sangama

Building a High-Performance Server: Step-by-Step Guide

Srihari V R's photo
Srihari V R
·

4 min read

Building a server with cutting-edge components ensures top-notch performance and reliability. This guide will walk you through assembling a server using the following components:

  • Processor: Ryzen 9 9950X

  • Memory: Crucial Pro 48 GB DDR5 RAM

  • Motherboard: Gigabyte X670 Gaming X AX V2

  • Storage: WD Black 2TB NVMe SSD

  • Power Supply Unit (PSU): Corsair RM 750e

  • Case: Corsair Air 540 ATX

Prerequisites:

Before starting, ensure you have the following tools and items:

  • Screwdriver (preferably magnetic tip)

  • Anti-static wrist strap

  • Workspace with good lighting

  • Thermal paste (if not pre-applied on the cooler)

  • Operating system installation media (USB stick or DVD)

Step 1: Preparation

  1. Unbox Components: Carefully unbox all components. Keep manuals handy for reference.

  2. Anti-Static Precautions: Wear an anti-static wrist strap or work on a non-conductive surface to prevent damage to components.

Step 2: Installing the Processor

  1. Locate the AM5 socket on the Gigabyte X670 Gaming X AX V2 motherboard.

  2. Open the socket latch by lifting the retention arm.

  3. Align the Ryzen 9 9950X processor with the socket. Look for the golden triangle on one corner of the CPU and match it with the triangle on the socket.

  4. Gently place the CPU into the socket and lower the retention arm until it clicks into place.

Step 3: Installing RAM

  1. Identify the DIMM slots on the motherboard.

  2. Refer to the motherboard manual for the correct slots to use for dual-channel operation (e.g., slots A2 and B2).

  3. Open the latches on the slots.

  4. Align the notch on the Crucial Pro 48 GB DDR5 RAM with the key in the DIMM slot.

  5. Insert the RAM stick and press down firmly until the latches click into place.

Step 4: Installing the NVMe SSD

  1. Locate the M.2 slots on the motherboard.

  2. Remove the M.2 heatsink (if applicable) by unscrewing it.

  3. Insert the WD Black 2TB NVMe SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle.

  4. Secure the SSD with the provided screw and replace the heatsink.

Step 5: Installing the Motherboard in the Case

  1. Open the Corsair Air 540 ATX case and remove any pre-installed components, such as drive cages, if not needed.

  2. Install the I/O shield (comes with the motherboard) into the case’s rear panel.

  3. Identify the standoff locations in the case that align with the motherboard’s mounting holes.

  4. Screw in the standoffs (if not pre-installed).

  5. Place the motherboard into the case and secure it with screws.

Step 6: Connecting the PSU

  1. Install the Corsair RM 750e PSU into the PSU bay of the case and secure it with screws.

  2. Connect the following power cables:

    • 24-pin ATX cable to the motherboard.

    • 8-pin CPU power cable to the motherboard.

    • PCIe cables (if additional GPUs are added later).

Step 7: Installing Cooling System (if separate cooler used)

  1. Apply a small pea-sized amount of thermal paste on the CPU if the cooler does not have pre-applied paste.

  2. Attach the CPU cooler following the manufacturer’s instructions.

  3. Connect the cooler’s power cable to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.

Step 8: Connecting Front Panel and Case Fans

  1. Connect the front panel connectors (power switch, reset switch, LEDs) to the appropriate headers on the motherboard.

  2. Connect case fans to the CHA_FAN headers or the fan controller (if included in the case).

Step 9: Flashing the BIOS

  1. Download the latest BIOS for the Gigabyte X670 Gaming X AX V2 from the official Gigabyte website.

  2. Extract the BIOS file to a USB drive (formatted in FAT32).

  3. Insert the USB drive into the BIOS Flashback port on the motherboard.

  4. Connect the PSU and ensure the motherboard is powered (but do not boot into the OS).

  5. Press the BIOS Flashback button and wait for the LED indicator to stop blinking, indicating the BIOS update is complete.

Step 10: Final Assembly

  1. Recheck all connections and ensure no cables obstruct fans.

  2. Close the case panels and secure them with screws.

Step 11: First Boot and Operating System Installation

  1. Connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

  2. Power on the system and access the BIOS by pressing DEL during boot.

  3. Configure the boot order to prioritize your OS installation media.

  4. Save settings and restart to install the operating system.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If the system doesn’t boot, check all connections, especially the CPU power cable and RAM seating.

  • Ensure all components are compatible and correctly installed.

Your high-performance server is now ready to use!