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obmot · 10-05-2010, 08:30 AM

Well, all my bits arrived yesterday so I got underway about 5pm. Boy this is a learning experience! I experienced a few minor issues:

1. the mobo (ZOTAC H55ITX-C-E) ended up about a quarter inch 'too short' mounted within the case (LIAN LI PC-Q08R) such that the i/o ports are about 1/4" recessed behind the i/o plate. Only thing i can figure is that the mobo and case are not quite perfectly 'aligned' for each other (there is no way to shift board, etc.) weird, but it will still work

2. the backplate of the CPU cooler (thermaltake basic cooler) doesnt fit flush to the back of the mobo because of some small square circuits on the back of the mobo; no way around this one that I could find; the backplate still allowed the cooler to be firmly screwed into place

*3. the case has two fans, but the mobo only has one case fan socket; this is a bit disappointing as I can only hook up the front fan and not the top fan; QUESTION: is there some sort of jumper or splitter, or way to maneuver hooking up both fans to the aforementioned mobo?

By midnight I had all components installed and hooked up (yes, 7 hours, but this is my very first build). Not much space to work inside that case! Raw fingers! I powered it up and amazingly I got the POST screen. But I was so tired and sore at that point I just hit the sheets. Tonight will be testing components, tweaking bios, and perhaps install OS. I will also attempt some wire management although there really isnt any space in there to manage the wires, I'm just trying to keep them off the CPU fan and front fan. Thank goodness I opted for a modular PSU.

10-05-2010, 08:30 AM	#1
obmot Member (4 bit) Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 12	new builder - progress and issues Well, all my bits arrived yesterday so I got underway about 5pm. Boy this is a learning experience! I experienced a few minor issues: 1. the mobo (ZOTAC H55ITX-C-E) ended up about a quarter inch 'too short' mounted within the case (LIAN LI PC-Q08R) such that the i/o ports are about 1/4" recessed behind the i/o plate. Only thing i can figure is that the mobo and case are not quite perfectly 'aligned' for each other (there is no way to shift board, etc.) weird, but it will still work 2. the backplate of the CPU cooler (thermaltake basic cooler) doesnt fit flush to the back of the mobo because of some small square circuits on the back of the mobo; no way around this one that I could find; the backplate still allowed the cooler to be firmly screwed into place *3. the case has two fans, but the mobo only has one case fan socket; this is a bit disappointing as I can only hook up the front fan and not the top fan; QUESTION: is there some sort of jumper or splitter, or way to maneuver hooking up both fans to the aforementioned mobo? By midnight I had all components installed and hooked up (yes, 7 hours, but this is my very first build). Not much space to work inside that case! Raw fingers! I powered it up and amazingly I got the POST screen. But I was so tired and sore at that point I just hit the sheets. Tonight will be testing components, tweaking bios, and perhaps install OS. I will also attempt some wire management although there really isnt any space in there to manage the wires, I'm just trying to keep them off the CPU fan and front fan. Thank goodness I opted for a modular PSU.