How to Build a Computer

By: Alex Hollis

Where to buy Parts?
Online Sources

Physical Stores
What are your needs?
Uses Type of Build Do I need to build
my own computer?
Internet use only Basic low power PC NO, but you can
Multimedia Use Mid level, powerful Most times you
CPU, more RAM will, depending on
what you use it for.
Heavy Gamer High end Almost always
components, video worth it to build,
card, more RAM you’ll save $$$
 How do I plan?
• Determine needs, set a price. Begin research
through Google.
• Research Newegg, and other sellers to make a
wish list of possible parts for your build.
• Read reviews on parts.
• Determine what special tools you will need,
and watch some tutorial videos for help on
certain steps of building.
HOW TO CHOOSE COMPATIBLE
PARTS
Now you’ve made you list

What to do now?
Now that you’ve selected your build, you now
will add you list to your cart, and purchase the
order.
Then in around 7 days or less, you’re order will
arrive.
TIME
TO B
U ILD
Step 1:

Find and setup a clean work

area. Preferably indoors to
prevent contaminants from
damaging the computer’s
components.
•Step 2: Unpack computer case.

•Open up side door.

•Lay case flat on side with

motherboard tray facing up.

•Lay cords over the side of the case to

keep out of the way.

•Install “Standoffs” (upper-right) into

mother board tray according to size of
motherboard (ATX, Micro-ATX, etc.)

•Install motherboard “I/O Plate” in

rear cutout of case.
Step 3:

Install Central Processing Unit (CPU) into CPU

Slot on motherboard >>>

After CPU is secured, mount the CPU Heat sink

and Fan to the top by inserting locking pins
into motherboard, and snapping secure.
(Bottom Right)

Install “Random Access Memory” (RAM) into

RAM slots on the motherboard.
Step 4:

Carefully align and install the motherboard into the

case.

Make sure that the standoffs align with the holes in

the motherboards, that the ports on the
motherboard align flush with the I/O Shield on the
back of the case, and that the motherboard is
secure, and not moving, or bent.

Install the screws that come with the case into the
standoffs on the outside of the board, only use
what is necessary to secure the motherboard.
Step 5:

Install the power supply unit (PSU) into the

designated slot >>>

Plug main cables (Motherboard power, cpu

power) into designated spots on the
motherboard.
Step 6:

Install the following into expansion slots

on right side of the case:

CD/DVD Drive – Large slot

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – Smaller Slot

Floppy Drive (Optional) – Only one slot

that it will fit in (Floppy opening)

Connect these components to the

motherboard with the required cable
(SATA, IDE, Floppy Cable)

Connect power supply cable to device

(Molex, SATA Power, Floppy power)
Step 7:

Attach the case cables to the

connector on the motherboard. See
motherboard manual for diagram of
where to plug each cable. See case
manual for determining what part of
the cable is positive, and what is
negative.
Step 8:

If you purchased a Graphics Card, you will

now need to install this if you plan on being
able to see anything while using your
computer.

Insert the card into the appropriate slot (AGP,

PCI-E, PCI-E 2.0) according to card type.
Attach power cable to card(s) (below)
If you are an avid gamer, and you require
more power, the purchase up to 3 cards, and
connect them together using “Sli”. (BR)
Step 9:

Install any additional components you desire.

•Wi-Fi Card
•Bluetooth Card
•TV Tuner
•Additional USB Slots

Any ports left open, should have a Slot Cover installed (Below)
to keep dust out, and give you case a finished, professional
look.
Step 10:
Clean up cables inside case. Try to hide them in open cd bay slots, and hide power
connector behind MB Tray if possible with case. See below for examples. *Remember to
make the best air flow from front of case, to back of case to keep everything cool inside.

Good!!!
Not so Good
FINISHING TOUCHES
Now you are done with the actual assembly of the computer.
Now it’s time to plug the computer in, and see if it boots. Then
install your desired operating system.
TEST RUN:

Plug in only the following devices for

now, you will not need anything else:

Power Cable
Mouse
Keyboard
Monitor (1)
If you hear any beeps,
Once everything is this means something
connected, push the power isn’t installed properly.
button. Your computer should Listen to how many
turn on like any other beeps it is, then refer to
computer. If it bursts into you motherboard’s
flames, you installed manual for what the
something wrong. If it doesn’t beeps are referring to.
boot up at all, make sure the Then check that
power cables are all component to make sure
connected to the PSU. Then it’s installed properly. If
make sure the power button it still won’t boot, the
cable is connected properly. part may be defected.
Setup BIOS for installing windows:

Now that you’re computer has

booted, press the mentioned key to
go to the BIOS. This is where you
control how the components run.

To install windows you need to

check the following:

:CD Drive is first on “boot order”

:Cd drive is enable **Important**

Install Operating System:

Now that your computer is built, it

can boot successfully, and the
BIOS is configured properly, you
will now need to install an
Operating System to use your
computer.

Some Common Ones:

•Windows XP, Vista, 7
•OSX Snow Leopard

Some “Free” Alternatives:

•Ubuntu (Linux)
• Fedora(Linux)
•Other versions of the Linux
Operating System

To install simply insert the OS Disc

into the CD drive, and turn on you
computer. It should boot off of the
disc, and install from there.
Ubuntu
FEDORA
 RE
WA
F T
U SO
YO
A L L
ST
IN
Enjoy your New Computer