HOW TO BUILD A COMPUTER

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Barrie Walters
5 years ago
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1 HOW TO BUILD A COMPUTER Produced by Juan Velazquez

3 Table of Contents i Table of Contents Introduction Components Mainboard, Processor, and Ram Fitting into Case GPU and Cooling Disk Drives and Fans Power Supply and Cable Management Miscellaneous Plugins Index

4 Introduction 1 Introduction Computers are used on an everyday basis all around the world. In the US alone, the average household has two computers. Computers are typically set to last an average of four years until they are replaced with a newer and faster version that will be able to keep up with the latest software. This is good news for those who are in charge of producing and marketing computer systems. Larger companies, such as Dell and HP, supply a large demand of desktop computers. Their desktop computers come preassembled which limits consumers on having a computer that best fits their needs. Throughout this instruction manual, you will learn about all the components required to properly build a desktop computer. I will discuss different types of hardware and address what combination would better fit different customers. Not all computers will be built the same way. Computers can be used for school, work, home, and many other specialties. It is our job to determine to build a computer based on the customer s needs. I am providing step by step instructions on how to properly put together a computer. This will be the foundation for any type of computer you decide to build. I am going to start with the motherboard, CPU and ram. You will learn how to put these three main components together. I will then fit them into the case. Once in the case I will add the graphics processing unit, processor cooler, fans, and disk drives. Most of these items provide aid to the motherboard, CPU, and ram. I will discuss why these items have to be installed in a specific way and will show exactly how to install them. Finally, I am going to bring everything together by connecting the power supply unit. This powers all of our equipment. There will be additional connections you have to pay attention to in order to ensure everything is working properly. I ve taken the liberty of including photographs so that you can get a visual image on what exactly is going on. Along with the photographs, I ve included procedures for each step. Some steps may include a little additional information you might need to know. With a total on 14 easy steps, I will demonstrate exactly how to put a computer together.

6 Components 3 Components I am going to build a game computer with these components. The computer will be specialized for gaming but will still function as a home, school, and even work computer. I ve photographed the components are using below. Detailed specifications will be on the next page. Processor/CPU Motherboard Ram Graphics Card/GPU Power Supply CPU Cooler Hard Drive CD/DVD Drive Case

7 Specifications Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 Processor: AMD FX Core 4GHz AM3+ Ram: Corsair Vengeance DDR3 2 x 4 GB 1600 MHz Graphics Card: Gigabyte AMD 7850 OC 2GB GDDR3 Power Supply: Corsair CX750M CPU Cooler: Corsair H70 All-in-One Water-cooled Heat sink Hard Drive: 2x250GB SATA WD Scorpio CD/DVD Drive: Generic SATA CD/DVD Drive Case: Corsair Vengeance C70 ATX Mid Tower Gaming Case

Motherboard, CPU, and Ram 5 Motherboard, CPU, and Ram The motherboard, CPU, and ram are the heart of any computer. Keep in mind there are different platforms that may have dependent hardware.

8 Motherboard, CPU, and Ram 5 Motherboard, CPU, and Ram The motherboard, CPU, and ram are the heart of any computer. Keep in mind there are different platforms that may have dependent hardware. For example, Intel and AMD are the two big competitors. An Intel-based motherboard will not support an AMD CPU and vise-versa. Ram, however, is supported on both platforms. Step 1: Determine Motherboard Type I will be using an AMD Based motherboard Supports AM3+ CPUs Supports up to three GPUs Supports up to 32gb of ram Step 2: Installing CPU Unlock processor clip on motherboard by lifting handle 90 degrees clockwise Grab by the edges to avoid damaging the CPU Align the triangles on the CPU and motherboard socket o Circled in yellow Gently set in CPU in socket Lock CPU clip by turning handle 90 degrees counter-clockwise

Step 3: Installing the RAM Observe motherboard ram slot and ram sticks and notice on side has more pins than the other Match ram stick and ram slot o Circled in

9 Step 3: Installing the RAM Observe motherboard ram slot and ram sticks and notice on side has more pins than the other Match ram stick and ram slot o Circled in yellow Gently set into slot Lock each side individually by pressing down on the left side of the ram stick and then the right Repeat for additional sticks of ram

The size of our motherboard is referred to as mid ATX, Advanced Technology Extended. The case that I am using supports mid ATX motherboards so fitting it in place isn t a problem.

10 Fitting into Case 7 Fitting into Case A case holds and protects all the components in your computer. There are different motherboard sizes and orientations which give customers options for building either compact or large high-performance computers. The size of our motherboard is referred to as mid ATX, Advanced Technology Extended. The case that I am using supports mid ATX motherboards so fitting it in place isn t a problem. Step 4: Installing I/O Plate The I/O plate is used to identify connections on the back of the motherboard Insert through the inside of case Ensure labeled side is facing outwards Press in place by applying pressure on each corner You should hear a click on each corner Step 5: Installing Motherboard Gently place the motherboard inside the case Align the connections on the left side of the motherboard to the I/O plate Align motherboard to screw holes in the case o Circled in yellow Fit the provided Philips screws into screw holes Tighten in a crisscross pattern

12 GPU and Cooling 9 GPU and Cooling The graphics processing unit, or GPU, is used to enhance the graphics your computer. Some motherboards may include onboard graphics but that might not have enough power to handle the user s needs. In this build, I am using a powerful gaming graphics card. This graphics card is able to handle up to three monitors at once and will play most of today s video games without much of a hassle. GPUs will typically be sold with an all-in-one heat sink that cools the card. The heat sink for the central processing unit, or CPU, is attached separately. A factory heat sink will be air cooled and provide decent cooling. If the computer is going to be overclocked or under a lot of stress, an aftermarket heat sink is highly recommended. In this build, I am using a Corsair H70 all-in-one water cooled heat sink. Step 6: Installing CPU Cooler Part 1 You will need thermal paste for this step Place about a one centimeter-sized drop of thermal in the center of the CPU Spread it evenly over the CPU like the picture on the left

Step 7: Installing CPU Cooler Part 2 The CPU cooler will come with hardware Note: Intel and AMD CPUs have different mounting methods Place the

The radiator and fan will be placed above the heat sink block Place the fan in front of the radiator o The exhaust side of the fan will face the

Installing GPU The GPU will go on the PCI-Express slot on the motherboard o The longest slot Gently clip GPU onto motherboard Secure by inserting

13 Step 7: Installing CPU Cooler Part 2 The CPU cooler will come with hardware Note: Intel and AMD CPUs have different mounting methods Place the bracket over the heat sink block Align the screws and tighten with a Philips screwdriver o Circled in yellow Step 8: Installing CPU Cooler Part 3 The radiator and fan will be placed above the heat sink block Place the fan in front of the radiator o The exhaust side of the fan will face the case so that heat exits Fits screws through case and fan so connects to radiator o Circled in yellow Tighten with a Philips screwdriver Step 8: Installing GPU The GPU will go on the PCI-Express slot on the motherboard o The longest slot Gently clip GPU onto motherboard Secure by inserting two Philips screws on the top, front side of GPU o This will lock the GPU to the case The GPU will require additional power, but we will address that later

Disk Drives and Fans 11 Disk Drives and Fans Hard drives are storage disks that hold all the data in your computer. The operating system and software are stored inside the hard drive.

14 Disk Drives and Fans 11 Disk Drives and Fans Hard drives are storage disks that hold all the data in your computer. The operating system and software are stored inside the hard drive. In this build, I am using a 250GB hard drive. A CD/DVD drive is also necessary to install the operating system and any additional software that can t be downloaded online. Fans are necessary to keep the computer at a good operating temperature. The size of the fans will vary depending on the case. They will be measured in millimeters. Most cases will include fans but will also have additional slots if you d like to add more. Fans in the front and side of the case should be taking in air while fans on the top and back of the case should be letting air out. This creates good air flow and mainly all the components inside the case cool. Step 9: Installing Hard Drive Note: You may have a different method to mount the hard drive depending on your case Stretch the mounting hardware open and place the hard drive inside Simply slide the mounted hard drive in the slot with the connections facing inward. Connect the SATA data and power ports in the back of the hard drive

in the back of the disk drive Step 11: Connecting Fans Each fan is held by 4 supporting screws Set the fan in the orientation you

15 Step 10: Installing Disk Drive Note: You may have a different method to mount the disk drive depending on your case Slide the disk drive with the connections facing inward Once you hear the click, the drive is secure Connect the SATA data and power ports in the back of the disk drive Step 11: Connecting Fans Each fan is held by 4 supporting screws Set the fan in the orientation you d like o Intake or exhaust Tighten with a Philips screwdriver Plug either on motherboard or with adapter that connects to power supply

16 Power Supply and Cable Management 13 Power Supply and Cable Management The power supply delivers power to all the components. Be sure to pick a quality power supply because a low end quality one may damage some of the hardware. Use a power supply with appropriate wattage to support the components. In this build, I am using a 750 watt power supply than had more than enough power to handle our components. It is modular so it makes it easy to maintain good cable management. Coming back to cooling, you want your system to run at a nice cool temperature to avoid any early failures. Cable management is vital for a cool system. By getting all the cables out of the way, you will get better air flow and thus a much cooler temperatures. Cases are built to help with cable management, but have some zip ties handy to hold the cables in place. Step 12: Installing Power Supply Note: Your power supply may be mounted on the bottom or top depending on your case Slide into place Secure with four screws with Philips screwdriver

Step 14: Connecting Power Supply There are three main

socket on the motherboard An eight and sin pin socket on the

and fans Step 13: Cable Management Note: Cable management

cables through the back and zip tie them to the brackets

17 Step 14: Connecting Power Supply There are three main connections that need to be powered An eight and 24 pin socket on the motherboard An eight and sin pin socket on the GPU Additional connections include disk drives, hard drives, and fans Step 13: Cable Management Note: Cable management cutouts will vary depending on your case Route the main cables through the back and zip tie them to the brackets built into your case Get as many cables out of the way of air flow as possible

Step 14: Connecting Front Panel Located the bottom of the motherboard and front panel connectors in case Read and match each connection Step 15: Connecting Front Ports Located the bottom of your

18 Miscellaneous Plugins 15 Miscellaneous Plugins Tying up loose ends is what I like to call it. All hardware is in place but you still need to connect LEDs, front USB ports, power, and reset buttons for the computer. The motherboard has connections for it near the bottom. They are all labeled. Step 14: Connecting Front Panel Located the bottom of the motherboard and front panel connectors in case Read and match each connection Step 15: Connecting Front Ports Located the bottom of your motherboard and front port connectors such as USB, Audio, and E-SATA Road and match each connection Congratulations, you ve just built a computer! Connect your mouse, keyboard, Ethernet cord, and monitor to the back of your computer. Now power your new computer on and enjoy. Only thing left to do is install the software of your choosing!

20 Index 17 Index AMD, 2, 0 cable management, 0 Case, i, 1, 2, 0 CD/DVD Drive, 1, 2 components, 1, 2, 0 Computers, 1 Cooling, i, 0 CPU, 2, 1, 2, 0, 1, 0, 1 Front Panel, 0 GPU, i, 1, 0, 1 Graphics Card, 1, 2 Hard Drive, 1, 2, 0 hardware, 1, 0 heat sink, 0 Intel, 0 Motherboard, 1, 2, 0 Oil, 0 operating system, 0 Power Supply, i, 1, 2, 0, 1 Processor, i, 1, 2 Ram, i, 1, 2, 0 software, 1 temperatures, 0

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