How to Build a Computer?
In the following instructions, you will learn how to build a computer using step by step instructions. Building a computer might seem difficult, but it is a lot simpler than what some people might imagine. Before proceeding to the build, it is very important to note a few things:
1. The CPU must be compatible with the motherboard
2. The motherboard must be able to fit into the computer case
3. The power supply must have enough power to run the hardware
4. When building a computer, make sure to build it in an anti-static place (Wooden Table, Wooden Floor) as static electricity can damage or destroy your hardware
Supplies
1. Motherboard
2. CPU (Processor)
3. GPU (Graphics Card)
4. Storage Device (Hard Drive, SSD)
5. RAM (Memory)
6. PSU (Power Supply Unit)
7. Cooling (CPU Fans, Case Fans)
8. Computer Case
9. Thermal Paste
10. Monitor
11. Keyboard
12. Mouse
13. Operating System (Windows)
14. Phillips Screwdriver
Preparing the Computer Case
- Remove all panels from the computer case using a Phillips screwdriver.
- Lay the computer case down on a table with the cut-out part facing upwards
Installing the Motherboard
- Take the motherboard out of the box
- Temporarily place the motherboard inside the computer case, with the panels facing away from the computer case
- Line up the panels with the cut out on the case, and place the I/O shield so it is oriented correctly
- Remove the motherboard from the case, and install the I/O shield by slotting it in the cut out from the inside of the case
- Place and line up the motherboard inside the case
- Using the screws given, screw the motherboard to the case
CPU Installation
- Remove the retention plate, by pushing down and pulling on the metal lever on the motherboard
- Carefully remove the CPU from the packaging (Hold it by the side, as you can easily bend the pins which would destroy it)
- Line up the golden triangle on the CPU with the golden triangle on the CPU socket
- Gently place the CPU inside to socket without the use of any force
- Using the metal lever, push down and towards the socket to lock the CPU inside the socket
- Carefully apply a pea sized amount of thermal paste on the top of the CPU
- Remove the CPU cooler from the packaging
- Line up the 4 edges of the cooler with the 4 screws on the motherboard
- Lock the cooler onto the motherboard by screwing all edges
- Connect the cooler cable to the motherboard using the motherboard layout given by the manufacturer
RAM Installation
- Remove the RAM from the packaging
- Locate the DDR4 slots on your motherboard
- Push down on the latches on both ends of the DDR4 slots
- Place the RAM inside the slots by pushing down on both sides of the RAM to secure it in place (If done correctly, you should hear a clicking sound)
Mounting the Coolers
- Remove coolers from packaging
- Locate the threaded side of the coolers
- When setting up the cooling formation, you want the pull fans (Pulling air in the computer) in the front and the push fans (Pushing fans out of the computer) in the back
- Set up the fans accordingly by screwing them onto the front and back of the computer case
- Connect all the cooler cables to the motherboard using the manufacturers layout
Power Supply Installation
- Unbox the PSU from the packaging
- Locate the power supply storage on the bottom of the computer case
- Place the PSU facing downwards (Fan on the bottom) inside the case
- Secure the PSU using the screws given
- Connect the PSU cables to the motherboard using the manufacturers layouts
Storage Device Installation
- Remove the Hard Drive/SSD from the packaging
- Locate the Hard Drive/SSD slots on the computer case
- Carefully slide the Hard Drive/SSD with the cables facing the inside of the case into the slots
- Secure the Hard Drive/SSD by screwing it onto the computer case
- Locate the PSU cables for the Hard Drive
- Insert the PSU cable into the front of the hard drive
- Locate the hard drive cables
- Insert the hard drive cables into the motherboard using manufacturers layouts
Graphics Card Installation
- Carefully remove the Graphics Card from the packaging
- Locate the PCIe slot in the motherboard
- Remove the PCIe slot cover from the motherboard
- Line up the Graphics Card (Gold Slot) with the PCIe slot
- Gently place the gold part of the Graphics Card into the PCIe slot (If done correctly you should hear a click)
- Screw the left side of the graphics card onto the I/O shield using the screws given
- Locate the 8 pin PSU cable
- Connect the 8 pin PSU cable to the front of the graphics card
Desktop Setup
- Remove the monitor from the packaging
- Locate the HDMI or Display Port cable
- Connect the HDMI or DisplayPort cable to the back of the monitor
- Connect the other end of the HDMI or Display Port cable to the Graphics Card
- Connect the monitors power cable to a sufficient power source
- Remove the mouse and keyboard from the packaging
- Insert the USB type cable of the mouse and keyboard to the back of the motherboard
- Remove the main PSU cable from the packaging
- Insert the PSU cable to the back of the power supply and connect the other end to a sufficient power source
BIOS Setup
- Power on the computer by pressing the power button on the case
- Once turned on, repeatedly press the Delete key on the keyboard to enter the BIOS system
- Once in BIOS check the CPU temperature that is located on the screen
- Enter the DOCP tab in BIOS
- Check if Memory speed is operating at the correct speed
- Hit the F10 key to save
- Power off the computer
Windows Installation
- Insert the Windows installation CD or USB into your computer
- Turn on the computer
- Press the Delete key repeatedly to enter the BIOS
- In BIOS locate the boot tab
- In the boot tab select the CD/USB which has Windows installed on it
- Press Enter to install windows on the computer