build questions

[screwballl]

Welcome to the world of computer building where the system is never "done", it is merely "in use". It is tough to tinker when it is in use. If it is a small minor thing, take a weekend day and tinker then but let it run the rest of the time.
I tend to be one to build it, let it run 6-12 months then tinker then when I open it to lean it out. Otherwise unless there is a problem, I leave it as is. I leave annoyances alone and fix the problem.

[gvblake22]

Could you be a little more specific about these "minor issues"?

[PTRMAN]

Had to remove case mobo io shield and use the one that came with the mobo. It's a pretty lame piece of flimsy plastic, and it isn't quite in correctly - seems to have moved slightly during the install.

Video card is in solidly, but in the back (outside) it doesn't seem to be properly aligned. I need to take a closer look.

Fairly certain fans aren't hitting anything (cables, etc.) but I'd like to confirm.

Internal wiring solution was done in a hurry and is less than ideal. I'd love to go in and clean it up at some point.

Question - Any reason not to wrap bundled cables in electrician's tape? Would make smoother and therefore less likely to interfere with air movement. I could see heat issues possibly. I purchased some sleeving, but it was too late into my install to thread everything into the sleeves - I had assumed I could open up the sleeve lengthwise, shove bundled cables in, and then seal up again, but alas they don't work that way.

Nothing else I can think of at the moment. The vid card and IO shield are probably serious enough to warrant a closer look.

[gvblake22]

Internal wiring is always the bane of every DIY computer enthusiast.

As for the misalignment, I've had that issue too and usually stems from having the motherboard shifted a little on the standoffs when you tightened the screws. I've found it best to start all the motherboard screws but not tighten them. Then once you have the motherboard aligned correctly, tighten the screws the rest of the way. Reseating the motherboard this way may solve your video card and back I/O shield alignment issues.

I would advise against using electrical tape for cable management. I tried it and most of the time it comes unwrapped due to the heat inside a computer. It can also leave sticky residue on the cables afterwards. I suggest zip ties or those plastic coated wire "twistie ties" as opposed to some kind adhesive like tape. You can get a bag of small, black zip ties from most any local hardware store for a buck or two, it's a great investment.

Don't get too worked up over these issues. They are indeed minor and it is only through experience that you will find workarounds and little "tricks" to solve these bumps in the road.

[othman11]

zip ties......cable routings bestest buddy!!

[PTRMAN]

I did use zip ties. I cut off the extra part and must have thrown away 40 of them when I was all done. I couldn't believe I could use that many of them!

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by PTRMAN

I did use zip ties. I cut off the extra part and must have thrown away 40 of them when I was all done. I couldn't believe I could use that many of them!

Wow, nicely done. Take some pictures for us!

[screwballl]

also for wire management, you can get the "split loom" or "flex tubing" or "spiral wrap" which helps clean it up. For the closest to the tape idea, use the spiral wrap but all 3 styles are available in different size and lengths at the local hardware store.
I myself prefer the split loom/flex tubing type as the spiral wrap can come undone easier but it is all preference.

Spiral Wrap, A/V Cable Wrap
Ace - Ties & Flex Tubing: Ties / Flex Tubing

[PTRMAN]

Thanks. The flex tubing is what I was thinking of.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by screwballl

also for wire management, you can get the "split loom" or "flex tubing" or "spiral wrap" which helps clean it up. For the closest to the tape idea, use the spiral wrap but all 3 styles are available in different size and lengths at the local hardware store.
I myself prefer the split loom/flex tubing type as the spiral wrap can come undone easier but it is all preference.

Spiral Wrap, A/V Cable Wrap
Ace - Ties & Flex Tubing: Ties / Flex Tubing

I forgot about that stuff, I must have erased it from my memory because it looks so awful!