PC Build

Hello aspiring computer nerd. Building PCs are fun, as you will learn through this tutorial. They can be intimidating, especially if you're using expensive materials. Do not be afraid! As long as you are following all safety precautions advised, you will have a functional desktop. A desktop is helpful for doing office work, graphic design, gaming, and more. This is a fulfilling experience you won't regret. :)

Before we start with formal instructions, please put your hair up if it's long for this.

1. Anti static wristband
2. Anti static wristband
3. Thermal paste

MUST BE COMPATIBLE

1. screwdriver(s) (depends on what kinds of screw(s) you have)
2. compatible screws
3. PC case
4. Motherboard
5. Heat sink (cooling fan)
6. RAM
7. Power supply
8. CPU
9. Hard Drive
10. Monitor

We will start with the brain of your new desktop computer, otherwise known as the CPU.

Align the gold triangle on your CPU to the gold triangle on the CPU socket. If you're using AMD, you'll sort of "drop" the CPU directly on top of the bracket. I would do this with an intel CPU too, but if you don't "drop" the CPU you could make it unusable.

You then want to put a pea sized amount of thermal paste on top of the CPU. You do this so you won't overheat your PC.

Did all of that? Great, let's move on.

We will take care of the heat sink. The heat sink is important as it keeps your CPU from overheating, causing slow computer performance.

You will make sure you align your screws with the standoff holes built for your heat sink.

Tip: Make sure when you align your screws that your cord is closer to the 4 pins you'll connect your heat sink too.

Screw in your screws. DON'T SCREW IT IN TOO TIGHT. YOU COULD MESS UP COMPUTER COMMUNICATION.

Put your pins in. It's ok if you only have 3 pins, your heat sink will still work. However, you won't have RGB Gamer lights if that's what you were looking for.

When you install the RAM, it may feel like you're about to break it. I promise, you won't if you're just putting it into the RAM slot. To check RAM compatibility, the RAM notch, which is a line within the RAM, should correspond with the line in the RAM notch. To install, move the tab on the RAM slot out of the way. Take your RAM and put it in so that the notch on the RAM corresponds with the notch on the slot. Keep pushing it in until the tab secures the RAM, commonly with a click sound.

Next, you screw the MB in the case. You will find holes on your MB. Those are standoff holes. You align the standoff holes with the holes in the PC case. You take a screw which is compatible with the hole, and you screw the screw in with a compatible screwdriver.

Tip: Lefty loosey, righty tighty is important here.

Another Tip; Be careful where your hand is. The IOs shield (a metal shield that covers the connectors from your case for outside wires) might accidentally cut you.

The power supply is needed to provide power to the PC. You plug in the power supply to the wall for the PC components to work. You wiggle your power supply into the PC case, and then you screw it in.

The SanDisk in the back is your SSD. This stores all long term memory, such as local documents on it. It will be attached to the SATA data connection ports. Read further to "Pin Salad" for where to connect.

Alright. There are a ton of pins. Tons of pins doesn't mean tons of intimidation!

Put the biggest big pin connector (24 pin) into the 24 pin area. This connects your MB to the power supply.

Put your 4/8 pin into the 4/8 pin connector.

Put your SATA connection (which has an l shape in it) to the SATA data connection ports, which has a corresponding l shape to the SATA connection.

Front panel connectors Put the power sw pin on the bottom far right side, and the reset pin on top of the power sw pin. In the bottom and top middle, power led -, then right top and bottom power led +.

Your case might slide in and out as well as be screwed up. You find some sliding area on your PC case. You slide a part of the case in, and then you'll screw the case in. Use compatible screws and a screwdriver.

Depending on your device's age, you should check what cord you need. Typically devices from the late 80's- 2000's use VGA. 2000's-now Would be VGA or HTML. If you don't know, check the manufacturer's website/manual for your model. connect your appropriate cable to your PC to your monitor. Connect a basic black power cable from your PC to an outlet. Turn on your PC. if it has the BIOS screen, congrats, you've posted. You may now download an operating system.