Build a Desktop Computer

2 Parts:

Instructions

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There are available branded computers such as Dell, Samsung, HP, Acer and many more that you could buy pre-assembled and all you have to do is plug in the power and you are ready to use it. However nothing beats building your own computer as you can choose what parts and specs your actual computer will be. This is a much rewarding task specially the moment you finished and plug in the power as you can see the fruits of your hard work.

Parts that you need:

• Desktop PC case; Numerous desktop PC case are available in the market just be sure that the motherboard plus the video card can accommodate it.
• CPU- this is one of the main things that will determine how fast your computer will be. Intel got dual cores up to i7 which have 4 hyper threaded cores. But if you are on a tight budget you can try the AMD series, which have Athlon x2 (dual cores) to Opteron (quad core).
• Motherboard- brand such as ASUS, Gigabyte and the budget price ASRock are popular brands in the market that you can choose from, they have series for the Intel processors as well as the AMD processors.
• Video Card- This part is optional; you can run your PC without the video card if you are only using your PC for some word processing and internet browsing. However, this would really help your PC speed up if you use graphics intensive programs or games.
• Optical drive ; Optical drive are needed especially if you are installing your main Operating system as many OS came in a CD or DVD. This also comes handy when you want to back up your files e.g. images, videos in a disk. Brand s like Samsung and Toshiba are common in the market.
• Hard drive ; this is your main container of your programs and files. You could buy the conventional Disk drive for your software and files or you could opt for the newer SSD (Solid State Drive) for your system files being more robust and faster compared with SATA disk drive.
• CPU Cooler , You could opt to use the stock CPU cooler which comes with the CPU or you could buy an aftermarket cooler especially if you are planning to use your PC for long periods of time in a warm location.
• RAM , this are memory sticks that will temporary hold your data, the more memory you got the better will be your PC response which will eventually means more faster processing. The newer DDR3 are cheaper that the older DDR2.
• Power Supply , generic desktop cases comes with a stock power supply unit. However, if you have a pricey motherboard and CPU it would not hurt to invest on power supply because many cases of burn or damage motherboards came from defective power supply.
• Operating Software , you could choose between Windows 7 of the more recent Microsoft release which is the Windows 8. If you are a little bit adventurous and want to learn more about the software you are using you could try the Linux base Operating system like UBUNTU which is a free OS.

1. 1
   Remove the two side panel of the desktop case

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   You have to remove the right panel so that you have access to the back of the motherboard tray. If you are using an aftermarket CPU cooler you should have to access this part as many cooler has a mounting plate that needs to be installed in the back of the motherboard on the CPU area. Furthermore, some case have an option to route all your cable in the back of the motherboard to make your wiring more neat and will not hinder the air from the fan.

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2. 2
   Install the I/O shield - Upon opening the motherboard package you will see a thin metal plate called the I/O shield which you have to install in the back of the case

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   Referring to your motherboard manual, check for the screw stand, you have to screw this in the motherboard tray. This will secure the back part of the motherboard in the case..

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3. 3
   Install the Power Supply - in older system the power supply is mounted in the upper part of the case, however on newer cases the power supply unit goes down in the lower part of the case to increase the stability of the CPU

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   Just screw it in place with the power cord outlet face the outside of the unit.

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4. 4
   Prepare the CPU cooler - Install the back plate in the motherboard (refer to the manual of your CPU cooler for the detailed instruction).

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5. 5
   Mount the main board - Insert the mother into the chassis

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   Gently insert the motherboard at an angle so that the side with the ports is inserted into the I/O shield which you have installed earlier into the chassis. Make sure that the motherboard is properly seated on the screw stands in the motherboard tray in the chassis. Screw the motherboard with the provided screw included in the package.

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6. 6
   Insert the processor on the motherboard- Take note of the markings in the CPU, most have markings that will tell the orientation of the CPU in the motherboard

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   The processor should drop in the slot evenly then lower down the socket shield d and the clamping lever into position.

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7. 7
   Install the CPU cooler - Before mounting the CPU cooler make sure to apply thermal paste on the top of the processor

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   Make sure to apply only a thin even amount spreading it with any flat plastic or the edge of a credit card. Then mount the cooler making sure that it have an even contact with the processor and secure it with the mounting screws included with the cooler.

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8. 8
   Insert the RAM - If you have bought 2 RAMs then it time to insert those RAM on the motherboard

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   Noting the orientation on the RAM by carefully checking the notch on the lower part of the RAM and carefully insert it in the motherboard until the locking it with the locking clip in the motherboard.

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9. 9
   Install the video card - Insert the PCI-e video card in to the PCI-e slot on the motherboard, press it gently until the retention clip on the side snaps in place

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   Then screw the back part into the chassis.

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10. 10
    Install the Hard drives - Newer cases have an option for screw less installation of the disk drives and optical drives

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    Refer to the manual on the chassis on the details. If you happen to buy the older kind chassis you have to screw the drive to each side of the drive bay.

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11. 11
    Install the Optical Drive - Remove the front panel of the chassis and insert in the opening the optical drive bay

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    Secure the optical drive by installing the screw on both side of the optical drive bay.

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12. 12
    Connect the SATA cables- Connect the SATA cables from the motherboard to the optical drives and the Disk drives

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    Then connect the front panel cables to the motherboard, take note of the marking in the front panel cables and insert it accordingly in the motherboard.

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13. 13
    Connect the power supply cable - finally connect the cables from the power supply to the motherboard, optical drive and the Disk drives

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    You should also connect cables for the video card if your video card needs supply from the power unit.

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Your desktop computer is almost ready. Just put the left and right panel of the CPU chassis and you're all done. You could connect your brand new CPU to your computer peripherals such as the monitor, mouse and the keyboard. Upon booting you could install your favorite Operating System. Enjoy you newly built Desktop Computer.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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