How to Build a Computer for Beginners
Building your first computer is exciting and exhilarating. The finished product can have a higher quality and at a lower cost than anything you buy from a manufacturer. It gives you the freedom to find exactly which brands of components you want to use, and you do not have the same kinds of restrictions placed on you that pre-assembled computers have. Building a computer is not a long or difficult process, but you have to be properly prepared.
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Things You'll Need
- Power supply
- Computer case
- Screwdriver
- Motherboard
- CPU
- CPU heatsink
- PCIe video card
- RAM
- SATA drives
- SATA cables
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Network cable
- Speakers
Instructions
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1
Research and purchase your components. Determine your budget, and this will dictate the rest of the process. Research which components best serve your needs, wants and budget. Make your purchases based on your research.
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2
Install the power supply into the computer case and plug it into the wall. Work on a hard flat surface. Turn the power switch off on the back of the power supply before plugging into the outlet. Always maintain contact with the metal portion of the case when handling any computer components for the rest of the steps. This helps prevent damage due to static electricity.
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3
Mount the motherboard to the inside of the case using the supplied stand-offs and screws. The case should be on its side for this step and until instructed otherwise. Do not attach any cables to the motherboard at this time.
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4
Insert the CPU into the CPU socket. Carefully place the CPU and CPU socket on the motherboard and secure the latching lever. Make sure you don't bend any pins. Spread the thermal paste and attach the CPU heatsink as directed by the manufacturer.
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5
Insert the PCIe video card into the PCIe slot. Skip this step if you plan to use an onboard video card. You need to remove the slot cover in the case and secure the card with the provided bracket.
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6
Slide the RAM into the memory slot(s). Make sure the RAM is completely seated and the plastic tabs pop into place to secure it.
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7
Secure each drive into the drive bay(s) with the provided screws or brackets. Make sure the drive connections are facing the inside of the case. It may be easier to stand the case up for this step.
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8
Connect the SATA cables from the drive(s) to the motherboard. The cables cannot be connected in the wrong direction. Just start with the lowest-number SATA port on the motherboard.
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9
Attach all the remaining wiring. Connect the case lights and indicators first, followed by the power wires to the drives and video card. Connect the power cable to the motherboard last.
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10
Close the case and attach your peripherals. Stand the case up and put the panels back on. Plug your keyboard, mouse, network cable, speakers and any other peripherals into the computer.
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11
Turn the power switch at the back of the power supply on and configure the BIOS.
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12
Install the operating system, drivers and updates.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you have removed any loose screws or other objects from the case before closing it and flipping the power switch.
