Assembling the Computer

Welcome to the section on building the computer. Here are the very basic steps for assembling the computer. We recommend looking for videos so that you can get more in-detail and actually see how this goes together. This guide is just a very basic overview.

Safety Tips

Ground yourself before handling components (use an anti-static wristband or touch a metal part of the case)
Work on a clean, flat, non-static surface
Keep magnets away from your components
Handle components by their edges - avoid touching pins and circuits
Unplug everything before starting

Here is what you will need

Case - Your computer's housing
Motherboard - The central hub
CPU (Processor) - The brain
CPU Cooler - Air or liquid cooling
RAM - System memory
GPU (Graphics Card) - For display (can be integrated in some CPUs)
Storage - SSD and/or HDD
PSU (Power Supply Unit) - Power delivery

and some basic tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver (magnetic tip preferred)
Zip ties/cable ties for cable management
Thermal paste (often pre-applied on coolers)
Flashlight (for seeing inside the case)
Small containers for organizing screws

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Clear a large table Unpack all components, keeping them in anti-static bags until needed Read all manuals, especially the motherboard manual

Step 2: Install the CPU

Open the CPU socket on the motherboard (lift the retention arm) Align the CPU - Match the golden triangle on the CPU with the triangle on the socket Gently place - Don't force it! It should drop in without pressure Close the retention arm to secure the CPU

Step 3: Install RAM

Open the DIMM slots clips on both ends Align the notch in the RAM with the slot Press firmly on both ends until clips snap into place (you should hear a click) For dual-channel, use slots 2 and 4 (usually) as per motherboard manual

Step 4: Install M.2 SSD (if applicable)

Locate the M.2 slot on motherboard Remove the mounting screw Insert the SSD at a 30° angle Press down and secure with the screw

Step 5: Prepare the Case

Remove both side panels Install case fans if not pre-installed (usually front=intake, rear=exhaust) Install motherboard I/O shield (the metal plate that came with your motherboard)

Step 6: Install Motherboard Standoffs

Check your case - most have pre-installed standoffs Add/remove standoffs to match your motherboard's screw holes (ATX, microATX, etc.)

Step 7: Install Power Supply

Determine orientation (usually fan facing down if case has bottom vent) Slide PSU into case and secure with 4 screws Route cables through management holes (don't connect yet)

Step 8: Install CPU Cooler

Apply thermal paste (pea-sized dot in center if not pre-applied) Mount the cooler bracket according to its instructions Secure the cooler, tightening screws in a diagonal pattern Connect the cooler's fan to CPU_FAN header on motherboard

Step 9: Install Motherboard into Case

Carefully lower the motherboard onto standoffs Secure with screws (don't overtighten!) Connect front panel connectors (power switch, reset, LEDs, USB) - refer to motherboard manual

Step 10: Install Storage Drives

For 2.5"/3.5" drives: Use drive bays, secure with screws or tool-less mounts Connect SATA data cable from drive to motherboard Connect SATA power cable from PSU

Step 11: Install Graphics Card (if applicable)

Remove case expansion slot covers (2 slots usually) Open PCIe slot clip on motherboard Align and firmly push GPU into PCIe x16 slot until click Secure with screws to case Connect PCIe power cables from PSU if required

Step 12: Cable Management

Route cables behind motherboard tray Connect all power cables:

24-pin ATX to motherboard 8-pin EPS/CPU power (top-left of motherboard) PCIe power to GPU SATA power to drives Use zip ties to organize cables Connect case fans to SYS_FAN headers

Before putting the side panels on the case and cable managing all of the cables make sure everything works by doing a test boot. Make sure the computer can get to the BIOS/UEFI before putting the final touches on the system. It is much easier to troubleshoot something now rather tan after everything is neat.