[Build Log] - NZXT Switch 810 White - (Useful for first time builders)

I had always wanted to build a PC on my own. This was sitting since long time in my checklist. I have owned two PCs before. One was in my first year college days (2003) - an HP Pavilion, which sucked big time with its softwares.

Second one was built around CM 690 II Advanced (2010 end) with an i5 750. The built was done by the shopkeeper, although the parts were picked by me.I hardly used my PC for 3 months when I had to shift country and PC is being used by brother now.

So, this time I decided to get everything done by myself. So, here comes my first build and first build log. Honestly, speaking I discovered there is something called build log this month itself after I joined Overclock.net

Usually, I am over the top lazy but when it comes to executing things I like to plan all the activities, take care of all the scenarios beforehand.

The build is still going on. I have finished 75% of the planning on last weekend and have taken few pics which I can share. I am yet to receive many parts!

You can call me a newbie in PC build as till last night I dint know if the standoffs will be inside motherboard or under it. Just trying to set the expectation.

Also, I am not using any custom water cooling part.

OK, so lets begin!!

*UPDATE*
Build Pics Set 1 -

Build Pics Set 2

Build Pics Set 3

Build Pics Set 4
Edited by proxycon - 5/29/12 at 6:43pm

Following is the list of components used in the build :

Main Components :
1. Processor - Intel i5 3570K - $200 - Microcenter
2. Motherboard - ASUS Sabertooth Z77 - $211 - Microcenter
3. Memory - G Skill Ripjaws X 1866 - $60 - Newegg
4. GPU - Gigabyte GTX 670 Windforce - $400 - Newegg
5. PSU - Corsair TX850V2 - $110 - Newegg
6. HDD - WD 500GB Blue - $70 - Amazon
7. SSD - Crucial M4 128 GB - $100 - Newegg
8. Case - NZXT Switch 810 White - $170 - Amazon
9. Monitor - Acer S231HL 23" LED Full HD - $155 - Amazon
10. Optical Drive - Samsung Bluray - $75 - Amazon

Cooling Components :
11. CPU Cooler - Corsair H100 - $100 - Amazon
12. Case fans 120mm - 2 X NZXT - $14 - Amazon
13. Case fans 140mm - 2 X NZXT, - $18 - Amazon
14. Case fans 140mm - 1 X Bitfenix Spectre Pro LED Blue - $22 - Amazon
15. Case fans 140mm - 1 X Bitfenix Spectre Pro LED Blue - $22 - Amazon

Input Devices :
16. Keyboard - Corsair K90 - $100 - Amazon
17. Mouse - Corsair M60 - $50 - Amazon

Controllers :
18. Fan Controller - Lamptron FC 8 - $78 - Amazon
19. Fan/ LED Controller - Bitfenix Hydra Pro - $35 - Performance PC's

Software
20. Operating System - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Edition 64 bit - $100 - Newegg
21. Antivirus/Malware - PC Tools Spyware - $20 - PC Tools site

Cables :
22. 24 pin Motherboard ATX Extension - Bitfenix Alchemy 30 cm White - $12 - Frozencpu
23. 4 pin Molex Extension - 4 X Bitfenix 45 cm White - $24 - Frozencpu
24. 6 pin PCIe Extension - Bitfenix 45 cm White - $9 - Frozencpu
25. 8 pin PCIe Extension - Bitfenix 45 cm White - $9 - Frozencpu
26. 3 pin Fan Extension - 8 X Bitfenix 30 cm White - $40 - Performance PC's
27. SATA III 180 degree cable - 3 X Silverstone cable - $21 - Amazon

Accessories :
28. PC Toolkit - Rosewill 45 piece toolkit - $20 - Newegg
29. Surge Protector - Belkin - $20 - Amazon
30. Fan Filter - 2 X Silverstone 140mm magnetic fan filter - $24 - Amazon
31. Case Screws - 16 X Du-Bro 316 6-32 x 1-1/4" - $15 - Amazon

I will try to post some early pics tomorrow of the build.
Edited by proxycon - 5/22/12 at 7:56am

Here is a more formatted way for component listing :


Edited by proxycon - 5/21/12 at 9:50pm

Before I start my build, following is the airflow diagram I have designed for my build. Please share your criticism.


Edited by proxycon - 5/21/12 at 9:52pm

*reserved for early pics*

Watch out for this space!! Updates coming soon! Thanks..
Edited by proxycon - 5/21/12 at 9:53pm

Wanted to hold up some space for some config posts. Thanks!!

Thanks

Following is the checklist I have prepared for my build! I know its long but, someone can find it useful if they are doing it for the first time!!

1. Clean my wooden table off the clutter. Put Switch 810 on the table with side panels removed. Place the Sabertooth z77 on the antistatic pack in which it came.

2. Install I/O shield plate which came with Asus Sabertooth Z77 at the back of the case. Apply some force to make sure I/O plate snapped into place.

3. Take out the front panel by pushing at the ‘push-point-latch’ on the Switch 810 Case.

4. Put Bitfenix Spectre Pro 140mm LED White fan in the front. Use the long fan screws that came up with the Case to tighten the fan.

5. Take out the front dust filter present at the bottom of the case. Flip the case sideways so that bottom faces you. Put NZXT 140mm in the bottom of the case with normal screws with which it came.

6. Put Bitfenix Spectre Pro 140mm LED Blue fan in the HDD tilt adjusted docking place.

7. Install the Corsair TX850 at the bottom of the case with fan facing towards bottom. Route all the cables to the back of the case. Try to visualize all the connections cables will be making to decide better on cable management.

8. Take out the 5.25” bay which houses the hot swappable dock. Mount the Crucial M4 SSD on it. Slide it towards the back so that it latches itself to the ht swappable dock.

9. Take out one of the HDD mounting tray from the right side of the case. Mount the WD 500GB Blue drive on it. Slide it back in one of the 3.25” drive bay.

10. Install the Samsung Blue Ray drive in top 5.25" bay.

11. Connect 8 of Bitfenix 3-pin white cables to Lamptron FC 8 fan controller. Now slide the fan controller with all cables connected under the optical drive bay in one of the 5.25” drive bay. Secure the mount by screws. Route 8X3 = 24 fan extension cables to the back of the case. Lots of cables will be there!

12. Place a sheet of paper under motherboard. Mark the positions for standoffs.

13. Place the marked paper over the case to identify places to put stand offs. Put all the standoffs on the case after verifying the alignment.

14. Open the latch on the motherboard which protects the place to put processor. Put i5 3570K after verifying all three corners (2 circles, 1 triangle). Latch back to secure the processor. Take off the protective plastic cover from the Sabertooth motherboard processor mounting place.

15. Back plate installation for Corsair H100 – Adjust the sliders on the back plate which came with Corsair H100 until it aligns with the retention holes on the motherboard. Place double side threaded screws (came with H100) from the motherboard side into the holes.

16. Install GSkill Ripjaws 2X4GB RAM into 2nd and 4th slot.

17. Put Z77 motherboard on the case aligning it with standoffs and I/O plate. Tighten the screws for standoffs. Do not over tighten and place screws in cross corner way.

18. Prepare the H100 by placing 2 or 4 fans on sides of radiator. Connect 3 pin fan headers to H100 panel for accepting up to four 4 pin fan headers. Use the long screws.

19. Place the radiator with 2/4 fans affixed underneath the TOP of the case. Use small screws to secure it.

20. Remove the protective plastic from H100 heat sink. Mount it over the CPU now. Secure with the screws.

21. Connect the Corsair H100 single 3 pin header to CPU_FAN(4 pin) connector on the motherboard.

22. Connect all the front cables to Q-Connector of Asus Z77 motherboard. Connect the Q connector to motherboard now.

23. Connect USB 3.0 internal connectors to motherboard.

24. Connect SATA data cables from motherboard to HDD/SSD and Optical drive.

25. Connect the Bitfenix 24 pin white extension cable to PSU 24 cable. Connect the other end of Bitfenix cable to Motherboard.

26. Connect 12 V (8 pin) PSU cable to motherboard.

27. Connect SATA power cables to Optical drive and HDD/SSD.

28. Connect 3 MOLEX cables with Bitfenix Molex extensions to Lamptron FC 8 fan controller.

29. Connect MOLEX cable to Corsair H100. Use Bitfenix Molex extension cable.

30. Connect remaining case fans to Lamptron FC8 fan controller.

31. Place the graphics card in PCIe 3.0 slot.

32. Connect PCI pins (6 and 6+2) to graphics card. Use Bitfenix 6, 6+2 extension cable.

33. Connect the monitor DVI cable to GPU video output.

34. Connect PSU main power cable to Surge Protector.

35. Switch on the small button on PSU.

36. Switch on the Power Button on the Case.

37. Wait for moment of truth.

38. Enter BIOS if system posted correctly.

39. Check RAM, CPU, GPU, HDD, Optical Drive detection in BIOS.

40. Change the Boot drive from HDD to Optical Drive.

41. Place Windows 7 64 bit disk in the Optical Drive. Restart the system.

42. Install Windows 7 on system.

43. Install antivirus.

44. Install all the drivers and updates for Windows.
Edited by proxycon - 5/22/12 at 11:58am