you need absolutely matched RAM in specific slots to do dual channel but that isn't true. My SLI-DR has mis-matched DDR occupying all 4 slots still running in dual with no performance difference compared to my G.Skill 1GB sticks in either channel (besides less RAM capacity). The same in my DX79SI board with the Patriot 32GB set. I had the 4 sticks in the outside slots and was being told they need to be in the blue slots for quad. It's also what the manual said, but it didn't matter the configuration and benchmarks didn't change either.

[CDsDontBurn]

Getting ready to boot up my system for the first time :-D

[Joshua_Mahr]

You are go for launch!

[CDsDontBurn]

Currently installing win7 on my system. TBH, I was a bit scared of my system not POSTing because I never did that before putting it all together. Glad that part is over :)

Since this is my first UEFI system, it took me quite a bit of time to get familiar with the BIOS (which I'm still not familiar with). I can't get the RAID setup. It's all setup in the BIOS to accept it, but during boot when it asks me for CTRL + I to go to RAID setup, it won't accept the CTRL + I command.

[PP Mguire]

I'm personally not a fan of the new bios setups.

[CDsDontBurn]

System is up and running. Though, I can't get RAID array to work. Until then, I won't install games and programs on the RAID like I want to. Also, because of that I'm also not going to attach my USB card reader in order to avoid drive letter issues.

[werty316]

I would stick with how you have it configure now because you'll be using the SSD as your primary drive anyways; you'd be crazy not too.

[PP Mguire]

I would stick with how you have it configure now because you'll be using the SSD as your primary drive anyways; you'd be crazy not too.+1 to this. I was never a fan of RAID to begin with. Unless you are going to RAID your storage/data drives to try and keep up with the SSD.

[CDsDontBurn]

Yea, the SSD is going to be my primary drive. The RAID 0 will still be for all my games and stuff. And I made that decision primarily based on the fact that I like to horde all my games and 240GB just won't be enough :-P.

3x 320GB 16MB 7200 RPM drives in RAID 0 should be pretty quick still :)

I've already installed my OS on the 250GB drive. Once I get the SSD in, I'm going to just ghost over the drive to the SSD so I don't have to install the OS and everything all over again.

[werty316]

You must be planning on installing a lot of game to fill a 240GB SSD.

[CDsDontBurn]

I plan on replaying some old games which take up already around 25GB, and I have a plethora of games I have yet to install. So, it's possible :)

[PP Mguire]

Yea, the SSD is going to be my primary drive. The RAID 0 will still be for all my games and stuff. And I made that decision primarily based on the fact that I like to horde all my games and 240GB just won't be enough :-P.

3x 320GB 16MB 7200 RPM drives in RAID 0 should be pretty quick still :)

I've already installed my OS on the 250GB drive. Once I get the SSD in, I'm going to just ghost over the drive to the SSD so I don't have to install the OS and everything all over again.Fresh install is always better though. And the RAID wont be nearly as quick as the SSD but faster than a regular drive still.


I plan on replaying some old games which take up already around 25GB, and I have a plethora of games I have yet to install. So, it's possible :)
Install one at a time so you play one at a time. I find if I have 4-5 games installed at once I don't finish them.

[sushrukh]

Very nice pics & a very cute baby. :) You need an SSD ,a 1/2TB WD Caviar Black & a Blu Ray Writer since CDs no longer Burn.You can keep only a signle Blu Ray Writer & a DVD RW & you won't need that much HDDs if you do keep on backing up your HDD stuffs onto your Blu Rays since they each offer 25-50GB of write space. :)

[PP Mguire]

Very nice pics & a very cute baby. :) You need an SSD ,a 1/2TB WD Caviar Black & a Blu Ray Writer since CDs no longer Burn.You can keep only a signle Blu Ray Writer & a DVD RW & you won't need that much HDDs if you do keep on backing up your HDD stuffs onto your Blu Rays since they each offer 25-50GB of write space. :)If one has a BD burner then no need to have any other optical.

[sushrukh]

If one has a BD burner then no need to have any other optical.

Yes i know & I was actually going to suggest that only but i had only said that if he needs a CD to CD copy just in case. :)

Making a clone of a CD/DVD by Burning softwares & then writing that image/iso to a disc takes a lot of time.

[werty316]

Having two optical drives is pointless let alone a Bluray burner and DVD burner; and replacing a HDD by backing up your data on Bluray discs would be a waste of $ (unless you are rich).



I plan on replaying some old games which take up already around 25GB, and I have a plethora of games I have yet to install. So, it's possible :)
Install one at a time so you play one at a time. I find if I have 4-5 games installed at once I don't finish them.
+1

Ask yourself this question: Am I really going to play more than one game at a time?

[CDsDontBurn]

Fresh install is always better though. And the RAID wont be nearly as quick as the SSD but faster than a regular drive still.


Install one at a time so you play one at a time. I find if I have 4-5 games installed at once I don't finish them.

I know a fresh install is always better. But, if I can avoid it, I will.

And I agree, but some of these games I've been wanting to install for quite some time already.


Very nice pics & a very cute baby. :) You need an SSD ,a 1/2TB WD Caviar Black & a Blu Ray Writer since CDs no longer Burn.You can keep only a signle Blu Ray Writer & a DVD RW & you won't need that much HDDs if you do keep on backing up your HDD stuffs onto your Blu Rays since they each offer 25-50GB of write space. :)

Thanks :)

I already have a 1/2TB HDD in my system and that's already 80% full or so. I need to change that out to a 2TB or larger HDD pretty soon. Realistically though, I'd want to swap it out for 2x 2TB HDDs and set them up on a RAID 1. I'm just that paranoid about data integrity :-P.

And a BR-RW was in my plans originally, but now not so much. A BR-R is all I really need since this system is also my HTPC.



If one has a BD burner then no need to have any other optical.Yes i know & I was actually going to suggest that only but i had only said that if he needs a CD to CD copy just in case. :)

Making a clone of a CD/DVD by Burning softwares & then writing that image/iso to a disc takes a lot of time.

This. On the fly burning FTW.

Though I don't find myself burning as much anymore so I think going to a one optical drive system would be more practical now.


Ask yourself this question: Am I really going to play more than one game at a time?

Probably not. I need to have games that are more kid friendly and adult oriented installed at the same time :).

[CDsDontBurn]

You guys saw this a few posts back. If you've forgotten about this, I tried to mount this directly behind my Vantec fan controller so I wouldn't be left with a gaping 5.25in hole in the front of my case.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1226121911.jpg.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1226121945.jpg

I just needed to drill a couple of holes is all. Problem was, I have no drill. That was the first problem.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1226121953.jpg

The second problem popped up when I started messing around with the adjustment holes of the bracket. All that messing around eventually caused one of the screw holes to strip.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1226122101.jpg

So, I gave up and just stuck with the big gaping hole in the front. Personally, I'm not happy about it. I'll see if I can score a cover later down the line or something to get rid of the hole.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1226122101a.jpg

Test fitting my PowerJack. I wanted to use it, but I decided against it as it caused the PCB to flex upwards a bit too much even at the lowest setting. I ended up not using it because of that.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1226122303.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1226122316.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1226122331.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1226122335.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

I forgot to take before pictures, but it doesn't matter since the before for this is when I had the single red SATA cable going to the optical drive. You can look at the pictures in my OP if you need to refresh your memory on how that

looks.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1227120220.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1227120221.jpg

I didn't take care of this before because it was a PITA. I didn't get it done the way I wanted thanks to my big hands, but it's close enough.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1227120304.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1227120308.jpg

Getting ready for the first boot!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1227121838.jpg

We have POST!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1227121843.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1227121843a.jpg

Fans spinning

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1227121845.jpg

BIOS

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1227121859.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

At this point, windows and all the drivers have been installed. Here I am prepping the area where my system will be at. Look, my daughter is helping me again!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120102.jpg

Yes, I even did cable management to my entertainment center. I did this back when I first got this setup a few months ago.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120103.jpg

10FT of HDMI cable. Oh yea, I got this cable for $5.50 ;)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120104.jpg

HDMI 2 ready!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120104a.jpg

HDMI cable ran through the spine.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120111.jpg

Closeups of my cat5e wiring to my cable modem / router box.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120114.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120115.jpg

cat5e to my system getting setup.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120123.jpg

HDMI and cat5e test runs / drops to my system.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120130.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

Zip Ties!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120143.jpg

HDMI 2 populated ;)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120220.jpg

Yes, I know that I need either a coffee table or a wireless KB / Mouse combo :-P.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120256.jpg

I rewarded my daughter with some Mickey Mouse cartoons via YouTube for helping me out so much :)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/1228120352.jpg

[sushrukh]

@ CDs :- Get an SSD as your boot drive.And get a 4TB or 2 x 2 TB WD Caviar Blacks.But you really do not need to put your storage drives on RAID.Most people I know prefers a 120-128GB as a Boot Drive & a 2-4TB as storage drives.You don't even need WD Blacks.As storage drives , even WD Greens will be good enough.Blacks are power hungry.Greens will save you a couple of $ in your power bills & will do the job fine. :)

Install one game at a time & all your programs on SSD.I really don't think anyone would require to put more than 100GB of data on their boot drive.Install the OS , Games & all apps on your SSD & use your Mechanical drives for storage/backup.Even a cheapest quality SSD will be much much better & faster than a RAID array.And if you install everything on the SSD , you really wouldn't require a RAID array for your backup drives.

[CDsDontBurn]

I already know what I'm doing for my setup. Thanks for your suggestions though.

[sushrukh]

I already know what I'm doing for my setup. Thanks for your suggestions though.
Ok. :) Is that a 26 or 32 Sammy ?

[PP Mguire]

@ CDs :- Get an SSD as your boot drive.And get a 4TB or 2 x 2 TB WD Caviar Blacks.But you really do not need to put your storage drives on RAID.Most people I know prefers a 120-128GB as a Boot Drive & a 2-4TB as storage drives.You don't even need WD Blacks.As storage drives , even WD Greens will be good enough.Blacks are power hungry.Greens will save you a couple of $ in your power bills & will do the job fine. :)

Install one game at a time & all your programs on SSD.I really don't think anyone would require to put more than 100GB of data on their boot drive.Install the OS , Games & all apps on your SSD & use your Mechanical drives for storage/backup.Even a cheapest quality SSD will be much much better & faster than a RAID array.And if you install everything on the SSD , you really wouldn't require a RAID array for your backup drives.He already mentioned a 240GB SSD as his boot.

[sushrukh]

He already mentioned a 240GB SSD as his boot.

Oh.Sorry i did not notice that among so many pics. :)

[werty316]

Notice? It was mentioned.

[CDsDontBurn]

^^ More than once I believe

[sushrukh]

Sorry , i did not follow the entire thread in detail.Mostly viewed the pics as they are nice. :)

[slugbug]

Love the clean cable management pics of the PC as well as your entertainment center. I wish I had the patience to tidy up the mass of spaghetti behind my home theater.

[CDsDontBurn]

Ok. :) Is that a 26 or 32 Sammy ?

I missed this earlier. What do you mean by "26 or 32 Sammy"?


Love the clean cable management pics of the PC as well as your entertainment center. I wish I had the patience to tidy up the mass of spaghetti behind my home theater.

Thanks. And seriously, the zip ties business isn't that bad if you get it done as you putting it all in. But, if it's something that has been sitting already and you're going to tackle after everything has been installed, it can definitely be a PITA.

[PP Mguire]

I missed this earlier. What do you mean by "26 or 32 Sammy"?



Thanks. And seriously, the zip ties business isn't that bad if you get it done as you putting it all in. But, if it's something that has been sitting already and you're going to tackle after everything has been installed, it can definitely be a PITA.
He was asking about your TV. Looks like a 32" Samsung.

[sushrukh]

I missed this earlier. What do you mean by "26 or 32 Sammy"?

Sammy = Samsung. :mrgreen:

[CDsDontBurn]

He was asking about your TV. Looks like a 32" Samsung.


Sammy = Samsung. :mrgreen:

Gotcha.

The TV is 46in.

[PP Mguire]

Apparently we were way off rofl.

[sushrukh]

:exactly: Yes from the photos it was looking like it would be a maximum of 32".

[CDsDontBurn]

No worries. With 1080p resolution for a monitor, it doesn't really matter how big the display is IMO. My PC here will be like this until we move to our next place who knows when. TBH, I don't like my PC hooked up to my TV but it's the only way I can hook it up due to the lack of space we have here.

[PP Mguire]

Eh it matters to me. Too much stretch but if it's the only way you can do it then by all means.

[slugbug]

Thanks. And seriously, the zip ties business isn't that bad if you get it done as you putting it all in. But, if it's something that has been sitting already and you're going to tackle after everything has been installed, it can definitely be a PITA.
Exactly why I've been thinking of getting a new Home Theater Receiver. I would be able to minimize the mass of cables by using HDMI. My current receiver is an older one and has none.

[CDsDontBurn]

Eh it matters to me. Too much stretch but if it's the only way you can do it then by all means.

Yea. This place we have is a bit smaller than our last place, but considering our situation we were in it's significantly better than the boat we were in.

So, until we get our next place that has 2 bedrooms and an office / desk space, this is what I have to work with.

[CDsDontBurn]

I finally got to install my Kingston SSD and 16GB RAM kit today! The flash drive is later used to ghost over my HDD onto the SSD.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0126131240.jpg

Installed the SSD to the SATA II controller for benchmarking and ghosting purposes. Benchmarks will be added later!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0126131257.jpg

Ghosting.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0126131531.jpg

Moving the mounting hardware over.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0126131809.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0126131818.jpg

Installed to my system.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0127130043.jpg

During cable installation, I came to realize that the power and SATA cables didn't reach. The power cable just needed a little bit more slack, no biggie. The SATA cable however, didn't fit. Since it was a 90 degree cable and the mounting itself was closer to the front of the case. This made it so that the bottom portion of the cable hit the optical drive and make it so it doesn't attach to the SSD.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0127131418.jpg

The last picture of my AMD RAM still in my system before taking it out.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0127131419.jpg

Kingston 1866 & AMD 1866

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0127131420.jpg

Kingston RAM installed!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0127131422.jpg

[CDsDontBurn]

AMD RAM taken out and ready to be used for my sister's FX-4170 build in a couple weeks!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0127131424.jpg

My big-ol hands couldn't reach the SATA cables with the video card installed, so I took it out!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0127131457.jpg

New SATA Cable installed

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0127131718.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0127131722.jpg

Video card installed again!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69203732/Forum%20Uploads/ASUS%20Z77%20System%20Build/0127131724.jpg

[James86]

looking good:icon_tiphat:

[CDsDontBurn]

Thanks :).

BTW, the SATA cable (now white) has been replaced 3 times already. Originally it was a red SATA cable when I had just the optical drive there. Then when I added the 250GB HDD, it was the black one. And now that I've swapped out the HDD for the SSD, it's now that white one. I wonder what it will be next :-P.

[PP Mguire]

Why didn't you just leave the original SATA cable there? They all do the same thing.

[CDsDontBurn]

Because for clean wiring, a 90 degree cable was best. I didn't want to change out the cable for another cable, but since it didn't fit, I really didn't have a choice.

[James86]

Thanks :).

BTW, the SATA cable (now white) has been replaced 3 times already. Originally it was a red SATA cable when I had just the optical drive there. Then when I added the 250GB HDD, it was the black one. And now that I've swapped out the HDD for the SSD, it's now that white one. I wonder what it will be next :-P.

I got some orange ones

[PP Mguire]

Because for clean wiring, a 90 degree cable was best. I didn't want to change out the cable for another cable, but since it didn't fit, I really didn't have a choice.
Except the white one isn't 90 degree.....

[CDsDontBurn]

Except the white one isn't 90 degree.....

Right. Which is why it now fits. The 90 degree one was making contact with the optical drive after I installed the SSD. That is the reason why I needed a straight SATA cable instead of a 90 degree one.

[PP Mguire]

Oh I thought you were trying to say you changed it so it would be 90 degrees. I was like...it isn't?

You could have went up two holes behind the drive cage and had the white cable go that way instead. Kinda sticks out now.

[CDsDontBurn]

Oh I thought you were trying to say you changed it so it would be 90 degrees. I was like...it isn't?

You could have went up two holes behind the drive cage and had the white cable go that way instead. Kinda sticks out now.

Yea it does. Not very happy with the cable sticking out like that now, but it's the only way that really works. And I'd need to get a longer SATA cable for that. The one that's there now barely has any slack as it is.