I've been using the same Windows 7 key that came with a Lenovo a decade ago. You have to wonder if Microsoft even cares about selling the license to home users anymore.
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Building a new desktop
- Thread starter maflynn
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I have a 2008 Dell XPS Studio that came with Windows 7 or 8 I think. I got the free upgrade to Windows 10 many years ago.
Microsoft tries to sell you cloud services and applications and shows you ads - I guess that's their new business model.
The number of people buying retail Windows is very low. Majority of people "upgrade" their Windows when they upgrade their computers. Microsoft's consumer segment is miniscule compared to their enterprise and OEM licenses.
Microsoft has known for decades that consumers basically don't upgrade their computers.
That's why major Windows upgrades are now free (unlike before). Microsoft would rather take the miniscule revenue hit while bringing those people to a modern, supported version of Windows.
Microsoft actually followed Apple's lead. Apple used to charge $129 or $99 for OS X including upgrades. Then Apple started getting rid of paid operating system software. Of course Apple has the advantage of being able to make their margin from hardware sales.
Today Microsoft makes their Windows money from OEM license sales and enterprise business, no different than 10 years ago but at least Joe Consumer doesn't get a big ding in his wallet to upgrade.
Apple used to charge for iLife and iWork as well.
That's why major Windows upgrades are now free (unlike before). Microsoft would rather take the miniscule revenue hit while bringing those people to a modern, supported version of Windows.
Microsoft actually followed Apple's lead. Apple used to charge $129 or $99 for OS X including upgrades. Then Apple started getting rid of paid operating system software. Of course Apple has the advantage of being able to make their margin from hardware sales.
Today Microsoft makes their Windows money from OEM license sales and enterprise business, no different than 10 years ago but at least Joe Consumer doesn't get a big ding in his wallet to upgrade.
Apple used to charge for iLife and iWork as well.
Getting ready, the only piece that is missing is my 2tb SSD. I'll pull that from my razer and put the stock ssd back in this morning and then start building later
Yeah, that's sort of my thinking, thanks. The front ports, on the case I think are the problems, everything else should be reachable - at least that's my thinking.
The cooler is going to cover a lot of real estate, so I need to get the ram, and SSD in before I even attempt the cooler
Not a bad way to spend a Saturday! Looking forward to seeing the completed project. 
Wow, miss the days of custom building a PC. Wish I still had the time (and space) for a full blown custom build PC.
Anyway, have fun!
Yeah except adulting is getting in the way. Kids have orthodontist appts.
I know what you mean and that's why I opted for the mini-itx form factor. It's not going to take any more room then my now unused egpu
LOL, no.Is it done?
Partly needing to do the adulting stuff, but also taking my time. @LiE_ advice about connecting cables prior to installing the motherboard is proving to be sage advice. Working in such tight confines has proved a bit challenging. Took me a few tries to get the rear fan installed as it was interfering with cpu cooler, after that, the CPU power header which is in the upper left corner was impossible to get too once its in the case.
So I've been doing some dry fitting and getting my ducks in a row.
Another strategy to consider with SFF builds is to use extension cables for the fan headers and aRGB accessories and hide everything in the back.
Yeah, I needed that advice
seems so simple and common sense until you have the cooler on and the motherboard attached before you think "WTF, how can I get that cable in there".
I ran into an issue, powered it up, but nothing - fans are spinning up but nothing. I'll put this down for a day or so and when I have more time and energy I'll pull the motherboard out of the case and see if I can get it to post.
That's a letdown and I hope it's something fairly trivial to resolve.
After the board is removed from the case, sounds like the cooler has to come off to check the seating of the dimms.
So while the board is on the table, can you connect the 12v rail, 24 pin atx, attach a monitor to the back panel? Turn on the power supply (without the cooler), clear the cmos and see if the board posts to the bios. Also did you insert the lip of the cpu holder under the screw?
After the board is removed from the case, sounds like the cooler has to come off to check the seating of the dimms.
So while the board is on the table, can you connect the 12v rail, 24 pin atx, attach a monitor to the back panel? Turn on the power supply (without the cooler), clear the cmos and see if the board posts to the bios. Also did you insert the lip of the cpu holder under the screw?
I believe the back panel graphics connector is useless since he's not using a CPU with integrated graphics.
He needs to plug the monitor into his GPU.
I suggest only using one stick of RAM during this troubleshooting phase.
He needs to plug the monitor into his GPU.
I suggest only using one stick of RAM during this troubleshooting phase.
Maybe I'm not correct, but I thought i5-10600K did support integrated graphics, according to this:
ark.intel.com
And also create a usb stick bootable copy of memtest.
Intel® Core™ i5-10600K Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.80 GHz) Product Specifications
Intel® Core™ i5-10600K Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.80 GHz) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.
And also create a usb stick bootable copy of memtest.
Heck, you're right apparently. I'm not familiar with all of the various Intel models since I selected AMD Ryzen for my recent builds.
If the Intel CPU comes with a cooler, I'd use that during the testing rather than wrangle with the big tower cooler.
If the Intel CPU comes with a cooler, I'd use that during the testing rather than wrangle with the big tower cooler.
You can always run it outside the case on your desk to test it before dropping into the case.