Required Tools:
Phillips-head screw driver (+)
Needlenose pliers
Anti-Static wrist strap (or ground yourself to metal)
Large work area
Optional Tools: Electrical tape
Flashlight
Compressed air
Before you begin make sure you have all the tools you need and a clean space to work. Make sure you have all required tools and materials.
Unpack the materials once package at a time and inspect them to make sure they are not broke or defective. Keep all receipts to insure proper returns if needed. Keep all parts inside their anti-static bags and gather all support manuals that came with the materials. Go to a room with plenty of light and if at all possible…no carpet. Carpet attachs static electricity and could cause damage to your parts and void warranties.
If you have an extra PC or notebook computer available I suggest leaving them on to find out any diagrams or manufacturer’s notes online.
STEP 1: THE CASE
After you have receive the case you bought, inspect it for damage. Make sure you have a working power supply and case fans (if applicable). If you did not buy your power supply with the case then you can see how to install it in the next step.
To access the inside of the case simply unscrew the bindings from the back or unlock the side door with your key, this all depends on your computer case. Once inside check and make sure that the drive bays are clear and you can easily access them. Also check the I/O Shield located on the back of the computer.
The I/O Shield is what you will eventually connect the monitor, USB, mouse / keyboard, and networking. You may need to switch this out with the I/O Shield that came with your motherboard if it will not fit properly, but we will discuss this later in the topic.
STEP 2: THE POWER SUPPLY (if already installed skip to step 3)
The power supply is the part that connects your computer to the power outlet in the wall. NEVER take the power supply apart as it will most likely void the warranty. Inspect the power supply to make sure the ends are not missing or broke and the red switch is flipped to 115V (US). You can usually find this switch on the top of the power supply. It may already be flipped up, if it is then continue on without doing this.
You need to install the power supply from inside the computer. Bundle all the cords coming from the right of the power supply to keep them out of the way. Insert the power supply with the 3 prong male power connection facing out (OUTLET <-------- =[]|[PS}-------->CASE). Screw the power supply into place using the philips screw driver. Make it snug, not to tight. Look at the final result and make sure you have all the connetions open and not being blocked by any part of the case.
Looking to have dual video cards…if you MAKE SURE the power supply says “Supports SLI” somewhere in the description.
STEP 3: THE MOTHERBOARD
First find the pegs or screws that come with the motherboard.
Compare the motherboard and the case I/O Shield. If the motherboard does not fit in the supplied I/O Shield then remove it, and put in the I/O Shield that came with your motherboard.
Now locate the screw holes on your motherboard and find the corresponding holes on the motherboard plate (or tray) in the case. Put a standoff (the pegs) in each of these holes on the tray and position the motherboard so that you can see the holes in the top of the standoffs through the screw holes in the motherboard.
The small metal tabs are intended to make contact with the metal parts of the connections on the back of the motherboard and ground them, but you may have to bend these tabs a bit to get the ports all properly mounted, this is where those needlenose pliers may come in handy. If you have trouble lining up the screw holes, double check that you have the standoffs in the proper holes on the tray.
Now fasten a screw through each of the motherboard screw holes into the standoffs underneath. These screws should be snug but not tight, there is no reason to torque down on them, hand tight is fine, otherwise you can damage the motherboard. There, the motherboard is in, now it’s time to plug the other components into it.
Looking to have dual video cards, if so then MAKE SURE the motherboard says “Supports SLI” somewhere in the description.
Eric Oliver
http://www.zero3computers.com
Learn how to build a computer, buy a computer, or fix a computer. Zero 3 Computers sell custom PCs, but also offer knowledge to keep you from having to buy another one. Don’t let the overpriced rule your pocket…we give you the tools, its up to you to make or save money