How to Assemble the Computer

By: Alreck Wann Click author's name for more of his/her articles

In the old days, the basic advice for build for assembling the various parts which make up the PC was simple: Build up the computer bit by bit, checking the computer functioned as expected before continuing to add more devices. The assembly then becomes a long, but simple, process of upgrading:

For example, you would start by setting up the processor, motherboard and PSU, switch it on, and see if it beeped. If everything seemed ok, then you would go on by maybe adding the video card, and then the floppy drive etc. There is still a lot to be said for building the PC in this way. It may take a little longer, but should you make a bad mistake, the chances are that you will only ruin a few pieces of kit.

However, if you have enough confidence in your own ability and the parts themselves, (which are at least initially more reliable than they used to be), you can work the other way around, assembling the whole system at once. You then only have to remove bits one by one should you find a problem when you are done.

1.Read the motherboard manual.

You really, don't want to fall down on this one. Make a list of all the jumpers which must be set, ready for them to be checked off. Learn the layout of the board. Make sure you know what voltage your CPU will require. Make sure your proposed memory configuration will be acceptable. RTFM. RTFM again.

2.Locate the motherboard fixings

As you take the motherboard from its anti-static bag, remember why it was in there, and try to take care of it!
---Before you get to work on the board, it might be an idea, to make sure it does actually fit your case. In some, 'baby' cases it can be a very tight squeeze

---Next locate the holes in the case which you will be screwing the motherboard down to. Do they line up? If they do, will the ISA/PCI slots on the motherboard still line up with the cutaways in the case? At this stage, you may need to drill some more holes. However, remember, not every hole on the motherboard must have a screw, so use your common sense. Modern ATX cases often have the 'legs' which the motherboard rests on built into the case as raised bumps - older cases require small hexagonal legs to be installed, (these should come with the case).

3.Setup the motherboard.

---Set all the required jumpers now, while you have access to the whole board. Lay the board out on its anti static bag, or even better some foam. A fine nose pliers can be useful when setting jumpers, but is only really needed on badly designed motherboards, or when the motherboard is already installed. Check and recheck the jumper settings for bus speed, processor speed, clock multiplier and voltages.

---Make sure the CMOS battery jumper is connected, since this is usually left in the off position, for storage. While you are there, check the battery contacts are clean, since a PC with a dodgy clock is a real pain.