| If you are new to building computers or have had | | | | 5. Installing the motherboard itself is relatively straight |
| problems assembling them in the past, then it may | | | | forward. Just lower it into the case and then screw it |
| seem like a daunting task if you do not know where | | | | in place. After that you should attach the system |
| to start. | | | | cables from the case to it. |
| Whilst you could certainly dismantle your current | | | | 6. If the case doesn't already have a power supply |
| computer to find out how it works, it can actually be | | | | then now is the time to install it. You should then |
| easier to learn when someone simply shows you | | | | attach the relevant power cables to the |
| how to build one in the first place. | | | | motherboard. |
| Having built computers myself for over two decades, | | | | 7. Hard drives, optical drives, and floppy drives should |
| I've picked up lots of tricks and techniques along the | | | | then be installed in the case. Each of these will require |
| way. | | | | a power cable attaching and a data cable connected |
| I now use this same process over and over again | | | | to the motherboard. |
| because I know it will work each and every time. | | | | 8. The memory for you computer can now be |
| Now when building a computer it pays to have a | | | | installed in the relevant slots. Just make sure you fit |
| procedure to follow, for example: | | | | them in the proper order by checking your |
| 1. Planning your PC build | | | | motherboard manual. It would be a waste to buy |
| 2. Choosing which parts to use | | | | Dual Data Rate memory and then fit it as if it was |
| 3. Readying the case | | | | Single Rate, as you won't get the performance gains. |
| 4. Fitting the CPU and cooler | | | | 9. Any peripheral cards e.g. graphics card, sound card |
| 5. Installing the motherboard | | | | should now be installed in the relevant slots in the |
| 6. Adding the power supply | | | | motherboard. Just remember to supply any power to |
| 7. Installing the drives | | | | a card if it needs it. |
| 8. Adding the memory | | | | 10. Some cases offer external interfaces e.g. USB |
| 9. Fitting the peripheral cards | | | | ports and some motherboards require you to fit an |
| 10. Fitting external interfaces | | | | external interface in the case to provide extra ports. |
| 11. Installing fans | | | | So you need to install these and attach the |
| 12. Powering on your PC | | | | necessary cables to the motherboard. |
| 13. Configuring the BIOS | | | | 11. To improve the airflow in the case and keep the |
| 14. Installing the Operating System | | | | temperature down it pays to have an inlet fan at the |
| 15. Updating your PC software | | | | front and an exhaust fan at the rear. If the case |
| 1. Before you can even build your own computer you | | | | didn't already come with these installed then now is |
| need to put together a list of parts first. You will also | | | | the time to fit them and attach them to the relevant |
| need an operating system to install, some tools to | | | | motherboard fan connectors. |
| put your computer together with and a safe | | | | 12. Now is the time to power on your PC and check |
| environment to work in. | | | | everything is working so plug in the monitor, |
| 2. Knowing what type of parts to build a computer | | | | keyboard and mouse. Attach the relevant power |
| with is one thing, but actually choosing these parts is | | | | cables to the monitor and PC and turn on your |
| much more difficult. You have to make sure all these | | | | monitor and then your computer. |
| parts will be compatible with each other and you'll be | | | | 13. Assuming everything went well you need to |
| kicking yourself if you buy a CPU that's high in price | | | | configure the BIOS. At the very least make sure to |
| but poor in performance. You have to put a lot of | | | | set the boot order correctly in order that the |
| research and effort into this and so make sure you | | | | computer boots off the CD drive before the hard |
| check out customer reviews before you buy | | | | drive. |
| anything. | | | | 14. It is then a matter of installing the operating |
| 3. Now you are ready to begin you should prepare | | | | system so that you have a basic working computer |
| the case by fitting the standoffs to the motherboard | | | | to use. Once that is done you should install the |
| tray and replace the I/O shield in the case with the | | | | relevant drivers for your motherboard, sound card |
| one that came with your motherboard. | | | | and graphics card. |
| 4. Before you install the motherboard in the case, | | | | 15. Before you finish make sure you install the latest |
| you should attach the CPU and cooler to it first, as | | | | security patches for your operating system. You |
| you can lay the motherboard on a flat surface where | | | | should also install a decent anti-virus program and |
| there is less risk of damaging it. Also some heatsinks | | | | anti-spyware software on your computer and keep |
| can only be fitted this way as you have to fit a part | | | | these up to date. |
| underneath the motherboard in order to attach it. | | | | After that feel free to update your drivers by |
| Just remember to attach the power cable for the | | | | downloading these from the website of the |
| fan to the CPU connector on the motherboard. | | | | manufacturer. |