How to Assemble a Computer
Building a computer can be one of the most exhilarating experiences. Assembling a computer is not as difficult as it previously used to be, and there are a number of benefits of it as well. The most prominent benefits include, you learn a lot about computer hardware, you are in a better position to choose better components for your system, besides saving some money and having fun all the way. In case any of the parts stop functioning, you can undertake computer repair and have them replaced yourself, or older components can be replaced by components with the latest technology, which will ensure, that your machine has a longer life. Once you read on how to build a computer, you will also understand, you may not require a number of tools for this task. Rather you will need a screwdriver, needlenose pliers and an anti-static wristband. We will now see the steps of assembling a computer step by step.
Assembling a Computer from Scratch
If you have to ask me, which is the most difficult part in assembling a computer, I will say, it is, selecting the components. This is due to the fact, that there are different computer parts in the market. To ensure that all the parts are compatible with each other can be a herculean task and not to forget time-consuming. The basic parts, you will require, are power supply, motherboard, RAM, processor, processor fan, video and sound card, hard drive, CD-ROM drive (if you need one) and network card. If you want, you can have your computer equipped with TV card, wireless card, web camera, printers, etc. The area you are going to use to assemble a computer should be large enough and it is recommended, you do not use carpeted area, as there are chances of static electricity build up on your clothes. Now that we have seen the basic requirements, let's see how to assemble a desktop computer.
- The first step is to install the power supply into the case, in case, it has come as separate components. Ensure that you secure the power supply using the four screws provided.
- We will now see how to install a new motherboard, for which, you will have to open the computer motherboard and line it up to the expansion slots located at the back of the case.
- Place the standoffs into the motherboard case at any point, where a screw hole in the motherboard lines up with the standoff slot in the case.
- Now is the time to secure the motherboard with screws and connect it properly to the right lead from the power supply.
- The panel lights and switches on the case to the motherboard should be connected now. If you have any front panel USB or sound headers, connect them now.
- Place the processor such that the marked corners on the processor and socket, line up correctly. Gently place the processor into place, and lock it with the lever on the side of the socket. Be careful, when you do this step.
- We will now install the heat sink and fan assembly over the processor, so that the processor does not heat up. Make sure you have thermal grease in between the heat sink and fan assembly.
- After you are done with installing the heat sink and fan assembly, immediately hook the power lead from the fan to the motherboard.
- How to install RAM, is what we will see in this step. Check, which is the right socket for the RAM and then gently place the RAM into the sockets until it clicks.
- After the processor and computer memory, hard drive is the next to be installed. Place the hard drive into the case and connect the IDE or SATA cables to the motherboard.
- If you want to have a CD-ROM drive for your machine, now is the time to install it as well. Place the drive in the appropriate slot in the case.
- Now connect a cable from the power supply to both the hard drive and the CD-ROM drive.
- After the drives have been installed, the sound card, video card and network card are to be installed, into the PCI, AGP or PCI Express slots. Connect the appropriate cables along with these cards.
- We are now done with installing all the internal components of the computer, now is the time to connect all external components, like the computer keyboard, computer mouse and computer monitor.
- After all the hardware components, we need to install the required software. The basic been the computer operating system, for which you will have to boot the system and install an operating system of your choice.
