IT Class Computer Build

Today Elaine and I will be teaching you how to build a PC.

Note:

In our class we used anti-static wrist bands and mats. Although not 100% necessary it's good insurance if you have the money or access to them.

Step 1: List of Componets

Case: Carbide 200R

Motherboard: F2A68HM-H

PSU: Orion HP400DB

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 610 (EVGA)

CPU: AMD A6-7400K

RAM: PNY 4.00GB Single-Channel DDR3

CPU Heatsink: Stock AMD A6-7400K Heatsink

Speaker: Stock Carbide 200R speaker

HDD: Western Digital blue 1TB

Fan(s): Cooler master

Step 2: Why You Should Build Your Own Computer

Building a personal computer is a very fun experience that can teach you a lot about technology and save you money. Building vs buying a computer, which is right for you? Buying a laptop instead of building one is usually the better way to go but when it comes to desktop computers pre built computers tend to lack the power of a custom build PC that costs the same. Building a PC also gets you exactly what you want in a PC because you build it, and its not that hard.

Step 3: IO Shield

The first step is to install the IO Shield. Firmly press it into position, it should make a clicking sound when it is in. The I/O shield helps prevents your peripheral ports from breaking.

Step 4: Motherboard Mounts

Pick the right mounts and then screw them in by hand. These will sit underneath the motherboard and then you will screw the motherboard into these. The mounts prevent your motherboard from shorting out. It also allows you to screw the motherboard in so it doesn't move around inside the case.

Step 5: Motherboard

Align the motherboard with the mounts and gently place the motherboard on them and screw the motherboard in.

Step 6: Motherboard Screws

The screws are generally located along the edge of the motherboard.

Step 7: CPU

Raise the arm on the CPU socket. Make sure it's raised completely to avoid bending any pins (if your CPU is AMD it will have pins rather than the connections newer Intel CPUs have.) Look at the bottom of the CPU to see the patterns the pins make and line them up with the sockets on the motherboard. You shouldn't have to apply any pressure, if you push the CPU into the motherboard the pins will probably break. Once in and level push the arm down until it clicks into place.

Step 8: CPU Heatsink

This helps draw the heat from the CPU and carries it to the fan. If your heat sink doesn't come with thermal paste on it you'll have to apply it on your own. You can do this by putting a small dot of thermal paste on the center of the CPU and it will spread out when you put your heat sink on top.

Place your heat sink on top with the clips aligned. once in place you can go ahead and clip it in.

Step 9: Memory

Some motherboards will have the RAM slots color coated so you know which two slots are on the correct channel. Make sure the clips on the side are open align the RAM - making sure it's pointing the correct way - in the slot, and press the ram in. The clips on the sides should click these will lock the ram in. Make sure the ram is plugged in completely otherwise the computer wont boot.

Step 10: GPU

You put this in similar to the ram. Align the GPU with the PCI-e port (In this case it's a PCI-e x16) and press it in. It will make a light clicking noise. Before pressing it in make sure the notch in the bottom of the card lines up with the port.

Step 11: Speaker

This speaker is so you can hear the post beeps. There should be a small connection labeled speaker. This slides into there.

Step 12: HDD

Install the hard drive with 4 screws 2 on each side. This is where all you data will be stored. Also make sure you plug the power and sata into this before you power on!

Step 13: PSU

The Power supply powers the whole computer, it is screwed in near the top back of the case. This also has a number of power cables that you will attach to the motherboard, hard drive,ect.

Step 14: Fans

Fans are not needed in a computer build, but if the case is too small and you don't have any case fans the cpu might overheat so it would be best to include some fans. Case fans have small arrows on them indicating which way the air will flow when powered. Make sure you have an intake fan (sucking cool air in) and an ex take fan (blowing warm air out). The fans can screw in either way so watch the arrows, take the fan and hold it where you wish it to be placed. Take a screw and tighten the fan to the case by twisting the screw driver, do this for all 4 screws. Install all the fans your heart desires.

Most case fans will plug into a place on the motherboard labeled something like sys. fan. Make sure they're plugged in so they have power!

Step 15: Wiring

Wiring everything isn't too hard because everything only goes in one way. You have a series of connectors. You will plug a sata power cable into the hard drive (or if you have an older computer you would use molex) your ATX power into your motherboard and the 4 pin connector also plugs into the motherboard. This powers the CPU. Then you can use zip-ties to help keep the wires clean and in place. Generally you'll want to keep cables away from the components and in one area.

Step 16: Case

Slowly push the side panel back into place until it has a nice firm fit. From there screw in both side panels and make sure they're tight enough to were they do not fall off. Most cases only have side panels that come off to make taking it apart and putting it together easier!

Step 17: POST/BIOS/Boot Menu (Beep Codes)

If you are getting any Beeps and your computer doesn't display video that means something is wrong. Listen to the amount of beeps and google search it and it should tell you the issue. When you boot it should boot any CD with an OS automatically. Also in the bios you can change you clock speed, fan speed, voltage, and other settings.

Step 18: Operating System(s)

The operating system install is straight forward you just keep clicking and it should install, if you want to install more than one OS make some partitions on your hard drive for each OS.