Step 2: How to Assemble the Parts to Build Your New Computer.

My simple instructions will make it easy for you to transform a pile of parts into a powerful new computer.

You have now placed your orders for all the parts you will need to build your computer. It should only take a few days for everything to arrive. Once you have everything it is time for the fun to begin!
The assembly instructions here can be used even if you didn't get the exact parts I recommended on my Parts to Order page. If you are using alternate parts there may be some subtle differences that should be obvious and you will be able to easily figure out the necessary adjustments to the procedures below.

Prepare your workspace

You will need a sturdy table in a room with plenty of light because you will be working with some small parts inside your computer case. Choose a location that is not carpeted if possible. I have found kitchen tables to be perfect. You may want to put down some newspapers to prevent the table from getting scratched. Keep pets and small children from touching sensitive components or running off with screws and wires.
The only tools you will need are the anti-static wristband you ordered, a phillips screwdriver (preferably magnetized) and a standard screwdriver.

Static electricity is your enemy!

Several of the circuit boards and computer chips in your computer are very sensitive to static. Even a small surge or spark can ruin your RAM memory, CPU chip, motherboard or video card. The most common source of problems when assembling a home computer is static discharge. The anti-static wristband will help eliminate much of the risk, but you must still take some easy precautions to further reduce the odds of zapping a component. If you don't have a wristband you will have to be especially careful.
  • Keep the components in the protective anti-static sleeves until you are ready to install them.
  • Don't rub your hands on your clothes when handling the components.
  • Don't touch the components without first grounding yourself by touching the unpainted metal of the computer case.
  • Don't shuffle your feet on the carpet, especially if you are wearing only socks or slippers.
  • Put the wristband on your wrist and attach the other end to either the center screw of a grounded wall outlet or clip it onto an unpainted metal portion of the computer case. Doing this will cause any static you generate to be transferred away from your body before it can harm your components.
If you haven't done so already, now is the time to Order your Computer Case icon.

Prepare the Computer Case

This case is a typical example. Your case will likely look a little different, but you will be able to use these instructions no matter what case you buy.
Remove the case from the box and lay it on its side so that the back of the case is on your left and the front of the case is on your right. The left side panel should then be facing up toward the ceiling. Next you will remove the two screws that hold the left side panel (which is now on top) in place. Now you can remove the side panel to expose the inside of the case.
Now when you look down into the case you should see something similar to the picture above. The big open area is where the motherboard will be installed. The space in the lower left corner is for the power supply (in most cases the power supply goes in the upper left). The 5.25 inch bays in the upper right are for CD/DVD and floppy drives. The 3.25 inch bays on the lower right are for hard drives. The remaining components will be installed on the motherboard itself. There are some wires on the right that will be plugged into the motherboard to power the fans, LED lights and switches on the front of the computer.
If your case did not come with the fans attached you will need to attach them yourself. The most important one attaches to the inside of the rear panel to blow air out of the back as shown in the picture above. There is another one that goes in the front of the computer near the bottom. You may have to remove the front panel in order to attach this fan, but it should already be installed when you receive the case. The fans attach simply by placing them against the side of the case, lining up the holes and inserting the screws. If you ordered extra fans there are several vents on the sides designed for attaching fans. The best place to attach an extra fan is in the middle of the left side panel (the one you just removed) so that air is blowing in on the video card and CPU chip.
Fans are critically important to your computer because they keep the air inside the case cool. Heat is the enemy of your computer, especially the CPU chip and the video card. Many of the components in your computer generate heat. Without good air flow the temperature will quickly rise and your critical components will overheat, which can ruin them.
One of the reasons I selected this particular computer case is because it offers excellent airflow with plenty of ventilation. This will serve to keep your computer cool and extend the life of your CPU chip, video card, motherboard and power supply. If you buy a cheap, cramped case it will cost you money and aggravation in the long run.
Now that you have prepared your workspace and opened up the computer case you are ready to begin installing your components!
 AllRight Reserved By Ravi Chaudhary

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