Top 5 Build Mistakes

For comprehensive build guidance, visit robotatx.com/builds

1. Thermally Constrained Case
   
   • Beware: Most cases are bad, cook your components to a crisp and will cause crashing.
   
   
   • Don’t consider cases that don’t have an open mesh front panel. The reason most pre-built gaming systems die young is because of a closed-off or glass front panel.
     
   • If it looks thermally constrained, it is and should be avoided.
     
   • If you’re stuck with a thermally constrained case like almost any NZXT before Flow series, I can modify your front panel and get your thermals in check, just submit a ticket or text.
     
     • TOP PICKS
       • Phanteks G300A
       • Corsair 4000D Airflow
       • Fractal Pop Air
       • NZXT H5 Flow
         
         
2. Inadequate CPU Cooler
   • Air coolers are fine for non-X and non-K CPUs
     
   • Don’t consider CPU air coolers for X and K CPU
     • Due to increasingly hot neighboring components, even if you get decent temps they still heat soak the rest of your neighboring components which can be avoided entirely with water cooling.
       
   • Water cooling has the advantage of significantly higher thermal mass as well as dispersion of heat away the other hot neighboring components.
     
   • Budget $109-$200 for a good 280/360/420 AIO.
     • TOP PICKS
       • Arctic Liquid Freezer II series
       • Corsair iCUE LINK series
         
         
3. Inadequate Case Fan Quantity and/or Orientation
   • For more info on proper fan configurations: https://robotatx.com/builds/#FANS
     
     
4. Improperly Wired GPU
   • Your power supply includes at least two PCIE power cables.
     
   • Use one entire cable for each power connector on your GPU.
     
   • Do not use the pigtail connector on each PCIE power cable.
     • See photo below for example.
       
       
5. Improperly Installed M.2 SSD
   • Your motherboard includes the standoffs and screws needed to fasten your M.2 style SSD(s) to the board in the original box. The standoffs and/or screws usually do not come affixed to the board.
     
   • Don’t remove the SSD stand-off and use it as a way to fasten it to the board. This is the #1 mistake I’ve seen this past year and can cause the board, SSD, or both to short out.
     
   • The SSD must also have a heatsink attached. If your board didn’t include one then buy one or your drive with throttle and have a decreased lifespan.

(4) Do NOT use the pigtail connector on PCI-E power connections.