how to build your own computer

7/28/2019 How to Build Your Own Computer

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How To Build Your Own Computer

A guide brought to you by the Katzforums

To build your own computer it's a dream many a geek has had. Many have also

fulfilled this and also many non-geeks too. If you have a technically-inclined mind,can follow instruction, are patient, and are in need (or want) of a computer, then whynot follow our guide and build your own?

If you don't know what parts are all compatible, or if you're wanting the best bang

for your buck in the component choices, or even if you're stuck half-way through thebuild and need a guided response - feel free to post a thread right here in ourHelp

Deskand we'll help you! There are many different uses for a computer system, so

make sure you let us know why you want to use it, and a budget, and you'll be

bragging to your mates in no time about your self-built system.

A quick note like there are many different uses for a computer system, there arealso many different ways to build a computer system. Die-hard Geeks may wish to

debate the order here, but the reality is that this way works. Other ways work also.

And, of course, this tutorial was written up to go with some photos that one of ourvery own Tech Apprentices took when he built his own computer. So you may find

that your system looks different from the pictures for example, you may not have a

discrete video card, and you may have two hard drives, and so on. If your system ismarkedly different from our example here, please feel free to post a thread and we

can tell you any differences you need to incorporate into the build. For example,

some aftermarket CPU heatsink/fans need a bracket on the underside of the

motherboard, so this would need to be installed before the motherboard is fitted in

the case.

1. Gather all Components

First things first we need to ensure we have all the pieces. Here is a list of things

you'll need:

Case (and any extra Case Fans)

Power Supply

Motherboard

CPU (Processor) and Heatsink/Fan (and thermal paste, if not included)

RAM (Memory)

Hard Drive

Optical Drive (e.g. DVD Burner)
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Video Card (may be integrated into Motherboard)

Sound Card (may be integrated into Motherboard)

Networking Card (may be integrated into Motherboard)

Keyboard

Mouse

Speakers

Monitor

Any extra add-on cards you may have for the build (eg. TV Tuner Card)

OS Installation Disc (eg. Windows, Linux)


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The idea is to get the bunch of parts into a working computer

2. Gathering Your Tools

Once you have gathered your components, you need to ensure you have the right

tools:

Proper screwdrivers. (flat and philips)

A pair of pointy-nose pliers
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Zip ties

Scissors or snips for cutting off loose zip tie ends

Patience and common sense

These tools should be all you need when building a computer. It is imporant to takeanti-static precautions. Some people may wish to use an anti-static wriststrap. Onceyou have all the components and tools, read on and we'll explain how to build your

own computer!

3. The BuildFirst, the case. Open both side panels, then install the standoffs that will keep the

motherboard off the metal plate.

Ensure you only install to align with the holes on the motherboard

In the picture above you can see where the standoffs are installed. Use a set of pliers

to make sure the standoffs are driven in firmly. Once you have installed the standoffs,
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next install the back panel I/O bracket that came with the motherboard. Usually, you'll

find that the case's generic one is incorrect. Pop the old one out, and insert the one

that came with the motherboard. Ensure that it is properly installed, as themotherboard will be hard up against it. Now it's time to install the motherboard.

Simply position the motherboard in the correct position and slowly lower it down into

the case. To ensure the motherboard is rotated the right way, the CPU socket shouldbe toward the top-left of the case. Make sure you position it right on top of thestandoffs so you can properly lock it in by driving screws in the holes on the

motherboard where the standoffs are positioned. Put the screws in firm not tight

so the motherboard is fastened securely.

After the motherboard, install the PSU. Slide the unit from inside the case, and sit it

up flush against the back of the case. You'll see where you need to install the 4 screws

that hold it in tight. Once it's in firmly, put the cables out of the way so you have asmuch room as possible inside the case (I.e. hang them up and outside the case).
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/3-Motherboard.jpg


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http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/4-PSU.jpg


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Next, finish preparing the case for the rest of the components. If you are installing any

add-on cards (such as a discrete video card), you'll need to remove the metal backing

plate aligning with the corresponding installation slot.

Now move onto any case fans that need to be installed. Most cases come with at least

one fan pre-installed on the back, such as our example did. We've also added one infront of where the hard drive will be located. Once the hard drive is installed, it's

almost impossible to fit a fan in or out of there, so it's important to do this first. Make

sure the case fan is facing so that the air is blown into the case over where the harddrive will be installed this is an intake fan, and the fan on the back is an exhaust fan.
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/5-PSU.jpg


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http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/6-Front-Case-Fan.jpg


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On the front of the case, you'll need to remove the bezel plates to make room for

inserting any optical drives and floppy drives. In our example computer, you can see

we have one DVD burner, but no floppy drives so only one plate was removed.
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Now there is room for the optical drive to fit, go ahead and install it. The unit should

slide in from the front until it is sitting flush with the case. Some cases may have a

screw-less or tool-less design, whereby a bracket needs to be removed to slide theunit in, and then returned into place and clipped into the lock position. This is how the

Cooler Master case works in our example. Other cases will simply have holes ready,

and you need to align them up and screw in firm.
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/8-Remove-Bezel-For-DVD-Drive.jpg


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http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/10-Outside-DVD-Installed.jpg


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After the optical drive, install the hard drive in the same manner. The only difference

is that the hard drive should slide in to the lower cage from inside the case. Make sure

the you insert it the correct way, so that the power and data connectors are facing theback of the case, ready to connect up at a later point. If you are installing a large

graphics card (I.e. for a gaming computer), you may want to ensure you put the hard

drive in the lower space to make as much room as possible for the graphics card andPSU cables. And of course if this build is using multiple graphics cards (SLI or

Crossfire), then careful planning is needed prior to fitting the parts.

[IMG]http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/11******Drive.jpg[

/IMG]
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/9-Inside-DVD-Installed.jpg


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By now, the inside of the case should be starting to take shape. The motherboard,

power supply, optical drive, and hard drive are all installed. Next we'll move on to the

components that connect to the motherboard directly.

CPU in our example, we have used a Socket 775 (Intel E8400) processor and

motherboard combination. Other combinations may look different, such as havingpins on the processor itself and not on the motherboard. Either way, take extremecaution, as even a slight bend to one of these pins can render the component useless.

CybeRnotic

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Re: How To Build Your Own Computer

06-29-2009,

08:24 PM#2

CybeRnotic

Tech Support

Join Date: Feb

2009Posts: 2,658

Using the lever next to the CPU socket, unhinge it and then open the metal gate

surrounding the socket. Most will have a protective cover that needs removing.
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Handling the CPU gently by the edges, place the CPU into the socket, ensuring

it is aligned the correct way.
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/12-Open-CPU-Socket.jpg


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This is the CPU sitting in place with the gate open

Gently close the metal gate surround.
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/13-CPU-Sitting-In-Place.jpg


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Finally, use the lever to lock the metal gate surround into place you may need

to use firm pressure.
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/14-CPU-With-Socket-Gate-Closed.jpg


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After the CPU is installed, fit the CPU heatsink/fan. If you have purchased a

retail CPU, most come with thermal paste pre-applied to the heatsink. If this is

the case, then you do not need to worry about putting your own paste on. If thisis not the case, then you'll need to squeeze a small amount (about the size of a

grain of rice) onto the CPU before mounting the heatsink on top.

Once the thermal paste is organised, and the CPU is ready to go, line up the

heatsink and sit it in place. (If you are using a 3rd-party heatsink, you will need

to follow the instructions provided with it). Press down firmly on the 4 cornerclips to properly attach the heatsink to the motherboard, which puts the proper

amount of pressure onto the CPU for maximum heat dissipation.
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/15-CPU-Locking-Socket-Gate.jpg


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While we're on the CPU, we'll finish off the job by attaching the heatsink/fanpower and sensor connector to the motherboard, and the 4-pin CPU power

connector from the PSU to the motherboard close to the CPU. (Some newer

variants may have an 8-pin power connector - this is for new high-poweredCPU and motherboard combinations - consult your motherboard manual for

which one you should use).
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/16-Install-CPU-Heatsink-Fan.jpg


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http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/17-CPU-Fan-Power-Connected.jpg


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The RAM sticks are relatively easy to install. If your motherboard supports a

dual-channel configuration, then it will most likely have the dual-channel slots

already marked as such. In our example, we can see the slots are colour-coded -so install matching pairs of RAM sticks into matching slots. For our example,

this means slots 1 and 3 will then be populated.

Once you've sorted out where the sticks are being installed, unlock the slots by

moving the end levers outward.
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Open the side locks, ready to install the RAM

Line the module up (the off-centre notch will ensure it only fits one way) anduse steady, firm pressure to push it in. When it is in place, the slots at the end

will have "snapped" into each side of the stick, securing it.
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/19-Prepare-RAM-Locks.jpg


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Now add any discrete cards for the build in our example photo, we have one

video card to be installed. Be sure to line up each card properly into the

installation slot on the motherboard. Push cards in firm to ensure a proper fit.
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/20-Install-RAM-Stick.jpg


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Now all the physical components should be installed for your system. All that's

left to do is connect everything up. SATA data cables (or IDE ribbon cables for

components that connect in that way) need to run from the device to themotherboard. Power cables from the PSU need to connect up to each component

as necessary.
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/21-Install-Graphics-Card.jpg


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It is especially important to take care when running the cables from the PSU to

each component always try and get the mess minimised as much as

possible, for a nicer look and better in-case airflow. Use zip ties to clean uploose ends, especially where the fans are located. It is in this regard that a

modular PSU makes all the difference only connect what is needed and the

rest can be left in the box, instead of having to zip tie it all together and tuck thebundle out of the way as much as possible... Even so with careful planning, a

non-modular PSU can still be routed efficiently for good air-flow.

You should have already connected the CPU 4-pin (or 8-pin) connector, so next

install the 24-pin ATX motherboard power connector, the DVD drive, the hard

drive, the graphics card, and anything else in your specific system that needs a
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/22-Graphics-Card-Power-HDD-Power-and-Data-C.jpg


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power cable.

Note from Artellos (Olrik): As you might see, I made a little mistake here. I

didn't install the second RAM module in the other Yellow slot. This way the

RAM doesn't run in Dual-Channel configuration. I should have placed the

second one in the other yellow slot.

The final connections to be made are the case connectors to the motherboard.

These are for the power and reset button, power and HDD light, and USB andother data connectors for the ports on the front of the case. As every case and

motherboard is different, you'll need to carefully follow the instructions in the

motherboard manual. Every manual should have wiring diagrams in detail. Youmay find it under the heading Front Panel Connectors or F_PANEL.
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/26-Motherboard-24-Pin-Connected.jpg


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http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/23-Case-Wires-To-Be-Installed.jpg


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The Photo above is showing a very clean, simple look with the cables tied up

nicely

4. The Result

And there you have it. Everything should now be complete, and ready forinstallation of the operating system. In the photo below, we can see the system

in all its glory, although a few more zip-ties to minimise the bunch of black

cables from the PSU into a smaller bundle would be nice. Nonetheless, for afirst-time build, this Tech Apprentice received top marks! (Well, the system

worked, so that's good!)
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/25-Cables-Installed-and-Zip-Tied.jpg


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The job complete!

All thats left to do is close the case side panels, to protect the importantcomponents inside, and to create the proper environment for in-case airflow to

keep all the components nice and cool.

If you are installing an OEM version of Windows, you need to put the COAsticker on the case

That's all there is to it! Enjoy your new computer.

Best Regards,

CybeRnotic
http://www.geekstogo.com/misc/tutorials/system_building/28-Inside-Of-Case-Completed.jpg

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