How to Assemble a Desktop Computer

Photo Credit: Photo taken by author. Computer: Prometheus. Built by author

By Luke Chambers
719-248-7065
lnchambers@yahoo.com






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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GOAL.Page 3
AUDIENCE...Page 3
INSTRUCTIONS......Page 3-7
LIST OF PARTS AND TOOLS REQUIREDPage 8-9
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS.Page 9-10
GLOSSARY OF BASIC TERMS.Page 10
WORKS CITED.Page 10

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Finished Computer. Title Page. Photo taken by author




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GOAL:
To provide a basic understanding of how to assemble a desktop computer. By the end of
this guide, the user should be able to successfully assemble a desktop computer while avoiding
common pitfalls that cause damage to equipment.
AUDIENCE:
This guide is written for the individual who already has a basic knowledge of computer
components, but who have no experience assembling a computer. Users of this guide should be
familiar with basic computer operating systems, the primary functions of each component
included in the REQUIRED PARTS section, and should have the ability to utilize secondary
manuals included in the component boxes. These secondary manuals are standard and universal.
INSTRUCTIONS
ADVI SEMENT: Please review the LIST OF PARTS AND TOOLS REQUIRED located
in the back matter of this guide before continuing.
ADVI SEMENT: Please review all CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS located in the back
matter of this guide before continuing
ADVI SEMENT: Optional steps are steps that will not degrade from having a fully
operational computer, however, they are common components that are found in most
built desktops.
CAUTI ON: Always assemble the computer in a cool, dry place free of clutter.
Failure to do so may result in damage to equipment
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Step 1: Set CPU on motherboard
WARNI NG: Motherboard contains chemicals that are dangerous (lithium ion).
Mishandling of the motherboard may result in personal injury and damage to equipment.
Special care should be taken at this point, making sure your anti-static wrist guard
is properly attached. The CPU contains a collection of very delicate copper wires, and these parts
should never be touched. Remove stock motherboard CPU covering, and follow the instructions
in the motherboard manual on how to place the CPU. Lightly set, almost dropping, the CPU into
place. Secure the CPU.
CAUTI ON: Always wear the anti-static wristband before the motherboard is
installed in the case. Failure to do so may result in damage to equipment
Step 2: Install CPU fan
Refer to CPU manual (or, if you have bought an aftermarket cooler, refer to the
fan manual) for instructions on how to properly install the fan. Ensure that a small amount of
thermal paste is placed over the CPU heat contact point. Failure to do so will cause the CPU to
overheat under normal operation.
Step 3: Set RAM on motherboard
Install RAM based on specifications that are included with the motherboard. Most
common installations on a four slot motherboard are positions 2 and 4. Always verify before
installing.

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Step 4: OPTIONAL: Install GPU on motherboard
Carefully place GPU on motherboard. Ensure that the GPU is in an upright and
stable position before letting go. Remove the case cover based on the position of the GPU from
your case, saving the screws to secure the GPU when the motherboard is installed.
Step 5: Install motherboard into case.
Carefully place the motherboard into the case while the case is lying on its closed
side. Secure with brass grounding screws included in the motherboard box (typically 8 screws).
Your motherboard is now grounded against static shock, and it is safe to remove the anti-static
wristband. Ensure all components are placed solidly then lift up the case to a vertical position.
CAUTI ON: Ensure that CPU fan is mounted properly and is completely stable in
a vertical position. Failure to do so may result in damage to equipment.
CAUTI ON: Ensure that GPU, if installed, is mounted properly and is completely
stable in a vertical position. Failure to do so may result in damage to equipment.
Step 6: Install HDD/SSD into case
Plug SATA cables into drive and motherboard. Oftentimes, motherboards have
6GBps SATA ports alongside the normal 3GBps SATA ports. For 5400-7200 RPM HDD, either
slot is acceptable. To maximize speed, any HDD over 7200 RPMs and any SSD should be
plugged into the 6GBps SATA port. Refer to the motherboard manual to see which SATA ports
are which.

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Step 7: Install ODD into case
This part is required in order to install many operating systems. The only
exception to this is if the HDD/SSD came preinstalled with an operating systems. If this is the
case, it is optional to install an ODD. To install, place ODD on rail system in case. Plug SATA
cables into ODD and motherboard. If the motherboard has free 6GBps SATA port, and you have
either a DVD+-RW or Blu-ray drive, install ODD into the free 6GBps SATA port. If using a
CD+-RW drive, install on either 6GBps or 3GBps SATA port.
Step 8: Install PSU
If top mounted, ensure airflow by reversing the position of the PSU. Refer to
motherboard manual in order to ensure that power cords are placed in the correct position.
Ensure the ODD and HDD/SSD are properly hooked up to SATA power cables. Ensure all case
fans are properly connected with MOLEX cables.
CAUTI ON: Always ensure that the PSU is plugged into the proper parts of the
motherboard. Failure to do so may result in catastrophic damage to equipment.
Step 9: Install all required input/output devices
Ensure all connections are tightly connected to the motherboard/GPU. Plug all
monitors into wall.



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Step 10: Power on
WARNI NG: Only plug the PSU into the wall outlet when instructed to do so. Failure to
do so may result in personal injury and damage to equipment.
Plug PSU into wall outlet/surge protector. Press the power button located on the
computer case. If everything is installed and working correctly, the motherboard will emit one
short beep. If not, the motherboard will emit a different amount of beeps that vary in time and
quantity. Refer to motherboard manual to troubleshoot.
WARNI NG: Do not attempt to remove case during normal operation of the computer.
Doing so may result in personal injury and damage to equipment.
This concludes the step by step instructions on assembling the desktop computer.
When the motherboard emits one short beep, all is well in the world and the computer is
completely assembled successfully.








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LIST OF PARTS AND TOOLS REQUIRED
REQUIRED TOOLS
Screwdriver, Philips Head
Anti-Static Wristband
REQUIRED PARTS
Motherboard
Central Processing Unit (Processor)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Storage (Hard Disk Drive [HDD] or Solid State Drive [SSD])
Optical Disk Drive (CD/DVD/Bluray)
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Case
OPTIONAL PARTS
Case Fans
Aftermarket CPU cooler
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
ADVI SORY: If the motherboard or the CPU do not support video, the
GPU becomes required.
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INPUT DEVICES (REQUIRED)
Mouse
Keyboard
OUTPUT DEVICES (REQUIRED)
Monitor
OUTPUT DEVICES (OPTIONAL)
Speakers
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
CAUTI ON: Always assemble the computer in a cool, dry place free of clutter. Failure to
do so may result in damage to equipment
CAUTI ON: Always wear the anti-static wristband before the motherboard is installed in
the case. Failure to do so may result in damage to equipment
CAUTI ON: Ensure that CPU fan is mounted properly and is completely stable in a
vertical position. Failure to do so may result in damage to equipment.
CAUTI ON: Ensure that GPU, if installed, is mounted properly and is completely stable
in a vertical position. Failure to do so may result in damage to equipment.
CAUTI ON: Always ensure that the PSU is plugged into the proper parts of the
motherboard. Failure to do so may result in catastrophic damage to equipment.

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WARNI NG: Only plug the PSU into the wall outlet when instructed to do so. Failure to
do so may result in personal injury and damage to equipment.
WARNI NG: Motherboard contains chemicals that are dangerous (lithium ion).
Mishandling of the motherboard may result in personal injury and damage to equipment.
WARNI NG: Do not attempt to remove case during normal operation of the computer.
Doing so may result in personal injury and damage to equipment.

GLOSSARY OF BASIC TERMS
GBps: Gigabytes per second. The maximum transfer speed capable of being reached on a
single SATA port.
MOLEX: A common power cable capable of powering low power items such as case
fans.
RPM: Rotations per minute. How many times the physical disks inside a HDD can rotate
past the starting point per minute
SATA: Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. Standard connection wire used in
HDD/SSD and ODD connections
Thermal Paste: A typically silver paste used to transfer heat between the CPU and the
CPU fan.
WORKS CITED
All content included is original material belonging to the author.