New Rig - Opinions

**enf** · 08-21-09, 02:46 PM

So my new HDD is coming about a week before the rest of my stuff is going to get here. I would like to hook up the new HDD on my old system and install W7 to toy around with it before the rest of my stuff gets here. Can I then swap it out and put it in the new rig or would that cause some driver issues? If it will be any trouble (which Im assuming it will be), could I install, tinker, and then reformat and reinstall when my new rig is built, or will that screw with the W7 activation thinking its on two boxes?

**HeavyG** · 08-23-09, 10:51 AM

You should really wait until your new rig is put together before installing Windows 7. I have always run into bugs swapping drives with pre-loaded OS on them. It shouldn't screw with the activation as long as you don't activate Windows right away, but I bet you will have a ton of driver conflicts.

I suggest waiting. I know being patient sucks ass... especially when you get new computer parts, but you will be better off in the long run.

**WileECyte** · 08-23-09, 11:13 AM

While Windows is 'plug-n-pray' and will see all your new hardware, there are certain drivers that are only loaded during an OS install that will be missing if you install on one computer and then move the drive into your new computer. It's always best to install your OS on the platform it will be residing. I typically reload my OS anytime I replace or add any piece of hardware, just for that reason.

**enf** · 08-23-09, 09:40 PM

Good advice. It shall remain in the closet until the rest of the parts arrive on Wed. Woohoo! Christmas in August!

**enf** · 08-27-09, 03:24 AM

My Christmas present came in and Im up and running just fine in W7 x64. All drivers updated, programs/utilities installed, etc... So barring a few minor (and one major) compatability issues and having to download all my Steam games (ugh...), I should be able to test this puppy out in a game to see how she handles.

Not having a modular PSU was a bit of a bitch to hide some cables, but for the most part, my box is quite open. Ill post some pics once I get some fn rest. Ive been working on this thing all day taking time to make sure I didnt cut any corners. Well worth it. Thanks again for all the tips.

**HeavyG** · 08-27-09, 04:58 AM

Congrats on the build. Yea, I must say that once I went modular, I will probably never go back. Cable management is really a bitch nowdays and modular units just make things easier when installing a PSU and when trying to organize your cables since you dont have unused cables hanging out all over the place.

**finc.hairy** · 08-27-09, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by HeavyG

Congrats on the build. Yea, I must say that once I went modular, I will probably never go back. Cable management is really a bitch nowdays and modular units just make things easier when installing a PSU and when trying to organize your cables since you dont have unused cables hanging out all over the place.

I've heard horror stories about modular PSUs.

I've made sure to use cases that allow for proper cable management, which helps a lot. Twist ties, tie-wraps etc... are great for that. I know BFG gives you 2 velcro wrap things that help also.

**enf** · 08-27-09, 04:01 PM

I had a modular PSU in my old rig without any problems. It did help with cable management. I used mini zip ties in my new rig to keep it concise. There was enough room behind the mobo to slip all wires through except for the 24 pin mobo connector and my IDE cable but Ill take that over all cables showing / getting in the way of airflow.

**finc.hairy** · 08-27-09, 10:33 PM

I'm sure it will all look lovely in the HAF.

Dex sold me on the HAF until I found the B70 from Lian Li and then I just had to have it. I've got a thing for beautiful cases made 100% of aluminum.

**enf** · 08-28-09, 02:52 AM

Yeah those Lian Li's were just so damned expensive... You get what you pay for though. Ive definitely happy with the HAF. This is my first full tower and Im very happy with the airflow, temps, and sound level. I just gamed for a good 3-4 hours and my CPU is still sitting pretty at 40 degrees C where it was when I first started up, and thats with max settings. The toolless design is pretty nice too. Almost makes me wish I had the green to do some crazy RAID 0 with 4 Raptors! haha Ive found a good niche to invest in good parts (thank you NewEgg for your 12 months 0% financing) that I can string along for 3-4 years. Im just really excited at the smoothness of the games. Before I was running like 30 fps with low-med settings and was just used to it. Now, Im the first to load into a new map and the smoothness seriously just blows my mind.