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I've just put together a computer for the first time. I've found plenty of info online that covered the construction, but now I'm ready - I think - to power it up I'm wondering if there are any checks that I can do to be sure that the machine is safe and ready to turn on. What are the things (if any) that I absolutely must make sure of before turning on?
Just to be clear, I'm sure there are many things I could get wrong that would mean the computer won't work properly, but only a few that might cause serious damage. It's really the latter I'm asking for.
I strongly recommend powering it up and testing it as you are assembling it. For example, you should check out the CPU and RAM before even connecting things like the hard drive (boot from CD or USB). Otherwise, if you have any issues, you'll have to troubleshoot everything at once. – David Schwartz – 2012-12-01T00:46:40.710
Ah, too late! My motherboard (Asus P8Z77-V, for what it's worth) does have error LEDs for CPU / RAM though, so hopefully not a problem. Am I right in understanding from your comment that it's probably pretty much OK to power on at any point? – Nick F – 2012-12-01T00:51:46.400
1Assuming all the connected devices are properly assembled, then yes, it should be okay. Double-check all power connections. Make sure nothing is shorting out the motherboard. Double-check CPU assembly, memory insertion. – David Schwartz – 2012-12-01T01:04:21.160
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Subjective, but I'd say this is a good subjective question. See Good Subjective, Bad Subjective.
– bwDraco – 2012-12-01T01:56:00.983@DavidSchwartz: Thanks. I now have a working computer! Your contribution was the most helpful so if you post your suggestions as an answer I will mark it accepted. – Nick F – 2012-12-01T02:01:36.150
@DragonLord: Thanks. I tried to reduce the scope for subjective answers as much as possible by emphasising that it's not about "mistakes I could have made" but rather "mistakes that might cause serious damage". – Nick F – 2012-12-01T02:03:40.687