How to Build a Desktop From Scratch

Custom-built desktop computers can provide optimum performance for various needs.

Desktop computers come in various styles. The one chosen always depends on how the system is intended to be used. For most light-duty small office use, a system with a lower processor speed and less memory may do well, but such a system won't function optimally for someone who is into heavy online gaming, for example. For extreme gamers, video and audio production users and other processing-intensive applications, the choice is generally to build a computer from scratch so the variety of components can be selected based on intended use. A computer is built "around" the motherboard.

Things You'll Need

• ATX style computer case
• Screwdriver set
• ATX style main board (motherboard)
• 1000 Watt ATX power supply with AMD power plug: If main board accepts an AMD processor, or an Intel power plug if the main board accepts an Intel processor
• Matched memory sticks (all same memory size and type), based on what chosen motherboard manufacturer accepts for the board
• IDE Ribbon cables (if drive interface is IDE) or SATA cables (if drive interface is SATA)
• Computer processor: Your choice of speed, in megahertz or gigahertz, of the type that your chosen motherboard accepts. It must match the socket type of your motherboard.
• Internal hard disk drive: At least 250 gigabytes capacity, more if it can be afforded
• CD/DVD read/write drive (get one with Blu-Ray if you will need this capability and if it is within budget)
• Video card: Purchase the best possible video card with most onboard memory and be sure it matches the video card slot type on the motherboard)
• Sound Card: Built-in motherboard sound is OK for most users, but if performing music editing, buy the best soundcard system possible, which matches slot type of your motherboard.
• Operating System: Microsoft Vista or Windows 7

Instructions

1. Remove the cover of the desktop computer case and install the power supply into the rear power supply mounting rack of the case. Secure the power supply with supplied screws. These screws are installed into the holes at the rear of the case where the power supply is inserted.

2. Put on an anti-static wrist strap and connect the alligator clip at the end of the wire to a metal screw. If you don't have an anti-static wrist strap and cannot obtain one from a local electronics supply shop, touch the metal edge of the computer case to remove static buildup in your hands before handling any further components.

3. Lay the computer case on its side so that the motherboard screw mounting studs are visible and facing upward toward you. Gently place the motherboard into the case, aligning the holes in the board with the mounting riser studs on the floor of the case. Tighten down a screw into all of them until firm but not overly so. Once the screws stop turning, this is tight enough.

4. Install the memory modules into the memory module slots on the motherboard. Due to a wide variation in mounting styles from the different motherboard manufacturers, consult your motherboard owner's manual for direction in properly seating these memory modules into your motherboard slots. Some will require the slots to be filled in order from slots 1 through 4, while others will require the first two memory modules to be installed in slots 1 and 3, and the second two into slots 2 and 4 if installing the second set later. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation here.

5. Install the computer processor into the motherboard's CPU (central processing unit) slot. Use extreme care while installing a processor, never applying downward pressure when installing. All processors will drop into the socket with no pressure if aligned properly; if pressure is used to force a processor into a slot, the pins may bend or break off, which will necessitate the expensive purchase of another processor. Once the processor drops into the socket, lock the processor mounting socket lever into place, completing the processor installation.

6. Set the processor heat sink and fan assembly onto the top of the processor. Before setting the heat sink down onto the processor, remove the thin cellophane plastic that is stuck to the bottom. This plastic cover protects the heat sink compound and must be removed. Do NOT remove the sticky substance from the surface of the heat sink, as it spreads heat evenly across that surface. Once the assembly has been set on top of the processor, fasten the locking mechanisms into place so the unit doesn't fall from the processor when the system is set upright.

7. Slide the hard disk drive into one of the mounting bays in the front portion of the case, with the jack and power plug facing the rear pointing toward the power supply. Insert mounting screws into the holes to firmly mount the drive into place. Perform the same step for the CD/DVD/Blu-Ray drive.

8. Press the sound card and the video card into their respective sockets at the rear of the computer. The jacks of the cards should be facing the rear of the system. When pressing these boards into place, apply equal downward pressure with thumbs at each end of the top edge of the cards so the cards slide into the sockets evenly. Screw down the rear mounting tabs to the case lip provided.

9. Connect the IDE or SATA data cable to the drives, and connect them to power cables from the power supply unit previously installed. Connect the other ends of these cables to the provided sockets on the motherboard. Always connect in order: SATA or IDE 1, SATA or IDE 2, etc. The main internal hard drive should always be connected to the #1 socket of the motherboard and the CD/DVD/Blu-Ray drive should be assigned to socket #2.

10. Plug in the processor fan into one of the motherboards' on-board fan sockets and then plug the system to a wall outlet. Turn the system on to ensure the fan is operating before continuing.

11. Place the system cover back onto the case and connect a mouse and a keyboard to your system. If you have computer speakers, now is the right time to plug those in as well so sound will be operational.

12. Install the Microsoft operating system onto your newly built computer. If the operating system complains that a drive cannot be found, remove the hard drive and check to see if the jumper on the back of it is set to to "Master" or "MA," as this is necessary for a primary drive. In general, most drives are set to Master, necessitating the user to manually move the jumper to "SLA" if it will be a secondary drive, but this may not always be the case.

Tips & Warnings

• Static discharge is the worst enemy to internal computer components. Be sure static is grounded from your fingertips before handling each and every component. Always handle the components by the edges, not the metal portions.

References

• Waterwheel: Build a Custom PC
• PC Mech: Build Your Own PC
• PC Guide