How To Build A Computer

Pick Your Parts:

1. Determine case style – note the form
factor of motherboards that it allows to
be installed. Ex: ATX
2. Determine motherboard type and model
– form factor must be allowed by the
case size. Ex: An ATX motherboard
won’t fit into a micro-ATX case.
3. Determine CPU type – socket type of
CPU must be supported by
motherboard. Ex: Socket 775 CPU has
to be installed in a motherboard with a
socket 775.
4. Determine memory type – type of
memory is dictated by what the
motherboard supports. Ex: Check if
motherboard takes DDR or DDR2
memory and what speed memory and
maximum capacity. Make sure you
know the maximum amount of memory

How To Build A Computer by http://myownpcgeek.com ©2007

 that can be installed in each memory
slot.
5. Determine video card type. Ex: AGP
or PCI Express (PCI-E).
6. Determine on board sound or add-on
card.
7. Determine on board LAN or add-on
card.
8. Determine power supply requirements.
Ex: You need enough wattage to power
all your components. 500W power
supply should be fine for most
installations unless you are installing
SLI (Dual Video Cards).

Assembly:
1. Open the side of the case by
unscrewing screws on back then slide
the side panel off. Place the case on
it’s side so you have access to the
inside of the case for installation.
2. Before continuing you should have a
ground strap on your wrist connected to
a metal part of the case. Touch a metal

How To Build A Computer by http://myownpcgeek.com ©2007

 part of the case to discharge any static
electricity.
3. Open the motherboard box and get the
hardware for it out. Install the risers or
standoffs in the case prior to installing
the motherboard. This prevents you
from shorting out the motherboard.
4. Install the motherboard on top of the
risers or standoffs and screw it in.
Note: The back panel of the case has to
be punched out so the motherboard can
install properly.
5. Install the power supply in the case and
connect the power connector from the
power supply to the motherboard. This
is not the 4-pin molex connector but the
wider connector.
6. Install the CPU. Look at the socket to
see where the notched edge of the CPU
will go. Make sure the ZIF socket is
not in the lock position. Do this by
lifting the bar on the side of the socket
up. Line up the pins on the CPU with
the socket and insert the CPU into the

How To Build A Computer by http://myownpcgeek.com ©2007

 socket. This requires NO force to
insert. Do not apply pressure to insert.
If it doesn’t drop in then it is not
aligned properly. Lock the CPU in
place by pressing the bar on the socket
down.
7. Install the heatsink and fan over the
CPU. Prior to installing place a small
drop of thermal compound on center of
CPU. Place heatsink over CPU and
lock in place. Connect the power from
the fan to the motherboard.
8. Install the memory. Unlock the
memory slot. Align memory module
with the slot and press in until it locks
in place again.
9. Install video card. If AGP make sure
slot is unlocked prior to install then
lock again after install.
10. Test install at this point. Connect
computer to monitor and connect
power cord to power supply. Turn on.
You should see the BIOS screen show
up on the monitor.

How To Build A Computer by http://myownpcgeek.com ©2007

 11. Connect USB ports on front of
computer to USB headers.
12. Install CD/DVD, Hard Drive,
Floppy Drive. Connect power from
power supply to these devices.
13. Install any remaining components
you might have.
14. Put cover back on case.
15. Install Operating System and
you’re done!

Now that you’ve built your computer you

have to protect your investment. Go to
http://myownpcgeek.com to learn how!

How To Build A Computer by http://myownpcgeek.com ©2007