Step by Step on Building a Computer

This is the fully assembled computer showing a signal, not booted into bios/os

CPU - Brain of the computer

CPU Fan - Cools the CPU so it doesn't melt

Thermal Paste - used to transfer heat between CPU and CPU Fan

RAM - holds data short term so it doesn't need to do more operations

SSD - Holds your data long term

Motherboard - Holds all the components together and gives them power when needed

PSU - gives power to the whole computer

C13 Power Cord (2x) - needed to power the PC and Monitor

VGA/DVI/HDMI/DisplayPort - need to give signal from computer to monitor, you dont need all 4, just the 1 that fits your build

Case - protects your components and allows you to turn it on easier, and plug in peripherals

Anti static mat - not necessary but recommended, along with an Anti static wrist strap

Screwdriver + Bits - need at least small and medium sized Philips bits

These are all the things you need before assembling your computer

EVERYTHING BOLDED IS LABELED IN THE IMAGE ON THE SUPPLIES STEP

1) Start by putting the motherboard in the case and screwing it in with the standoff holes, if they aren't screwed into the standoff holes and touching the case, the motherboard will most likely short and not give and signal.

2) Next insert the CPU into the socket and add a pea sized dot of thermal paste on the CPU, then put the CPU fan on the motherboard and correctly screw it in, after that wiggle it just a little to make sure its seated properly.

3)Next to install the RAM by opening the lever on the ram slot, some boards let you open both, some only let you open one, it doesn't take a lot of force to open them so don't push hard, then put one side of the stick down in the slot then line up the other end, then push down until you hear a click, VERY GENTLY pull up to make sure its properly seated.

4) Next to install the SSD place it in the M.2 slot, note that it should be at a 30-40 degree angle, this is normal and means you put it in correctly, then push it down until it touches the screw hole, then screw it in so its not too tight but not too loose.

5) Now open the back panel of your case and put the power supply cords through the holes in the case so you can then plug in most (or all) of the cords to your motherboard (20/24 pin, 4/8 pin/ 6/8 pin/sata cables/chassis fan(s)/USB header), please refer to the manual that came in the motherboard box to plug in the cords to your motherboard, if you don't have the manual you can find online versions, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FRONT PANEL CONNECTORS (they are really annoying) make sure they all face the same way, I always face them text facing up.

Once you have done all of that, now you can put both panels back on the computer and plug the power cord into a wall outlet/power strip/UPS, then plug the DVI/VGA/HDMI/DisplayPort (be careful of whats what, DVI/VGA look similar, as well as HDMI/DisplayPort) cable into the computer, and the other end into the monitor, as well as the power cord for the monitor, after it looks all good flip the rocker switch on the PSU (and regional switch if needed, 115 for United States, 230 for Europe) and press the power button on the top of the computer by the USB ports/audio jack and it should turn on, if it doesn't then plug in a speaker troubleshooting device to the front panel and try turning it on, it should now beep, the number of beeps and length matters, refer to the table below if there's any beeps

1 long, 1 short beep: Motherboard issue.

1 long, 2 short beeps: Video card issue.

Continuous short beeps: Power supply or loose card issue.

Continuous long beeps: Memory not correctly installed.

3 short beeps: Keyboard error.

5 short beeps: CPU failure or no monitor connected