Hello, this guide is obviously on how to build your computer.... iv read a few articles online, and also have build many computers in the past (mainly pIII systems) and i just build
my beast of a machine.... so i decided that i would put this here to help those who do not know how to build their own.... if you think something should be added, please tell me.
NOTE: AFTER BUILDING MY NEW RIG, I HAVE LEARNED SOME THINGS
1. When in doubt, read the manual
2. Use common sense
3. It's really not that hard...
Also, if you need ideas on what parts to get, refer to my signature, other's signatures, and this wonderful thread made by FREN, called "
Current Best Computer You Can Get for $X U.S."
COMPATIBILITY NOTES:
1. Make sure your CPU and MOBO have the same socket type (ex. LGA775 for intel, or AM2 for AMD)
2. Make sure your ram is the correct size (most modern MOBOs use 240pin ram)
3. If you are going to use a crossfire configuration, make sure to get a motherboard that supports crossfire, and if SLI, then a SLI motherboard. SLI WILL NOT WORK ON CROSSFIRE BOARDS!
Make sure you PSU is good enough. Try the PSU calculator
STEP 1: Parts
These are the NEEDED parts... there are optional ones (like fan controllers) but this is the basics.
PC Case
Floppy Disk Drive (maybe not needed in this day and age, but may be wanted)
Hard Drive
CD-ROM Drive (or DVD-ROM)
Processor
Processor Cooling Fan (often included in a retail package with the processor)
Motherboard
RAM
Power supply
Video Card (some motherboards come with a low-end card embedded in it)
Keyboard &
Mouse
also, a screwdriver will be useful, along with your operating system disc, driver discs (most of your hardware should come with it) and power cables.
STEP 2: Install the CPU
This step is pretty strait forward.... Make sure your processor's pins aren't bent (if it has pins. Many newer CPUs do not have pins), then open the lever on the socket on the MOBO. Then, move the CPU so it lines up with the socket, as well as the 2 arrows ligning up (for intel). Then, set the CPU into place (do not push hard, the cpu should just fall into place). Then close the lever, which takes some force, so do not think you are doing something wrong.
NOTE: there should be no gap from the CPU and the socket
STEP 3: Install the RAM
This also is a basic step.... Read you MOBO's manual to decide what slots to use for your ram. If you have 2 sticks of dual channel, it will go in slots 1 and 3 (check your mobo manual for slot numbers). Also,
ram only goes in one way. Next, pick the ram up by it's edges, carefully, and place it in it's appropriate slot. Then, if your MOBO doesn't have an auto locking mechanism, lock your ram into place.
STEP 4: Install the CPU cooler
This step differs depending on your cooler, and MOBO, so please refer to your booklet that came with them. But, make sure your CPU is clean (no dust and such). Then apply your thermal compound or pad (don't add too much because you don't want it overflowing). Then follow the instructions on your booklet.
NOTE: It may be easier to just install the cpu cooler back plate/mount first, then install the mobo, then install the rest of the cooler... it is up to you...
STEP 5: Install motherboard
Your motherboard has holes in it..... so does your motherboard tray in your case. Line these up, and locate which holes you will be using (it is not necessary to use all holes, but advised).
Next, screw the standoffs into the holes, so your motherboard wont create a circuit with the case. Next, line your motherboard up with the standoffs, and carefully screw your motherboard into the holes. Then double check your work, and the security of the motherboard
STEP 6: Install the PSU (power supply)
If your case doesn't come with a PSU (and if it does, i'd recommend getting a better one) then all you have to do, id line it up with the screw holes, and screw it in. very same and simple. Also, make sure that the large FAMILIAR looking power cable is going out of the case, and not into it. Also, if you are in the US, switch your PSU to 120 Volts.
STEP 7: Plugging the MOBO in
Ok... well look for a REALLY big 20 or 24 pin plug coming off our PSU. Then refer to your MOBO's booklet (or count) how many pins your MOBO needs. If your plug and MOBO are the same, then plug it in.... if the plug is 24, and the MOBO is 20, then still plug it in, leaving 4 hang off the side. If your MOBO needs 24, and your PSU has 20, then there should be a 4 plug which aids the 20 plug. Then, take all of your case fans, and plug them into the corresponding 4-pin MOLEX plug on the PSU. If your fan uses a 3 pin design, then there should be a spot on the MOBO that says "Case Fan" or something similar... refer to your booklet. Then, take the plug for the CPU fan (almost always 3 pin) and plug it into the plug marked "CPU fan" or something similar. Next, you must connect your power and reset buttons on your case. To do this, you must play the power cable into a plug on the MOBO labeled "PWR" or something similar, and reset "RST" or similar, refer to your booklet. Then, there are a few other misc. wires that need to be plugged in. These usually vary between MOBO to MOBO and case to case, so please refer to your MOBO and case booklets.
STEP 8: Configuring Drives
Ok... so this will vary between CD to CD and HD to HD, so once again, reference your booklet...
SATA
Attach the appropriate SATA cables... see your MOBO manual for locations of the SATA connector on your MOBO... and then attach the SATA power cable coming from your PSU
ATA
Look at your drive... Do you see a thing called a jumper? there should be pictures of positions on the drive... so put your jumper like the picture of "Master" looks like. Then attach the appropriate ATA cables... see your MOBO manual for locations of the ATA connector on your MOBO... and then attach the power cable coming from your PSU
STEP 9: Video Card / other PCI cards
First, for video card, you need to check what the interface of your MOBO is.... most modern MOBOs have a PCI-E interface, and alot of older ones have APG. Consult your manual to figure out which you have. Next you must buy a video card with the same interface. Installation is very simple. Remove the metal bracket at the back of the case, and place the card in the appropriate slot (check MOBO manual to see which slots are which) then plug all pertaining power adaptors into the card.
STEP 10: Post Assembly
In this step, just recheck your work and make sure everything is plugged in.
STEP 11: First boot
Push the power button, and watch the case to make sure you see all the leds and fans going, and if it posts, they your in luck...... configure your BIOS to your particular likings and go to step 12. Otherwise, go to Step 10.
STEP 12: OS installation
For OS installation i am going to give links to installing XP and VISTA guides.... And remember... BE PATIENT! it took my computer around 10 mins to begin installing windows.... after it booted from the CD it sat at an araura for 10 mins.
This is a good site if you need help installing windows. Also, google is a good place to look if you are not sure of something when installing.
http://www.windowsreinstall.com
STEP 13: Finishing touches
Here you should install all drivers, preferably motherboard ones first. Your motherboard will come with a driver disc, or you can find the newest drivers on the manufacturer's website. This goes for all other hardware also. Then install your software and any AV and firewalls BEFORE YOU EVER go online, and immediately install all windows updates. Last but not least, have fun with some of these
Vista tweaks (Thanks Les!), and enjoy your computer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHjqZph-wEk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9j_QMjO0eM
STEP 14: Overclocking
For CPU OCing, please read
this guide (thanks ScifiMike12)
For GPU OCing, try one of these (thanks wingsofeagle)
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.c...id=1803&page=1
http://www.guru3d.com/newsitem.php?id=5958
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/11/..._five_minutes/
STEP 15: Benchmark it!
Go to
http://www.futuremark.com
From there, try out 3dMark06, 3dMark Vantage, or PC Mark!
THEN!!!
HAVE FUN!!!
ADDED (thanks ViciousXUSMC)
Quote:
Originally Posted by ViciousXUSMC
As far as installation goes, it does not matter what order you do it at all, as long as you have everything in order before you plug it in and turn it on.
This order.
Case
Install Optical Drive
Install Power Supply
Motherboard
Install first half of the after market Zalmans cooler
Install CPU
Install second half of the cpu cooler
Install RAM
Case
Install HDD
Prep for mobo install (move wires and stuff)
Install Mobo
Connect interface wires (sata wires & audio wires, fire wire, usb ect)
Connect Power wires
Install Video Card
Finalize wires (any wires not hooked up yet like the case wires, organization ect)
Plug in and boot!
The order worked great for me, if I had it to do again the only thing I would change is hooking up the single and dual pin case wires to the mobo first before putting the mobo in (the hdd led wire, power led wire, off/on switch, speaker ect) those things are hard to get too when everything else is installed you need hands the size of a 3 year old to get to it and even still you cant really grip anything so your just trying your best to get things in place)
My last build before this one I made sure to buy a case with a removable mobo tray, this makes installs, repairs and upgrades much easier in my opinion and one of the best things a case can do. But this last build was for my boss so I just got a cheap case since I knew he would not be in his PC all the time like I used to be.
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How to build your own computer! -Guide
