How to Build a Computer

Published on July 2016 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 57 | Comments: 0 | Views: 343
of x
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content

How to Build a Computer
By: Alex Hollis

Online Sources

Physical Stores

Uses Internet use only Multimedia Use

Type of Build Basic low power PC

Do I need to build my own computer? NO, but you can

Mid level, powerful Most times you CPU, more RAM will, depending on what you use it for. High end components, video card, more RAM Almost always worth it to build, you ll save $$$

Heavy Gamer

‡ 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.

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.

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.

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 Listen to how many should 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 beeps are referring to. doesn t boot up at all, make Then check that sure the 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.

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close