Any tips for installing parts inside a P182

[PhilipMarlowe]

A brand new P182 arrived today, but unfortunately all the internal parts don't come until tomorrow. In preparation for the build, thought I'd ask if there are any tips for installing parts inside the P182. I've only assembled one computer before and that was three years ago with a removable motherboard tray. Is there a preferred order for a case like this? I figured I'd install the CPU and memory on the mobo before mounting it inside. Should I do the PS and drives before mounting the mobo?

Also, looks like there are a million trays that will take my hard drive. I plan on installing one tomorrow with an eye towards RAID in the future. Does it matter where I put the hard drive?

Any other tips or things to keep in mind with the P182? Thanks.

[minsonngo]

Make sure you ground yourself first.

Yep, install the processor, processor heatsink/fan and the memory first before securing it inside of the case.

You will also want to test the system with only the bare essentials installed OUTSIDE of the case before you actually put everything inside the chassis.

I usually install the PSU before I install the motherboard too.


Intake fans in the front, exhaust fans in the back.

[PhilipMarlowe]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I'll definitely do the "outside the box" preliminary install to make sure it posts.

Luckily the case comes with three fans preinstalled.

Looking at the case some more, seems like it probably makes no difference whether I do the PS before or after the mobo. Still unsure about the HD's - when to install or where is best.

[minsonngo]

Install the PSU first. The PSU is heavy and after the motherboard is installed you run the risk of damaging the motherboard with the PSU.


HDs should be installed with one drive bay space between them to allow better circulation of the tops and bottoms of the drives.

[chuck4456]

Originally Posted by PhilipMarlowe A brand new P182 arrived today, but unfortunately all the internal parts don't come until tomorrow. In preparation for the build, thought I'd ask if there are any tips for installing parts inside the P182. I've only assembled one computer before and that was three years ago with a removable motherboard tray. Is there a preferred order for a case like this? I figured I'd install the CPU and memory on the mobo before mounting it inside. Should I do the PS and drives before mounting the mobo? Also, looks like there are a million trays that will take my hard drive. I plan on installing one tomorrow with an eye towards RAID in the future. Does it matter where I put the hard drive? Any other tips or things to keep in mind with the P182? Thanks.

Install the PSU last.
It's no where near the motherboard anyway - it's on the bottom and is seperated by a partition with a sliding door.
The only PITA is getting the very bottom fan slid in and getting the psu cables worked around it so they don't go "flip-flip-flip" on the fan blades.
Routing everything takes more time than anything else, but there are plenty of options and you can do a really clean job of cable management.
I don't really like how they have the hard drive slots configured in the very bottom and watch out for the door! There are two little plastic pins on each end of the hinge. Wiggle it at the hinge to open the door full swing.
The door hinge is the only feature on the case that truly sucks.

[bucksfanjimj1]

I agree with chuck4456. I have the P182 myself. Put the psu in last. Along with what chuck4456 said by putting the psu in last also keeps the cables out of your way until your ready for them.

[PhilipMarlowe]

OK, everything else arrived today and I immaturely decided to live dangerously and forego the outside the box install check and went straight into a real installation

Have the mobo, hard drive, dvd drive and psu all installed, so all that's left is the video card and cabling everything up. Not looking forward to dealing with the crows nest of cables - I'm terrible when it comes to stuff like this and just know it's going to end up looking a lot messier than it needs to!

Just hope it works!

[catacon]

I don't worry myself with cable management too much. I usually just tuck the unused PSU cables in an empty drive slot and leave the rest alone. As long as the cables don't restrict airflow too much and you don't mind the mess, you will be fine.

[PhilipMarlowe]

Finished up a few hours ago. It is very messy but who cares once the door's closed, right? I think the air circulation is just fine. Thanks for the advice everyone.