Build a Computer

There's a rush that you get when you press the power button for the first time on a new computer. The quiet blow of the fans, the reassuring beeps, and the glow of a monitor all signal the completion of a successful build. That feeling of anticipation is one of the driving forces for computer enthusiasts, and building your own computer is the perfect entry point. You can also save money by building your own PC rather than buying it from a retail store.

Steps

Gathering Your Components

  1. Determine the function of the computer. If you’re building a computer to use in the home office for word processing and emails, you’ll have much different requirements than if you’re building a computer for high-end gaming. The role of your computer will heavily dictate the components that you will need. Regardless of the final function of your computer, every computer needs the same basic components.
    • Keep your budget in mind, too. If your computer will be mostly for office work, internet surfing, or checking e-mails, you could probably get away with a budget of $400. If your computer will be a basic gaming build capable of playing most games with an acceptable frame-rate and decent settings then a budget of around $700, (or more depending on if you want a bit more extra power) should be fine. If you want a very high-end gaming build that can max out new triple A titles then you should have a budget of $1250 and above. Remember to assign money in the budget for the OS, monitor, mouse, headphones, microphone, webcam, speakers, and any other needed peripherals.
  2. Find a processor (CPU). This is the brain of your computer. Almost all processors are multi-core, meaning they are essentially multiple processors in one. Compare specs and find a processor that is up to date, not one that may sound right but could be an old model. They change, becoming out of date and unsupported by the manufacturers and software makers. Choose one with the speed that you will need to run the programs you want. Also take into account power usage and the type of and ease of cooling. Inadequate cooling is a killer for the processor. Avoid the Pentium series as most of those CPUs are outdated.
  3. Get a motherboard that fits your processor. If the processor is the brain, then the motherboard is the torso. The motherboard is what connects all of the internal components of your computer. The processor you purchase will determine the type of motherboard you will need. Different processors have different “socket” sizes, and only work with motherboards that support that socket. Your choice here will depend on what processor you have, how much memory you want, the size of your case, and how many drives you want to connect to it.
    • Motherboards come in many form-factors, but the most common are ATX and MicroATX. ATX is the standard full-size motherboard. If you are building a typical tower computer, look for ATX motherboards. µATX boards are smaller than the standard ATX board, and are better if you want a smaller case and have no need for more than four expansion slots.
    • Make sure that your motherboard supports all of the other components that you wish to install. If you are planning on installing a high-end graphics card, the motherboard will need to support the PCI Express interface. If you want to install lots of RAM, your motherboard will need to be able to hold at least 4 sticks.
    • Sometimes you can get the processor and the motherboard as a combo package, which could end up saving you a bit of money. Just make sure you're not settling for a model of processor or motherboard that you don't want just to save a few bucks.
    • Always do heavy research on the exact specs of your motherboard on the manufacturer's website. If you are unsure if your CPU and motherboard socket sizes match just check what socket the specs say, if your CPU and motherboard both say LGA 1150 then it will match. There are many different socket sizes that exist but in reality you won't need to worry since only a few of those are not outdated.
  4. Find memory (RAM) that is compatible with your new motherboard and CPU. RAM (Random Access Memory) is where programs store information that they are using. If you don’t have enough RAM, your programs will run much slower than they should. The RAM you can purchase is dictated by the motherboard that you choose. The speed of the RAM that you install must be supported by the motherboard.[1] You can check the manufacturer's websites for both components to check.
    • RAM should always be installed in matching pairs of sticks. All the RAM in the system should be the same speed, and preferably the same make and model. For example, if you want 8 GB of RAM, you can install two matching 4 GB sticks or four matching 2 GB sticks.
    • If you intend to use more than 4 GB of RAM, you will need to install a 64-bit operating system. 32-bit operating systems do not recognize more than 4 GB of RAM, even if more is installed. However two matching 4 GB sticks will offer the best performance due to a feature called "Dual-Channel".
  5. Get a hard drive big enough to store all of your data. Your hard drive stores your operating system, installed programs, and all of your data. Make sure you choose a good manufacturer when choosing your hard drive because nothing is worse than a dead hard drive.
    • Hard drives come in many speeds, the most common being 5400, 7200, or 10000 RPM. The regular speed you should choose is 7200 RPM. There are also solid state drives, which don't have any moving parts, and allow for faster speeds. The cons are that they're quite expensive and have limited storage space compared to similarly-priced traditional drives. Solid state drives are best used for your operating system and essential programs. Put your games, music and movies on a separate HDD. That way you'll have a PC that can boot quickly, run quickly and have a lot of space. Solid state drives should be in SATA 6gb/s form or M.2, the latter being faster but more expensive and requiring M.2 compatible motherboards.
  6. Purchase a video card for games and HD movies. A dedicated graphics card is essential for playing the latest games, but not a major issue for a computer for daily tasks. Intel motherboards have integrated graphics, so you don’t need a dedicated card if you’re planning to use the computer for office work, web browsing and emails. If you watch a lot of HD video or play a lot of games, you'll want a dedicated video card. If you are building a PC for gaming purposes, then a graphic processor unit card (GPU), external graphic card (meaning one not built in to the motherboard) is extremely important and its selection depends on your budget and your requirements. The GPU with more CUDA parallel computing are at better costs.
    • Make sure you choose a GPU from an up-to-date line, so that you can play games at speed. GPUs are important, because it connects to your monitor. AMD has a Radeon line, with budget GPUs that can run things fast enough (but not the best), and Nvidia has a GTX Pascal line, with cards that are some of the fastest in the world, but they're expensive (sometimes more than $500).
  7. Pick up a case that is both functional and easy on the eyes. The case is what holds your computer components. Many cases come with a power supply included, but if you are making a gaming build then getting a separate power supply is recommended, as the power supplies that come with cases are often not very high quality. The size of the case will be based on how many drives bays and card slots it has, as well as the size/type of your motherboard which also can support more or fewer drives and cards. Cases range from cheap and functional to flashy, bought for their appearance and expensive.[2] Select one that allows for optimal airflow, and install extra fans if necessary. If you intend to run a lot of high-end components, you will be dealing with a lot more heat output than slower components.
  8. Make sure your power supply can handle the load. The power supply powers all of your components in your computer. Some cases come with a power supply already installed, but others require you to provide your own. The power supply should be powerful enough to charge all of your components; don't worry about it being so powerful that you waste electricity by powering more than you need, as it will only output as much watts as you use and the number on its wattage is only its max capacity. Don't skimp on this part, as picking a faulty power supply can damage all of your parts.
    • Always choose a reliable manufacturer for this component. If your build will be for gaming as well then a separate power supply as opposed to one that comes with a case is recommended to avoid damaging components.
  9. Research every component you intend to purchase. Read magazines and online consumer review sites for more information. Online forums like AnandTech are also very helpful when specific information is needed. Remember, this is one of the most important steps, because everything will depend on your hardware. There are many guides and reviews available from online magazines and consumer review websites.
    • Don't pick solely based on reviews but good reviews usually mean that there is nothing wrong with the part.
    • Remember, this is one of the most important steps, because everything will depend on your hardware so do not rush this part as it is not only important but also very fun. Also never be afraid to change things in your parts list, it is an important part of making a good parts list that will work for you.
  10. Choose a retailer to buy from. Once you know what to buy, you need to decide where to buy it from. Here's what to consider:
    • Knowing the credibility of a retailer. Choose a trusted and popular retailer so you don't get scammed.
    • Knowing where they ship to. Make sure your selected retailer ships to your country.
    • Knowing the price of the component and shipping fees. Make sure you choose the retailer (who is credible) with the best prices on your components. Remember that international and national shipping rates are often very different in pricing and also vary from each retailer to the next.
    • Buying from more than one retailer. You can buy from multiple retailers to get the best prices for each components but keep in mind you may end up paying more in shipping if some of your components are shipped separately from the rest.

Building Your Computer

  1. Open the case. You might want to wear anti-static gloves or some sort of hand protection, as the inside of the case does not have ground down metal and could be very sharp in some cases.
  2. Install the power supply. Some cases come with the power supply already installed, while others will require you to purchase the power supply separately and install it yourself. Make sure that the power supply is installed in the correct orientation, and that nothing is blocking the power supply's fan.
    • Make sure that your power supply is powerful enough to handle all of your components. This is especially important in high-end gaming computers, as dedicated graphics cards can draw a significant amount of power.
  3. Ground yourself. Use an antistatic wrist-strap cable to prevent Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) which can be deadly to computer electronics. If you can't get an antistatic wrist-strap cable, plug your grounded power supply unit to an outlet (but don't turn it on), and keep your hand on the grounded unit whenever you touch any ESD-sensitive items.

Installing the Motherboard

  1. Remove the motherboard from its packaging. Place it on top of its box. DO NOT place it on top of the anti-static bag as the outside is conductive. You will be adding components to the motherboard before installing it in the case, as it is easier to access the motherboard before installing it.
  2. Remove the processor from its packaging. Observe the missing pins in the processor and match these with the socket on the motherboard. On many processors there will be a little gold arrow in the corner that you can use to orient the processor properly.
  3. Insert the processor in the motherboard. Open the CPU socket and carefully insert the processor (no force needed). If it doesn't slip right in, or it feels like you have to push, it is probably misaligned. Close the socket and ensure the CPU is secure. Some sockets have small arms while others have complex assemblies to open and close the socket.[3]
  4. Apply good thermal paste to the CPU. Put only a dot of thermal paste on the CPU. Adding too much thermal paste will create a mess, such as getting paste into the motherboard socket, which may short circuit components, and decrease the motherboard's value if you plan to sell it later.
    • Some processors that come with heatsinks do not need thermal paste because the heat sink already has thermal paste applied by the factory. Check the bottom of the heatsink unit before applying paste to the processor.[4]
  5. Attach the heat sink. This varies from heat sink to heat sink, so read the instructions. Most stock coolers attach directly over the processor and clip into the motherboard. Aftermarket heatsinks may have brackets that need to be attached underneath the motherboard. Refer to your heat sink’s documentation for exact instructions.
  6. Install the RAM. Place the RAM in the proper slots by opening the latches and pushing the RAM in until the little handles can lock it into position. Note how the RAM and slots are keyed--line them up so they will fit in properly. When pushing, press both sides of the RAM module with equal force. If RAM sockets have two colors, this may indicate the priority slots in case if you are not using all available slots.
    • Make sure that you install the RAM in the appropriate matching slots. Check your motherboard’s documentation to ensure that you are installing the RAM in the correct location.
  7. Install the I/O backplate on the back of your case. Many modern cases do not have a pre installed backplate, but your motherboard should come with its own backplate. Some older cases have pre-instlalled I/O back plates, but it is unlikely that the case will have an appropriate backplate for your motherboard.
    • Removing the existing backplate may take a bit of force. Sometimes they have screws to hold them in place, but most are held in only by friction. Pop it out by pressing on the bracket from the rear side of the case.
  8. Knock out any tabs covering I/O components up on the motherboard's backplate. Push the new backplate into place in the back of the case. Make sure to install it the correct direction.[5]
  9. Install the standoffs in the correct positions. Almost all cases come with a little baggie that has standoffs in it. Standoffs raise the motherboard off of the case, and allow screws to be inserted into them.
    • Your case most likely has more holes available than your motherboard supports. The number of spacers required will be determined by the number of shielded holes in the motherboard. Position the motherboard to discover where to screw in the standoffs.
  10. Secure the motherboard. Once the standoffs are installed, place the motherboard in the case and push it up against the I/O backplate. All of the back ports should fit into the holes in the I/O backplate. Use the screws provided to secure the motherboard to the standoffs through the shielded screw holes on the motherboard.
  11. Plug in the case connectors. These tend to be located together on the motherboard near the front of the case. The order in which these are connected will depend on which is easiest. Make sure that you connect the USB ports, the Power and Reset switches, the LED power and hard drive lights, and the audio cable (HDAudio or AC97). Your motherboard’s documentation will show you where on your motherboard these connectors attach.
    • There is typically only one way that these connectors can attach to the motherboard. Don’t try to force anything to fit.

Installing a Graphics Card

  1. Remove the back panel covers that line up with the PCI-E slot. Almost all modern graphics cards use PCI-E. Some will require you to remove two of the protective plates as opposed to just one. You may have to punch the plates out of the case.
  2. Insert the graphics card. You may have to bend a tab on the slot to allow the graphics card to be inserted. The tab will help lock the graphics card in place (this is more important for bulkier, high-end cards). Apply light, even force until the card is seated uniformly, and the back panel lines up.
  3. Secure the card. Once you have inserted the card, use a screw to secure it to the back panel of the case. If you don’t secure your card, you could end up damaging it in the long run.
  4. Install any other PCI cards. If you have any other PCI cards that you are going to add, such as a dedicated sound card, the installation process is the same as the video card process.

Adding the Drives

  1. Remove any front panel covers for the drives you are inserting. Most cases have panels in the front that protect the drive bays. Remove the panels for the locations that you want to install you optical drives. You do not need to remove any panels for hard drives.
  2. Insert the optical drives in from the front of the case. Almost all cases have cages built in that allow the drive to rest and fit snugly. Once the drive is lined up with the front panel of the computer, secure it with screws on each side of the drive.
  3. Install the hard disk. Slide the hard drive into the appropriate 3.5” bay in the inside of the case. Some cases have removable brackets that you can install on the hard drive first before sliding it in. Once the drive has been inserted into the cage, secure it on both sides with screws.
  4. Connect the SATA cables. All modern drives use SATA cables to connect the drive to the motherboard. Connect the cable to the SATA port on the drive, and then connect the other end to a SATA port on the motherboard. Hard drives use the same cables as optical drives.[6]
    • For easier troubleshooting, connect your hard drive to the first SATA port on the motherboard, and then connect your other drives to subsequent SATA ports. Avoid plugging your drives into random SATA ports.
    • SATA cables have the same connector on both sides. You can install the cable in either direction.

Wiring the Computer

  1. Connect the power supply to the motherboard. Most modern motherboards have a 24-pin connector and a 6- or 8-pin connector. Both of these need to be connected for your motherboard to function. Power supply cables only fit into the slots that they are designed for. Push the connectors all the way in until the latch clicks.
    • The 24-pin connector is the largest connector on the power supply.
  2. Connect the power supply to the video card. If you have a dedicated video card, chances are it needs to be powered as well. Some require one connector, while others require two. The port is usually on the top of the video card.
  3. Connect the power supply to the drives. All of your drives need to be connected to the power supply using SATA power connectors. These power connectors are the same for optical and hard drives.
  4. Adjust your wire placement. One of the keys to good airflow is placing your wires out of the way. Trying to effectively wire the inside of the case can be a frustrating experience, especially if you are building a smaller tower. Use zip ties to bundle cables together and place them in unused drive bays. Make sure that the cables will not get in the way of any fans.

Installing More Fans

  1. Connect your case fans. Almost all cases come installed with one or two fans. These fans need to be attached to the motherboard in order to function.
  2. Install new fans. If you are running lots of high-end components, you will likely need extra cooling. 120mm fans are typically fairly quiet and significantly increase airflow through your computer.
  3. Optimize your fan setup. Intake fans that suck air into the computer should be mounted in the lower front, bottom, and sides (a side fan is typically used to directly cool a specific component). Exhaust fans that blow air out of the computer should be mounted on the top and upper back of the computer as the hot air naturally rises through the inside. This keeps a good flow of fresh, cool air moving over your motherboard. You can see which direction the fan will blow by inspecting the top of the fan housing. Almost all fans have small arrows printed which shows which direction they blow.

Booting it Up

  1. Put the case back together. It is highly recommended that you don’t run your computer with the case open. Cases are designed to maximize air flow, and when a case is open the airflow is not as effective. Make sure that everything is screwed close. Most cases use thumbscrews so that you don’t need tools to open and close the case.
  2. Plug in your computer. Attach a monitor to the computer, either through the graphics card or through a port on the back of the motherboard plate. Attach a keyboard and mouse to the USB ports in either the front or back of the computer.
    • Avoid plugging in any other devices until after you have finished setting up the operating system.
  3. Power on your computer. You won’t be able to do much since you don’t have an operating system installed, but you can check to see that all of your fans are working and that the computer completes its POST (Power On Self Test) successfully.
  4. Run MemTest86+. This program is available to download for free and can be booted from a CD or USB drive without an operating system installed. This will let you test your memory sticks before you proceed to install the operating system. Memory sticks have a higher rate of failure than most computer components, especially if they are budget-priced, so it is wise to test them first.
    • You may have to set your computer to boot from CD or USB first, instead of booting from the hard drive. Enter your BIOS settings when you first start the computer, and then navigate to the Boot menu. Select the appropriate drive that you want to boot from.
  5. Install your operating system. Home-built computers can install either Microsoft Windows or a Linux distribution. Windows costs money, but benefits from having compatibility with nearly every program and piece of hardware. Linux is free and supported by a community of developers, but cannot run many programs designed for Windows. Some proprietary hardware does not work properly either.
  6. Install your drivers. Once your operating system is installed, you will need to install your drivers. Almost all of the hardware that you purchased should come with discs that contain the driver software needed for the hardware to work. Modern versions of Windows and Linux will install most drivers automatically when connected to the internet.

Tips

  • Some power supplies have a built in 115/230V converter. If you are in the U.S. use the 115V setting, otherwise use the 230V.
  • Each power supply cable will only fit in the correct orientation, but pressure will still be needed to push the cables in. If using a newer power supply with a 8-pin EPS 12V connector and a PCI Express 8-pin connector, don't attempt to force the cables into place.
  • Use zip ties to carefully bundle all of the cables, and route them to prevent them from blocking the airflow. If possible, avoid using IDE components such as hard drives and optical drives, as the standard ribbon cable will block airflow.
  • If you put the computer system together and it does not work, take out everything except the power supply, motherboard, RAM, and processor cooler (and video card if not using an on-board video card). Ensure that it works by viewing your BIOS start up screen. Turn it off, then plug in your hard drives and verify that it works. Turn it off, then plug in your CD-ROM and ensure that it works. Turn it off, and continue to plug in each additional peripheral until everything is plugged in and working. The idea here is to put in the minimum components to get it to power up, then add one at a time so you know what component is causing the problem.
  • Don't leave the hardware on your floor for days while you figure out what you should do, as this may lead to electrostatic discharge which can damage or ruin computer components (it only takes about 10 volts to kill some computer parts). When not attached to the motherboard and case, all components should be left in their anti-static bags. An alternative to this is placing the items on a non-conductive surface, such as a wood or glass table or desk.
  • Computer case screw threads sometimes get "stripped" so that they won't hold the screws properly. Try to keep this from happening by choosing screws that fit exactly. They should start easily, not with difficulty which suggests they don't match. Tighten them snugly but not too hard: about a quarter turn past all the way in, or with fingers rather than fist against the screwdriver, is about right. Aluminum is much less strong for its bulk than steel and so strips especially easily--just a little snugger than when wiggling stops is about right. (Better aluminum cases have thicker-aluminum or even steel frames or reinforcement in key areas.) The main side panel screws' frequent use and bearing of the side skin against the case collapsing into a parallelogram makes them particularly vulnerable. A quick, generally reliable fix is to replace them with a subtly larger size, not so long as to over penetrate into some other part: US #6 x 3/8" long or so machine screws, driven in straight and firmly initially (but not over-tightened down) are typically right for loose side panel attachments with standard screws will bend themselves new threads in the sheet metal.
  • If you bought an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) edition of Microsoft Windows and you have a license sticker, you may want to attach the sticker on the side of the PC for future reference when Windows Setup asks for it.
  • It may be very helpful to request the assistance of a friend who is familiar with building computers. At the very least, ask for their opinions on the parts you plan to use.
  • Before you put everything into the case, test it outside of the case, this will save you time if something doesn't work. This is not very common, but better safe than sorry.
  • If you install a water cooling instead of a typical fan, you should run a 24 hour test to check for leaks before actually going ahead with the Operating System installation.

Warnings

  • Do not use force to insert any component into any slot or socket. The tolerances of newer hardware components may be narrow, but everything should still fit without the need to apply too much force. Memory modules are among the few types of components that may require a bit of pressure to install. Before installing your memory modules, make sure they match the memory slots by comparing the notches.
  • Double-check all connections before switching on the computer for the first time. Although in most instances it shall only be possible to mount a fabricated connector in one possible orientation, some are rather delicate and with a relatively small amount of force applied to them can, indeed, be inserted offset by 180 degrees. This is especially true with access memory (random) dual inline memory modules (DIMMs), as they can some times appear to the system builder, that they have been inserted in the correct orientation - but have, indeed, been inserted incorrectly. Such application of a memory module to a DIMM slot will result in a short-circuit of the System memory, rendering the ram PCB broken and unable to be used. This can be avoided by paying rather strict attention to the so-called line up notches that are present on modern RAM DIMM modules, making it increasingly apparent to the computer System builder that he/she has positioned the system Memory in an incorrect fashion.
  • Avoid electrostatic discharge when installing components. Wear a static wristband or regularly ground yourself by touching a metal part of the case before handling components. Read the Related wikiHow on How to Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge for additional information.
  • When plugging in CPUs and PATA (IDE) devices, be gentle. If you bend a pin, use tweezers or a narrow needle-nose pliers to straighten it. If you break a pin, on a CPU or CPU socket, your hardware will no longer function correctly. If you break a pin on an IDE connector, you have a 7 in 40 chance that you've broken a ground pin, which may not be critical to a device's functionality.
  • Don't touch the resistors and the pins on the CPU or the socket.
  • Use care when working around the sharp, sheet metal edges of a computer case. It is easy to cut yourself, especially with very small cases.
  • If you are unsure about any aspect of the construction of your computer, do not try "winging" it. Either ask someone who knows what they're doing to "spot" you while you build or hire a professional to do it for you. Another alternative is to seek advice from the included instructional manuals that are packaged with the individual pieces of computer hardware that you are assembling. Often, if these have not been included - or perhaps the parts you are using to construct your computer system are of a second hand nature - you may be able to consult the System Support section of the website page of the manufacturer to attempt to acquire the necessary instructional documentation.
  • Do not force cable connections. Fortunately, cables at the back of a computer will only fit onto their intended connector. All cables, except for coaxial and some laptop power connections, will only connect when they are in the same orientation as their connector. For example, digital visual interface (DVI) and video graphics array (VGA) video cables have a trapezoidal connector, not a rectangular one.
  • Maintain a circuit connection to electrical ground when building the computer. This can be achieved by plugging the computer powered supply unit (PSU) into an available mains-power outlet by means of a cable of the recommended amperage rating. This cable is usually a kettle type chord that was provided with your computer initially. Ensure that the available mains-power outlet has been switched off. This is to ensure that the various electronic parts inside the computer that you are connecting together as you progress with your PC build are not live. With the mains-power outlet in the off position, the ground connection is still maintained. It is only the other two live terminals that have their circuits broken, so no power is transmitted to the said device. This is a safety measure built in to all mains-power outlet circuit switches.
  • Do not buy any computer parts from any untrusted retailer online because you might get scammed or the computer part may be defective. Buying computer parts from sites like Amazon or Best Buy are very safe and are a trusted company.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.ign.com/wikis/pc/Build_a_Computer
  2. ↑ http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techtips-01july06.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.pcityourself.com/building/processor.php
  4. ↑ http://techreport.com/review/23624/how-to-build-a-pc-the-tech-report-guide/3
  5. ↑ http://www.computershopper.com/feature/75-pc-building-tips-motherboard-case-installation
  6. ↑ http://www.buildeasypc.com/hw/howto/install_sata_hard_drive.htm
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