Build Preparation
Introduction
Section titled “Introduction”This chapter prepares the workspace, parts, manuals, and build sequence before hardware installation begins.
Purpose
Section titled “Purpose”Reduce the risk of static discharge, misplaced screws, incorrect standoffs, blocked cable paths, or preventable rework.
Estimated Time
Section titled “Estimated Time”30-45 minutes.
Difficulty
Section titled “Difficulty”Beginner.
Required Tools
Section titled “Required Tools”- Phillips #2 screwdriver.
- Precision screwdriver.
- Anti-static wrist strap.
- Screw tray or labelled containers.
- Cable ties or hook-and-loop straps.
- Flashlight or head torch.
- Motherboard, case, cooler, PSU, and GPU manuals.
Warnings
Section titled “Warnings”- Do not build on carpet.
- Do not connect wall power until the PSU and motherboard power cables are installed.
- Do not remove socket covers, M.2 heatsinks, or protective films until the relevant step.
- Do not throw away packaging until the system is tested and stable.
- Do not mix screws from the case, PSU, radiator, and motherboard boxes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Section titled “Step-by-Step Instructions”- Choose a large, flat, clean table with good lighting.
- Remove drinks, loose metal objects, and unnecessary packaging from the table.
- Place the case box or motherboard box on the table as a temporary non-conductive work surface.
- Put on the anti-static wrist strap when handling the motherboard, CPU, RAM, SSD, or GPU.
- Open the case accessory box and identify motherboard screws, PSU screws, cable ties, and spare brackets.
- Open the motherboard box and keep the board in its anti-static bag until CPU installation begins.
- Confirm the motherboard accessory pack includes Wi-Fi antenna, SATA cables if supplied, M.2 screws/standoffs if supplied, and documentation.
- Confirm the case has the correct ATX standoff positions installed for the Gigabyte B850 AORUS Elite WiFi7.
- Remove both case side panels and set them somewhere safe.
- Remove the case top bracket or top panel if needed for radiator access.
- Plan the main cable paths:
- 24-pin motherboard cable to the board right edge.
- CPU EPS cable to the board top-left.
- PCIe GPU power cable to the GPU area.
- Front-panel, USB, USB-C, and audio cables to the motherboard bottom and right edges.
- Fan and pump cables to CPU and system fan headers.
- Keep the Windows 11 Pro USB installer and network credentials ready for later chapters.
Verification Checklist
Section titled “Verification Checklist”- Workspace is clean, flat, and well lit.
- Anti-static handling plan is in place.
- All component manuals are accessible.
- Case panels are removed and stored safely.
- ATX standoff positions match the motherboard.
- Screw types are separated.
- Cable paths are understood before parts are installed.
- Windows 11 Pro USB installer is ready.
Use the consolidated checklists appendix for pre-purchase, workspace, parts intake, and staged build checks.
Common Mistakes
Section titled “Common Mistakes”- Installing the motherboard before confirming standoff positions.
- Leaving a loose unused standoff under the motherboard.
- Putting tempered glass panels on a hard floor edge.
- Mixing radiator screws with case fan screws.
- Forgetting to route the CPU EPS power cable before installing a large top radiator.
Expected Result
Section titled “Expected Result”The workspace, case, tools, manuals, screws, and build sequence are ready for safe hardware installation.
Next Chapter
Section titled “Next Chapter”Continue to CPU Installation.