How To Build a High-End Gaming PC

With the components selected, it's time to assemble the rig, install the software, run benchmarks and perform the final tweaks.

While the steps for constructing a PC are similar from one build to another, one determining factor is often the case. Since the Cooler Master Stacker includes a fairly decent installation guide, I'll adhere to it closely in the following 12 steps.

1. Case: Remove the case's door and side panels, and detach the multi-function fan bracket to make working inside the case easier. Next, extract the motherboard tray and remove the stock I/O shield. Refer to the enclosed installation guide for panel and tray unlocking/locking procedures.

2. Motherboard: Install the spacers on the mainboard tray. A template is provided. Then mount the new I/O shield. Next, attach the motherboard. If the HSF you selected uses a backplate, secure it before fastening the motherboard to the tray.

3. Processor, Chipset Fan & HSF: Install the CPU in its socket. Then mount the chipset fan (if not already affixed), and plug in its power connector. Apply thermal compound to the processor. Then mount the HSF, and attach its fan connector.

4. Memory & Video Cards: Insert the DIMMs in memory slots 0 and 1. Next, remove the necessary PCI-E slot covers, and install the 8800 GTX cards in the PCI-E X16 slots closest to and furthest from the processor. When employing two video cards in SLI, the audio card is sandwiched between them. Remove the appropriate slot cover, but don't install the card yet (you'll see why shortly). Do not attach the SLI bridge yet, either.

5. Power Supply: Remove the PSU retaining bracket from the back of the chassis, and attach it to the power supply. Slide the unit into the case. Re-attach the bracket, securing the power supply in the process.

6. Motherboard Tray: Carefully lay the case on its side. Slide the motherboard tray into place, but leave it unlocked.

7. Front-Panel Wiring: Route and connect the front-panel wiring, fastening the switches and lights, as well as the USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394a connectors. (The front audio connectors are not used). The IEEE 1394a header is right next to the base of the PCI slot employed by the audio card; it is impossible to reach once the card is mounted.

8. Audio Card: With front-panel wiring attached, install the audio card. Then carefully slide the motherboard tray far enough out of the case to secure the audio card. While it's out, also attach the eight-pin ATX power connector from the PSU to the mobo (the HSF blocks access with the tray closed). Then push the tray back in, lock it down, and install the SLI bridge.

9. Optical Drive: Flip open the left- and right-side retention brackets on the front of the case that secure the drive-bay shields. Remove one of the upper two shields. Slide the drive into the bay. Fasten the drive by moving the tool-free latches on each side into their locked position.

10. Hard Drives: With the retention brackets still open, pop off the three drive-bay shields in front of the preinstalled 4-in-3 Device Module (plus the three mention in the above step). Remove the four screws securing it and extract the module. Next, attach the two Seagate hard drives, leaving space between each drive for optimal airflow, and remount the module. Take the second 4-in-3, install the Raptors in it, and mount the device directly above the other module. Pop all the shields back on. Finally, close the retention brackets.

11. Final Wiring: Route and connect the wiring. First, plug the appropriate modular cables into the PSU, and attach them to the motherboard, video cards, hard drives, optical drive and case fans. Then run SATA cables from the mobo to the optical drive and hard drives. Next, use cable ties to secure the wiring. Install the two additional case fans in the multi-function fan bracket, reattach it to the chassis, and connect the fans. Finally, plug in the monitor, keyboard and mouse.

12. Initial Boot: Turn on the power supply, and press the power button. If the components were correctly installed, a POST (Power-On Self Test) message will display on the monitor, accompanied by an audible beep. If so, replace the door and side panels, and lock everything in place. If not, check all connections and try again.