Many want to collect gaming computer 2017, while keeping within a small budget. But this is a very difficult matter, because the cost of computer components is increasing every year, as well as the requirements of games regarding PC performance. At the same time, I want to assemble such a computer, the filling of which will remain relevant for at least a few more years, because it is unprofitable to invest in its modernization every year, and not everyone can afford it. In our material, you will learn what details are most important in games and how to build an inexpensive gaming computer.

Assembling a gaming computer in 2019 do it yourself

CPU

The first step is to decide on the choice of processor - the most important element of the computer, which is responsible for all computing processes. You have to choose between the products of two world famous brands Intel and AMD. It is recommended to find performance tests on the Internet and compare the results with each other. The best choice in our opinion is the Intel core i5 processor - its power is enough for any games and fast operation of the operating system.

The higher the generation of the processor, the better the performance, consider this when choosing. To assemble a powerful budget gaming computer, you can use the i5 7500 - almost the top solution in the line, which does an excellent job with resource-intensive tasks. Of course, Intel core i7 processors will be better, but the performance gain in them is not as big as an overpayment. AMD Athlon II X4 640 will be an excellent solution for assembling a budget computer, although in terms of its capabilities it is inferior to solutions from Intel.

Choosing a motherboard

You need to find a motherboard that will support the format of the selected processor. When choosing it, you need to pay attention to the processor socket (for example, an LGA 1151 socket is required to connect an Intel i5). Also important is the standard of slots for RAM, their number and frequency. Additional connectors may also be present, which you should pay attention to in order to choose a motherboard with suitable functionality.

RAM

When assembling a gaming computer in 2017, the best solution would be RAM DD4 standard with a capacity of 8 or 16 GB. There is simply no need for a larger volume, and so everything will fly. But 4 GB will not be enough for modern games, especially since part of the memory is eaten up by the system. The amount of RAM you need to choose based on your budget - the more you put it in, the faster the games will load and the interface will work smoothly. But keep in mind that if in the future you have a desire to expand the volume, then you need to install a bar with a similar frequency and preferably from the same manufacturer, otherwise it may turn out to be incompatible. It is better to choose a memory with a maximum frequency, its performance largely depends on this. When deciding how to assemble an inexpensive gaming computer in 2017, you need to make sure that the selected RAM standard is supported motherboard.

Please note that if you set the RAM bar to more than 3 GB, then operating system must have a 64-bit architecture. Otherwise, no matter how much memory you install, no more than three will be available.

The video card is the most important part when assembling a gaming computer.

The question of how to assemble a good gaming computer is impossible to imagine without choosing a video card that is responsible for processing graphics in games. The graphics card and processor are the most expensive parts that affect gaming performance the most. When choosing, it is better to read reviews, as manufacturers offer a huge variety of models that vary greatly in their capabilities. For a budget PC, an Nvidia Geforce 1050 Ti with 4 GB of memory will suffice. But lately, everything is not so simple with video cards - miners are buying them up, and if they manage to be found on sale, then it costs much more than it should. This applies to the entire video card market. If you have a large budget, then you should pay attention to Nvidia Geforce 1060, 1070 and 1080 cards - the top solutions for today, by purchasing which you will get maximum performance.

When deciding how to assemble a gaming computer yourself, you can also pay attention to cheaper solutions from ATI or Nvidia. When choosing, consider the connector to which the video card is connected. DDR5 is in the lead - this is the latest format, which is equipped with almost all motherboards. Therefore, it is better to opt for it, DDR3 will become less and less popular over time, until it completely dies out. And remember that a bigger model number doesn't always mean it's better. You need to look at reviews and comparison of performance tests on special sites.

Drive selection

The best option today is to use an SSD drive paired with a standard one. The system is installed on the first one, which gives a noticeable performance boost. But due to the high cost, it will not be profitable to buy a large SSD, which means that over time you will no longer be able to store all the files on it.

This is where a standard hard drive saves, which is much cheaper. So, for 3000-4000 rubles you can buy a 1 TB hard drive, while for the same amount you can find a maximum 128 GB SSD. Again, when deciding how to assemble a good gaming computer inexpensively in 2017, you should read reviews and pay attention to such a characteristic as rotation speed. It must be at least 7200 rpm. The speed of writing and reading data depends on this parameter. fast drive promotes faster inclusion of games, and also reduces the time of their installation.

Power Supply

Thinking about how to assemble a 2017 gaming computer yourself, you need to calculate required power power supply. To do this, you need to look in the characteristics of how much energy each part of the computer consumes, add up the amount and add about 20% just in case. Most PSUs come with 20 or 24 pin connectors, make sure they are compatible with your motherboard. Do not take the power supply bundled with the case. As a rule, it is not of high quality. A gaming PC will require a variant with at least 500W of power.

Frame

The case should not only be beautiful, but also contain all the connectors you need to use. Particular attention should be paid to cooling, because even on the most powerful hardware, games will slow down if it overheats. Some cases have 80mm fans, others 120mm. The top solution is a liquid cooling system, but it is unreasonably expensive, so it is better to opt for a case with 3-4 powerful coolers. The more powerful the filling, the more efficient the cooling system should be.

For those who want to purchase a PC, it will be very convenient to assemble a computer online. The idea is quite simple - online stores have all the components of a computer, that is, and so on.

Therefore, you can take a specific model of a particular component, buy it and assemble a single computer from this.

But the problem is that not all models of PC parts will work well in combination with each other.

Content:

compday.ru

compday.ru is an excellent online store selling computer equipment. The advantage of this site is that the range here is very large.

That equipment, which is not available, will not be able to participate in the comparison, and, accordingly, will not be able to become part of the future computer.

But due to the fact that there are always so many goods here, each user has a great opportunity to assemble a pretty good working machine online.

The process of using the compday.ru service is as follows:

1. First you need to go to the page "designer of the future computer" (here is the link).

Selecting each component is quite simple. For example, let's choose a processor model. To do this, in the appropriate section, click on the drop-down list, where initially there are three dashes.

Again, for example, let's choose a fairly old but reliable processor Intel Core i3. As you can see, they are also divided into categories depending on the sockets.

It is also convenient that each available model has its price next to it.

3. Now the selected processor will appear in the block on the right.

The same should be done with the motherboard, RAM, video card, cooling system and other PC components.

If you do not want to select a part, just leave three dashes there, that is, do nothing. Gradually, the future machine will be assembled in the “Your Computer” block.

Its cost will be written below. You can click on the "Order" button so that compday.ru specialists will assemble a computer with the selected components.

Rice. 2. Assembled computer on the compday.ru constructor page

If any of the selected components are incompatible, the site specialists will inform you about it. In some cases, they do not advise choosing one or another set of components.

In any case, the compday.ru site builder is very easy to use and simple, even novice users can figure it out.

Each user can take a screenshot of the assembled computer, or simply print out the selected set of components and go to the nearest electronics store along with it.

In addition, the same components can be purchased in other online shops. And now let's consider another constructor with a similar scheme of work.

edelws.ru

Another very good resource that has a lot of recommended (ready-made) computer configurations.

In addition to the ability to select PC parts, there is a display of the characteristics of the future machine.

In particular, you can see the processing power, cooling efficiency, and how much. In general, it is quite convenient and, again, simple.

To use the edelws.ru constructor, do the following:

1. Go to the page of this service (here it is).

2. Let's first try to use the constructor, and after that we will consider how to use "Recommended Configurations".

The "Indicators" tab at the top is responsible for the constructor. Here, too, everything is divided into parts. For example, let's also start our choice with the processor.

To add it, click on the appropriate button under the inscription "Processor". A panel with available processors will appear on the right.

Rice. 3. Adding a processor on the edelws.ru constructor page

3. After adding the processor, the page of the added device will appear on the screen. This makes it possible to read more detailed information about him.

Rice. 4. Information about the device when adding one on the site edelws.ru

4. The same should be done with the cooling system, RAM, and other components.

Near each of them there is a button "Add". As you add, pay attention to the change in the characteristics of the future computer at the top.

Rice. 5. The process of assembling a computer using the edelws.ru constructor

5. And also in the process of adding devices on the designer page, information about all of them will be displayed. When the computer is assembled, you can click on the button "Collect and buy".

Then edelws.ru specialists will assemble a PC for you and send it to the specified address.

6. In addition to manual collection, you can also use the section "Recommended Configurations". To do this, go to the appropriate tab at the top of the designer page.

A list of available configurations will appear in the drop-down list. You can click on one of them.

The main indicator for selection in this case is the price of the computer. After clicking on the configuration, a list of devices included in it will appear.

Any of them can be changed by clicking on the corresponding button under the device. If desired, you can also reset the configuration or save it (there are also buttons for this).

It is also interesting that the edelws.ru site allows you to assemble a computer “for the game”, and for a specific one, for example, World of Tanks or GTA 5.

There are also graphic stations and PCs for work here. All this is possible using the appropriate tabs at the top of the site window.

Rice. 8. Ready computers site edelws.ru

In general, we have a really well-designed designer.

ironbook.ru

ironbook.ru is a fairly popular and promoted online store of computer equipment.

It is worth saying that there is an interesting trend right now, according to which the average site for the sale of computer components can become really cool if they add a PC designer page.

In general, this secret was used by employees of the site ironbook.ru.

The assortment of the store is also quite wide, so there is plenty to choose from and collect really quality computer. Let's proceed directly to the use of the constructor.

To do this, you need to do this:

1. Go to the ru constructor page (here it is).
2. Further, the principle of operation is the same - there are components, such as a processor, cooling, and so on, and all this must be selected. To do this, under each of them there is a button. "Select Component". After selection, you can click on the "Replace" or "Delete" buttons.
3. After all the components are added, you can click on the "Collect" button on the right. This will lead to the fact that your order will go to the ru store and in the shortest possible time experts will assemble the selected computer and send it to you.

Rice. 9. Ironbook.ru constructor page

It is useful that this site also has ready-made configurations. They can be seen in the block on the left. There you can find a PC for work, a gaming PC and many other options.

You can choose the one that suits you the most.

In addition, there are three more links below the "Collect" button. The first one allows you to print the assembled configuration.

With this material, you can also go to the nearest store and buy all the selected equipment there.

The second allows you to find out what the specialists of the site ironbook.ru think about the computer you have assembled.

In some cases, they may advise you to take a ready-made configuration, and in others they may say that your PC is quite suitable for the stated tasks.

All in all, ironbook.ru is a really useful site to help you make a quality working machine.

meijin.ru

Finally, let's look at another great configurator that allows you to take a finished project and make your own computer out of it, or build a PC from scratch.

It is very good that on this site you can immediately choose what you need a computer for and determine its cost. To do this, there are corresponding fields at the top of the site window.

The cost can also be set using the scale a little lower. When these parameters are specified, it remains just to click on the button "Find".

Rice. 10. Header of the meijin.ru configurator page

After that, on the above scale will be presented available options. They are marked with vertical lines.

By moving the slider to each such line, you can see the proposed configuration. Below are the devices included in its composition.

If you click on the "Change" button next to a particular computer component, you can change it to another.

At the same time, all devices are divided into categories - "Computer Configuration", « Software» And "Peripherals".

They are presented in the corresponding tabs of the designer.

Rice. 11. Found computer configuration

If you decide not to take a ready-made configuration, but to assemble your own from scratch, then everything is even easier.

On the designer page (here it is), you can immediately go to the aforementioned tabs of the categories of PC devices and, by clicking on the "Add" or "Replace" buttons next to each component, gradually assemble a working machine.

Rice. 12. Selecting devices on the meijin.ru constructor page

In this case, the assembled configuration can also only be printed as a list or a screenshot. There are no built-in functions for all this on the site.

But even without this, the meijin.ru constructor looks quite efficient and effective. The range here is also quite wide and will please the eye of even the most experienced users.

Below you can see a video review of the ironbook.ru constructor.

How to build a computer online? Online computer configurator

Assembling a computer online yourself is quite simple. You just need to find an online store that implements an online computer configurator with a compatibility check of components. There are no hints in such configurators, but only the components that are incompatible with the already selected configuration are hidden from the list. Several fields are offered for filling, in which the main components of the system unit are selected, ensuring the full performance of the computer.

Important! Computer assembly is free

PC configurator - easy way assemble a computer online with a check of the physical compatibility of components.

Let's start compiling. Adding the first element - CPU(CPU). When selecting components, visualization occurs appearance installed nodes. The price is calculated automatically in online mode, consistently forming the cost of the finished PC. The program constructor in a couple of clicks helps to assemble and buy a system unit from scratch, assigns an identification number assembly, saves the link. If necessary, print the saved configuration. There is an option to get the opinion of an expert using the feedback form.

Assembling a computer is an exciting process. Available - top-end GEFORCE RTX graphics cards, latest generation Intel processors, RAM with passive radiator cooling and RGB backlight, high-speed SSD drives, plus capacious HDD drives. Choose maternal asus boards Msi Gigabyte, spacious cases on aluminum chassis, Corsair, Thermaltake, Seasonic power supplies. Our designer knows how to solve difficult problems. Allows you to collect gaming computer, a productive graphics station, a machine for professional audio and video digitization.

When you have configured the PC, click the "Checkout" button. Fill out the standard form, then you will receive an email with confirmation and order details. Managers of the Edelweiss store will contact you, answer your questions and agree on the time and terms of delivery or pickup. The sales department will configure the selected PC, deploy licensed software (if you choose an OS), install required drivers and utilities. Be sure to update the BIOS to the latest available version. PCs are tested with specialized software at full load for 4 hours.

Additional bonuses for clients

• discuss the benefits of assembly with an engineer using the code
• the ability to quickly select a computer at a price online
• product customization
• information support, characteristics and descriptions of used nodes
• free delivery in Moscow, fast delivery throughout Russia

If you have any difficulties with self-assembly, please contact our managers. Edelweiss online store consultants are always in touch and willing to help.

Advanced Online PC Build Service

Our experts suggest starting the assembly of the system unit with the choice of CPU (Processor). The online component compatibility check module is integrated into the configurator. Therefore, having decided on the processor, you will be offered only components compatible with it. This will greatly simplify and speed up the assembly process.

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Computer prices

Today, consumers are less likely to buy a ready-made personal computer (system unit), to which it is necessary to subsequently connect a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Increasingly, the choice is being made in favor of laptops and monoblocks (all-in-one systems). If the user wants to get something special, then most likely he will prefer to assemble a computer from individual components on his own. However, this does not mean that traditional systems are already completely dying out, there are still quite a lot of them on sale and, if desired, you can choose a very good system for yourself at an affordable cost without wasting time on assembly.

Choice personal computer depends on what exactly you need it for. This will directly affect the cost - an inexpensive system for solving everyday tasks will cost much less than a high-performance monster that can easily run the most modern games. Therefore, the choice of a personal computer should begin with determining what exactly it will be used for.

By the way, recently the so-called. nettops - systems that are very compact in size and low performance. Their undoubted advantage is their small size, such a computer can even be hung behind the monitor, freeing up a lot of space on the desktop. In most cases, having bought a nettop, the user only needs to connect a monitor, keyboard, mouse to it and start working.

The disadvantages of nettops are no less obvious - there is practically no possibility of upgrading, at best, the user can only increase the amount of storage and RAM (by the way, this problem is also characteristic of monoblocks). However, systems with low performance become obsolete more slowly, and given the low cost, it will be possible in a few years to simply replace an outdated computer with a new one.

As for monoblocks, these systems will reduce the number of wires on the table to a minimum, especially if you use wireless keyboard and mouse. When choosing here, special attention should be paid to the diagonal of the monitor and its resolution. After all, if you make a mistake in these criteria, then you can fix it later only by buying another computer, just changing the monitor is impossible here.

3DNews has a large and diverse audience. The resource is visited by both seasoned enthusiasts who have assembled far from one PC, and readers who are just starting to delve into all the intricacies of computer technology. The test lab elegantly overclocks them to serious frequencies, to study the durability of drives, in modern games and to purchase unusual hardware abroad, but at the same time, it does not forget about inexperienced users. So the heading "" appeared, which offers a variety of configurations of system units. After reading the comments and personal communication with the readers of the site, it became clear to me that it was time to tell in detail and show newcomers how to assemble the components proposed in the article into a single whole. This is what is dedicated given material.

⇡ Selection and compatibility of components

Sometimes it’s harder to decide on a set of components that will make up your PC than to assemble a system unit at home with your own hands. On sale you can find a huge number of processors, motherboards and video cards. You can argue for a long time about which brand is preferable, as well as discussing whose graphics are faster - the main thing is that when you finalize the configuration, all hardware is fully compatible with each other. By the way, it is precisely such systems that I offer in "". Subject to this rule, the assembly of the system unit is not much different from the game of constructor, in which all the parts fit together. The dimensions of components, the parameters of mounting holes and connectors - all elements of a computer are strictly regulated, and therefore, for example, it cannot be that DDR3 RAM suddenly works on motherboard with DIMM slots designed to install exclusively DDR4 modules. You simply cannot install them in the appropriate slots.

For the full functioning of the system unit, you must purchase the following devices: motherboard, central processor, cooler, RAM, hard drive or solid state drive, video card (if the CPU or motherboard does not have an integrated graphics core), power supply and case. Additional components include an optical drive, as well as all kinds of discrete devices: network and sound cards, additional cooling.

The motherboard is the backbone of any computer. It depends on it which processors will be used, how many RAM modules, video cards and drives can be installed. Motherboard dimensions also play an important role in case selection. On the this moment among motherboards, solutions of the form factors E-ATX (305 × 330 mm), ATX (305 × 244, 305 × 225 or 305 × 199 mm), mATX (244 × 244, 244 × 225 or 191 × 188 mm) are considered the most popular and mini-ITX (170 × 170 mm), although there are much more standard sizes of such devices. The form factor is always specified in technical specifications buildings.

The “home” for components itself is also divided into types depending on the size and shape. As a rule, the larger the computer case, the more productive hardware we can install in it, while ensuring high-quality cooling of all system components. Dependence, however, is non-linear - practice shows that it is quite possible to assemble a powerful gaming PC in compact cases with a volume of 7-10 liters. You just have to carefully select all the components first.

Among PC cases, four types of models are most popular: Midi-Tower (examples - and), Full Tower (), Mini-Tower () and Slim Desktop (). Naturally, the more compact the device, the less seats it has for installation. discrete graphics cards, drives and case fans. For example, a 10-liter Node 202 can only fit 2.5-inch hard drives and SSD. A conscientious manufacturer indicates all these features in the technical characteristics of the device.

When choosing components, pay attention to other limitations that any computer case has:

• maximum height of the CPU cooler;
• maximum length of the video card;
• maximum length of the power supply.

Before buying equipment, be sure to make sure that all devices are compatible with each other, do not conflict and fit exactly in computer case. The simplest logical chain that will not allow you to purchase components that do not match each other is as follows:

• We determine the model of the central processor.
• We select a motherboard with a suitable socket for this CPU.
• We study the list of compatible motherboard hardware on the official website and select a set of RAM.
• Choose drives that are compatible with the motherboard.
• We select a video card, power supply, processor cooling and a case that will fit all the components.

Again, the above sequence is by no means an axiom. Since building a PC is always a creative process, the sequence of choosing hardware can change. For example, you liked a certain case and want to assemble your dream system only in it. Or do you already have some components on hand, and you need to buy everything else.

If in system unit If a maintenance-free water cooling system for the processor or video card is used, it is additionally necessary to find out the dimensions of the supported heatsinks, as well as the places where they can be installed. It is obvious that the seats for installing the SVO coincide with the places where the fans are attached. Single-section radiators are usually installed on the rear wall, two-section and three-section - on the top and / or front.

To write this material, based on the above sequence for selecting components, I used the following set of devices:

• CPU AMD Ryzen 7 1700, socket AM4, 3.0 (3.7) GHz;
• MSI X370 GAMING PRO CARBON motherboard, socket AM4, X370 chipset;
• RAM Kingston HyperX Fury (HX426C16FR2K4 / 32), 4 × 8 GB, DDR4-2666;
• solid state drive;
• video card;
• power supply Cooler Master MasterWatt, 500 W;
• case Cooler Master MasterBox 5 MSI Edition;
• processor cooling Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120.

As you can see, in preparing this material, the most common form factors are used - ATX for the motherboard and Midi-Tower for the case. Similar options are offered in the "Computer of the Month" - because this size is the most versatile and most popular. True, I cannot say that the assembly process in Mini-Tower and Slim Desktop cases is fundamentally different. It's just that the requirements for the selection of iron compatible with each other turn out to be much higher.

In addition, I note that when selecting devices, all modern trends are taken into account. The main drive is the Kingston HyperX Predator model with an interface PCI Express. And the choice in favor of Cooler Master MasterBox 5 MSI Edition was made because of the possibility of installing a power supply unit in the lower part of the chassis, as well as the presence of a mount for drives on the barrier wall. Plus, unattended systems are very popular. liquid cooling. Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120 is a bright representative of one-section dropsies, which are ready to work out of the box. The remaining components are selected in such a way that in the end we get a productive system unit for work and entertainment. The optical drive has not been used. In my opinion, in 2017 there is no need for it, and the Cooler Master MasterBox 5 MSI Edition (as well as many other new cases of this format) lacks seats for installing devices in 5.25-inch bays.

To assemble the system unit, you will definitely need two Phillips screwdrivers with different slot diameters, nylon ties and wire cutters. Pliers may come in handy - in cheap cases, threads are cut by eye, as well as double-sided adhesive tape, degreasing liquid and cotton buds. In order not to scratch the case and not damage the motherboard, I put all the components on a rubber mat. An anti-static wrist strap or gloves are also useful for beginners, but, to be honest, more to give confidence in own forces. Since assembling a PC includes connecting small connectors to the motherboard, you definitely cannot do without good lighting or a flashlight at hand.

⇡ Step #1. Installing the processor and RAM

The motherboard user manual always contains a description of the installation of all major components and connectors. Beginners, keep this book with you. The sequence of steps for assembling the system unit may vary depending on the type of components. For example, sometimes CPU cooler it is better to install immediately, and sometimes - in the penultimate or last queue. Even before fixing the motherboard in the case, you must install the CPU and RAM in the appropriate sockets.

You probably know that AMD and Intel processors are structurally very different from each other. So, for AMD chips, protruding contacts, called “legs” by the ironworkers, are located directly on the textolite substrate. But Intel chips do not have such elements - for these CPUs, the contacts are placed directly in the motherboard socket.

AMD chips are installed very simply: raise the lever, put the processor on a plastic substrate, lower the lever.

As for Intel solutions for LGA115X platforms, a similar technique is used here: together with the lever, we raise the clamping frame, install the processor, lower the lever and the clamping frame.

In the case of the Intel LGA2011 and LGA2011-v3 platforms, two levers must be released from the locking slots to raise the clamping frame.

Please note that all CPUs and motherboards are equipped with pointers and so-called foolproofing. In principle, you will not be able to install the chip into the socket in any other way, so NEVER use force when assembling a computer. All elements in the system unit are equipped with protection against incorrect connection. In addition to the CPU, you will not be able to connect power supply cables, case connectors, fans, discrete devices, drives and RAM in any other way. More precisely, you can, but this will require maximum effort. I think it's not worth talking about the consequences of improper installation of PC components.

After the CPU, I install RAM into the DIMM slots, usually located on the right side of the CPU. MSI X370 GAMING PRO CARBON supports DDR4 RAM, four ports are soldered on the printed circuit board at once. In some motherboards, there may be only two of them (most often these are either the cheapest devices, or mini-ITX form factor solutions, or), in models for the LGA2011 and LGA2011-v3 platforms, eight. Usually on PCB all DIMM slots are marked.

Majority modern processors AMD and Intel have dual channel RAM controllers. Therefore, motherboards use either two or four DIMM slots. Therefore, the installation of either two or four RAM modules is considered optimal. In the first case, RAM is installed through one connector. Some motherboards have special pointers. For example, in the MSI X370 GAMING PRO CARBON, modules are installed in the DIMMA2 and DIMMB2 slots - in this case, the RAM will work in dual-channel mode. In other motherboards, there are inscriptions like , - in such cases, to ensure operation dual channel mode modules must be installed in the DDR4_A1/DDR4_B1, DIMM_A1/DIMM_B1 and DDR4_1/DDR4_2 slots, respectively.

"Fool-proof" in RAM

I have already said that it will not work to insert the RAM incorrectly, since a jumper is used in the design of the DIMM connectors. It is also used to prevent the user from "squeezing" modules of another standard into a motherboard that supports DDR4.

RAM boards are fixed using latches located along the edges of the DIMM slots. On some motherboards, these latches are located on only one side of the connectors. This is done so that the user can freely change RAM modules without removing, for example, a video card.

After installing the CPU and RAM, you can immediately install a CPU cooler, but only if its design uses a small heatsink. The use of an overall cooling system will make it difficult to install the motherboard, as well as the subsequent connection of wires. The photo above shows examples of installing boxed coolers - the so-called COs that are sold together with processors. Coolers for AMD AM3+ and FM2+ platforms are attached using plastic "ears" - a special metal bracket with lugs clings to them. Boxed cooling for Ryzen chips is installed differently, here you have to work with a screwdriver: first remove the plastic mount, and then screw the heatsink to the backplate. cooler for Intel processors fastened with plastic clips: install the heatsink on the CPU and press the latch until you hear a characteristic click. In general, in the case of installing boxed cooling systems, even beginners should not have problems.

Some coolers already have thermal paste on the soleplate - its use significantly increases the efficiency of heat removal from the CPU. In any case, thermal paste is always included with the CPU cooler. For example, Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120 came with a small tube, which, nevertheless, should be enough for 3-4 times. Please don't forget to remove protective film before installing the cooling system, if any, on the base of the unit. The process of applying thermal paste is described in paragraph number five.

But the installation of other coolers is carried out on an individual basis, since each manufacturer uses a fixing kit of his own design. Therefore, immediately take out the instructions from the packaging from the CO. Most devices are equipped with universal mounting mechanisms that are suitable for both AMD processors, and for Intel. True, the mating part of the mount, which must be pre-fixed on the board, is different for different platforms. The list of supported equipment, as well as the dimensions of the cooler, are always indicated in the technical specifications. And yet, there are enough models on sale that are compatible with only one specific platform.

Once again: if the device is large or, as in my case, a maintenance-free liquid cooling system is used, then at the first stage it is enough to fix the back plate and frames on the board, which will hold the cooler radiator. We will install the radiator itself in the penultimate turn, after all the cables are connected to the motherboard. Yes, in cases of the Cooler Master MasterBox 5 MSI Edition level, the barrier wall has a window for accessing the cooler's backplate, but it is far from always convenient to use it.

If we talk about air processor coolers, then the tower-type coolers are considered the most popular. Depending on the platform used and on the specific model, the CO radiator can be installed in two positions. In the first case, the cooler fan will blow air through the back wall of the case, in the second case, through the top. The correct installation option determines the shape of the enclosure used. So, in the case of models of Full-, Midi- and Mini-Tower formats, it is better to use the first option. It is important that the CO used does not overlap the expansion slots, and also does not rest against the cooling elements of the motherboard power subsystem. For example, MSI X370 GAMING PRO CARBON does not conflict with even the largest cooling towers. Also, a wide CPU cooler can interfere with the installation of RAM modules with tall heatsinks. Therefore, it is better to use compact RAM kits, such as the Kingston HyperX Fury for example, or make 100% sure that CPU cooling and memory will not conflict with each other.

Our build uses the maintenance-free Cooler Master MasterLiquid 120 liquid cooling system, so it will be installed last but one (step #5).

Cooler and case fans are connected to the motherboard using 3- and 4-pin connectors. The MSI X370 GAMING PRO CARBON has six such elements soldered at once, which is very convenient. The number of such ports is not regulated in any way, but at least two connectors must be present on the board: for connecting a CPU cooler fan and for a system (case) impeller. All connectors are marked accordingly: CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN (or CHA_FAN). Sometimes a 4-pin connector designed for a processor cooler is highlighted in a different color (most often white). And in the boards of the middle and high price ranges, you can find the PUMP_FAN connector. It is designed to connect the rotor of a water cooling pump, but at the same time it is suitable for any other fans. It's just that a larger current is transmitted through this port.

The connector with three pins does not allow you to adjust the speed of the fan connected to it. But the 4-pin port has such an opportunity, and modern motherboards can control the speed of the “turntables” both with pulse-width modulation (fans with four pins) and without it (fans with three pins).

With a shortage of connectors for connecting case fans, all kinds of adapters will help. This can be an ordinary splitter that allows you to connect several impellers to one 3- or 4-pin port at once. Or a cable connected to the MOLEX or SATA connector. And there are devices such as, although their popularity has never been high. However, they are initially equipped with simple (most often three-position) controllers that control the fan speed by lowering the voltage from 12 to 7 or 5 V.

In the case of our PC, there is no need for additional adapters and splitters, since only two CBO fans and one case impeller need to be connected to the motherboard.

⇡ Step #2. Installing the Motherboard and Connecting the Case Connectors

Now that the CPU and RAM are connected to the motherboard, it's time to start working on the case.

For a long time, in tower cases, the power supply is installed mainly from below. This was done both for aesthetic reasons (it is more convenient and easier to lay wires), and for the sake of increasing the cooling efficiency, primarily of the PSU itself. However, on sale there are models of cases with other options for installing a power supply unit.

Seats for installing the power supply, 2.5- and 3.5-inch drives

The Cooler Master MasterBox 5 MSI Edition is designed with a small sled basket that holds two 3.5" hard drives. More compact 2.5-inch drives are mounted on a barrier wall.

Installing the motherboard begins with securing the I/O panel blank in the rectangular hole provided for this purpose. You won't have any difficulties. The plug is always included with the motherboard.

Mounting accessories are always supplied with the housing. Along with the Cooler Master MasterBox 5 MSI Edition, I found three types of screws, as well as plastic clips for installing additional fans. Other housings may have more mounting options. On some models, the standoff screws needed to mount the motherboard are already screwed into the corresponding threaded holes on the barrier wall. In the case of Cooler Master MasterBox 5 MSI Edition, you will have to do this procedure yourself.

So, the case supports the installation of mini-ITX, mATX, ATX and even E-ATX form factor motherboards. There are symbols on the wall (a similar memo is used in many models). Since the assembly uses an ATX form factor board, it is necessary to screw all eight stand screws into the threaded holes marked with the letter "A". However, not all motherboards related to this size correspond to the length and width parameters of 305 × 244 mm. For example, the MSI X370 GAMING PRO CARBON is already 19 mm, so it cannot be fixed in the case along the right edge. Therefore, when connecting wires from the power supply or mounting memory modules in DIMM slots, the PCB will sag. Install these items carefully in such cases.

After the motherboard is fixed, I personally immediately connect the controls and connectors of the front panel of the case. On the front wall of the Cooler Master MasterBox 5 MSI Edition, two USB port 3.0 A-type, two 3.5 mm mini-jacks for headphones and microphone, as well as system power and forced reboot. Difficulties can arise only when connecting controls - this is a bundle of wires with Power LED- and Power LED + connectors (transfer information to the computer status indicator), Power SW (responsible for the operation of the power key), HDD LED- and HDD LED + (transmit information to the drive activity indicator ), as well as Reset SW (responsible for the operation of the forced reboot button). Some elements may not be on the "face" of the case, since not all devices are equipped, for example, Reset key or LED indicators. However, in all cases, these connectors are connected in a certain sequence, as shown in the table below. It's just that motherboard manufacturers use their own designations for essentially the same pad: JFP1 in MSI motherboards; PANEL at ASUS; PANEL1 on ASRock and F_PANEL on GIGABYTE.

Power LED+	Power LED-	Power SW	Power SW
HDD LED+	HDD LED-	Reset SW	Reset SW

In addition, among the internal connectors on the motherboard, there may be contact pads for connecting USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 ports, RGB strips, a TPM module, FP audio, and a speaker.