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Question

I'm new to building PCs. Can someone assist me with this?

Jun 25, 2011 8:15AM PDT

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Well, I Wouldn't Call That A "barebone kit", But It's Nice
Jun 25, 2011 9:05AM PDT

Lots of high end stuff there and I'll assume you're going to use is for gaming.. It should work fine.

Just a note, since this is your first build.. You've given yourself a challenge.. Although I've not installed one here, I hear the liquid cooling can be a little fussy about installing.. Likewise with the solid state SATA HDD and standard SATA HDD combo. I'll guess you're using the SSD for the operating install and the 1.5 TB drive for storage and such.. It's probably best to install the operating system first on the SSD BEFORE placing the larger drive on the system.. Let the OS find and recognize everything and get the drivers straight before adding the extra drive to the mix.

And if you're not aware, be sure to install a 64 bit operating system, probably Windows 7, if you want to use all those 8 GB of RAM.. A 32 bit OS won't detect all that RAM and can use only about 3.5 GB.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Grif

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thanks for the help. 2 more questions!
Jun 25, 2011 2:46PM PDT

Does it really make a difference if i set up The SSD and the 1.5 TB drive, then install the OS? would it be fine if I set up everything with the SDD, then add in the 1.5 TB drive? And thanks, you helped me alot, but i heard that the liquid cooling is rather simple. But do I need to install both the CPU processor fan, and the liquid cooling? i would imagine, right?

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Enjoy it...
Jun 25, 2011 11:06PM PDT

Make sure you have the right tools and all parts when assembling. That all is present and the time to do it. Don't rush the build, verify what you're doing. If that seems to over-simply things, then expect troubles if you take too much for granted, enuff said.

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thanks so much!
Jun 26, 2011 2:06AM PDT

Thanks willy, you have no idea how helpful that was! just to verify one last time--- the 1.5 TB hardrive and SDD should be in place, but only the SDD should be plugged in when im starting up my computer and installing win7 64?

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Let me know how it goes
Jun 26, 2011 2:53AM PDT

That's the same sounding setup my husband has. He had Fry's build it. 64SSD & 1T hard drive, Win7 64. But most of the programs only want to install on the C: (the SSD)which is filling up. And I don't think it boots any faster. And it has some quirks like it crashes when you try to come out of the screen saver or sleep. I don't see what the big deal is by using the SSD?

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I understand
Jun 26, 2011 3:07AM PDT

I also feel that it does not really matter where i install the OS onto. why is everyone telling me to install it onto ssd??

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Good idea.
Jun 26, 2011 3:15AM PDT

The best way to find out what works for you is to try it.

But along with that, when you go off the beaten path be sure not to demand support. There may be a reason folk and support tell you to do this or that.
Bob

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The thinking is that it is faster
Jun 26, 2011 3:21AM PDT

Using an SSD as a BOOT drive makes boot up faster. There are no moving parts and no seek times as the boot process occurs.

Read/Write times are much faster than an ordinary hdd so the whole process is quicker.

Make sure you research SSD TRIM and how Windows 7 can help with it's own TRIM controls

Mark

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one second...
Jun 26, 2011 6:47AM PDT

But volvogirl has just said that all programs install onto there first, what will make them also utilize the 1.5 TB Hard Drive? and how do I turn the 'trim' option on. Does it go on automatically, or do I have to go into the BIOS?

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Second second.
Jun 26, 2011 10:11AM PDT

That's only true if the person installing apps does not watch for options to install on other drives.

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Not all but some
Jun 26, 2011 2:32PM PDT

don't let you select another drive other than C: or we haven't found a way. I think Flight Simulator was one. Or we got the main program installed on D: but the extra add ons would only go to C:

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Just like MS Office.
Jun 26, 2011 2:48PM PDT

Folks have complained for years that it is not possible for some apps to avoid dropping stuff on C but then you have users that forget and don't look to move what they can.
Bob

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If you always install ...
Jun 26, 2011 12:34PM PDT

your applications using the custom or advanced or expert installation option you will generally be offered a choice of where you want the application installed.

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As i see it...
Jun 26, 2011 10:00AM PDT

It shouldn't matter. It will be directed to the "C" drive. If for some reason it offers where to put it, then tell it where. Of course, the 1.5Tb needn't be present to install. If for some reason it pukes, then you have the time to redo it all again. Offhand, I just don't see a problem. Your bios as default should allow SATA 0 or 1(I suspect) depending on starting #, that's the C-drive. The bios may also provide a boot sequence, select HD as 1st boot device or how you plan to boot it. In other words, you play with it, just don't go too hog wild here. Install the OS and mtrbd. drivers on SSD alone, reboot the system and see how it works. If OK, then add the 1.5 HD and proceed to add the pgms. and other installs, you can also at this time now proceed once capable to enter the internet and get the latest OS updates, etc., to include ant AV or other pgms. updates, etc.. Once done, you can now really tryout the system like game playing and other WWW surfing, etc..

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Thank u everyone!
Jun 26, 2011 2:28PM PDT

OK thanks everyone. that just about sums it up. if you think there is something else tremendously important about the building, please let me know, otherwise, It seems this will be a nice experience Grin