How to Build a PC in Easy Steps [DIY]

Since now, you are well versed with various computer components in previous posts, building a PC yourself is not a daunting task anymore. The first step is to gather all the parts. Let’s make a list of computer parts needed in the PC building.

1. Cabinet (comes with pre-fitted SMPS)
2. Motherboard
3. Processor(CPU)
4. RAM
5. Hard disk drive
6. DVD Writer
7. Keyboard
8. Mouse
9. LED Display
10. UPS

Step by Step instructions to Build a PC

Installing a (CPU) processor

After unpacking the processor carefully, the first and foremost step is to locate the notch on the side of the processor. The CPU socket on the motherboard also has the same type of cut, you just need to match the notch on the CPU and motherboard socket while installation. After successfully fixing the processor on the socket you need to pull the socket lever down.

Cuts/notches as on PIN-less processor types

Cuts/notches as on pin-type processors

Fixing CPU fan

CPU is the most heated component of a PC. A fan is needed to cool down the temperature of a processor. Before installing the fan, you need to apply the heat sink compound on the upper surface of the processor.

Depending on the processor type, you need to use different types of cooling fans.

1. Fan with Side-Clips.

2. Push Pin-Type.
   This type of fan consists of 4 Pins on all its corners. To move these pins in their default position, make sure to fully rotate the pins in a clockwise direction. To fix the fan, you have to push the pins diagonally which means if you press pin number 1, the next pin to be pressed is pin-3 and similarly, after pressing pin 2 you need to push pin-4.

As you can see in the above image, Fan Pins should go into the holes( dedicated to the fan) on the motherboard.

Supplying power to fan.

The CPU fan comes with either a 3-wire or 4-wire power connector that needs to be connected to the motherboard as shown in the picture.

Fixing Motherboard in PC-Cabinet.

Every motherboard packing comes with an interfacing strip according to motherboard connectors. The first step is to fix the strip inside the cabinet as shown in the image. Now align/match the holes on  the motherboard with the holes on the cabinet to fix the screws

                                                                                       Blank Cabinet                                     Brass-hole-headed screws where motherboard will get fit

                                                                                      Interface Strip ( comes bundled with motherboard)

            Push the strip outward as shown                                                   Outer view of the interface strip

The following pictures show the fixing of the Motherboard in the Cabinet :

Fixing RAM module

The RAM modules are fixed in RAM slots on the motherboard. As you can see in the picture, you need to pull the plastic locks on both ends of the slot to insert the RAM module. Once it rests on the slot, just press it, and the plastic locks will automatically get tightened.

Just align the RAM according to the cuts shown on RAM and RAM slots and PRESS it.

Installing SMPS

The SMPS is installed on the top area on the backside of the cabinet. After inserting the SMPS from inside the cabinet you need to fix four screws to get it fixed.

Installation and connection of Hard Disk Drive.

The hard disk needs to slide into the 3.5 inches bay area inside the cabinet. It is important to fix all the screws on the hard disk to prevent any vibrations in the storage media.

1. Slide the HDD into the bay.

2. Install the screws on both sides

3. Install one side of the SATA cable to HDD and the other end on the motherboard

4. Now install the SATA power connector

5. Difference between SATA power connector and IDE power connector

Fixing DVD Writer/CD-ROM in the cabinet.

On the top section of the cabinet, 5.25 inches of space is reserved for installing a DVD/CD writer. You need to gently push the DVD writer from the front side and fix the screws.

Connections of (IDE) FDD and DVD/CD-ROM

      

SMPS connections on the motherboard.

Installing SMPS 12-pin connector. In older motherboards (up to P-3 mainboards), you need to install two 6-pin connectors as shown in the picture. You just need to remember that all the black wires are on the inner side for correct connections.

Installing ATX (24pin) SMPS-connector.

Installing ATX (4-pin) connector

Installing Cabinet connectors:

The cabinet has its own set of switches like power and resets buttons, HDD and power indicators, and audio and USB ports. These front buttons need to be connected to the motherboard according to the legend printing.

Figure: Installation of Front-USB connector —see the hole blocked on the connector and correspondingly see no pin on the motherboard.

Other Front-Panel connectors.

The last step after connecting all the internal components of a desktop PC is to close the side cover of the cabinet.

Check PC Display

This is an effective way to check whether you have assembled the computer in the right manner. After you have successfully built a PC yourself, it’s time to connect input and output devices to the assembled case.

1. Connect the 15-pin VGA connector of your Display unit( CRT monitor/LCD Display/LED Display) to the 15-pin female connector on the backside of the computer.
2. Connect the power cable to the SMPS part of the computer.
3. Connect Keyboard and mouse to USB ports.
4. Last but important, connect your computer to UPS(Uninterrupted Power Supply). It is very important to safeguard your expensive computer from an impure or interrupted power supply.