I'm in the process of upgrading my rig from scratch, except for the GPU since I'm sticking with my XTX Merc 6800 XT. My motherboard situation has been pretty messy lately, so I decided to get a new setup with a 9800X3D CPU, a Tomahawk X870E motherboard, and a Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 cooler. I have a few questions about the build:
1. Is it okay to leave the PC components out overnight without a case, as long as they're out of the way?
2. What does the grey connector at the bottom of the motherboard do? I couldn't find it in the manual.
3. What power cables do I need? My 6800 XT has one slot, and I'm only using an M.2 SSD, no other storage.
4. Should I reinstall Windows on the M.2 SSD after the build? Would a fresh install be a good idea?
5. Is it fine to put the second fan for the Peerless Assassin 140 on the left side instead of the right side? I've already installed the first one in the middle like the instructions said.
3 Answers
1. Of course, it's perfectly fine to leave the components out; they won’t go stale or anything.
2. Can you give a bit more detail on what the connector looks like? That might help in identifying it better.
3. Your manual should have clear instructions on the cables you’ll need.
1) Yeah, leaving the components out overnight is totally fine as long as they're not in harm's way.
2) For the grey connector, it’s hard to say without seeing it. If you can describe where it is, that might help!
3) Your power supply unit should have all the necessary cables. Generally, for a modern setup, you'll need a cable for the CPU, GPU, and one for the motherboard. It should all be outlined in your manual.
4) I usually recommend a fresh Windows install whenever you make big changes like this, so it’s a good idea.
5) You can definitely switch the fan sides. Just make sure both fans are set to blow air in the same direction for optimal cooling!
Thanks for the info! Just to clarify, the grey connector is located at the bottom of the motherboard. I can't link an image, but you can find it if you look up the Tomahawk X870E online.
You can absolutely reposition the second fan. Just ensure it’s blowing air the same way as the one in the middle, or you'll hinder your cooling performance. If you have RAM clearance issues, try mounting it slightly higher on the right side instead!
The connector is grey and at the very bottom. I'm not sure how to describe it better, and I can't link an image. Thanks for your help!