Corsair 700D Undercounter Core i7 build on a Friday night - Part Two

 Since becoming a part of the BYOB podcast I have really come to appreciate the Intel Core i7 processor. I needed a new build for garage but wanted to integrate into my existing space. I also wanted to create a build that showcases the Core i7 and use Corsair components where possible. Check out how I created the first-ever undercounter Corsair 700D Core i7.

Saturday Afternoon

 2:35 PM - Component Installation Start

2:36 PM – Time to mount and install the Corsair TX650W PSU.

2:48 PM – Figure our where most of the wiring will go. PSU is really far from mobo. The cables were barely long enough.

2:59 PM – Installing mount for Corsair H70 Cooler.

3:02 PM – Prepare case for mobo installation. This case has plenty of space and grommets.

3:03 PM - Mount Mobo, connect cables and install RAM. This is about the time where I had to find directions online since my B-Stock mobo did NOT come with a manual for the front case wiring. Ugh.

3:43 PM -  Install GTX 460 Video Card

3:49 PM – Secondary Drive inserted.

3:50 PM – Secondary Drive inserted correctly. Time for a beverage break.

3:58 PM - SSD Drive installed. Thank you to Andrew Edney for the gift!

3:59 PM to 4:30 PM – Neighbor came over so I could teach him how to lock out his 16 year old from accessing the internet between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Had to explain MAC addresses to him in detail. Good thing I had listened to the BYOB Podcast.

 4:40 PM -  Installed H70 and connected all fans.

5:00 PM – Computer will not start. Are you kidding me? No video and GTX sounds like a harrier jet. Flippers. (Notice I only had one power cable to the GTX?) Flippers².

5:45 PM – Finally changed GTX 460 (assumed not working) for an old PCIe-1X VGA card to get the computer to boot. Booted first time. Sweet.

7:03 PM – Windows installed and running Windows Updates. Right on!

8:03 PM – Windows installed a SECOND time because I forgot to set BIOS to AHCI. Thanks PC Doc!

8:30 PM – Need black SATA cables and some lighting from Fry's before I mount it. I will have to wait till morning. Time to watch Stargate Universe and reflect on the days work. Ready for a real beverage.

8:49 PM – Ran a WEI to see how it performed. My score of 7.3 is sweet!

Sunday Morning

 11:03 AM – Back from Fry's with cables. These cables suck by the way. The ends are too fat, bind on stacked SATA ports and are $8 each!

 Wife remembered to bring $50 in Corsair rebate cards. Thank you my love.

 11:30 AM – PC running on test stand with matched black SATA cables. Last tests before mounting. PC Doc reminded me to set memory in BIOS to XMP mode. Thank you again!

 11:31 AM - Final component check and rear panel installation. Notice GTX 460 is back in? I only had ONE PCI-e power connector on it on Saturday. I thought it would be able to get by with one connector. It requires TWO to work. Since the PSU only had two, I was hoping I could save one for later. Nope.

 11:42 PM - After PC Doc gave me the XMP guidance I reran the WEI. Although the 7.3 did not change, my memory went from 7.4 to 7.8. Excellent performance considering 7.9 is the highest!

 NOTE: ONLY USE XMP MODE IF YOUR MEMORY SUPPORTS IT!

11:47 AM - Final slide into place. Makita drill and 8 wood screws ready to go. Yes, I do actually use those drills.

11:56 AM – Connect two gigabit network cables, power and mini HDMI connector. Keyboard and mouse are wireless.

11:58 AM – All done.

11:59 AM – Ready for years of enjoyment and many questions.

11:59 AM – It is time to benchmark Notepad and MS Paint.

See you next Friday night,

Timothy Daleo