Assemble or Build a Computer – Explained

Assembling a computer is a great way to build a customized PC and that will give you some freedom to buy whatever you need to makes your computer faster and better according to your use.

If you are wondering about to build a computer by assembling it by yourself then I’m definitely gonna help you by this tutorial and also save you some bucks for all that assembling charges taken by the computer shop.

Actually, it’s such an easy task to do, you’ll just have to connect some of the plugs, tighten some screws and that’s it.

Before you’re going to assemble a computer, you’ll have to make sure that you have all the parts available what we require to build a computer.

Picking up parts for your computer –

You should know what you are going to build:

1. Processor – Deciding a processor is the first thing what we need to do whenever we’re picking parts for our brand new computer because it’s a brain of your computer and your system’s performance is fully depend on that. As I say Processor is fully responsible for your system’s speed and the concept what we use when buying a processor is “More Heavily You Buy = More Performance You Got”. If you are going to build a decent PC then just buy an i3 processor and that will work for you.

Tip – Buy a process which comes under in your budget.

2. Motherboard – Motherboard is the Second picked what we make after choosing a decent processor for our computer. The motherboard is the main board where all your hardware parts are going to be connected and buying a motherboard is all depending on processor’s socket.

Every processor has their own socket Number like LGA775, LGA1155, LGA1556 etc. and you can check that on your processor’s specification. So, you’ll have to make sure about that does your processor is supportable or not before buying anything.

Tip – Also check for Processor’s Model No. compatibility on your motherboard’s specification page.

3. Ram – RAM is Random Access Memory and it’s a fast version of a typical hard drive, and it’s used to store temporary information and data currently in use by your system (operating system & software’s process). The more RAM you have the better multitasking your machine will perform. You can think of RAM as tellers in a bank processing customers’ needs in real time. The more tellers you have (RAM), the faster the processing. Buying a RAM what’s your motherboard supports, normally all new motherboard comes with DDR4 ram support.

Tip – Check your motherboard’s ram compatible.

Recommend – 4 GB Minimum

4. Hard Drive – Hard drive is the main storage device of your computer which stores all of your personal and operating system data in its storage space. Buying a hard disk is totally depending upon your use.

Tip – I’ll suggest you to buy an SATA 3.0 HDD or maybe an SSD, because it can make a huge effect on your computer’s Data Reading & Writing performance.

Recommend – 500 GB Minimum

5. Computer Case – Pick the Right Size and Shape, a case’s size doesn’t need to be explained. Bigger cases can hold more optical drive & hard drives and buying a decent size case can give you some room for bigger video cards and also make things easy to fit’s in.
6. Power supply (SMPS) – SMPS is the powerhouse of your computer which supplies electricity to all the sections who needs. We are selecting PSU by its power supply capacities like 500 WATT or 800 WATT PSU, to know how much power does our computer’s needs you can use the link below and that will clarify how much power did you need for your computer by filling the system configuration on PSU Calculator.

PSU Calculator >>>> http://support.asus.com/PowerSupply.aspx?SLanguage=en

7. Graphics card (optional) – If you’re going to build a Gaming PC then it does need a graphics card in order to play the games what you wanted to play on your new computer. Graphics card are optional you don’t need it if you want a simple decent computer but if you wanna to play some high-end games on it, then select a good and compatible video card for your computer is must. Selecting a graphic card isn’t that simple that’s why I have another tutorial linked below to make selection easy for you.

How to find which graphics card is compatible with my computer’s motherboard ?

How to Choose a Graphic Card to buy ?

So, Let’s Get Start to Building a Computer

Step 1: Collecting parts

First, you have to buy these parts because it’s all are necessary to build the computer

1. Processor   2. Motherboard   3. Ram   4. Hard drive   5. Computer case   6. Power supply (SMPS)   7. Optical Drive (DVD-RW and SATA capable)   8. SATA Cables (Comes with the new motherboard)   9. Processor Fan (Comes with a new processor)   10. Case Fan   11. Assortment of case and drive screws

Caution: Double check the product specifications of all items before you’ve made some purchase.

Kits are supposed to contain compatible parts:

Step 2: Gather Tools and Supplies

Gather the tools you will need for this project:

• Screwdriver (for slotted and Phillips head screws)

• Small flashlight

• Small container to hold screws

• Heat sink compound

• Anti-static wrist strap

Warning: Using incorrect tools for a task can cause hardware damage and injury.

Step 3: Open The Case

Open the computer case by removing the screws that hold the side panels and then lift it away from the case.

Step 4: Prepare the Case for Assembly

Things need to be done before assembly:

• Remove any parts or package that may come inside the case.

• Remove the cover for the optical drive on the front of your computer case.

• Check the front panel connector labeling. If they are not labeled, read the manufacturer’s manual and label them yourself.

Step 5: Ground Yourself

Wear a grounding strap on your wrist and connect it to the other end to your computer case. This will prevent any buildup of static electricity on your body because Static electricity can damage some of your computer’s components.

Step 6: Install Motherboard

For a motherboard installation we need all the parts included in your purchased box:

1. Bezel –Bezel is a metal panel which interfaces the ports on the motherboard. You have to install it on the back of your cabinet.

2. Install the standoff – Install a standoff in the cabinet holes to make a gap between motherboard to a metal body

After that, your cabinet will look like this –

3. Install the motherboard:

A. Insert the motherboard into the case align with the bezel.

B. Install the screws.

Step 7: Install the CPU

CPU is the brain of your computer and It will install on your Motherboard’s CPU Socket as shown in this picture below:

Install the CPU:

• Find the mark on the corner of processor that defines designates of pin 1. We are using an AMD processor in this tutorial

• Lift up the metal rod on the socket

• Find the corresponding marking on socket
• Insert the CPU as the markings are lined up.

• Push the rod down to lock the processor.

Step 8: Install The CPU Fan

The CPU fan is a combination of a fan and heat sink. They draw heat away from the CPU.

Install the fan:

1. Put the thermal compound on the CPU.

2. Set the fan on the mounting case tabs aligned.

3. Lock the fan.

4. Connect the fan power connector to the motherboard.

Step 9: Install Hard Drive

A hard drive is a device that stores all of your computer data.

1. Find the right place for your hard disk.

2. Install the drive.

3. Install the screws.

Step 10: Install Optical Drive

1. Find a right place to install an optical drive

2. Make sure you’ve removed the cover from the outside.

3. Slide the drive into the drive bay.

4. Install the screws.

Step 11: Install RAM

Insert the RAM to the motherboard and after that press the RAM to downwards.

Note – Check the notch on the board is in the correct location. If it’s not, turn around the RAM.

Step 12: Install Case Fan

Install the case fan:

1. Align the fan to the mounting holes and tighten the screws from the outside.

2. Connect the fan power connector.

Step 13: Install Power Supply

1. Align the SMPS to mounting holes

2. Tighten the screw from the outside

Step 14: Connect Cables

When you installed all the hardware components in your computer, then it’s time to do connecting the cables.

1. Connect the CPU power connector.

2. Connect the motherboard power connector.

3. Connect the Optical Drive Power connector & SATA Cables.

4. Connect the Hard Drive power connector & SATA Cables.

Step 15: Front Panel Jumper Connection

Step 1 – Learn jumper setting.

Step 2 – Connect the jumper to the motherboard.

Step 16: Wrapping-up

Now all the components are completely installed and the last thing is to do is attaching the side panels to the cabinet. Your computer is now ready, just install an OS and GAME ON!!!