First build--over my head & needin help

[stanmann]

Howdy, all:

Having little practical experience, I did considerable reading & then--foolishly, it would now appear--decided to build my own computer. I rather recklessly took the plunge, and ordered a number of expensive parts, including a Corsair AX750 PSU, an Asus P7P55D-E Pro MB, an i7 785k CPU & an EVGA GTX 460 video card. When the parts arrived, I was dismayed to see that the sockets on the PSU were unmarked, and the user manual gave little (& to me, in my ignorance, confusing) information on how to connect the various cables. And I could not find a circuit diagram in the manual or on Corsair's website.

I confess, I am stumped. While I might, using whatever intellect, logic, and luck I possess, or perhaps, consulting the services of a local haruspex (one who finds answers to life's problems by reading the entrails of slaughtered animals), stumble onto the correct information, I would prefer not to risk doing damage to those expensive components. I would very much appreciate help in figuring out how to correctly connect my PSU. My friends and family are impressed and amazed at my project and I do not want to disappoint them--or incur the resultant humiliation of admitting defeat. It's not likely any of them read this forum. I think I'm safe. Please help.

stanmann

[trackrat]

The first PC build can be overwhelming and frought with mistakes...

 

The motherboard manual should show you how to properly install the CPU and RAM with a picture/diagram. Both components can only go into the sockets one way unless you try forcing them which will damage them.

 

As far as the PSU wiring is concerned there is a 20+4 or 24 Pin main power harness that can only be installed onto the motherboard one way as it is a polarized plug. The additional power plugs to the video card (if required), hard drive, etc. are also polarized so they can only be installed one way. The data cables are usually polarized and or have an identification stripe on one edge.

 

All of this info. should be in a normal motherboard owner's manual but it may be confusing/overwhelming on your first build. The motherboard OMs that I have viewed in recent years basically walk you thru the build process page-by-page but assume that you have prior experience. Thus you may need to read the text several times and view the diagrams/pics several times to understand what they are saying.

 

I know it's a little late to state this but there is considerable skill/experience required to properly assemble and tune a PC for reliable performance. It may take awhile but with patience and perseverance you may enjoy success. The motherboard manual is probably your best information source unless you can find a "Hot to build a PC" step-by-step online guide????

[Wired]

trackrat, he asked about the modular cable connections to the PSU.

 

AFAIK, if they fit, it's in the right slot. DO NOT FORCE IT.

[trackrat]

Sorry... :(:

 

Thought the OP wanted info. on all of the power/data cables for his first build?

[stanmann]

Thanks, Trackrat, but Wired is correct. My confusion lies with the modular cables.

E.g., the main power cable has a 24 pin plug into the MB, but at the other end has two separate plugs that total 28 pins. On that one, I put the 18 pin plug into the top left socket & the 10 pin one into the lower left socket. The user manual made no mention of the latter two sockets.

As to the auxiliary power cable, on the MB is an 8 pin socket, with a "plug" covering 4 of the pins. The MB user manual says to connect an 8 pin power plug to that socket. I used a cable with 12 pins on the PSU end & two 4 pin plugs on the other.

While I am not comfortable making connections when I do not know the voltages involved (no diagrams of the sockets and voltages involved in the PSU), I will proceed, keeping in mind what you said, Wired, that if it fits, it's in the right slot.

Thanks to you both, for your help.

stanmann