HOW TO GUIDE: Building an ROG PC

[Brian@ASUS]

This is a step by step guide on how to build your ROG PC for those that have never built a PC before. This How To Guide will cover:

• Parts needed with a brief explanation of their function and purpose.
• Installation process, where all the screws go and where all the wires plug into.
• Different entry level cooling solutions to choose from
• Followed by a How To Guide of basic cable management.

Parts List:

1. Motherboard: ASUS - Republic of Gamers; Maximus IV Extreme;
   MIVE_3.jpg
   - This motherboard is the latest addition to Intel's latest P67 Chipset launch (sandybridge), Supporting the latest 1155 socket processors from Core i3-Core i7. Click here for a list of compatible CPUs
   - It features 10 USB3.0 ports along with 8 USB 2.0 headers, Dual Intel LAN ports, 8 channel audio, Tri SLI/Crossfire video card support (Technically quad card support if you use a GTX590 or 6990)
   - Extreme Engine DIGI+ VRM - Digital VRM for the best stable performance.
   - Dual BIOS, ROG Connect, RC Bluetooth, Sata6, and DDR3 memory up to 2200MHZ.
   - Maximus IV Extreme
   
   
2. CPU: Intel 2600k 3.4GHZ Core I7 CPU
   intel_core_i7_2600k.jpg
   - This CPU has max turbo frequency of 3.8GHZ and can typically overclocking on a Maximus IV Extreme of up to 4.6Ghz-4.8Ghz, sometimes 5.0GHZ+ if you're lucky
   - THe 2600K also features hyper-threading, so with 4 cores, you get a total of 8 threads!
   -Intel® Core™ i7-2600K Processor (8M Cache, 3.40 GHz)
   
   
3. Videocard: ASUS GTX560Ti DirectCU II
   ASUS-GTX-560-Ti.gif
   - ASUS GTX560Ti is the perfect balance between Performance and Budget.
   - Featuring DirectCU II technology: Direct contact with the heatpipes helps transfer heat quicker to your heatsink fins. With 2 fans, youre able to cool your heatsink quicker and quieter.
   - Featuring Super Alloy Power: Using higher quality components such as Solid Chokes, Capacitors, and Mosfet.
   - ASUS GTX560Ti DirectCU II
   
   
4. Case: Coolermaster HAF X
   top1.jpg
   - CoolerMaster has been well known for their quality cases
   - The aggressive style has the ROG look and feel that fits the Theme of the Maximus IV Extreme
   - HAF X
   
   
5. RAM: Corsair Dominator GT
   TR3X6G1866C7GTF_angleNEW.jpg
   - When it comes to Memory, you can never go wrong with Corsair Dominator series. Their Memory kits also fit the ROG theme perfectly.
   - Dominator GT
   
   
6. Optical Drive: ASUS Optical Drive
   31MmwGPUt5L.jpg
   - Here is a list you can pick from
   
   
   
7. Harddrive/SSD: OCZ Vertex 2 SSD
   OCZ-Vertex-2-SSD-1.jpg
   - Once you go SSD, you'll never go back to HDD performance!
   - OCZ Vertex 2 SSD
   
   
8. CPU Cooler: Air, Corsair H70
   top1.jpg
   For a great performance to budget air cooler, check out the CoolerMaster 212 plus
   - CoolerMaster 212 Plus
   
   official.jpg
   For the Entry Level Water solutions we suggest the Corsair H70 for an easy plug and play setup.
   - Corsair H70
   
   
9. Power Supply: Antec Signiture 850
   Sig_q_400.jpg
   - Antec Signature series provides some modular connectivity and flexibility in configurations. In this build we will use a 850 watt Power Supply which is more than enough to power a SLI rig.
   - Antec Signature 850

Tools Needed:

1. Philips-head screw driver: This is pretty much the only tool you need to assemble a basic computer.
   GreatNeck-A44PC-rw-143913-210649.jpg
2. Common sense: Never force something to fit if it doesn't go in naturally. Everything in a computer is designed to plug in snug 1 way.
   
   commonsense.jpg

[Brian@ASUS]

Before starting, you should technically test your hardware before assembling it. If you have a part that is defective, it is a pain to troubleshoot once its in the system and you'll have to take everything out again. Typically users build a naked system on a test bench or on top of anti static foam or bag. You can run through the guide to figure out how everything plugs up, but for the purpose of this guide, we will dive straight into assembly. Be sure that you are also free of static. If you want to be cautious you can purchase an anti static wrist band, or you can constantly touch the side of your metal case to discharge yourself before touching your hardware. Honestly, you'd have to really rub your feet on carpet for a while to build up static to short something. Not saying its impossible but in most situations its unlikely. If you're not already shocking yourself then you probably don't have to worry, but there are some carpet materials that really generate static electricity on your body.


Step 1: Open your case, analyze and visualize your game plan. Figure out how you want this system to function once you're done. Check to see if there are any cracks or holes you can potentially run cables through for easy cable management.

IMG_4321.JPGIMG_4344.JPG

• There are a few things to point out:
• Coolermaster has integrated 2 Hotswap bays. This means you can swap in and out your storage that are 3.5inch or 2.5inch ssd or hdd.
  

  IMG_4324.JPG
  
  
  

• They have push button locks for your optical drives

• They also have hard drive trays that face the side of the case so you can easily swap storage if necessary. Power and sata cables face the inner side panel so it is not visible from the main panel.
  

  IMG_4323.JPG
  
  

• There are rubber holes to loop your cables through for cleaner and easier cable management.
  

  IMG_4342.JPG
  

Step 2: Mount your power supply. There are 4 screws that match up to your power supply. The bracket is designed so that the holes will match with the power supply only 1 way. Follow the picture below and attach your power supply to your case.

IMG_4362.JPGIMG_4363.JPG

Step 3: Mount up your HardDrives (HDD) or Solid State Drives (SSD). Whether you have an HDD or SSD, it should have 2 mounting options. 4 screw points on the bottom, or 4 on the sides.

IMG_4365.JPG or IMG_4372.JPG

• The HAF X has several option for you to mount your drives. The first option is the side tray which can slide out conveniently. It gives you the option of mounting your 3.5inch or 2.5inch storage. If you're using a 3.5inch, you can use the provided clips/pins that lock in the drive. If you're using a 2.5inch, you can attach the bracket to the clips/pins and then secure the drive on the bracket with 4 screws.

IMG_4323.JPGIMG_4375.JPG or IMG_4377.JPG

• Then slide your drive back into the side of the case.

IMG_4376.JPG or IMG_4378.JPG

• Plug in your SATA power and SATA data cable. The plugs have a specific L shape that allows them to connect only 1 way. Do not force in the plugs if they do not fit with ease.

IMG_4389.JPG

• The second option is to use the hot swap bays. This allows for quicker access to swap out your drives without taking your side panel off. Typically this is used for storage. If you decide to use this as your primary drive, be careful not to unplug it, otherwise you wont be able to access your operating system. The bay has bottom mounting points for you to screw in your HDD or SSD.

IMG_4324.JPGIMG_4325.JPG

SSD 2.5inch
IMG_4382.JPGIMG_4379.JPG

HDD 3.5inch
IMG_4381.JPGIMG_4380.JPG

• When you put your hot swap bays back in, connect your MOLEX power and SATA cables.
• Connect your SATA cable to your motherboard's INTEL SATA 6G port.

IMG_4347.JPGIMG_4440.jpgIMG_4496.jpg

Step 4: Install your optical drive:

• Take off your bay cover. With the HAF X, you can squeeze the edges to pop it off.
• Swivel the bay plate back and forth until it comes off.
• Insert your optical drive, align it straight with the front, and press the side lock button to secure it in place.
  

  IMG_4337.JPGIMG_4338.JPG
  IMG_4445.jpgIMG_4446.jpg

• Connect your SATA power and SATA cable to your optical drive.
• Connect your SATA cable to an open INTEL SATA 3G port on your motherboard.
  

  IMG_4447.jpgIMG_4448.jpgIMG_4496.jpg

[Brian@ASUS]

Step 5: Install your CPU, applying thermal paste, and mount your heatsink assembly.

• Press the CPU socket hinge down and to the side to open up the CPU socket door.
  

  IMG_4404.JPG
  
  

• When installing your CPU, you want to handle it with care. Hold the CPU on its side. You'll notice there are grooves on the top sides. This will help guide the seating of the CPU into the socket.

IMG_4401.JPGIMG_4405.JPG

• Apply a small dab of thermal paste onto your CPU.
• Use a old credit card, business card, or your finger to spread the paste evenly and thing across the CPU.
  
  

  IMG_8722.jpgIMG_8723.jpg

• You can test/mount your heatsink a few time to see if you are getting a clean contact between the heatsink and CPU. You can also swivel it around a bit to ensure the paste is on nice and snug.
• It should look something similar to the pictures below.
  

  IMG_8719.jpgIMG_8725.jpg

• Install your Coolermaster Hyper 212 plus back plate. The screws go through the front of the motherboard, through the rear bracket, and tightened with the nuts. Then mount the heatsink on top of the CPU and screw down the heatsink bracket. There are 4 screws numbered 1-4. They need to be tighten 25% at a time in order. This evens out the tension around the socket mount and allows for an even contact.
  

  IMG_4412.JPGIMG_4414.JPGIMG_44171.jpg
  
  

• Attach your fan with the fins blowing towards the rear of the case. Be sure the clips are securely locked into the heatsink.
• Plug in your fan cable to the CPU fan header.
  

  IMG_4459.jpgIMG_4461.jpgIMG_4462.jpg
  

Step 6: Plug your case fans into your motherboard fan headers.

• Look for a fan header near your fan. If you have a fan for the rear, there should be one located near the rear. If you have a fan for the front, there should be one located near the front.

• The front fan on the HAF X needs to be routed from the right side panel.
  
  

  IMG_4456.jpgIMG_4458.jpg
  IMG_4468.jpgIMG_4470.jpg

Step 7: Installing memory

• Be sure to install your memory into the primary Dimm slots first. The 2 red slots allow you to run in dual channel mode.
• If you plan to run 4 sticks in most cases 8gb of ram or more, you can use the black slots as your secondary.
• With ASUS Q-Dimm, its much easier to remove or insert memory because only one side has a notch, you need to secure the lower Dimm in place, and press the upper section until it locks.
  

  IMG_4463.jpgIMG_4464.jpgIMG_4465.jpg
  

Step 8: Install your graphics card.

• For this build we are using a GTX560Ti. This is a Dual Slot card which means it takes up 2 slots in your case.
• Be sure to line up your PCI-E lanes with the PCI-E slot. There is a short side and long side that need to align, then press and lock in.
• You can also align the rear case slots and your graphics card.
  

  IMG_4426.jpgIMG_4431.jpgIMG_4434.jpg
  
  

• If you plan to install 2 cards for SLI, be sure to use the SLI cable and attach it to the SLI lane on top of the GTX560Ti.
• Be sure to screw down your graphics card to your case to keep it in place.
  

  IMG_4450.jpgIMG_4452.jpg

[Brian@ASUS]

Step 9: Plug in power!

• Connect your 24pin power to the 24pin socket on your motherboard located on the right side.
• Some power supplies may come with a 20pin + 4 pin connection. In older motherboards, they used 20 pin, which allows the powersupply to be backwards compatible. For current generation boards, you will need to combine the 20pin + 4pin to make a total of 24 pins.
• Make sure that the clip locks into place. The plug can only go in 1 way, so if it doesn't fit, you're probably putting it in backwards.
  

  IMG_4418.jpgIMG_4421.jpg

• Plug in the 8pin CPU Power at the top left of the motherboard.
• Your power supply may come with 4pin + 4pin CPU connectors that you need to combine in order to make an 8pin. It may come with a solid 8pin CPU power connector or it may come with both. Either one works.
• Again, the CPU power connector only fits one way. Make sure that the clip locks into place. The plug can only go in 1 way, so if it doesn't fit, you're probably putting it in backwards.
  

  IMG_4423.jpgIMG_4424.jpg
  
  

• Plug in your Graphics power connector. These should be labeled "PCI-E" power connectors. These power connectors can come in a 6pin layout or a 6pin + 2pin to make a total of 8pin.
• Some graphics cards require a combination of 6pin, 8pin, 6pin and 6pin, 6pin and 8pin, 8pin and 8pin, or even 8pin - 8pin and 6pin.
• The GTX560Ti takes 2x 6pin connectors per card.
• This Antec Signature 850 watt has 2x (6pin+2pin) connectors hardwired to the PSU. This is enough to power a single GTX560Ti
• If you plan to run 2 cards in SLI, you will have to connect another PCI-E modular cable into an open port in your power supply and connect the 6pin cables into your second card.
  

  IMG_4435.jpgIMG_4436.jpg
  IMG_4449.jpgIMG_4454.jpg

Step 10: Connect your front panel cables.

• At first you look at all of the front panel cables and wonder, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO!

IMG_4471.jpg

• This is why we developed Q Connector. Attach all your cables onto Q Connector, and easily drop it into the front panel header.
  

  IMG_4473.jpgIMG_4474.jpg
  IMG_4475.jpgIMG_4476.jpg
  
  

• Connect your USB Cable to the USB Header
  

  IMG_4477.jpgIMG_4479.jpg
  
  

• Connect your HD Audio cable to the header labeled AAFP
  

  IMG_4482.jpgIMG_4481.jpg
  
  

• Connect your USB3.0 Loop back cables through your water cooling hole and plug it into a USB3.0 port.
  

  IMG_4487.jpgIMG_4489.jpg
  
  

• Connect your ESATA red cable to a SATA 3G port
  

  IMG_4496.jpg
  
  

[Brian@ASUS]

THE ROG PC IS COMPLETE!

IMG_4499.JPG

It's complete, but a bit messy. Lets see if we can do some cable management. Click on the thread below to learn how to cable manage!
CLICK HERE

[Giannis996]

haha awesome build a bit out of date no but awesome!!

[kepoyoh]

you spent how much money to build computer gamers