Build your own desktop computer
Prepare the case for the motherboard
First the case must be prepared for the installation of the various components. First remove one of the hard drive caddies from the front of the computer and put it on one side for when this is fitted.
The backing plate at the back of the case may need to be replaced to take account of the sockets on the motherboard. The existing one can be pushed out and the new one fitted in it’s place. It may need a gentle tap with the butt of a screwdriver. The writing on the plate will help get it the right way up.
The power supply may need to be fitted if supplied separately from the computer. There are guide plates at the back of the case. Insert the power supply from inside the case and fit the four screws at the back. Make sure it is firmly fitted so it doesn’t fall onto anything.
Fitting the motherboard
The motherboard is fitted on some brass hexagonal screws. These can be fitted into various positions for different motherboards. Hold the motherboard up to the backing and make a note of which holes on the motherboard (the ones surrounded by a metal circle) match holes on the case. Fit the brass screws to match.
It is best to rest the case on it’s side to fit the motherboard. Position it in the case and screw it in firmly.
Installing the CPU and its heat sink
Fitting the CPU. This can be fiddly so be careful and don’t force anything. Open the cover on the motherboard and carefully insert the processor, taking note of the guiding lugs. Close the door. Put some heat transfer paste on the CPU and smooth it over the top. Now fit the heat sink making sure that it is plugged in to the motherboard so the fan spins.
Installing the memory
Memory is installed in pairs for best performance and the memory card slots are colour coded. There is a small indent in the memory card to make sure that it is installed the right way round. The memory is correctly installed when the catches on the side are vertical
Installing the graphics, wireless network and TV cards
These cards demonstrate the different slots PCI Express and PCI. When fitting cards make sure that they do not overlap with adjacent slots. For example the graphics card that we used blocks the slot next to it. Luckily most motherboards have enough slots that it is possible to use a different one.
Hold the card over the correct slot and remove the appropriate backing plate. Keep the screw to hand as this will be needed to hold the card in place. Plug in the card and screw it in place.
:Now the buttons on the front of the case need to be connected to the motherboard. This also includes the audio for the PC speaker and extra USB or Firewire sockets.
Connecting the power supply
There are two power connectors between the motherboard and power supply, one large and one small. They will only fit in one way, don’t force it if it doesn’t fit first time.
Installing the hard disk and optical drive
In this example both drives connect using Sata. This is easier to fit than the older Parallel (PATA) connector as the cables are smaller. Each socket only plugs into one device so there are no settings to changed on the drives or computer. There is a keying on the sockets so it is not possible to get the cables the wrong way wrong.
Finishing off
Finally, the fan on the case needs to be connected to keep the computer cool. Make sure the cables are tidy and not touching anything
