Post on 07-Apr-2018
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Assembling a ComputerAssembling a computer is actually a rather simple procedure. Computers are modular, a collection of components.
This means that we can select and purchase our components and then install them to complete an assembly. Wewill completely assemble a Desktop Computer in this demonstration.
Most installations only require one tool, a Philips Head screwdriver.
The first step is to decide what components to purchase. Some components are required and others optional. It is
recommended that you select components based on what you want to do with a computer rather than building a
minimal configuration.
Minimal Configuration
Component Details
Motherboard Must have onboard Video and Sound
Processor Must match Motherboard socket
Computer Case Any size from Mini ATX to Full ATX
Power Supply May be included with case
Memory 1 GB minimum depending on Operating System
Hard Drive Any size
Optical Drive CD/DVD combo drive
Operating System Windows 7 recommended
Monitor If replacing a computer can use existing monitor
Keyboard If replacing a computer can use existing keyboard
Mouse If replacing a computer can use existing mouse
A minimal build is sufficient if the user is only planning to create text documents and browse the Internet. It will
not perform as well if the user is planning to use advanced graphics such as video editing or use high demand
programs such as 3D Games.
In our demonstration we will be assembling a computer to match our requirements which will exceed the
minimum required. Our computer will be used for high demand programs including 3D Games.
TIP - When selecting components start with the Motherboard (Mainboard). All other components connect to the
Motherboard so it will be a determining factor in the other components to purchase. All components must be
compatible with the motherboard. When selecting my components I enlisted the aid of a very knowledgeable
person at Compu X Parts. He helped me make sure that all my components matched.
http://www.compuxparts.com/html/http://www.compuxparts.com/html/8/4/2019 Assemble a Computer
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Our Computer
Component Details
Motherboard made by Gigabyte
LGA 775 socket for Intel Core Processor family/
Intel Pentium processor family/ Intel Celeron
processor family
Full Form ATX Factor
Takes Intel LGA 775 Processors
Onboard High Definition audio
Does not have onboard graphics4 DDR2 Dual Channel memory slots up to 16 GB total
USB 2.0, 8 in back, 4 more available for front
RJ-45 Ethernet port
PS2 keyboard and mouse ports
1 x PCI Express x16 slot
4 x PCI Express x1 expansion slots
2 x PCI expansion slots
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo, E7600, 3.06 GHz
Computer Case Smilodon mid-size case by RaidMAX
Power Supply 500 watt
Video Card nVidia 220 w/1GB DDR2 graphics memory, PCI Express x16
Memory 2 x 2GB sticksHard Drive 500GB Sata
Optical Drive CD/DVD combo drive w/writer
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Monitor 20 Flat Screen
Keyboard Use existing keyboard
Mouse Use existing mouse
Assembling the Computer
Step 1 Unpack the CaseUnpack the case. Included should be an Installation or User Manual and accessories. Remove all packing materials
and tapes.
Front View One Side Open Rear View
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Step 2 Install the Power Supply
If your case does not come with a power supply already installed you must install it. We are installing a 500w
Power Supply to accommodate the use of a high power Video Card. A standard power supply is only 250w. The
Video Card we are installing has a need of 300 watts. Different cards draw different wattages. Check the video
cards specifications for the exact rating. A 500w power supply will handle the video card and all componentsbeing installed. It also allows for future additions without having to replace the power supply.
We are installing it first because it is a heavy component and we want to eliminate the possibility of dropping it on
another component.
The power supply installs with 4 machine screws which are supplied. The screw holes are offset to insure correct
alignment. Insert the power supply in the upper rear section of the case. Line up the screw holes. Install with 4
screws.
Power Supply Rear Case Location Screws lined up with holes
Step 3 Install the Motherboard
The motherboard will come with an Installation Manual, a User Guide, and an installation CD. Refer to theInstallation Manual for specifics on installing your motherboard. Any manufacturers instructions supersede this
demonstration. The installation CD will be used after the operating system is installed to install drivers for the
motherboards functions.
The motherboard is installed to the right side of the computer looking from the front.
Our case allows the right side to be opened for easy access. In some different cases
you will open the left side in order to access and install the motherboard to the right
side.
Line up the motherboard to the I/O panel in the rear. A new I/O panel will be furnished with the motherboard.
Pop out the old panel and replace with the new panel.
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There will be standoffs furnished with the case. They are put in pre-drilled holes in the side of the case. The hole
placements are standard and will accommodate all sizes of motherboards. You will only use standoffs in locations
that line up with holes in the motherboard. Remove any extra standoffs as they could short the motherboard to
the case. Line up the motherboard to the new I/O panel and locate the places to insert a standoff. Insert the
standoffs.
Standoffs in holes Standoffs Motherboard hole
Double check that the holes line up with the standoffs. Place the motherboard on the standoffs. Insert machine
screws through the motherboard into the standoffs. Tighten the screws firmly but do not over tighten.
Screws properly inserted
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Step 4 Install the Processor (CPU) and CPU Cooling Fan
Take care when installing the CPU and cooling fan. Hold the CPU by the sides only. Do not touch the pins or
sockets. The CPU socket has a protective cover. Raise the CPU socket lever and remove the cover. The CPU is
keyed with a triangle which aligns with pin 1. There are also CPU notches to help line up the CPU. Insert gently
then lower the socket lever and lock in position.
CPU socket with cover Remove protective cover Alignment notches
CPU pins and notches Insert with pins down Secure latch
The CPU cooling fan sits directly on the CPU. There are 4 latching pins that line up with 4 holes around the CPU.
CPUs require a gel to make good contact between the fan and the CPU. Our CPU comes with the gel already onthe fan. You may be directed to put gel on another CPU which is supplied with the CPU.
Locate the fan on the CPU and line up the latching pins with the holes around the CPU. Press firmly on each
latching pin until it clicks in place. There should be no give once the pins are seated fully. Connect the CPU fan
plug to the CPU fan socket on the motherboard.
CPU cooling fan and latching pins CPU fan plug
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Step 5 Install the Memory
Our computer has 4 memory slots available. The motherboard supports memory up to 16GB. Each slot can accept
up to a 4GB memory stick. We are going to install a 64 bit operating system which can use all the available
memory. Note a 32 bit operating system can only use up to 4GB maximum.
The motherboard also utilizes a Dual Channel memory system. This is a faster system but requires that the
memory sticks be inserted in matched pairs. Retailers sell memory stick pairs designed for this use. In order to use
Dual Channel memory the pair must be inserted in matching colored slots. Always start with slot 0. Slot 0 is the
slot closest to the CPU.
Matched memory sticks Memory slots
To insert the memory sticks push back the tabs on each end of the socket. Line up the stick to the slots. Press
firmly until the tabs snap back into place on both ends. The slots are keyed to prevent insertion in the wrong
direction. If the stick does not seat with firm pressure turn it around and reinsert.
Push back tabs Align and insert Fully seated, tabs locked
Step 6 Install the Video Card
We are installing a video card to enhance the graphics. Graphics take a lot of processing power. A video card
takes over the processing of graphics from the CPU. This frees the CPU to do all the other processing required
without bogging down with graphics. Video processing, gaming, and any other high graphics operation will be
speeded up greatly with the use of a video card.
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Our computer does not have video processing available on the motherboard. This was deliberate as we saved in
cost by getting a motherboard without video. The video card will take over all video processing on our computer.
Locate the PCI Express slot on the motherboard. Line up the video card with the socket and determine which
baffle to remove. Remove the baffle. Realign the video card with the socket. Press firmly until the card is seated
fully. There is a small tab at the back of the PCI Express slot which locks the card in place. Use a machine screw
and lock the front of the card in place.
Video expansion card PCI Express x16 slot Remove baffle
Insert card until fully seated Anchor with machine screw
The video card has a driver installation CD that will be run after installation of the operating system.
Installation of any other expansion cards follows this basic procedure.
Step 7 Connect Cables to Internal Connectors
The case may have front connectors for Audio, USB, and etc. There are cables connected to those ports that must
be connected to the motherboard. The location to connect these cables is usually called F_Panel. Each cable is
labeled as to its use and must be matched to the corresponding pins in F_Panel. Refer to your Case Installation
Manual for guidance on which pins to connect to.
Front Case Cables Each one labeled Push onto proper pins
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Step 8 Install Peripheral Drives
Peripheral drives include CD and DVD drives. Because it is backwards compatible with a CD drive we are installing
a DVD drive. This is a 5 inch drive and must be installed ina 5 bay. It also must have external access for
insertion of media. We will have to open one of the bays. Each bay has a protective Drive Cover and Metal plate
which must be removed. Installation will use a pre-installed lock to anchor the drive. No screws will be required.
Remove covers Remove metal plates
Slide in drive Lock in place Replace covers
Step 9 Install a Hard Drive
A hard drive is a 3 drive and must be installed in the 3 bay. Our computer will use rails attached to the side
of the hard drive. The rails then slide into place and hold the drive securely.
Attach rails Slide into bay
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Push until rails lock in place Both drives installed
Step 10 Connect Data Cables
A data cable must be connected from each data drive to the motherboard with a data cable. The drives we
installed are SATA drives and will use SATA connections. Note SATA is the new standard and is replacing PATA
drives. If you are installing a PATA drive it will use an ATA cable. A SATA cable will connect each the drive. The
only drives in our computer are the Hard Drive and the CD/DVD Drive. It is not required but you should try to
connect the drives sequentially to the motherboard. Use SATA_0 then SATA_1.
SATA Data Cable Sata motherboard connections Sata Drive Connection
Cables connected
Step 11 Connect Power to Motherboard and Components
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Every component must be powered. Those components attached to the motherboard are powered by the
motherboard. The video card, CPU, and CPU cooling fan will all be powered by the motherboard.
Any other component including the motherboard must be connected to the power supply. There are two
connections to supply power to the motherboard, a 24 pin connector, and a 4 pin connector. These are keyed
connections so they cannot be connected incorrectly. Note - Some motherboards have a 20 pin vs a 24 pin
connector. On our computer the 24 pin connector is a combination of a 20 pin and a 4 pin. They are also keyed to
fit together.
24 pin socket 24 pin connector Connected
4 pin socket 4 pin connector Connected
SATA power adaptor Sata to DVD drive Sata to hard drive
4 pin to fan All connections made
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The computer is now completely assembled. The next steps are to connect the
peripherals keyboard, mouse, monitor, and etc. Then install the operating
system. And finally install any drivers from the installation CDs provided.
Install the operating system first. This is a fairly automatic process and is welldocumented. The installation follows aWizard format and you simply supply
answers to the questions it asks.
To install drivers install the Motherboard drivers first. Then install any peripheral
drivers. It is possible that Windows 7 will install drivers for you but always run the
driver CDs to be sure.