This set of instructions will help you assemble a basic computer capable of running
most modern software packages encountered by a casual user. Modern computers
become more affordable when users supplement their monetary investment with a few hours of effort. This computer build will be very basic and will be the minimum hardware necessary to have a functional system. After you have all of the parts and materials needed, it will take between 2 and 4 hours to assemble your computer and you will need to be able to use simple hand tools, such as a screwdriver and a pair of pliers.
Step 1: Procuring Parts
First you will need to buy the parts necessary to build the computer
- Processor (CPU)
- Computer Case
- Optical Drive (DVD RW and SATA capable)
- Memory (RAM)
- Power Supply
- SATA Cables
- Motherboard (SATA Capable)
- Processor Fan
- Case Fan
- Hard Drive (SATA Capable)
Step 2: Gather Tools and Supplies
Gather the tools you will need for the project:
- Screwdriver (for slotted and Phillips head screws)
- Wire cutters and strippers
- Needle-nosed pliers
- Utility knife
- Small flashlight
- Small container to hold screws
Step 3: Open the Case
Open the computer case by removing the side panels. Find the
screws that hold the side panels in place and remove them
The panel is removed by first sliding it back then lifting it away from
the case.
Step 4: Prepare the Case for Assembly
Three things need to be done before assembly begins:
Remove any parts or packaging materials that may have been
shipped inside the case
Remove the cover for the optical drive. On our case, we will be
removing the cover on the highest drive bay to mount our DVD drive
Make note of the cables pre-installed in the case. These should be
front panel connections for features such as the power switch, audio
jacks and usb ports. If they are not labeled, consult the manufacturer’s
documentation and label them yourself now before other parts are
installed in the case
Step 5: Install Motherboard
Follow these steps to install the motherboard in the case:
1. Install the I/O bezel plate into the opening in the back of the case .It
pushes in from the inside.
2. Install standoffs in the case. The standoffs screw into the motherboard
mounting holes. Check the screw whole locations on the motherboard
for exact placement.
3. Lower the motherboard into the case and align with the I/O bezel.
4. Install the screws.
the motherboard installed in the case. It works best to leave the
screws loose until all of them have been started and the board is
aligned with the bezel.
Step 7: Install Hard Drive
The hard drive is the device that stores all of your data. It is 3.5" wide
and needs to be mounted so that you can gain access to the cable
connections on the back (figure 16). If that is not possible you may
need to connect cables before you install the drive. To mount the
drive:
1. Find a 3.5" drive bay to install the drive in. If you have trouble finding a
place to mount the drive consult your case documentation for
suggestions.
2. Slide the drive into place until the screw holes on the sides are lined
up with the holes in the case.
3. Install the screws.
Step 8: Install Optical Drive
The optical drive is 5.25" wide and is installed in the drive bay that we
removed the cover from in a previous step. Cable access
considerations apply to this drive also. To install the drive:
1. Slide the drive into the drive bay until the screw holes are lined up and
the front of the drive is flush with the front of the case (figure 18).
Make sure that it is orientated correctly.
2. Install the screws.
Step 9: Install the CPU
The CPU is the brain of the computer. It is installed on the
motherboard in the socket shown in figure 20.To install the CPU:
1. Find the corner marking that designates pin 1 of the CPU as shown in
figure 19. On this AMD brand processor, the corner is marked with an
arrow. Consult the manufacturer's documentation for specific
information about your processor.
2. Lift the small metal rod next to the socket as shown in figure 20.
3. Find the corresponding marking on the CPU socket and insert the
CPU so that the markings are lined up.
4. Push the rod down to lock the processor in place
Step 10: Install RAM
The RAM is the temporary memory location that the processor works
from. Permanently stored data is pulled from disks and stored in RAM
while the processor works with it. The memory is easy to install:
1. Set the RAM board in the socket. Check to see that the notch in the
board is in the correct location. If it is not, turn it around 180ยบ.
2. Press firmly on both ends of the board to set it into the socket. Make
sure the tabs lock into place.
Step 11: Install the CPU Fan
The CPU fan is really a combination of a heat sink and fan together. The unit draws
heat away from the CPU . To install the fan:
1. Place thermal compound to the CPU following the instructions provided with the
compound.
2. Set the fan assembly on the CPU with mounting tabs aligned.
3. Pull the locking rod down on the fan assembly to lock into place.
4. Connect the fan assembly's power connector to the motherboard. Consult the manual to determine proper placement.
Step 12: Install Case Fan
The case fan is usually installed on the back panel of the case. If the fan mount is not
obvious consult the case documentation. To mount the fan:
1. Align the mounting holes by holding the fan to the mounting pad on the inside of the
case as shown in figure 25. The fan needs to be mounted so that it blows air out of the
case.
2. Insert the screws from the outside of the case and tighten.
Step 13: Install Power Supply
Consult your case documentation for details and then follow these directions to install
the power supply:
1. Align the mounting holes in the case and power supply .
2. Insert screws and tighten.
Step 14: Connect Cables
With all of the components installed in the case, the jungle of wires can be daunting. It is
important to consult the motherboard manual in order to make sure proper connections
are made. There are two kinds of connections, power and data.
• Every device that has been installed needs power. In figure 27, the power supply
connectors are shown. The motherboard has two power connections, and there are two
connectors specifically for SATA devices (drives). The other connectors will run fans
and other non-SATA devices.
• Data cables connect drives and front panel devices to the motherboard. Please consult
the motherboard documentation for the exact placement of connectors.
Step 15: Wrap-up
Now that the components are completely installed, the last thing to do is to reinstall the
side panels on the case. The computer is now ready to be turned on and to have
software loaded on it. If the computer has problems starting up, check all component
connections and mounting to make sure that you have hooked everything up correctly.
Consult individual component manuals for specific troubleshooting information if
problems persist.
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