Computer General Discussion Thread

[Imperializt Russia]

Two Amazon deliveries later - I now have a monitor, monitor arm, HDD, keyboard, mouse, CPU and motherboard.

#in2deep and the only bits left to procure are the case/PSU, RAM and a GPU.
Shame that my build will only accept DDR4 and DDR4 is expensive as balls.

[Salandriagado]

Two Amazon deliveries later - I now have a monitor, monitor arm, HDD, keyboard, mouse, CPU and motherboard.

#in2deep and the only bits left to procure are the case/PSU, RAM and a GPU.
Shame that my build will only accept DDR4 and DDR4 is expensive as balls.

Could be worse. When I built mine, the motherboard delivery got screwed up and delivered a week late to the wrong sodding house. That week was very annoying.

[Imperializt Russia]

I opened up the box on the Mobo and CPU and oh god this was a mistake lol.

I'm going to break something before I even start assembling things, I just know it.

As an update - a friend was willing to sell me a full-tower case, a 500GB SSD, and some aftermarket case fans for £150. I thought this included a 600W PSU, but it didn't and he's throwing that in for £20.
For "an" SSD, "a" case and "a" PSU, I'd probably have paid less, but I'm getting a lot more value with significantly better components than I would have chosen. That he's willing to sell this stuff to me so cheap is amazing to me.

Aside from actually getting this stuff, all this now leaves is RAM (which is ordered) and the GPU.
gragh.

[Salandriagado]

I opened up the box on the Mobo and CPU and oh god this was a mistake lol.

I'm going to break something before I even start assembling things, I just know it.

As an update - a friend was willing to sell me a full-tower case, a 500GB SSD, and some aftermarket case fans for £150. I thought this included a 600W PSU, but it didn't and he's throwing that in for £20.
For "an" SSD, "a" case and "a" PSU, I'd probably have paid less, but I'm getting a lot more value with significantly better components than I would have chosen. That he's willing to sell this stuff to me so cheap is amazing to me.

Aside from actually getting this stuff, all this now leaves is RAM (which is ordered) and the GPU.
gragh.

Nearly there. It's actually pretty much fine: once the CPU is in, everything else is pretty resilient.

[Imperializt Russia]

Ryzen has no on-board graphics though, so I guess I have to have the GPU before I can do more than a bootcycle.

Update - ordered a Sapphire RX 560 4GB, discounted on a warehouse deal on Amazon. Total cost, £650 almost on the nose.
I'll have all parts by Saturday, except RAM, which will arrive by Tuesday, I think.
Update 2 - the RAM arrived literally this morning, which was a pleasant surprise.

[Nordengrund]

Should I dual boot Windows and Linux? My PC came with Windows 10, but I have Linux Mint installed on a USB, but I never used it other than to play around with it and get the feel for a Linux OS. I originally had it on dual boot, but it somehow got wiped. I mostly use Windows for school and gaming, so I have no real reason to use Linux, it seems.

[Imperializt Russia]

I briefly looked into Linux on my build to avoid paying/pirating for Windows.
Apparently, most Steam games probably wouldn't run on Linux, and almost all the articles I read talked about dual-booting as though that should be the default way to run Linux (or, at least, WINE through Linux).

Incidentally, my build has failed.
CPU fail, GPU fail according to the debug lights - the B350 mobo should have diagnostic beeps apparently, but it's not made a sound.

[Salandriagado]

I briefly looked into Linux on my build to avoid paying/pirating for Windows.
Apparently, most Steam games probably wouldn't run on Linux, and almost all the articles I read talked about dual-booting as though that should be the default way to run Linux (or, at least, WINE through Linux).

Incidentally, my build has failed.
CPU fail, GPU fail according to the debug lights - the B350 mobo should have diagnostic beeps apparently, but it's not made a sound.

The diagnostic beeps require a speaker to be attached. The GPU problem is probably seating: you need to push harder than you think to get it in. CPU is harder to tell without further information.

[Imperializt Russia]

Thanks on the beeper - that would make sense.

I consulted a step-by-step how to assemble video, and the way they installed their RAM and GPU was to use the force of insertion alone to trip the securing clip. I was giving them a check that they were firmly in, so shouldn't be a problem there.
This morning, I removed the GPU and checked the mobo power cables. MSI mobos have four "debug" LEDS in order - CPU, RAM, GPU, boot device. They denote either failure, or not detected.

CPU and GPU registered fails when both connected.
With only the CPU installed, the CPU fail LED is lit, but the mobo doesn't seem to recognise the GPU is no longer fitted (and totally removed from the case).

When I initially mounted the CPU heatsink (which has thermal paste pre-applied) I admit that I placed it the wrong way round - I figured it would make sense to match the text orientation on the CPU face to the text on the fan supplied with it. However, this blocked the A1 RAM slot. I had to use a small amount of force to break the thermal paste bond to reorient the device, and I concede that I could have damaged the CPU/CPU mount or both in the process without noticing

[Salandriagado]

Thanks on the beeper - that would make sense.

I consulted a step-by-step how to assemble video, and the way they installed their RAM and GPU was to use the force of insertion alone to trip the securing clip. I was giving them a check that they were firmly in, so shouldn't be a problem there.
This morning, I removed the GPU and checked the mobo power cables. MSI mobos have four "debug" LEDS in order - CPU, RAM, GPU, boot device. They denote either failure, or not detected.

CPU and GPU registered fails when both connected.
With only the CPU installed, the CPU fail LED is lit, but the mobo doesn't seem to recognise the GPU is no longer fitted (and totally removed from the case).

When I initially mounted the CPU heatsink (which has thermal paste pre-applied) I admit that I placed it the wrong way round - I figured it would make sense to match the text orientation on the CPU face to the text on the fan supplied with it. However, this blocked the A1 RAM slot. I had to use a small amount of force to break the thermal paste bond to reorient the device, and I concede that I could have damaged the CPU/CPU mount or both in the process without noticing

Yeah, it probably wont even be able to check the GPU without the CPU in: the connection to it physically goes through the CPU. Just to be sure: the extra power cables for both the CPU and the GPU are connected?

[Imperializt Russia]

Thanks on the beeper - that would make sense.

I consulted a step-by-step how to assemble video, and the way they installed their RAM and GPU was to use the force of insertion alone to trip the securing clip. I was giving them a check that they were firmly in, so shouldn't be a problem there.
This morning, I removed the GPU and checked the mobo power cables. MSI mobos have four "debug" LEDS in order - CPU, RAM, GPU, boot device. They denote either failure, or not detected.

CPU and GPU registered fails when both connected.
With only the CPU installed, the CPU fail LED is lit, but the mobo doesn't seem to recognise the GPU is no longer fitted (and totally removed from the case).

When I initially mounted the CPU heatsink (which has thermal paste pre-applied) I admit that I placed it the wrong way round - I figured it would make sense to match the text orientation on the CPU face to the text on the fan supplied with it. However, this blocked the A1 RAM slot. I had to use a small amount of force to break the thermal paste bond to reorient the device, and I concede that I could have damaged the CPU/CPU mount or both in the process without noticing

Yeah, it probably wont even be able to check the GPU without the CPU in: the connection to it physically goes through the CPU. Just to be sure: the extra power cables for both the CPU and the GPU are connected?

From the PSU? They were, yes. Somehow, the CPU power cables are legit too short to fit with the GPU also installed (~2"?)

I managed to jam the cable under the GPU and around the CPU fan to just about fit, seemingly securely. This could have caused the GPU to be improperly seated.

Do you mean there is a cable that should run directly from the CPU to the GPU? I thought that was the motherboard's job?
Here are the "EZ Debug" LEDs. Top to bottom is CPU, RAM, GPU, Boot device. CPU is registered as fail, GPU not installed but the mobo hasn't realised this, since it should still be lit for "not detected".

Cable untidiness - the only way the CPU sockets can fit. Note how it clearly runs across where the GPU should connect (the full length PCI-E slot).


E: plugged my speakers into the tower while on via the mobo line-out port. Absolutely nothing.

[Salandriagado]

Yeah, it probably wont even be able to check the GPU without the CPU in: the connection to it physically goes through the CPU. Just to be sure: the extra power cables for both the CPU and the GPU are connected?

From the PSU? They were, yes. Somehow, the CPU power cables are legit too short to fit with the GPU also installed (~2"?)

I managed to jam the cable under the GPU and around the CPU fan to just about fit, seemingly securely. This could have caused the GPU to be improperly seated.

Do you mean there is a cable that should run directly from the CPU to the GPU? I thought that was the motherboard's job?
Here are the "EZ Debug" LEDs. Top to bottom is CPU, RAM, GPU, Boot device. CPU is registered as fail, GPU not installed but the mobo hasn't realised this, since it should still be lit for "not detected".

Cable untidiness - the only way the CPU sockets can fit. Note how it clearly runs across where the GPU should connect (the full length PCI-E slot).


E: plugged my speakers into the tower while on via the mobo line-out port. Absolutely nothing.

I did mean the cables from the PSU, yeah. There's probably holes in the motherboard mounting plate of the case to let you run that cable up behind it: it should just about reach, since you don't need to wiggle around everything. The debug beeps aren't sent out via the optical ports (those need things to be working before they can be used): they're output from the JFP2 header in the bottom right. Short of fiddling around rewiring things, you probably don't have a speaker that will easily connect to them.

Just to run through the other common mistakes and rule them out: if you haven't got the standoffs installed for the motherboard, or have some extra standoffs you don't need installed, you could have all manner of shorts going on stopping it from working. Try the RAM in both slots. Make sure the CPU is in the right way around (I'm sure it is, just covering the bases). If you get through that, we're down to taking identifying what's wrong: start by checking the CPU doesn't have any bent pins.

[Imperializt Russia]

The JPF2 header in the manual did confuse me. So far as I can work out, this case doesn't have cables for them, and nor does the PSU. I did note this is "buzzer" in the manual.

The CPU pins are asymmetrical, and it was initially mounted in the correct dimension. That the fan oriented in the same direction obscures the A1 RAM slot is probably just an oversight, where it was considered for larger boards than the micro-ATX I have here.
There are additional standoffs in the case - they are all in positions not under where the motherboard currently sits. The standoffs were all initially in positions to fit an ATX board, and I moved the required number to fit all six micro-ATX mounting points on my board.

I don't know about running under the mobo, but the cable can be run under the far side of the case - just above the CPU socket in the first image, can you see a hole? Cables for the upper fan run through there, and it seems reasonable to me that the CPU power cable should also be run through it, given its proximity. Like I said, it's too short to actually fit into the socket.
The cable might physically fit under the mobo, but even with the meshing over the bundle, it would definitely be in contact with the bottom of the board.

Can the RAM be in the wrong slot if it should ideally be in A1, and the RAM fail light is not showing? Since the slots are A1/B1 and not A1/A2 I'm sure it will physically operate in that second slot, I'm just not sure about the necessity. Will try though.
My guess is the CPU/slot was damaged when I tried unfitting the heat sink. If the CPU can't properly connect, would that prevent a GPU from functioning if in working order? The mobo physically works, clearly, though certain components on it could have failed.

[Salandriagado]

The JPF2 header in the manual did confuse me. So far as I can work out, this case doesn't have cables for them, and nor does the PSU. I did note this is "buzzer" in the manual.

The CPU pins are asymmetrical, and it was initially mounted in the correct dimension. That the fan oriented in the same direction obscures the A1 RAM slot is probably just an oversight, where it was considered for larger boards than the micro-ATX I have here.
There are additional standoffs in the case - they are all in positions not under where the motherboard currently sits. The standoffs were all initially in positions to fit an ATX board, and I moved the required number to fit all six micro-ATX mounting points on my board.

I don't know about running under the mobo, but the cable can be run under the far side of the case - just above the CPU socket in the first image, can you see a hole? Cables for the upper fan run through there, and it seems reasonable to me that the CPU power cable should also be run through it, given its proximity. Like I said, it's too short to actually fit into the socket.
The cable might physically fit under the mobo, but even with the meshing over the bundle, it would definitely be in contact with the bottom of the board.

Can the RAM be in the wrong slot if it should ideally be in A1, and the RAM fail light is not showing? Since the slots are A1/B1 and not A1/A2 I'm sure it will physically operate in that second slot, I'm just not sure about the necessity. Will try though.
My guess is the CPU/slot was damaged when I tried unfitting the heat sink. If the CPU can't properly connect, would that prevent a GPU from functioning if in working order? The mobo physically works, clearly, though certain components on it could have failed.

Yeah, you need a separate speaker to connect to JPF2. They aren't usually included, since they're only useful for debugging. I did mean behind the tray for that cable, yes. For the RAM, I was more considering that there might be a problem with the RAM slot that's messing up the reporting. A CPU slot or CPU failure does seem the most likely problem. Yes, that will stop the GPU from functioning (as mentioned, the connection to the GPU slot goes via the CPU).

[Imperializt Russia]

After reseating the CPU, fan, GPU, RAM (twice now) and feeding the PSU CPU cord in a very uncomfortable-looking squish underneath the mobo itself and removing an extraneous riser (that would have contacted the back of the board), I have now arrived at Step -1

I've managed to short something, it tries to turn on, flashes and instantly shuts off and won't turn back on again for a couple minutes. Lost a thumbscrew and it may now be trapped under the motherboard.
Gotta go to work so gotta stop, and after work I'm gonna have to deal with mam being pissed off that her 24yo son used his full-time wages to build a computer.

[Salandriagado]

After reseating the CPU, fan, GPU, RAM (twice now) and feeding the PSU CPU cord in a very uncomfortable-looking squish underneath the mobo itself and removing an extraneous riser (that would have contacted the back of the board), I have now arrived at Step -1

I've managed to short something, it tries to turn on, flashes and instantly shuts off and won't turn back on again for a couple minutes. Lost a thumbscrew and it may now be trapped under the motherboard.
Gotta go to work so gotta stop, and after work I'm gonna have to deal with mam being pissed off that her 24yo son used his full-time wages to build a computer.

If we're troubleshooting, I'd suggest taking everything out of the case and getting it working on some kind of insulating back, so you don't need to fiddle with making stuff reach: the box and bag the motherboard came in is a good option.

[Imperializt Russia]

Okay. Tested all the parts out of the case - all good. Eventually get it to work in the case - I had an extra couple of PSU cables, and apparently the fan control one kills everything?
*shrug*

So, I now have a fully-functional, blank PC here.
I have a Win10 ISO lying about, and inserted that disc. The EZ-DEBUG lights now recognise there is a boot device connected.

But... it won't try to boot or install, and never mind whether the HDMI lead is connected to the GPU directly or to the motherboard, I can't get it to register a signal with the monitor.

But it all works.
Progress.

[Salandriagado]

Okay. Tested all the parts out of the case - all good. Eventually get it to work in the case - I had an extra couple of PSU cables, and apparently the fan control one kills everything?
*shrug*

So, I now have a fully-functional, blank PC here.
I have a Win10 ISO lying about, and inserted that disc. The EZ-DEBUG lights now recognise there is a boot device connected.

But... it won't try to boot or install, and never mind whether the HDMI lead is connected to the GPU directly or to the motherboard, I can't get it to register a signal with the monitor.

But it all works.
Progress.

Before you started sticking the Windows disc in, were you able to get a POST? (The motherboard manufacturer's logo flashing on a screen?) If not, that's what you're aiming for first: you can forget about all of the hard drives and disk drives entirely while you fix that.

[Imperializt Russia]

No, I can't get any video signal to register. No issue with the monitor or cable, since I'm using both to upscale my laptop now.
I mean, it might reach POST, but I can't find out if it does.

[Grand Britannia]

If I were to use a 1k watt PSU on my PC, would my 650 watt UPS choke?

I don't expect to actually draw anywhere beyond 400 watt but just want to make sure.

[Salandriagado]

If I were to use a 1k watt PSU on my PC, would my 650 watt UPS choke?

I don't expect to actually draw anywhere beyond 400 watt but just want to make sure.

Nope. However, 1000W PSUs are either expensive or explode at half that.

[Sugrastan]

If I were to use a 1k watt PSU on my PC, would my 650 watt UPS choke?

I don't expect to actually draw anywhere beyond 400 watt but just want to make sure.

Why would you necessarily need a 1000 watt PSU though?

[Grand Britannia]

If I were to use a 1k watt PSU on my PC, would my 650 watt UPS choke?

I don't expect to actually draw anywhere beyond 400 watt but just want to make sure.

Why would you necessarily need a 1000 watt PSU though?

I'm going for a themed build and it's the only one that fits it.

[Sugrastan]

Why would you necessarily need a 1000 watt PSU though?

I'm going for a themed build and it's the only one that fits it.

Ah, I see. It should be fine. Usually you won't even pull 600 watts.

[Salandriagado]

Why would you necessarily need a 1000 watt PSU though?

I'm going for a themed build and it's the only one that fits it.

Which 1000W PSU?