How to Build a Mini-ITX Computer

A Mini-ITX computer uses a case and motherboard that are both less than half the size of a normal motherboard and case. Due to the restricted size, a Mini-ITX motherboard usually only comes with a single expansion card slot and RAM port. While the lack of ports will mean that your Mini-ITX computer will have fewer capabilities than a standard-sized machine, it will also mean the system will be much more portable. Building a Mini-ITX computer is a similar process as with any other system, but you need to make sure all your hardware components are the correct size.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Mini-ITX computer case
• Mini-ITX motherboard
• Ram
• Hard Drive
• Processor
• Operating system

1. Acquire a Mini-ITX sized case. Get a motherboard that will fit in a Mini-ITX case, such as the Jetway NC62K-LF and ASUS ITX-220. Check the processor socket that the motherboard uses, such as socket LGA775. Get a processor that matches the correct socket type and the type of RAM module you want to use, such as a 1 GB RAM module. Decide how you want to use the PCI or PCI-Express expansion slot, such as for an advanced graphics card or sound card.

2. Choose which operating system you want to use with the Mini-ITX computer, such as Microsoft Windows XP or Linux, and buy a corresponding installation disk. Acquire a "slim line" CD or DVD drive fitted for a Mini-ITX case.

3. Twist off the two thumbscrews on the back of the Mini-ITX case. Pull the top half of the case off so that the inner chamber is visible. Slide the motherboard into the case and attach the screws to hold it in place. Push the processor onto the socket at the right side of the motherboard. Lock the processor in place by pushing down the lever at the side of the processor socket. Place the processor's heat sink on the top of the processor, and then push down on the plastic clamps.

4. Set the hard drive into the open port at the left side of the motherboard. Connect the motherboard cable to the back of the hard drive. Place the slim line DVD drive into the port above the hard drive and connect its motherboard cable.

5. Push the RAM module into the RAM port at the bottom of the motherboard. Snap down the plastic clamps on the right and left ends of the RAM. Put the expansion card you chose into the expansion port at the right side of the motherboard. Place the top panel back onto the Mini-ITX case and twist the thumb screws back into place. Connect the computer's power cable into a wall outlet. Attach a keyboard, monitor, and mouse to the ports on the back of the Mini-ITX case. Power on the computer. Place the operating system installation disk into the disk drive and follow the installation instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the specifications of the motherboard before making a final decision. Because of how small a Mini-ITX case is, the motherboard will have a built-in Ethernet adapter, graphics adapter and sound adapter. Make sure they have the capabilities you want for your machine. If you want to make sure your processor is compatible with your Mini-ITX motherboard you can acquire a motherboard and processor combo that include two units specifically meant to be used together.
• Nearly all Mini-ITX cases come with their own power supply pre-installed. However, if yours does not, for some reason, you must make certain that the power supply you choose is compatible with a Mini-ITX motherboard. A normal power supply will generate too much power and will fry a Mini-ITX motherboard when you turn it on.

References

• Building a Mini-ITX Computer
• Assembling a Mini-ITX Computer