STEP 4: INSTALL MEMORY (RAM MODULES)
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR WORKPLACE
 Before you start, take an inventory of your parts. Do not
begin assembling your computer if you don't have everything
you need. Prepare grounding protection and have the drivers
ready.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE MOTHERBOARD
 First, take the board out of its packaging and put it on top of
the antistatic bag it comes in. Inspect it carefully for any
visible defects and then review the motherboard manual, to
make sure you are familiar with the motherboard layout and
understand which socket is which.
STEP 3: INSTALL THE CPU
 Use the unlocking mechanism to open the CPU socket which
is usually a lever. Carefully line up the pins and place the chip
in its socket then align triangular CPU and socket key marks.
Lower the lever to lock the CPU into place.
 In order to install the memory modules, insert them into the
proper sockets and push down firmly but evenly until the
clips on both sides of the socket pop into place. If your
motherboard supports dual-channel memory, consult the
user manual to determine which pairs of RAM sockets you
should use.
STEP 5: MOUNT YOUR MOTHER BOARD
 Some PC cases have a removable motherboard tray. If yours
does, remove the screws holding it in place and pull it out of
the case. Carefully position the motherboard on top of the
brass standoffs, line up all the holes, and use the screws that
accompanied the case to fasten down the motherboard. If
you are using a removable tray in your system, slide the tray
and motherboard back into the case and then secure the
tray.
STEP 6: INSTALL YOUR CPU HEAT SINK
 Follow the manufacturer's directions to install the heat sink
and the fan that will cool the processor. Attach the clip that
 holds the heat sink in place keeping in mind that it may
require a fair amount of force. Lastly plug the CPU fan's
power connector into the proper connector on the
motherboard.
STEP 7: INSTALL THE CPU FAN
 Place thermal compound to the CPU following the
instructions provided with the compound. Set the fan
assembly on the CPU with mounting tabs aligned. Pull the
locking rod down on the fan assembly to lock into place.
Connect the fan assembly's power connector to the
motherboard. Consult the manual to determine proper
placement.
STEP 8: INSTALL THE POWER SUPPLY
 Consult your case documentation for details and then follow
these directions to install the power supply. First align the
mounting holes in the case and power supply and insert
screws and tighten.
STEP 9: INSTALL GRAPHICS / VIDEO CARDS
 Begin by removing the backplane cover from the AGP or PCI
Express X16 slot (the metal piece where the monitor
connector will emerge). Install the graphics board in that slot,
and then secure the card with a screw.
STEP 10: INSTALL INTERNAL DRIVES
 Configure the drive as a master or slave device (PATA only).
Mount the drive in the chassis. Connect the data cable to
the drive and to the PATA or SATA interface and then
connect a power cable to the drive.
STEP 11: CLOSE THE OUTER SHELL OR THE CASE
 Close the case and wrap it up. Now that the components
are completely installed, the last thing to do is to reinstall
the side panels on the case. The computer is now ready to
be turned on and to have software loaded on it. If the
computer has problems starting up, check all component
connections and mounting to make sure that you have
hooked everything up correctly. Consult individual
component manuals for specific troubleshooting
information if problems persist.