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STEPMaker VR Computer Build GuideBy David LevineSTEP Signature Project for 2016 – 201710/13/2017Introduction:Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology with the potential to have major impacts across all aspects of our lives. While these innovative headsets can revolutionize the way society consumes media, VR has not seen major public acceptance due to a few issues. Most notably, VR is still in its infancy, thus making it quite expensive. Because of this, the adoption of these devices is only available to the enthusiasts who can afford the headsets and powerful desktop computers that can power them. Since VR game development was the primary objective of this STEP Signature Project, a significant amount of the budget went towards constructing a PC which could run an HTC Vive VR system. Utilizing parts from a previous PC build, an old PC case was disassembled and used as the shell for the newer VR ready system. After assembling the parts together and wiring the motherboard to the power supply, drives, and the case, a bootable USB drive was used to install Windows 10 Education Edition. From there, the foundation to build VR games had been completed. Parts:Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Intel i7-7700k LGA1151Link to buy: : STRIX Z270G Gaming MotherboardLink to buy: Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper T4 CPU Cooler Link to buy: Processing Unit (GPU): EVGA GTX 1080 Ti Founders Edition:Link to buy: Due to the card being limited edition, it is out of stock now. An alternative GTX 1080 Ti can be found at here Access Memory (RAM): EVGA SuperSC 16GB 2 x 8GB DDR4-3000 PC4-24000 CL15 Dual Channel Desktop Memory KitLink to buy: State Drive (SSD): PNY - Optima 240GB 2.5" Solid State DriveLink to buy: Disk Drive (HDD): Seagate Desktop HDD ST2000DM001 2TB 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive Bare DriveLink to buy: Supply Unit (PSU): RM 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power SupplyLink to buy:: for the first build, a full size-tower from a previous build was recycled and used. Due to its size, a micro ATX sized case was purchased to transfer the build into for better portability.First Case/Tower: NZXT - Phantom 820 (Black) ATX Full Tower CaseLink to buy Case/Tower: Corsair - 350D Windowed MicroATX Mid Tower CaseLink to buy: Process:The build process is separated into three parts: the teardown of the previous old build, the construction of the new build, and the installation of Windows from a flash drive. The following build is what will be deconstructed first (see fig. 1).Figure 1: Old PC BuildSet up a grounding wrist strap.Attach clip to metal part of rig.Remove graphics cardFirst, disconnect power cords from card (see fig. 2).Figure 2: GPU Power WiringUnscrew the card from the back of the case.Figure 3: Unscrewing the GPU From the CasePush down the little tab under the card on the PCIe x16 port the graphics card is attached to.Remove card by pulling up.Reattach back plates, ensuring that the tab opposite the screw is outside the rig (see fig. 4 – the left plate is incorrect, the right two plate are correct). Figure 4: back plates – far left plate incorrectly insertedRemove PCI express peripherals.Unscrew it from the back of the case.Pull it up from the port.Reattach back plates, ensuring that the tab opposite the screw is outside the rig (see step 2, part e).Removing memory (ram).Press down tabs to release sticks.Pull sticks vertically from slot.Removing CPU cooler/heatsink.Note: the procedures vary depending on the cooler/heatsink used, but the guidelines for removing thermal paste from a CPU is not. The removed cooler is a Hyper T4 CPU cooler from Cooler Master.Lift the bar which attaches the retention plate to the plates attached to the motherboard.Twist the CPU cooler slowly from left to right until the entire cooler can be removed. Apply rubbing alcohol to a paper towel, and rub it against the thermal paste to fully remove it.Do this both to the CPU cooler and the processor. Detach all remaining cables from motherboard (see fig. 5).Figure 5: Motherboard with all components removedUnscrew the motherboard from the case's standoffs (see fig. 6).Figure 6: Removing a Standoff ScrewMove motherboard to another static free work surface. If unsure what constitutes a static free work surface, the motherboard box will work.Remove CPU cooler from Motherboard.Remove processor from board and put processor away.Remove IO shield from case, and store with motherboard.New BuildPreparing the motherboard and adding the CPU.Take out motherboard and place it on the box it came in.Unwrap the IO shield, and line it up with the IO on the motherboard to ensure the proper alignment into the case (see fig. 7).Figure 7: Lining up the IO ShieldLine up the IO shield in its proper location on the back of the case, and then push in each corner until it snaps into place.Add the CPU to the motherboardNote: Do not worry about the processor cover, it will pop off at the end of installation. Do save it though – it is important for your warranty.Push down on the lever to release it – the lever will naturally pop up (see fig 8).Figure 8: Pushing Down CPU LeverPush back the processor’s securing bracket.Remove the processor from the packaging, place it onto the board, and line up the gold corner on the processor with the corner noted in the motherboard’s manual (see fig. 9). Figure 9: Processor Lined Up in Motherboard SocketPut bracket back down, and push the arm back down, locking it into place. The processor cover will now pop off.Install the CPU heatsink – the same Hyper T4 cooler removed earlier will be used.Following the instructions provided:Begin by installing the back plate to the processorScrew cooler standoffs onto the board.Place mounting brackets onto standoffs.Put a small amount of thermal paste onto the processor.Align the retention plate in the middle of the heat sink’s cooling pipes.Mount the cooler and lock it into place.Plug the CPU fan into the motherboard.Install the memory (ram)First, check your recommended memory configurations to see what channels are supportedOpen the tabs on the desired memory channels (see fig. 10).Figure 10: Opening the Tabs on the Memory SlotsLine up the memory stick in the socket so that the middle notch lines up with the small bump in the socket.Push down on the memory stick until the clip locks back to neutral position.Move the motherboard into the case.If your motherboard size is different than your last board, move the motherboard standoffs into their new locations as outlined by the instructions provided by the case.Transfer the motherboard into the case, first lining up the motherboard’s IO with the IO shield on the case, and then the screw holes on the motherboard with the standoffs.Screw the board into the case using the screws provided with your case.Install the GPU.Locate PCIe x16 port you want to use.Push down on the little clamp on the end of the port.Unscrew the two back plates at the back of the case and remove them.Lineup card with screw holes and screw it to the case.Push card into port until fully inserted, and the clamp clicks back up.Wire power correctly to the top of the card.Screw in GPU to back of the case.Finish wiring the PC, following the instructions in the manual.Close PC Case.The finished product!Installing Windows (done with flash drive)Plug flash drive into motherboard IO.Press the power button on the case.When booting, there should be a splash screen from the manufacturer of the motherboard.Note what key to press to enter the BIOS, and press itIn the BIOS, ensure the boot order so that the USB boots firstExit the BIOS and restart the computerOnce Windows Setup enters, select the language, time/currency format, and keyboard/input method desired, and then click next.Click install now and accept the license terms.Choose custom install Windows.Select a drive and partition you would like to install to, and then click next.Finalize all steps and wait for the install to complete.Results and Lessons Learned:At the end of the build process, a VR ready PC had been built, and loaded with Windows 10 Education Edition. Thus, the finished rig was now ready to develop VR games and applications. This system was used to create two VR video games, which improved my knowledge of Unity, game development, and C#.During this build, a few mistakes were made that helped me learn more about what assumptions I can and cannot make when preparing a build. One of these mistakes stemmed from memory. I initially intended to use two 8gb DDR3 memory sticks from my older PC build to save money. However, while purchasing the build components at Microcenter, I was notified that DDR3 memory is not compatible with the current generation of intel i7 processors and would not physically fit into my motherboard. To correct this, I had to spend an additional $100 dollars on new DDR4 memory sticks.Another mistake I made with this PC build was with the form factor. While I was examining the variety of Motherboard choices with LGA 1151 sockets (the socket type the selected i7 mates with), I forgot to think about the size of the motherboard and made the mistake of choosing a MicroATX form factor. This complicated the build in multiple ways; to begin, the motherboard standoffs for the case had to be repositioned for a MicroATX motherboard as opposed to the initial ATX configuration it was in from the older build. In addition to setting the motherboard up, there were almost issues with component spacing. For instance, the CPU cooler that was reused from an earlier build began to extend into the memory slots. Because of this, the memory slot closest to the fan is unusable. Despite the initial troubles, this mistake ended up being useful towards the end of my project. Realizing how often I would need to transport my PC, I purchased a smaller form factor case and rebuilt my PC inside of it, thus removing the problem of transporting a fifty-pound tower between multiple locations. Recommendations for Future Builds:If the rig being built is going to use older hardware, it is important to spend additional time ensuing whether the older technology is compatible with the newer components. This is important, because it avoids the inconvenience of last minute component purchases. Additionally, pay attention to the form factor of the motherboard, and how they will fit together with components. For example, if one is working with a big case, he or she should take advantage of the extra building space by purchasing a full size ATX board. This will allow for greater flexibility with future upgrades at the expense of having a larger build. If one is planning a smaller build, then instead focus on building with a MircoATX/ITX board, but pay extra attention to the size of the selected components to ensure that components have enough space to be installed in the board and the case. ................
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