1x Motherboard
1x CPU/Processor
1x Memory/RAM
1x Power Supply
1x CD/DVD Drive
1x Hard Drive
1x Computer Case
1x Monitor
1x Keyboard/Mouse
These are just the minimum you'll need. Other parts, such as sound cards and speakers, are optional, although quite useful. Additionally, you'll need:
1x Phillips head screwdriver
1x ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) Bracelet
Step 1: Set Up
Don't take any parts outside of their cases yet, although you may take screws out. There are three things that are absolutely necessary when building a computer: Compatible parts, an ESD Bracelet, and organization. Without these in place, disaster can easily occur in the creation of your computer. Without compatible parts, you might overheat some of your computer parts when connected. Without an ESD Bracelet, you might unintentionally electrocute parts in the computer. And without proper organization, you'll certainly lose screws and the smaller necessary parts, thus making the computer unstable.Step 2: Attach ESD Bracelet
SAFETY FIRST!! Nothing is more important than keeping this on and connected at all times. Make sure it is attached to your wrist and the other side to something metallic that's not associated with the computer. This will create a circuit, and prevent any static from your body getting onto the computer parts. Once it's firmly connected, we're ready to start putting our computer together. Step 3: Open Case + Secure Motherboard
First thing to do is open your computer case. Generally it's pretty easy. Newer cases just have latches that you can undo and open. Even older ones only require a few screws to be taken out before it opens nicely. Once opened, it should look something like the case on the right.
Lay the case on the floor. Now, if you look inside the motherboard box, you should find a piece of silver plating. This is called the "I/O Front Panel", and is extremely important for building the computer correctly. If you look at the back of the computer, you'll see a default I/O Front Panel already inserted. This, unfortunately, will unlikely have the same ports as your motherboard. So, simply push against it and the old one will pop out, and replace it with the new one.
After this is accomplished, place the motherboard inside the computer case and align it with the I/O Front Panel so all the ports line up correctly. You should find that, coneveniently, it lines up with 4 screw holes on the motherboard. Use the screwdriver to make sure that motherboard is extremely secure; a loose motherboard can cause heavy damage to other parts if the computer is jolted.Step 4: Power Supply + Memory
Now that the motherboard is firmly in place, it's time to attach the power supply. Some computer cases already come with a power supply already installed. If that's the case, ignore this part. If not, continue reading.
The power supply is pretty intuitive to put it in. Simply place it where it fits up top, and screw it in to secure it. Make sure that all the wires going out from the power supply aren't trapped under it.
Once that is accomplished, it's time to install memory. It can be a bit difficult, depending on if you have multiple sticks or not. If you do have multiple sticks, read the motherboard manual for which slots to place them in. If you set them up incorrectly, the computer may not recognize one or more of them. If you only have a single stick, no worries. You can place it in any slot and be fine. It's really a simple thing to do. push down the clasps at each end, and as you insert the memory the clasps come down to lock it in.Step 5: Hard Drive + CD/DVD Drive
It's now time to put in your hard drive. It's pretty simply really. There should be a slot along the right side of the computer case that's perfectly sized to fit your hard drive. Simply slide it in, and put in screws to make it secure, simple as that.
Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.
As for the CD/DVD drive, that's a bit more work. First, you'll need to push out the piece of plastic in the way where the CD/DVD drive is to go. Once you've taken out the plastic, slide in the CD/DVD drive from the outside, and push it inward. Once it's properly aligned, screw it in, and voalla!Step 6: The CPU
Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.
The CPU get's its own step, because it's installation is extremely important. Take out the CPU, and then look at the slot for it on the motherboard. There should be a tiny lever that you can bring up or down. You'll need to bring it up, place the CPU so that it fits properly (look at the pins on the bottom of it for proper alignment0. Once it's on the motherboard, bring the lever back down. If all goes well, the CPU should be solidly attached to the motherboard now.
Now you need to attach the CPU fan. This is a vital part of any computer. CPU's today produce so much heat that they need their own fan to keep them from overheating. Make sure any and all plastic is taken off of the fan, like what is shown on the right. If you see an odd white square on the bottom of the fan, don't worry. That's just thermal paste, designed to help out with the heat the CPU gives off.
Definately look at your CPU and motherboard guides for this one. Different fans and motherboards attach differently. Also, MAKE SURE your ESD bracelet is still on. A fair bit of physical strength is needed for this part, but make sure you're not incorrectly putting the fan on, because that may damage the CPU or motherboard.Step 7: Additional PCI Cards
If you bought any additional PCI cards, like video cards, sound cards, or wireless internet cards, install them now. The installation is generally pretty simple. First, make sure that you're installing it into the correct slot; dont try to mix up AGP and PCI cards or it won't fit.
Thankfully, these slots are designed to not allow any other cards than the proper fit into them. Take off the casing just like you did for the I/O Front Panel at the beginning so your PCI card will fit, as shown to the right. Simply place your PCI card in, screw it into the computer case at the top, and there you go. Rinse and repeat with the other cards. Step 8: Installing Additional Fans
Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.
You might have bought additional fans, or your computer might ahve come with some that you need to install. To find out which way the fan is supposed to go in, check out the motherboard/case manual if it came with those. If it came by itself, check the fan manual. Once you put it in the correct direction, screw it in and all is well. We'll deal with connecting it to the motherboard a bit later.Step 9: All Those Wires!!!
Well, by now you will have found countless wires inside your computer, coming in and out from every crevice imaginable. This is the toughest part of building the computer, but if you follow some simple tips it shouldn't take too long.First thing to do is attach the CD/DVD drive and the Hard Drive to the motherboard. This will require two cords coming out from each of them: one is a power cord attached to the power supply, the other is a data transfer cord attached to the motherboard. Attaching the power cord is simple: just plug it in :)
For the data transfer cord, it will either be SATA or IDE (both shown to the right) that connects it to the computer. The bigger one is IDE and the smaler SATA. Just find the right cord, and plug it in where it fits easily. There is nothing that looks similar to either of them, so you won't have any problems with making sure it's plugged in correctly.
The next step is all of the fans. Most likely, your computer has at least some smaller fans inside of it. Also, if you have a video card, the newer ones can oftentimes have their own fan that you need to attach. The connection is pretty simple and is shown the right. Keep in mind that this connection is extremely important for computer cooling purposes. If you don't plug in your fans it can cause your computer to overheat, and potentially damage all of the parts inside.
The next part can be the trickiest: those little tiny cords. Generally, the place for them will be in the bottom right corner of the motherboard. Connecting them correctly can be confusing even for veteren computer builders. If your computer won't turn on right after you build it, or no sound comes out, this is a likely culprit. Once again, each motherboard is different, so you'll need to consult your motherboard manual. Generally speaking, it should look like so on the right.
The final cords we attach are the big boys: the primary power connector. It's pretty easy to figure out where the big guy goes. Sometimes, the motherboard will also require an additional, second smaller power connection, as shown to the right. Just about all power supplies have it, but you need to see if your motherboard does. If it does, make sure to plug it in too. If it doesn't, just ignore the smaller power connection cord.
1x CPU/Processor
1x Memory/RAM
1x Power Supply
1x CD/DVD Drive
1x Hard Drive
1x Computer Case
1x Monitor
1x Keyboard/Mouse
These are just the minimum you'll need. Other parts, such as sound cards and speakers, are optional, although quite useful. Additionally, you'll need:
1x Phillips head screwdriver
1x ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) Bracelet
Step 1: Set Up
Don't take any parts outside of their cases yet, although you may take screws out. There are three things that are absolutely necessary when building a computer: Compatible parts, an ESD Bracelet, and organization. Without these in place, disaster can easily occur in the creation of your computer. Without compatible parts, you might overheat some of your computer parts when connected. Without an ESD Bracelet, you might unintentionally electrocute parts in the computer. And without proper organization, you'll certainly lose screws and the smaller necessary parts, thus making the computer unstable.Step 2: Attach ESD Bracelet
SAFETY FIRST!! Nothing is more important than keeping this on and connected at all times. Make sure it is attached to your wrist and the other side to something metallic that's not associated with the computer. This will create a circuit, and prevent any static from your body getting onto the computer parts. Once it's firmly connected, we're ready to start putting our computer together. Step 3: Open Case + Secure Motherboard
First thing to do is open your computer case. Generally it's pretty easy. Newer cases just have latches that you can undo and open. Even older ones only require a few screws to be taken out before it opens nicely. Once opened, it should look something like the case on the right.
Lay the case on the floor. Now, if you look inside the motherboard box, you should find a piece of silver plating. This is called the "I/O Front Panel", and is extremely important for building the computer correctly. If you look at the back of the computer, you'll see a default I/O Front Panel already inserted. This, unfortunately, will unlikely have the same ports as your motherboard. So, simply push against it and the old one will pop out, and replace it with the new one.
After this is accomplished, place the motherboard inside the computer case and align it with the I/O Front Panel so all the ports line up correctly. You should find that, coneveniently, it lines up with 4 screw holes on the motherboard. Use the screwdriver to make sure that motherboard is extremely secure; a loose motherboard can cause heavy damage to other parts if the computer is jolted.Step 4: Power Supply + Memory
Now that the motherboard is firmly in place, it's time to attach the power supply. Some computer cases already come with a power supply already installed. If that's the case, ignore this part. If not, continue reading.
The power supply is pretty intuitive to put it in. Simply place it where it fits up top, and screw it in to secure it. Make sure that all the wires going out from the power supply aren't trapped under it.
Once that is accomplished, it's time to install memory. It can be a bit difficult, depending on if you have multiple sticks or not. If you do have multiple sticks, read the motherboard manual for which slots to place them in. If you set them up incorrectly, the computer may not recognize one or more of them. If you only have a single stick, no worries. You can place it in any slot and be fine. It's really a simple thing to do. push down the clasps at each end, and as you insert the memory the clasps come down to lock it in.Step 5: Hard Drive + CD/DVD Drive
It's now time to put in your hard drive. It's pretty simply really. There should be a slot along the right side of the computer case that's perfectly sized to fit your hard drive. Simply slide it in, and put in screws to make it secure, simple as that.
Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.
As for the CD/DVD drive, that's a bit more work. First, you'll need to push out the piece of plastic in the way where the CD/DVD drive is to go. Once you've taken out the plastic, slide in the CD/DVD drive from the outside, and push it inward. Once it's properly aligned, screw it in, and voalla!Step 6: The CPU
Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.
The CPU get's its own step, because it's installation is extremely important. Take out the CPU, and then look at the slot for it on the motherboard. There should be a tiny lever that you can bring up or down. You'll need to bring it up, place the CPU so that it fits properly (look at the pins on the bottom of it for proper alignment0. Once it's on the motherboard, bring the lever back down. If all goes well, the CPU should be solidly attached to the motherboard now.
Now you need to attach the CPU fan. This is a vital part of any computer. CPU's today produce so much heat that they need their own fan to keep them from overheating. Make sure any and all plastic is taken off of the fan, like what is shown on the right. If you see an odd white square on the bottom of the fan, don't worry. That's just thermal paste, designed to help out with the heat the CPU gives off.
Definately look at your CPU and motherboard guides for this one. Different fans and motherboards attach differently. Also, MAKE SURE your ESD bracelet is still on. A fair bit of physical strength is needed for this part, but make sure you're not incorrectly putting the fan on, because that may damage the CPU or motherboard.Step 7: Additional PCI Cards
If you bought any additional PCI cards, like video cards, sound cards, or wireless internet cards, install them now. The installation is generally pretty simple. First, make sure that you're installing it into the correct slot; dont try to mix up AGP and PCI cards or it won't fit.
Thankfully, these slots are designed to not allow any other cards than the proper fit into them. Take off the casing just like you did for the I/O Front Panel at the beginning so your PCI card will fit, as shown to the right. Simply place your PCI card in, screw it into the computer case at the top, and there you go. Rinse and repeat with the other cards. Step 8: Installing Additional Fans
Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.
You might have bought additional fans, or your computer might ahve come with some that you need to install. To find out which way the fan is supposed to go in, check out the motherboard/case manual if it came with those. If it came by itself, check the fan manual. Once you put it in the correct direction, screw it in and all is well. We'll deal with connecting it to the motherboard a bit later.Step 9: All Those Wires!!!
Well, by now you will have found countless wires inside your computer, coming in and out from every crevice imaginable. This is the toughest part of building the computer, but if you follow some simple tips it shouldn't take too long.First thing to do is attach the CD/DVD drive and the Hard Drive to the motherboard. This will require two cords coming out from each of them: one is a power cord attached to the power supply, the other is a data transfer cord attached to the motherboard. Attaching the power cord is simple: just plug it in :)
For the data transfer cord, it will either be SATA or IDE (both shown to the right) that connects it to the computer. The bigger one is IDE and the smaler SATA. Just find the right cord, and plug it in where it fits easily. There is nothing that looks similar to either of them, so you won't have any problems with making sure it's plugged in correctly.
The next step is all of the fans. Most likely, your computer has at least some smaller fans inside of it. Also, if you have a video card, the newer ones can oftentimes have their own fan that you need to attach. The connection is pretty simple and is shown the right. Keep in mind that this connection is extremely important for computer cooling purposes. If you don't plug in your fans it can cause your computer to overheat, and potentially damage all of the parts inside.
The next part can be the trickiest: those little tiny cords. Generally, the place for them will be in the bottom right corner of the motherboard. Connecting them correctly can be confusing even for veteren computer builders. If your computer won't turn on right after you build it, or no sound comes out, this is a likely culprit. Once again, each motherboard is different, so you'll need to consult your motherboard manual. Generally speaking, it should look like so on the right.
The final cords we attach are the big boys: the primary power connector. It's pretty easy to figure out where the big guy goes. Sometimes, the motherboard will also require an additional, second smaller power connection, as shown to the right. Just about all power supplies have it, but you need to see if your motherboard does. If it does, make sure to plug it in too. If it doesn't, just ignore the smaller power connection cord.
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