How to Build A Custom PC: The Complete n0ob's Guide to Building a Computer

Step 2 Install Components - Power Supply

This step is for those people whose cases did not have power supplies currently residing in their bare abodes.

First, you must switch the power output to your appropriate voltage. For America and Canada, the voltage is around 110 - 120 VAC at 60 Hz, but for Europe, you would set it to 230 VAC at 50 Hz. If you don't set this correctly, you risk frying your motherboard!

(Thanks to CameronSS and Phesarnion for the input about this!)

There are about four (4) screws you need deal with to screw it into your case. Just make sure that it's going the correct way (check the outside faceplate) and it's pretty much self explanatory from there.

Next, we'll move onto the motherboard.

Comments

[Aerospaceman]

The 64 bit dual core is good as is the rest of the set up; however, you neglected to set people straight. When setting up a self designed computer we take into affect the power needs of the system and that makes the selection of the correct power supply much easier. My selection of a power supply would be above 600W due to the power needs of the video card, the dual core, and the system in general. I enjoyed your article and maybe you can later illustrate front panel techniques?

[killerjackalope]

ummm most of europe run a 110v two prong (plug included to make more sense of it) Uk runs 230-250VAC on a three prong plug

[slambo]

The 230v setting is for countries east of the Atlantic!!