Building a New Computer - Part 2: Putting it Together
So you've picked out and purchased the hardware for your new computer, and you've already completed the most difficult step: Waiting for the parts to come in the mail. The next step is putting all of the pieces together, which we'll cover here.
Note: This is meant to be an overview, to explain the basics… each configuration will be somewhat different, and you should always read the manuals carefully. If you missed Part 1 of the series, we covered picking out the hardware.
Putting the Computer Together
Tools required: Screwdriver, free time, patience, some cable ties or electrical tape, and maybe an anti-static band.
The first thing to do is start carefully removing the packaging from everything and enjoying the geek moment… be very careful when unwrapping the processor, and don't drop it on the floor like I did.
I usually put the processor on the board before putting the board into the case, which makes it a little easier. Open up the latches on the processor socket…
…making sure to remove the little piece of plastic that protects the pins, of course. Note that these instructions are for an Intel processor, and might be slightly different for AMD.
Now very carefully insert the processor, making sure to align it correctly with the notches. Close the hatch carefully when you are done. You should wait to attach the fan until the motherboard is securely in place.
Your motherboard should come with a little metal cover for the back, where the ports will go. You should put that in before trying to stick the motherboard into the case.
Note: Before putting in the motherboard, make sure that the case has the right "pegs" in place for the motherboard to stand on. Some cases have the pegs built-in, but you might have to add a few. Check your manual.
Now you can carefully put the motherboard with the processor into the case, matching up the holes with the pegs.
Make sure that the motherboard lines up correctly with the holes in the port hole cover… you might end up having to bend some of the metal tabs on the inside if they were bent during shipment. The key is that all the ports should be unobstructed… make absolutely certain before screwing in the motherboard!
Now you can finally screw in the motherboard. Most motherboards have 9 screws, but that could vary. The key thing is that you should be putting the screws into the pegs so that the motherboard sits slightly above the case… and don't fasten these screws too tightly… just snug enough that the board won't be moving.
Next you'll need to start plugging in some cables… most motherboards have a 4-pin power cable that needs to be plugged in near the processor. It's important to plug this cable in first before adding the processor fan, otherwise it's usually very difficult to reach.
Tip: When putting a computer together, you should think ahead… if you connect one cable or add in a new piece, is it going to block you from putting in the next one?
Now you can add the processor fan, carefully matching up the holes and making sure that you have enough slack in the cable to plug in the power. Notice how difficult it would have been to plug in the 4-pin power cable with the fan in the way!
Tip: It would be wise to use some thermal compound between the CPU and the fan, as it helps keep the temperature down. It's pretty simple, just follow the directions on the back of the package. It's not technically required, however.
Make sure to adjust the four fasteners so that they are positioned correctly according to the manual. If you are using a stock cooler, the bigger part of the groove needs to be pointed inwards.
Once you have the fan in place, you need to push down on each of the four fasteners in a diagonal pattern. For instance, I'd push down the upper left one in this picture first, since it's crammed in the corner. Then I'd push down the one on the lower right next, and then the other two. (This is usually the most difficult step in the whole build process. Everything else is easy from here)
Next you'll want to connect the motherboard wires to the wires coming from the case for the power and reset buttons. This will be completely different based on your motherboard, so you need to check the manual. My motherboard came with a little plastic piece that made it really easy to match them up…
This was then easily plugged into the motherboard (in the lower right on this picture). You'll also need to connect your audio, USB, and any other cables coming from the case at this point, including the main motherboard power connectors. (Check your manual)
Now we're getting somewhere… slide the DVD drive in place…
And make sure to align it with the front panel in place so that it fits correctly before adding the four screws on the side (it's pretty simple). Make sure to fasten those tightly… remember that the DVD drive is a moving part and you don't want it rattling.
Now you can add the hard drive to the case. I like to put mine so that the case fan is drawing air across the hard drive. You probably want to connect the SATA cables first before putting it into place. Make sure to securely screw in the four screws, because your hard drive can make a whole lot of rattling noises if you don't.
At this point you should have most of the major pieces in place… but your cables are probably dangling all over. You should be able to use some of the included zip ties or some electrical tape to neatly tie the cables up so they aren't dangling.
Something more like this… although I'll admit I didn't do the best job of making them look nice. The point is to make sure that the cables aren't hanging around and hitting the fans if you move the machine. Making them look "pretty" is up to you. =)
I'm sure you probably thought I forgot about adding the RAM… well I didn't. I've found that on many cases adding the ram first will block you from being able to insert the hard drive, so I wait to add it until we're almost done.
First, consult your manual to figure out which memory slot you need to use. Next, make sure that the fasteners on either side are pushed Out, like you can see below:
You'll notice that the notch in the memory indicates that you can only put it in facing one direction. Line up the notches, and simply push down on the memory stick, and the fasteners should snap into place magically like this:
Now you can add in your video card and any other add-on cards. Make sure that you knock the slot cover off the back first, and screw it into place securely. Remember that you'll be connecting things to the back, so take a look to make sure you lined them up to make it easy to connect the cables later.
Checklist Before Closing Up the Computer
Before you go to the trouble of putting the case back together, you should check through this list to make sure you got everything. (Note that depending on your config you might need to plug in extra items… remember to read the manual)
- Did you plug in the power cables to the motherboard? There's usually a 24-pin connector and a 4-pin one.
- Did you add the CPU with the fan… and did you plug in the fan power cable?
- Did you plug in the memory (RAM) securely?
- Did you plug in power cables to each of the drives (hard disk and DVD). What about the SATA cables?
- Did you remember to put four screws in each of the hard drives or DVD drives?
- Did you remember to screw in the motherboard?
- Did you plug in all the wires coming from the case into the motherboard?
- Are any cables dangling that might get caught in a fan?
Now you can add the panels back on the side of the case…
And you are done! That was rather fun, wasn't it?
Plug in a monitor and turn your new machine on, and hopefully it will work immediately like mine did… success!
If It Doesn't Turn On or Start Up
If the computer doesn't turn on or work right away, don't panic… the problem is most likely that something isn't connected correctly. Go back through and verify that every single cable is connected exactly as the manual says it should be.
I've added a page to the How-To Geek Wiki to cover this topic:
Troubleshooting Problems When Building Your Own PC
For those of you that missed the rest of the series, here you go:
Comments (22)
Hey Geek,
Always nice to see posts like this; I love building new computers, so I'm enjoying this vicariously. My only comment is that I'd advise against "slathering" thermal compound. I'm certainly not an over-clocker or anything, but most thermal compound has fairly specific directions on its application. Most also tell you to apply to the core of the CPU, not the heatsink.
Previous generations of, for example, Arctic Silver thermal grease, required you to spread some compound over the base of the heatsink and then rub off any excess to "fill defects in the milling of the metal", then spread a very thin layer across the CPU core. Nowadays, you can put a small bit in the center of the CPU core (about the size of a grain of rice) and the down force of the heatsink in place will spread it evenly.
You do run a risk (albeit a very slight one) of having thermal compound drip/leak off of parts of the heatsink that aren't touching CPU core onto something that's conductive, which might cause a short. Thermal compound is pretty sticky, so this is more of a cautionary tale than a suggested correction.
@Matt
That's a good point, I'll adjust that line.
This has been a difficult article series to write, since I'm trying to include enough information to be helpful, but I don't want to be too specific to my configuration since there are infinite configuration possibilities. It's more about trying to help explain the basics to people that haven't built a computer before.
I'm very happy with the feedback so far, always great to have tips from readers.
This is great. I've always thought of building a computer myself, and even though i've rebuild computers, and reinstalled many OS's before, i've never wanted to actually buy the parts and build one. good write up for Part 1 and 2. Looking forward to Part 3. Perfect for anyone just starting.
Hi !
GREAT POST !
I enjoy it every time.
A small additional check list: "Make sure you haven't forgot any screw inside the case, it can cause you problems…"
Best regards
Oded
Loving the write-up! I've been fixing and troubleshooting computers for years now, but never wanted to tackle building one from scratch. Lately, though, I've been getting the 'jonez'. It's a geek rite of passage I haven't completed. Found myself shopping for motherboards today…
This article was very well written. One thing that I feel was neglected was with the thermal compound/grease. Most stock heatsinks come with it pre-applied and you just need to take a cover off. If you apply more then it looses its efficiency.
Another thing I always do is put together the essentials (motherboard, proc, video and ram) outside of the case, and hook up the power supply and montior and power on the motherboard. This will tell you if you have problems, and it can prevent having to pull out the motherboard after you have installed it in the case.
Are you sure you put your ram in the right place? in one of those pictures it looks like your ram is in slots 1 and 2 (yellow and black). on most motherboards I've worked with that would make them run in single channel mode. If you haven't already you should check your manual, you might need to put them in slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 for them to run in dual channel mode
@Zack
You are correct… somebody on the forum pointed that out as well…
The real reason I used those two slots was because I was waiting for another 2 pieces to come in the mail, so all the slots will be full anyway =)
You've given me the confidence to be able to build my own computer, thanks! Before I was always concerned I'd mess something very sensitive up or whatever, but this is great.
@Tyrant
Great!
Make sure to get feedback on our forums… we've got a number of experienced system builders that hang out there…
Very well written article. Thanks Geeky!!
One thing you forgot to mention when installing ram is that the sticks are keyed on the connector edge with a little notch, and will only go in one way.
@rbailin
Excellent point! Will update the article.
Great article. It has been a while since a built a PC and this is great refresher since I am overdue for a new one. Looking forward to Part 3…Thanks!
When i am an adult i am going to bulid a computer! and also i am looking forward to part 3!
Love this article. The only thing I don't understand about new computers is that the variance of RAM types that are available. Miss the 100/133 era.
There's nothing really complicated about RAM types. The 100MHz and 133MHz SDRAM you miss evolved into DDR (double data rate) memory which further evolved into the current DDR2 memory, all at continually faster speeds. So instead of 100/133 choices, you have 533/667/800/1066 choices. Like the older memory, not all motherboards support all speeds of DDR2 memory. You simply buy what your mb supports and what your wallet can afford.
There's also DDR3 memory at even faster speeds, but it's not yet mainstream.
Good articles, and building your own box is one of the best ways to learn what's inside.
I also appreciate the philosophy, what I've preached for a long time about buying off bleeding edge and to stay away from "bundle companies" that are push their bulk inventories off on the consumer, literally preying on their ignorance.
A couple bones of contention would be:
As it was mentioned, If you are using thermal compound, it's beneficial to remove the thermal pad on the fan, as it can create an insulation issue, call it a thick layer, but you see a difference in temperature if you do remove it.
Another real time saver it to see if the board will post, before loading it up.
Articles like this build confidence in anyone who want to be more than just a user.
I'll be looking for more.
Hey Geek,
That's a really nice post, I have gone through all 3 parts! I recently got a new computer, an assembled one. After reading your article I think, I could have made it better with some minor changes in configuration.
I built few myself but one thing I notice you forgot to mention is ESD. ESD can ruin not only the memory but the cpu. You do not work on carpet or when your home is humid. I ground myself to the screw for the electrical outlet. Or you touch something that metal and grounded.
Also which I did, you can use klaxon tape to tape down the wires onto the mainboard. Also read the manuels before doing anything, have the proper tools, and take your time. No need to rush.
I've just been given a tower pc..I had to replace the power supply and wasn't paying attention..now I don't know how and where to make to reconnection…I have 2 cd/rw's and a floppy. I believe it is a Creative 486…I over-tinkered..thanx
Any idea if its possible to use a CPU from an existing computer or even transfer components over from like say my Dell 531s (slim) PC to a full sized Xclio Wind Tunnel Full tower? I'm looking into a major overhaul but plan to keep my Athlon 64 X2 4000 CPU.