Installation of Hardware

and other peripherals

Steps on how to
Assemble a Personal
Computer
Step 1: Prepare your workplace
A. Take your inventory
Step 1: Prepare your workplace
B. Make space, make time
▪ make sure you have plenty of working room
and a few hours to proceed with minimal
interruption.
Step 1: Prepare your workplace
C. Prepare grounding protection
▪ Use an inexpensive an inexpensive
anti-static wrist strap.
Step 1: Prepare your workplace
D. Have the drivers ready
▪ Assuming you have another internet
connected PC, download the latest
drivers from the vendors' websites for
each component you will be
installing.
Step 2: Prepare the Motherboard
❑ Carefully remove the motherboard from its
packaging. Remember, you always want to safeguard
your components from potentially hazardous static
electricity.
Step 2: Prepare the Motherboard
❑Inspect the Motherboard for any visual defects

❑Read the manual for proper installation of the

Motherboard
Step 3: Install the CPU
❑Use the unlocking mechanism to open the CPU
socket which is usually a lever.
❑Carefully line up the pins and place the chip in its
socket; it will fit only when oriented the proper way.
Step 3: Install the CPU
❑Align Triangular CPU and socket key marks
Step 3: Install the CPU
❑Lower the lever to lock the CPU into place.
Step 4: Install the CPU Heat Sink
Follow the manufacturer's directions to install the
heat sink and the fan that will cool the processor.
Step 4: Install the CPU Heat Sink
❑Attach the clip that holds the heat sink in
place keeping in mind that it may require a
fair amount of force.
❑Plug the CPU fan's power connector into
the proper connector on the motherboard.
Step 5: Install the Memory Module
(RAM)
❑In order to install the memory modules, insert them
into the proper sockets and push down firmly but
evenly until the clips on both sides of the socket pop
into place.
Step 6: Place the Motherboard into the
case
❑Some PC cases have a removable motherboard tray.
If yours does, remove the screws holding it in place
and pull it out of the case.
Step 6: Place the Motherboard into the
case
Note the pattern of the holes in your
motherboard and screw brass standoffs into the
motherboard tray or into the PC case in the
correct locations
Step 6: Place the Motherboard into the
case
❑Check the layout of the sockets on the motherboard, and
confirm that the ports on your motherboard's back panel
match the holes on the case's Input/Output (I/O) shield that
is installed in your case.
Step 6: Place the Motherboard
❑Carefully position the motherboard on top of the brass
standoffs, line up all the holes, and use the screws that
accompanied the case to fasten down the motherboard.
Step 7: Connect the Power Supply
NOTE:
You are going to be doing work that
requires attention to detail and can be
quite frustrating if you do not go into it
with the right attitude.
Step 7: Connect the Power Supply
Making the proper connections is crucial to
successfully assembling your PC system.
Fortunately, manufacturers provide color-
coded power cables and unique connector
shapes to make the job easy.
Step 7: Connect the Power Supply
First, plug the large ATX power connector
from your power supply into the matching
port on your motherboard.
Step 7: Connect the Power Supply
Locate the smaller, square processor power
connector and attach it to the
motherboard. (Note: Your connector is usually located
near the processor) Square Processor Power Connector
Step 7: Connect the Power Supply
Attach each of the tiny leads from the power
and reset switches to the corresponding pin on
your Motherboard
◦Hard Disk Activity Lights
◦PC Speaker
◦Front Panel USB
◦Firewire Ports
Step 8: Install Graphics/ Video Cards
Begin by removing the backplane cover from the
AGP or PCI Express X16 slot
Step 8: Install Graphics/ Video Cards
Install the graphics board in that slot, and
then secure the card with a screw
Step 9: Install Internal Drives
❑Make any necessary changes
to jumpers on the drives before
mounting them in the case.
❑Use the included screws to
attach your drives to the rails or
cage, and slide them into the
case.
Step 9: Install Internal Drives
When the drives are installed, connect power and
data cables to each one.
Step 10: Install the Add-in Cards
❑For each add-in card, you must choose a free PCI
slot.
❑Remove its backplane cover to allow access from
the rear of the case.
Step 10: Install the Add-in Cards
❑Carefully position the card above the slot, and press
down firmly to seat the card
❑Secure the card with a screw.
Summary
Steps on how to Assemble a PC:
1. Prepare your 6. Place the
workplace Motherboard into the
2. Prepare the case
Motherboard 7. Connect the Power
3. Install the CPU Supply
4. Install the CPU Heat 8. Install Graphics/
Sink Video Cards
5. Install the Memory 9. Install Internal drives
Module (RAM) 10. Install Add-in cards