Computer Build

Today I will be going through how to build a computer step by step. You should build your own computer because its fun, you can learn a lot about computers, and you can pick all the parts that go into it. its good to build your own computer because you know the parts you are getting and know that they are reliable. some pre built computers may have good components for some areas but not as good components for others.

Supplies

screw driver, thermal paste, ESD static mat, ESD wristband.

Step 1: Install CPU

locate your CPU and the CPU socket on your motherboard. push the lever next to the CPU down and out and lift up on it to open the CPU socket. there should be a gold arrow on your CPU. line up this gold arrow with the arrow on your motherboard. gently place your CPU in and give it a little wiggle. it should just fall into place. no need to push on it or lock it in place, you don't want to damage any of the pins. now take that same lever and bring it down. this should take a little force but it'll be okay if your CPU is in the socket properly. pull the lever down and put it back in its place.

Step 2: Install RAM

there should be 4 RAM slots next to you CPU socket. line up the notches in your RAM to the notches in the RAM slot to ensure that the RAM will be installed properly. now push down on both ends with equal pressure until you hear both sides lock into place.

Step 3: Installing Motherboard Into Case

You'll want to put your pc case on its side for this. lower your motherboard into your case and locate the standoff holes on both your case and motherboard. line them up and screw them in.

Step 4: Installing CPU Cooler.

this may be different for certain coolers but the one I'm using for this example is the intel stock cooler. before installing the cooler you'll have to put thermal paste on the cpu. to do this you just squeeze it out of the tube. a pea size amount is just fine.

Step 5: Installing Power Supply

all you have to do is put that thing in there and screw it in so it stays in place. you can take the wires and everything from it and put it into the back of the case behind the motherboard for better cord management.

Step 6: Plugging All the Chords Into the Mother Board

find the CPU coolers power chord and find the fan power connector. find the 24 pin power chord and plug it in to the 24 pin power connector to give the motherboard power. next find the usb 3 power cable and connect it to the motherboard. find the audio chord and plug it into the motherboard. then there will be multiple little cables connected together. these are for the power button the reset button and the LED's and such. if you have any problems finding any of the ports on your motherboard reference you motherboard manual.

Step 7: Installing Hard Drives

put one of your hard drives in the hard drive bay and find a 15 pin power connector from the power supply and plug it into the hard drive and find a SATA cable and plug that into the hard drive as well. find the other end of the SATA cable and plug it into a SATA port on your hard drive.