PC Build Guide

This will teach you how to build a new PC

Step 1: Get Components

Motherboard CPU (APU) Ram Power Supply GPU Case Fans Heatsink

Step 2: Install the I/O Shield in the Case

The I/O plate snaps in from the inside. All you need to do is push it into the rectangular hole and make sure all sides are firmly in place.

Step 3: Install the Power Supply

Look for a hole a little smaller than the psu (power supply unit) with 4 screw holes around it, match it up to the screw holes in the psu and screw it into place.

Step 4: Install Stand-offs

For this you will have to look at your motherboard manual, as it will vary from board to board. Then just install the stand-offs in the case where the board requires them.

Step 5: Installing the Motherboard

Caution:before beginning this step make sure that you are grounded, static is a very big problem for motherboards it can end up damaging them.Motherboards are very sensitive!Place motherboard in case and push the ports out the back (through the I/O plate).Make sure holes on motherboard line up with holes underneath and screw them in.

Step 6: Install Ram

Make sure whole stick is lined up and that the notch in the RAM is lined up with the notch on the slot on the board, push down the snaps on both sides of the slot and push it straight down and make sure clips on both sides.

Step 7: Installing the CPU

On the motherboard bring the arm that holds the cpu in up. Take the cpu and find the gold arrow or triangle, line it up with the arrow on the socket or board and gently set the CPU in DO NOT USE FORCE it should just drop right in. push the arm back down and lock it in place.

Step 8: Installing the Heatsink

The way that a heatsink is installed varies. For intel you push the pins down into the four holes, then turn the posts. For AMD you put the two holes in the heatsink arms over the notches on the board, then push down the lever securing it into place

Step 9: Wiring Front Panel Buttons, USB and Audio

Cases usually have 2 buttons the power and the reset button and 2 LEDs for the power and hard disk drive.The colored wire is usually positive and the white or black wire is usually the negative. For the headphone and microphone jack you should be able to find instructions for where the wires go in the manual. Cases also usually have USB on the front too this one will be easy since there are 2 places it could fit they are labeled on the motherboard.

Step 10: Installing a Hard Drive (same for SSD/other Drives)

Place the hard drive in the drive cage (usually in the front of the case) and screw the hard drive into it.

Step 11: Installing the GPU

Graphics cards go in the PCI-E slot.If you have only one graphics card, put it in the middle PCI-E slot. If you have 2 graphics cards, put them in the first and third slots. Then connect them with the SLI or Crossfire bridge that came with the motherboard.

Step 12: Fans

The fans In most cases the fans come pre installed, but if yours did not it is as simple as putting in 4 screws. make sure that the fans are pointing in the right direction (exhaust in the back, intake in the front) most fans have arrows on them to show which way it pushes the air.

Step 13: Plugging in the Cables

Plug in the 24 pin adapter to the motherboard for main power, plug either a 4 or 8 pin connector for the CPU (it will vary from board to board) plug in the power sata to any drives you have in your build. The graphics card may require 6, 8, 8&6, or no power connector, you will need to look at the cards manual to see.connect the usb, SATA, and HD audio(refer to the motherboard manual, as each board is different and will have ports in different locations. you can optionally use zip ties or twist ties to hold the cables together and allow for better air flow.