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How to Build a Computer:

The first step in building a computer is buying all the eight needed components for the computer. The first component to start from is the processor 1)CPU). Decide either intel or AMD. I prefer AMD because it is cheaper yet still the same speed and power of an Intel CPU. Next is to find a 2)motherboard that can fit in that type of CPU. After a motherboard is selected than, it's 3)RAM. Make sure you get the right speed and amount optimized for your motherboard. Next I would choose a 4)videocard, which is optional depending on the motherboard you selected. Also, if you decide to get a video card, make sure you get one that fits into one of the slots (preferably a PCI Express 2.0 X16). Next is to get a 5)hard-drive. Get one that has enough space to fit your needs and preferably with a SATA connection. Next is to choose a 6)CD/DVD Drive. Next is the 7)Power Supply. Anything 500 watts or greater will usually do, but check the the other components to make sure (especially the video card). Last, is to choose the 8)case. Pick one that will be able to fit all the motherboard and all the components. Typically, an ATX will do, however some people prefer a full tower for more components and better airflow.



Getting Started:
Before you begin, go into a large open room to work in, because it is going to take a lot of space. Next lay out all of the components on the floor. After you have all your parts laid out at your workspace, grab your case. Once you have your case, open it up. There should be screws on the back that should unscrew. Only do one side, the top side.

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Preparing the Case:
If your case comes with gold extender feet, then go ahead and place them on because they prevent your motherboard from shorting out as well as allows air to pass underneath. The extender feet go between the motherboard and the case chassis. View the picture below as an example.

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Only install the extender feet where the motherboard will be screwed down.

Next, remove the rear I/O panel that comes with the case. Simply push outward on the panel from inside the case, and it should just pop out.

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Next, install the new rear I/O panel that came with your motherboard.

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Installing the Motherboard:
The case is set, and now we are ready to move on to installing the components inside the case. The first component we are going to install is the motherboard. When placing the motherboard inside the case, make sure the motherboard is lined up properly so the rear I/O panel is in the correct spot as well as the expansion slots are also lined up with the back of the case.

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Now take the screws that came with the motherboard, and screw them into the the motherboard and case. The holes on the motherboard should line up with the holes in the case.

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Installing the Processor:
Now that the motherboard is secured to the insisde of the case, we are now ready to install the processor (CPU) onto the motherboard. First locate the square section on the motherboard where the processor fits. To install the processor, first open up the holder as shown by pulling the lever outwards, then lifting it up. Once it is lifted you can pull back on the holder, now it should look like the photo below.

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Note that all CPUs can only be installed in one direction. Look for the pins and where they line up with the socket. There may also be an arrow on the CPU & motherboard indicating which direction to place the CPU. Once you know which corners line up, place the CPU into the socket as shown in the picture below.

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Now secure it to the motherboard by closing the CPU holder and pushing the lever down and under the latch.

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Now that the CPU is in place, it is time to install the CPU heatsink and fan that came with the CPU. There should also be a small tube of thermal grease that came with the CPU heatsink & fan. Take that out because we are going to apply a small amount of thermal paste to CPU. The manual will probably say to apply a dot the size of half a pea.

The next step is to install and connect the heatsink and fan on the processor. Place the heat-sink and fan on the CPU and apply a little bit of pressure in order to sad the thermal grease evenly. Next, latch the heat-sink nd fan onto the socket.

Now plug in the CPU fan cord into the motherboard. The cord should fit into a slot right above the CPU socket.

Installing the RAM:

We are now done installing the CPU. Next is the memory. Memory is easy to install. Locate the RAM slot and unlatch ends. Next place one RAM into a slot. Then push down until its snaps down into place. Be careful not to break the RAM. Then close the latches at the ends of the slot. repeat process for each stick of RAM.




Installing the Power Supply:

The next step is to install the power supply if it isn't already installed. The typical slot for the fan is at the top back. Just make sure the fan on the power supply is facing outwards when you screw it in. After the powersupply is in, connect all the required cords from the power supply into the motherboard. Check motherboard manual for exact details.



In order for the case's power and reset buttons, as well as lights for the HDD, Power, etc to work, you need to connect them to the motherboard headers. Each motherboard varies so you will need to refer to your manual to determine the correct order for each header. This also applies to the USB and/or FireWire headers. Again, check the motherboard manual for exact details on where to plug the cords into.




Installing the CD/DVD Drive:

Once that is done, we can now install the CD/DVD drive. Remove the front panel covers to allow for installation of the drive. To do so you might need to remove screws from BOTH sides of the case, such as shown here:



Now remove one of the slot covers and then slide the drive into the slot. After the drive is in, go inside the case and screw the drive in place. Next, plug the sata cord into the drive and the motherboard and connect one of the power cords into the drive as well.

Installing the Hard-Drive:

Next is installing the Hard-Drive. Hard-Drives are typically installed in the drive bays. The easiest way is to take the hard drive and put it into the bay from the inside of the case. Lay it down in one of the slots and align the screw holes up from the Hard-Drive to the case. Now screw it into place.

Installing the Video Card:

The last job for inside the case is to install the video card, if you chose to buy one. First place the card in the slot to see where it lines up with the back. Then remove the metal backing from the case. Now install the video card in the slot and then screw it into place. Then connect the power cords to the vieo card.

Now, before closing again, recheck to make sure everything is pluged in correctly.

After the case is reclosed, plug everything into the computer such as the keyboard, mouse, power cord, and monitor. And you are all set.

Good Luck, and I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.

Posted in How To

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