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Build Day

Steps to building Jayden’s Killer desktop

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Precautions:

Static Electricity: Ground yourself before handling components. Wear an anti-static wrist strap or touch a grounded metal object frequently.

Delicate Components: Handle parts by their edges, avoid touching connector pins or circuitry.

Manuals: Consult your component manuals for specific instructions and diagrams.

Tools:

Phillips head screwdriver (#2 is most common)

Cable ties or zip ties for organization

Optional: Thermal paste (if your CPU cooler doesn't have it pre-applied)

Steps:

Prepare Your Workspace:

Choose a clean, spacious, well-lit area. A large table is ideal.

Place the computer case on its side for easy access.

Install the CPU: (Ryzen 5 7600x)

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Locate Socket: Find the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Open Socket: Release the retention arm by lifting or moving the lever.

Align and Install CPU: Match the notches or triangles on the CPU with the socket guides. Carefully lower the CPU straight down (DO NOT FORCE IT).

Secure the CPU: Close the retention arm to lock the CPU into place.

Install the CPU Cooler: (

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Apply Thermal Paste: If needed, apply a small pea-sized amount of thermal paste onto the center of the CPU.

Attach Cooler: Align the cooler with the mounting holes. Follow the cooler's instructions to secure it properly to the motherboard (it may involve clips or backplate installation).

Connect Fan: Plug the CPU cooler's fan cable into the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.

Install the RAM: (Corsair Vengeance DDR5)

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Open RAM Slots: Push tabs outwards on both ends of the RAM slots.

Align RAM: Match the notch on the RAM stick to the slot.

Insert RAM: Push the RAM stick straight down until the securing tabs click into place.

Mount the Motherboard in the Case: (B650 Tomahawk)

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Install Standoffs: Screw standoffs (small metal spacers) into corresponding holes in your case. These ensure the motherboard doesn't short on the case itself.

Align Motherboard: Position the motherboard with its rear ports aligning with the I/O shield slot on your case.

Install Screws: Gently screw the motherboard into the standoffs. Avoid over-tightening.

Install the Power Supply Unit (PSU): (Corsair 750e)

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Locate PSU Mount: Most cases have PSU mounts at the bottom.

Insert and Secure: Slide the PSU into place and fasten it with screws.

Route Cables (Optional): Some cases provide space for managing cables behind the motherboard. Start routing the main power cables neatly if you intend to do this.

Install Storage Drives (SSD/HDD): (WD Black 850x)

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Locate Drive Bays: Locate the 2.5" bays for SSDs and 3.5" bays for HDDs.

Mount Drives: Secure the drives into their bays using screws or a tool-less drive mounting system (case-specific).

Connect Cables: Connect SATA data cables from the drives to the motherboard's SATA ports. Connect SATA power cables from the PSU to the drives.

Install the Graphics Card (if applicable): (Radeon RX 7800 XT)

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Locate PCIe Slot: Find the longest PCIe slot (usually PCIe x16 closest to the CPU). Release the slot's retention clip at the end.

Align and Insert: Align the graphics card's pins with the slot and press firmly until it clicks into place.

Secure the Card: Use a screw to fasten the card's bracket to the case.

Connect Power (if needed): If your graphics card requires additional power, connect the necessary PCIe power cables from the PSU.

Front Panel Connections: (Fractal Design North)

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Consult Manuals: Find the front panel header on the motherboard (small pins usually located at the bottom). Refer to both the case and motherboard manuals for accurate connections.

Connect Wires: Carefully connect the power switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive LED, and other case connectors to the correct pins.

Cable Management (Optional): Use cable ties to route and organize cables for better airflow and aesthetics.

Close the Case: Put the side panels back on and secure them.

Connect Peripherals: Plug in the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord.

First Boot and BIOS Setup:

Power On: Press the power button.

Enter BIOS: Press the BIOS key (usually Del, F2, or F12). Check your motherboard manual.

Configure Settings: Verify boot order, set date/time, enable XMP profile for your RAM (if needed). Save settings and exit.

Install Operating System: Use a bootable drive or disc.

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