How to Build a PC

Have you had enough of your laptop? Your pre-built computer? Is it simply no longer meeting your requirements? Don't worry, I've got you covered! You should build a computer. Not only can you customize it to your specifications, but the process is also a lot of fun (I promise)! Building a computer may appear to be a difficult task at first, but after reading this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to construct your computer in no time!

Tools

• Antistatic computer mat
• Antistatic wrist strap
• Box to keep screws
• Screwdriver

Internal Computer Components

• Computer case
• Fan(s)
• Motherboard
• CPU
• CPU Fan
• RAM
• SSD
• Power supply
• Standoffs
• Thermal paste

External Computer Components

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Monitor

*Note the images attached above are NOT all the supplies you need.

Begin by placing your PC case onto an antistatic computer mat, then unscrew the screws on one side of the case with your screwdriver. Once they've been removed and placed in a safe location, remove them from the side. Repeat on the opposite side. At this time, it is highly recommended that you wear an antistatic wrist strap.

One of the more straightforward steps will be to install RAM (Random Access Memory) on your motherboard. The amount of RAM you add to your build is determined by the capacity of your motherboard as well as your budget. I'd like to point out that the bottom of both your motherboard and RAM sticks have a special notch. This is on both items to ensure that the RAM is oriented correctly. The first step is to ensure that the RAM slot notches on the motherboard are in the open position (depending on what motherboard you have the sides of the slot can either open on both or just one). Once the slot notches are open, make sure your RAM is facing the right way up and push the stick of RAM into the slot with some force. If everything is in place, you should hear a click. The RAM slot notches on the side should also be closed or connected to the stick. If necessary, repeat this step.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the most critical component of your computer. Make certain that this does not get damaged while being installed on your motherboard. This process will vary depending on the brand of CPU you use; in this case, I'm using an Intel CPU. In this case, the first thing you should do is press down on the CPU bracket lever. Wiggle the lever to the right side while pressing down on it to unlock the CPU bracket. After that, lift up the CPU bracket to expose the pins on the bottom. Before you put the CPU down, make sure the corner piece on the CPU matches the corner piece on the bracket. Place the CPU in its slot with the pins down and the smooth side up. Remember, if you apply any force or push the CPU down, it will be damaged. Grab a tube of thermal paste before tampering with the CPU bracket. Thermal paste distributes heat from your CPU and is critical to this process. Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the smooth side of the CPU (a tiny sized amount should be the size of a pea). Place the CPU bracket back down and wiggle the lever into the slot next to it to lock it. You are now done installing the CPU!

This procedure will vary depending on the CPU brand and fan used. We're using an Intel processor and a standard Intel CPU fan in this case. Check that the plastic arrows on the side of the fan are pointing in the opposite direction that they started. If your arrows are pointing in the direction of the plastic, it indicates removal, while the opposite indicates installation. Place the CPU fan over the CPU, making sure the plastic side parts line up with the holes on the bottom. When you rotate the fan while the holes are in their slots, the arrows should move slightly. Apply force to opposite sides of the plastic to fully install the fan. They should make a click sound and then repeat on the other two sides. If this worked, look on the other side of the motherboard to see if the plastic legs popped out (the clear and the black must be on the same level). Finally, remove the CPU fan wires from the fan and detangle them. After that, connect the wire to the CPU FAN slot on the motherboard. The slot can have three or four pins depending on the motherboard and fan you have.

The motherboard is one of the most important components in the construction of your computer. It is fairly simple to install, but you do not want to make any mistakes. First, align the motherboard with the standoff holes in the case. Because they have a plastic black part sticking out, the standoff holes are easily visible in the case. After aligning the motherboard with the standoff holes, grab a screw and screw it in with the screwdriver. While performing this step, ensure that your I/O plate aligns with the backside of your case. This must be matched in order for it to screw in and function properly.

Because the graphics card and hard drive are already on the motherboard, this computer build does not require a separate graphics card or hard drive. If this is not the case for you, the setup is very similar. The graphics card necessitates the installation of a long PCI-E slot on your motherboard. Screw the graphics card into the case and you're done. The hard drive is even simpler, but this depends on the case you have. In most cases, you screw the hard drive into the case and connect it with various connectors.

It is entirely up to you how many fans you want or requires. We only installed one fan in our case. First. Choose a fan and align it with one of the available fan slots in your computer case. Next, screw in one of the screws and then the remaining three. Once your fan is secure, take the fan's connector and plug it into the motherboard. This can be inserted into either a three-pin or a four-pin slot on your motherboard. It is recommended that you save your four-pin slots for heat sinks, but if you have extra space, you could. If you run out of slots on your motherboard, you can always connect it to the power supply; however, this step is more complicated, and I will not go into it (however, to be honest, this step has more benefits, but google is free!!!!!).

Now comes the big one. The power supply installation should be the same for all types of them. The power supply you buy, on the other hand, is determined by the other components you buy with the case. In our case, we had to install the power supply through the computer case's back panel. First, tuck in all of the power supply cords and loop them into the main big case. You should be left with the large power supply box and the cords in place. Now, insert the power supply into its slot and tighten it down. It's fine if the power supply hangs from the screws. You also want to make sure that you place the power supply upright before screwing everything in.

You'll notice a lot of cords and connectors in your computer now that you've installed your power supply. Most of these must be installed, and you must ensure that the correct slot is used for each connector. If you're not sure where to plug in a particular connector, consult your manual or search Google for the digital version. This should explain what each pin does and how they should be connected. Power, USB, your front panel connector, and the very tiny power button connectors are some of the major connections.

Once you've finished plugging in each connector, you'll almost be finished building your computer. The first thing you should do before turning it on is to screw back the front and back panels you removed earlier. Place a screw into the panel, align it with the hole, and tighten it. Repeat with the remaining screws on the panel and on the opposite side.

You're almost finished! You completed all of the hardware and are now moving on to the software. When you turn on your computer, the fans and any other components should turn on. The POST test will be the first thing your computer does. The POST test, also known as the power-on-self-test, checks to see if anything has been changed internally in the computer. Because this is your first time, it may take a moment. If everything goes well, your computer should now boot into your operating system. You can check for BIOs and other things from here. If something does not go well, your computer usually does a great job of telling you what's missing. It is relatively easy to troubleshoot your problem so do not panic!

Wow, you made it this far! You have now completed your first computer build. Your computer should now boot into your operating system and operate normally.