How to build a Computer--Jordan

How to build a Computer

Building a computer seems like a complicated endeavor, but in reality it’s quite simple. All you need is a few compatible parts and you can begin. Compatibility is going to be a case by case bases, so I’ll spare the details, just know a cursory Google search of “Will (Part 1) work with (Part 2,3 or 4, etc.) Read the end for more info. 

To begin you’ll need

1. Computer Case
   
2. Motherboard
   
3. Your choice of operating system
   
4. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
   
5. Power Supply Unit
   
6. CPU Cooler (WITH THERMAL PASTE)
   
7. set of R.A.M.
   
8. Storage medium (HDD, SSD, or Hybrid
   

These are optional but highly recommended

1. GPU (Graphics Card)
   
2. Keyboard & Mouse
   
3. Case Fans (That fit your case of course)
   
4. (A) Monitor(s)
   

Once you’ve made sure ALL of your parts are compatible it’s time to begin.

1. First you want to prep your case. Remove one side panel, and install the standoffs in the positions of your motherboard. These come with your motherboard or case. A motherboard will have 6 - 9 holes for these stand offs so install accordingly.
   
2. Now ground yourself (Touch a conductive metal) and pull out your motherboard and put it on top of its box on a stable surface. Removing the contents from the box prior. This will give you an open environment to work in.
   
3. Take your R.A.M. and install each module in the according slot. The slots are keyed so you can’t install them backwards. Pull the two clips down and push down evenly until they both click into place.
   
4. Take your CPU (NEVER TOUCH THE GOLDEN BOTTOM) and lift your CPU Socket. This will take far more pressure than you’d expect so don’t be afraid of it. Line up the triangle in the corners and gently drop it
   

in place with no force at all. Just move it back and forth slightly to make sure it’s help in place. Then put the retention arm back down.

5. Then place your PSU and put it into your case. This is arguably the easiest part, next to just clicking the power button. Just put it in the allotted hole and screw it into place, without tightening until the screw is stripped.
   
6. This step is incredibly important, do NOT do it out of order. Your cooler should come with a bracket to mount it to your motherboard to support its weight. This is a very case by case situation and you should follow your cooler’s instructions to the letter. Make sure it is evenly screwed in, and refrain from lifting your motherboard by the heat sink alone.
   
7. Now place your motherboard in your case, try not to have it touch the metal side could potentially fry it from static shock. Align it with the standoffs you’ve installed and screw it in lightly & evenly. Then with minimal force screw them in until they stop, evenly.
   
8. Next install your graphics card. Choose the top PCIE Slot (This is also a keyed slot), and flip down the clip, and the corresponding back shielding. These are located at the back of your case and server as dust protection. Push your card down with even pressure until the clip clicks back into place, then stabilize the card with your hand, and Screw it in on the top of the back shielding.
   
9. This system is now technically complete. However you’ve no storage. Grab whatever your medium is and install it into the included Drive bays in your case. Hard Drives are typically in the 3.5in bay and SSDs in the 2.5in bays.
   
10. System fans are completely optional, but borderline necessary for a computer. A case will typically have a couple of spots to mount 140mm or 80mm fans. 140mm is much more common.
    This next step is crucial to be done correctly. Majority of components you’ve installed need to be more than just screwed, pressed, and clicked into place. They need power, and connectivity. Your Power Supply should have many cables extending from it, as well as your fans, the case itself, and sometimes your graphics card.
    

11. The motherboard has many labeled ports for you to plug said wires into.This seems self explanatory however, some are not. There should be 6-8 tiny black nibs that look very similar aside from labelling. Consult your motherboard's diagrams and manual to see which slots belong where as these go side by side, and what goes where matters. Lastly your motherboard will have a socket called CPU_Pwr. Most will be in a 2x4 port called an 8 pin. You PSU will have 2 2x2 connected as well as a 2x3 and a 2x1 connected, both forming an 8 pin. Use the Double 2x2 to plug into you CPU. DO NOT use the 2x3 & 2x1. Some CPU_pwr slots will only be a 2x2, take apart the Double 2x2 and use either one. The 2x3 & 2x1 is for your graphics card, assuming your card needs one, some don’t.
    
12. Step 11 went over the specific connections for the more picky ports. This step should be a breeze. The remaining cords and cables are clearly marked, labelled and keyed. Plug in accordingly, USB to USB, the big 24 pin the the big 24 pin port etc. The hard part is now over.
    
13. Now with your build complete it's time to boot up. Assuming you’ve plugged everything in properly as well as screwed things in, kept it clean and such you may not plug in the big coord that goes into the back of your PSU, plug your monitors into your GRAPHICS CARD PORTS (if you have one), then click your power button and... you get this weird menu. You’re missing an Operating system.
    
14. Its best to have the operating system on a USB or use a pre existing one on one of your hard drives. Do whichever is applicable and follow the menu; you should be good to go.
    
15. Now turn off the system and unplug the external connections, close the case and set it in its final resting place. Replug in the external connection and you can continue as you’ve normal. Boot it up, complete your customizations, download your preferred programs and ta-da. You’ve successfully built a new computer.
    

P.S. Building a computer is more complicated than I made it seem, however anyone who wants to get into PC building will do some cursory searches and read up on the procedures. This is meant for someone who doesn’t know much about computers and doesn’t want to learn. There are nuances that are completely situational that I can’t go over. As stated if you’re trying to get into building, 45 minutes of research will fill in what I’ve skipped, and tell you more than I have. Also your own intuition will lead you in the right direction. If any of you would like it, I’m more than willing to give a personalized and hands on guide for your situation. Computers are my passion, and helping others dive in to explore my world brings me joy. Feel free to contact me Email : Savageking2512@gmail.com Phone # : (909)-870-6201 Happy Building :D