Editing 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

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.