6. Build Your Own Computer: Putting It Together

Well, you've made it, you have all the pieces you need to build the fully functional computer of your dreams. However, you still need to put it together, this is almost the same for all computer so it's outlined in the following steps. If you have problems just email kcas88@gmail.com me, or go to That Forum.

This is a work in progress, and as of now I take no responsibility for any damage. Thanks for your support.

TTC means to touch a metal part of the computer case while doing this step. This is VERY IMPORTANT to prevent accidentally static shocking and ruining your investment.

What you need/Tools:
Small Phillips (+) screwdriver magnetic.
Small Phillips (+) screwdriver non-magnetic.
Grounding bracelet (or just remember to ground yourself on the case) This prevents you from accidentally shocking the components and in rare cases destroying them.
Large Table away from water and dirt
Patience :)
3 Hours (Less if you've done it before)

Steps:

1. Bring together everything you have bought in your work area.

2. Unpack the case and make sure everything is in good shape.

3. If you have bought a separate power supply install it in the case.

4. Remove the motherboard plate if you case has one.

5. Attach a three prong (grounded) cable into the power supply into a grounded surge protector. (Very important all connections are three prong)

6. If you bought a grounding bracelet attach it to ground. You can ignore all later "touch the case" (TTC) references from here on out.

7. Open the motherboard box and make sure everything is there.

8. TTC Remove anti-static packaging and remove motherboard placing it on anti-static packaging.

9. Install the motherboard studs that are required. (Varies, read motherboard/case instructions).

10. TTC Using both hand carefully maneuver the motherboard into place, lining up the appropriate studs.

11. TTC Carefully screw the motherboard into place using the screws supplied with the motherboard. Careful: do not force, do not over tighten, and do not slip and accidentally damage ICs (integrated circuits, chips).

12. Open the box containing the processor and heatsink.

13. TTC Take out the processor (remember to ground yourself) and place it in the processor socket. This will take ZERO force (hence ZIF zero insertion force socket). It may take several tries to do this, make sure you don't bend any of the pins (if it has any), and that when it's in the socket that it's seated completely level.

14. TTC Install the heatsink, remembering to follow any included directions on what thermal interface you should use. If it is an AMD or Intel stock heatsink, then it will come with a thermal pad. Remember to remove the plastic covering it. Make sure that you apply force evenly, and install all needed clips and/or screws to secure it into place. [pic/drawing] When attached, attach the power lead from the fan to a motherboard fan header (labeled "fan" or "cpufan").

15. Open the package containing the memory modules(s).

16. Here follow the motherboards instructions on where and in what place you should install the motherboards. If installing the memory in a dual channel configuration, usually you install the respective modules in slots of the same color. See your motherboard manual for more information.

17. TTC Install the memory, remember it may require some force to make the two clips (which you opened) snap into place. Make sure that the notch on the memory lines up with the memory slot.

18. TTC Install the optical drives and hard drives in the proper spots in case, remember hard drives are very sensitive to drops and jars. Preferably, use four screws to hold each optical and hard drive device.

19. TTC If not already installed, attach the power supply to the case with supplied screws.

20. TTC Attach all the needed power cables, most motherboards say which are needed. In most cases a 24 pin connector and a 4 pin square connector need to be attached. IDE Hard drives and Optical drives require four pin rectangular MOLEX connectors, SATA devices use black skinnier connectors (you may need to buy an adapter if not supplied). Also attach if needed power cable to video card and all needed power cables for fans.

21. TTC Attach all data cables to IDE and SATA devices, and cables from the case to motherboard (such as power switch etc.) These should be clearly labeled.

22. Finally, attach the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and optionally speakers. Minding to plug in all of them into a surge suppressor or UPS.

23. Turn it on, configure the BIOS to your liking, then install the OS of your choice, setting the CD/DVD drive to boot first in BIOS. (After OS is installed set it back to HDD0) If you've already got an OS on the HDD you may have to use the Repair Console (Windows XP) or equivalent to get it to work.

Thanks, and you've made it. Tell success stories in That Forum, and ask questions if you're having problems.

This is a work in progress, and as of now I take no responsibility for any damage.Thanks for your support.

Well you've made it. If you have problems remember to go to That Forum or you can email me.

Kevin C. December 3rd 2005 kcas88@gmail.com or donutey@msn.com
- Updated Jan. 7th 2006
- Updated Apr. 15th 2006
- Updated July 10th 2006

Click to View/Hide Comments

『What we need is Progress with an escape hatch.』 - John Updike