STEPS OF

ASSEMBLING
COMPUTER SYSTEM
Computer system generally
refers to a set of
electronics hardware
components assembled
together for the purpose of
performing some basic
operation with much
regard to speed and
accuracy.
Introduction:

These instructions will guide you through the process of building a functional
computer. In order to get the most out of these instructions, it is important that
one has prior knowledge of all the components that are used in a computer. For
this project, you will need:

Processor (CPU)
Computer Case
Optical Drive (DVD RW and SATA capable)
Memory (RAM)
Power Supply
SATA Cables
Motherboard
Processor Fan
Case Fan
Hard Drive
Assortment of case and drive screws if not included with the case/parts.
Windows operating system installation disk
 Tools Needed:

Screwdriver
Heat sink compound
(thermal paste)
Containers to hold
screws
Pliers
Small flashlight
Adjustable wrench
Anti-static strap
Rubbing alcohol
Caution: It is important to research that
the parts are compatible with each
other, and that the PSU provides the
proper voltage (this changes based on
country, parts, etc). It is important to
check the motherboards CPU support
list to see if the processor is listed.
Incompatible parts may require a need
to flash the BIOS which will require a
transitioning processor in order to
complete this process.
As you proceed with the steps
make sure to route any wires
behind the motherboard, (if the
case
has that wiring arrangement) or
around the motherboard. Tuck and
tie the wires into empty case areas
to keep the drive bays as clear as
possible. This not only creates a
clean and organized work area,
but it also provides better air flow
to ensure that the system stays
cool.
Step 1: Choosing Parts
Step 1: Choosing Parts
Choosing the components for a computers
might seem like a daunting task. However, in
recent years it has become much easier to
choose what pieces you would like without
having to spend a lot of time researching
about all kinds of computer components in
many different sites and having to look at
benchmarks. These are things that are still
recommend that you should do, at least to
some extent. If you would like a simpler
approach then the best resource available to
do so is the website http://pcpartpicker.com/.
This website allows you to pick each and
every single piece that you would need. It
also has a separate page that consist of
builds that other people have created in
case you would like that option. The
reason why this website is such a great
resource is because it allows you to
compare prices of many different kinds of
components across a multitude of
websites so that you always get the best
deals. Furthermore, it includes comments
from others which give you an idea of how
well a certain components perform when
compared to others.
After clicking Start a System Build on the
homepage, you will be presented with the
screen in the picture above. When you click
one of the blue buttons for each of the
different components, you will be presented
with a list of many different components, their
specifications, ratings by others, the
cheapest price for that certain piece, and the
option to add that component to your build.
By clicking on a certain piece, you will be
presented with another list of different
websites that sell that piece and the price
that pertains to that website.
Under that you also have a combo
list, in case that components is
being bundled up with another
piece. You also have a price history
for the piece, as well as reviews by
others who have purchased the
piece. After you have finished
choosing all of the desired
components, all that is left to do is to
visit each of the websites that you
have chosen to purchase the
components from and purchase
them.
Step 2: Prepare Case for Assembly
The first step in building a computer
is to prepare your case for the build.
You want to familiarize yourself with
your case so that you avoid making
costly mistakes. You want to remove
both of the side panels of the case
by locating the screws that hold both
of them in place. They are located
behind the case, where the I/O panel
is located. After removing the
screws, you want to slide the panels
back and lift them away from the
case.
After opening the case, remove any
packaging that might be found inside your
case. You will also want to remove the covers
for your optical drive.

Lastly, you should determine how to best

route the multitude of wires you will be using
in order to prove good cable management.
This is not necessary, however, it is highly
recommended as good cable management
helps to keep the temperature of your case
down by providing better airflow and it also
makes it much easier to switch components
at a later time.
Step 3: Grounding
The next step is to ground yourself.
There are several ways to do this.
The best and safest method is to
purchase an Anti-Static strap for your
wrist, which are sold at most
electronic stores, and connect it to
any metal parts of your computer
case. With this strap you prevent the
buildup of static electricity within
your body and thus avoid damaging
any of the components.
The other method that you can use to
ground is by touching a metal frame. By
doing this you discharge the static
electricity within your body and avoid
damaging any of the components. It is
recommended that if you are using this
method, that you perform the build in an
area where you can minimize the buildup
of static electricity, such as avoiding
carpets and other similar objects that can
cause a buildup of static electricity.
Step 4: Install
Power Supply Unit
The next step is to install the Power
Supply Unit. The first thing you want
to do is to locate the area in your
case in which the PSU will be placed
in. Generally this area is in the
bottom left of your case, however,
some cases the PSU is mounted on
the top of the case.. Place your PSU
within your case and make sure that
the socket faces outside the case.
Next you will want to fasten the
screws through you case and make
sure the PSU is securely in place.
Note: Since various countries supply
electricity at varying voltages , it is
important that you switch your PSU to
accept the correct voltage for the country in
which you will be using it. For example,
here in the US your PSU should be set to
the 110V/115V setting. The voltage
selection switch is typically located near the
on/off switch on your PSU. Some power
supplies do not have this switch and
instead automatically detect the input
voltage and set it themselves.
Step 5: Install the
Motherboard
Step 5: Install the Motherboard
Next screw the motherboard
down and make sure that it is
securely in place so that it might
not fall off later on. As your are
placing your motherboard in
place, you also want to line of the
I/O panel of your motherboard to
that of the case. The I/O panel
consists of the connectors for
your monitor, USB devices, and
other peripherals.
Next screw the motherboard
down and make sure that it is
securely in place so that it
might not fall off later on. As
your are placing your
motherboard in place, you also
want to line of the I/O panel of
your motherboard to that of the
case. The I/O panel consists of
the connectors for your
monitor, USB devices, and
other peripherals.
You will also want to install the
mounting brackets for your CPU
fan on the back of the
motherboard.

If you need a diagram of the

different sections of a motherboard
look at the following image. Your
motherboard will more than likely
not be the same, however, many
of the sections on a motherboard
are similar.
Step 6: Install the CPU
The next step is to install the CPU
within your motherboards CPU
socket. Located the socket on the
motherboard, which is generally
located within a heatsink and the
RAM slots. On the socket there is a
small metal arm that holds the CPU
in place on the motherboard. Lift the
metal arm out of the way and open
access to the CPU socket.
Next remove the plastic cover on the CPU
socket, however, it is advised to save this if you
have to RMA or warranty return the
motherboard. With the latching mechanism now
open, you can gently place the CPU into its
socket.

Caution: You should not be required to use any

force at all. Applying force could cause the pins
in the CPU to bend and cause damage to the
unit. To make sure the CPU is oriented correctly
within the CPU socket, you will want to line up
the notches on the sides of the CPU to those of
the socket. Furthermore, located the golden
arrow on the underside of the CPU on one of the
corners and line it up amongst the corresponding
arrow on the CPU socket.
Step 7: Install the
CPU Fan
The next step is to install the CPU
fan. Apply a small amount of thermal
paste onto the CPU. The most
common method is to only apply
about a pea-size dot on the center of
the CPU and gently spread along the
CPU until it covers the top of it.
Next you will want to place the CPU fan on top of
the CPU and attack the screws onto the
motherboard mounting brackets that you placed
before to properly secure the CPU fan into place.
Make sure that as you are placing the screws
into place, that you slowly tighten each of the
brackets slowly in a criss-cross method. In order
words, you want to slowly tighten each screw a
little bit each time, switching in a criss-cross
method between each screw until they are all in
place firmly in a similar fashion.

Various heatsinks and fans might require

different methods in order to mount them onto
the CPU. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions
for more detail on how to mount your specific
equipment.
Step 8: Install
RAM
The next step is to install the RAM into its
sockets. The ram sockets are located just to the
side of the CPU. If your motherboard comes with
four slots, it is important that you check which
slots you must placed the RAM in order of. This
can be done by checking the motherboard
manual that comes with your motherboard.

After checking which slots you should use, open

the latches on the sockets, align the RAM within
the socket, and gently press down on both ends
until the RAM snaps into place into the socket. If
the socket has tabs, make sure that they are
locked into place as well.
Step 9: Install Hard
Drives
The next step is to install the hard drive. Depending
on your case, you may need to either remove screws
from the hard drive bays or simply remove the plastic
clips in order to open up the hard drive bays. Consult
the manual for your case for more detailed
instructions.

You are going to place the drive into the internal 3.5”
slot, in the section of your case for the hard drive,
which in most cases is located in the front. Use the
appropriate screws to to screw in the case into the
slot and slide the hard drive into the mounting area.
Next you must use the
included SATA cables and
connect one end of the SATA
port onto the hard drive and
the other end of the SATA
cable onto the port on the
motherboard.
Step 10: Install the
Optical Drives
The next step is to install the optical drive. First you
must locate the optical drive bays on your case.

Note: These are typically located towards the front

of the case near where the hard drives are placed
in..

Then you must remove the bezel in the case where

you wish to place your optical drive. After that place
the drive into the external 5.25” slot, Next just like
the hard drive you will use the appropriate screws to
screw in the drive into the slot. Then connect one
side of the SATA cable onto the optical drive and the
other side onto the port on the motherboard..
Step 11: Install the
Video Card
1. The next step is to install the video card.
The first thing you will want to do is to located
the PCI express slots on the motherboard
where you will like to place your motherboard.
You must then remove the case’s rear metal
brackets.

Note: Depending on the size of the card you

may only need to remove one of the metal
brackets
2. Next remove any plastic covers on the
connectors on your video card. You must then
unlock the corner clasp on the PCI express
slot on the motherboard and insert the video
card into the slot. Press down on the video
card, until it is fully into place, and then relock
the corner clasps on the slot. Finally, screw
your video card’s metal brackets to the case
rear until it is fully secure in place.

Note: It might take more pressure than you

think to fully get the video card into the slot.
Step 12: Test your
Connections
The next step is to test your system.
First, plug in your PSU power cord
into PSU and then into a wall outlet
and start your computer. Test to see
the following are running - all 3 fans -
case, CPU, PSU, (and video card
fan(s) if separate video card
installed). Then test the power button
(PC comes on and off) on your case
and the reset button (HDD LED light
blinks once) on your case.
Next test to see all 3 LED lights work -
PLED light (power on light that stays
on when PC is on), DVD LED light
(comes on at start then goes off), HDD
LED light (blinks initially).

If there are any problems while you

are testing the connections make sure
that the wiring was correctly done and
look up any type of error codes that
you may receive.
Step 13: Put the
Panels Back on
the Case

Screw back the case

left and right panels.
Make sure that they
slide into place
correctly.

Throw away any

trash, and keep any
leftover parts in a
secure location for
future use.
Step 14: Install Operating System
The next step is to install your
operating system onto your hard drive.
The first thing that you will want to do
is to set up your boot sequence to
boot from your optical drive first. To do
this, you will want to enter into the
BIOS, which can be done by pressing
the delete key or appropriate key once
you startup the computer. Once inside
the BIOS, make sure that your CPU,
RAM, and hard drive are properly
recognized, Then make your way to
the boot sequence section and change
it to your optical drive for now.
Next place the CD-ROM for you
desired operating system into your
optical drive and restart your
computer. Once the setup screen
has been displayed, follow along
the process until you have
successfully installed the operating
system. Once the OS has been
properly installed, you will want to
go back to the BIOS and change
the boot sequence to your hard
drive, so that on startup your hard
drive is used instead of the optical
drive.
THANK YOU!!!