How to Build Your Own Quad Core PC
The introduction of the quad core processor brought parallel computing to new heights. Four processors working on separate or simultaneous tasks offered a big boost in speed and productivity. Building your own quad core PC is often more cost effective than purchasing a pre-built machine. Of course, when you build your own computer, you must put in the time and energy to research and order your parts, make sure you have the proper tools and dedicate an afternoon or evening to the building itself.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer enclosure (or "case")
- Screwdriver
- Motherboard (quad core capable)
- RAM
- Quad core CPU with heatsink/fan (HSF)
- Power Supply (PSU)
- Hard drive
- Optical drive
- Operating System
Instructions
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Building the PC
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1
Place the case on a flat surface with good lighting. Remove the side panel of the case by removing any screws that may be keeping it in place.
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2
Install the motherboard by lining up the pre-drilled holes on the motherboard itself with the brass standoffs pre-installed in the case. If there are no standoffs present, you'll have to install them. Hand-tighten each standoff to correspond with the pre-existing hole in the motherboard. Once they are properly aligned, use the included mounting screws to affix the motherboard to the standoffs. Be sure not to overtighten the screws.
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3
Connect the small leads from the reset and power buttons, as well as the hard drive and power indicator lights to the appropriate headers on the motherboard. Consult your owner's manual for the proper locations, as they vary wildly between motherboard makes and models.
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4
Install the RAM into the appropriately colored DIMM slots. Press the RAM module down until you hear a "click" and the clips on either side of the DIMM hold the module firmly in place. Make sure you line up the notch on the RAM module with the notch on the DIMM itself.
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5
Gently place the CPU into the socket, lining up the small icon on the corner of the CPU with the corresponding icon on the CPU socket. Press the small silver lever downward until it locks into place underneath the small lip on the socket. Remove the plastic protection from the HSF, exposing the thermal interface material (TIM) underneath. Press the HSF down directly on top of the CPU, lining up the mounting brackets on the HSF with the appropriate connectors on the CPU socket. Once properly aligned, click the HSF locking mechanism into place. Connect the power lead from the HSF to the appropriately labeled header on the motherboard.
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6
Install the PSU by screwing it into the appropriate mounting bay on the case. Some cases have the bay at the top and some at the bottom. Consult your owner's manual for details. Attach the 24 pin ATX and 12v ATX connectors to the appropriate ports on the motherboard. They are usually located near the center of the motherboard and near the processor socket, respectively. Drape the remaining PSU cables over the side of the case to keep them out of your way until they are needed.
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7
Mount the hard drive in the appropriate bay inside the case using the included mounting hardware. Using the cables included with your motherboard, connect the hard drive to the motherboard via SATA or IDE. Connect the appropriate power connector (molex or SATA) to the hard drive.
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8
Mount the optical drive to the appropriate 5.25-inch bay in the front of the case, using the included mounting screws. Connect it to the motherboard via IDE or SATA. Connect it to the power supply using the appropriate connector.
Installing Your Operating System
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9
Replace the side panel of the case and connect your PSU to a wall socket or surge protector. Power on the PC and place the OS DVD in the optical drive. Reset the PC.
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10
Press any key when prompted to boot from the DVD. Follow the installation prompts and enter your product code when prompted.
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11
Reboot the PC when prompted and remove the OS disk from the optical drive.
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References
- Photo Credit cpu image by aldan from Fotolia.com
