PC Case Swap Help

[Indieboi918]

Ok, so I am currently waiting for my new GPU, PSU and case to be delivered from Novatech, and i have a few questions about how I should do what i'm going to do.

I want to swap everything into my new case with the exception of the old GPU and PSU, so I am wondering if I should just remove the old GPU, unscrew the mobo and then install it into the other case with everything still attached (I know, risks static killing everything) or should I remove every part and re-build my PC as if i'm building one from scratch.

Also if I remove everything, what order should I build it in? Should i put the disk and hard drives in first or last? I have experience in upgrading my PC but I have never done a full case swap and I am a bit worried about killing a £500-£700 machine. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

[aidanjt]

you'll have to remove the old GPU anyway to lift out your motherboard.

For reassembly, normally the first thing you should install is the motherboard, after you're sure all the studs are in the right place screw it in, then the PSU, then drives, then any cards you need to plug into your motherboard, wire it all up, press the power button and dodge the big bang!.. Your mileage may vary, depending on the design of the case, and the size of the heatsink attached to your motherboard, you might have to put the PSU in first.

Don't be too bothered about static, just ground yourself before you start (touching a bare screw on a radiator will do it), and if you shuffle around too much on a heavy carpet.

Good luck with your reassembly.

[Ulti]

I dunno what kind of system you have but with a socket 775 system I tend to install the CPU and cooler outside the case. RAM sticks can also be plugged in now but they're usually quite easy to put in side ways anyway. I then install the motherboard and then the graphics card. Hard drives, DVD drives etc go in after this. (May be easier to install graphics card sometimes after installing hard drives cos some graphics cards make it hard to put a hard drive in if they're not at right angles.) After putting the PSU in, I then plug everything into the motherboard and then plug in all the power connectors. Then after that's all done the USB devices and stuff can go in. I then finally turn on the mains.

This is only my way though, might have missed some things.

[Indieboi918]

Thanks for the help guys

[nikohmr]

id strip it wright down and take the opportunity to clean any dust etc off

[Pob255]

As has been said, you'll need to remove all expasion cards (eg graphics card) and disconnect all the wires.
You can leave the cpu&cooler on as well as the memory without any real hassle.
I always like to plug in the cpu and mount the cooler out of the case, amoungst other things the cooler will often make a good "handle" to lower the motherboard in. (lower as it's normally best to lay the case on it's side when removing or fitting the motherboard.