How to Build a Computer

¶ … Build a Computer Building your own computer can be a profoundly rewarding and interesting project, if approached with a realistic understanding of the steps involved in the process. There are many advantages of building your own computer, including the reduced cost of building your own machine (Ashen). However, the personal satisfaction of building your own computer can be the greatest reward. This paper provides a brief overview of building a personal computer (PC), using standard parts and techniques, and should act as a helpful guide for the first-time computer builder.

Getting Started Perhaps the most intimidating part of building a computer can simply be getting started on the process. Choosing your parts is an important part of this process, and depends on a number of factors, including your intended use for the computer, pricing, and space available (Learnthat). The parts that you need to purchase for your computer consist of both internal and external parts. External parts are the most familiar components to most people, and include the case, monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse, CD-Rom drive, and speakers (if desired).

Internal parts that will be needed are the motherboard, processor, video card, sound card, memory (RAM), hard drive, floppy drive, power supply, modem, network card, and fans. Notes Rosenthal (2002), "The case is almost universally sold with the power supply installed and included in the price" (3). You will also need a number of tools and supplies. Tools that are required are a screwdriver and thermal grease. Screws should be provided with the motherboard, and other individual parts should come with the internal components of your computer.

A number of wires will also be needed, including ribbon wiring for hooking up the motherboard to individual ports, and power supply cords. These wires should also be included with the internal components of your computer. Installation Installing the internal parts may be the most challenging and interesting aspect of building your computer. First, attach the motherboard to the case.

You may need to set jumpers on the motherboard prior to this step, a process that involved moving a number of small tabs/switches in order to customize the electricity that flows through your motherboard. You will need to consult the owner's manual for your specific motherboard to correctly set these jumpers (Shimpi). After the motherboard is installed, you will need to attach parts to the motherboard, and attach other parts to the case. First, attach your CPU.

This is a crucial step, as the CPU is the "brain of your PC, executing the instructions of the software programs you run..." (Rosenthal, 6). To install the CPU, pull the locking lever away from the socket, match up the corners of the CPU and socket and then insert the CPU. Use gentle pressure and be careful not to force the CPU into place, as this can cause damage. Bring the locking lever down, and apply a small amount of thermal grease to the top of the CPU.

After this step is complete, place the CPU fan and heatsink assembly onto the CUP. To do this secure the heatsink/fan to the CPU, and connect the CPU cooling fan power cable to the connector. The next step in installing the hard disk drive (HDD). This is a relatively simple process that involves plugging the ribbon wiring cable into the IDE1 slot and then into the HDD and plugging the power cable into the HDD. The HDD must be attached to the case by the screws provided.

Next, install the CD-ROM drive by plugging the ribbon cable into another IDE slot and into the CD-ROM. Plug the power cable into the CD-ROM, and connect the audio cable provided with the CD-ROM. You are now ready to install the floppy drive and add-on cards such as sound cards and your video card. Install the floppy drive by plugging the ribbon cable into the floppy (A:) slot, and then into the floppy drive itself. Plug a power cable into the floppy.

To install add-on expansion cards, first remove the backing plats of the case. The AGP slots are used for installing graphics cards (your video card), while the PCI slots are used for installing expansion card such as sound cards. Next, install the memory (RAM). Plug the memory stick (DDR SDRAM or SDRAM) into their slots, with the notches facing towards the motherboard.

WARNING: DDR and SDRAM cannot be used at the same time, and you risk damage to your computer if you install both types of RAM at the same time. Final Checkup After.