Sequence of steps performed for the assembly of computer

PREPARATION 1: Tools to build a PC

Before you start building the PC, you'll need to gather some tools. Preparing your materials and work space ahead of time will help ensure that the assembly process runs smoothly.

Work space. You will need a large surface to work on, such as a table. To prevent accidental electrostatic discharge (which can damage sensitive components), make sure you are standing on a non-carpeted surface.

Screwdrivers. You'll need a #2 Phillips screwdriver for just about everything. Also, if you're installing an M.2 device, you'll need a Philips #0 screwdriver.
Pro Tip: Magnetic screwdrivers will prevent screws from falling into the cabinet (the magnetic tip is very weak and should have no effect on components ).

USB flash drive . You will need an 8 GB or larger flash drive to store the installer for the operating system you will be using.

STEP 1: Install the CPU

Parts/Tools: Motherboard, CPU

Remove the motherboard from its antistatic packaging and place it on your work surface. Find the CPU socket, which will be covered by a protective plastic cap. On one corner of the plastic cap, or more commonly, on the socket itself, you'll see a small arrow. Record where the arrow is.

Next to the CPU socket, you will see a small metal lever. Press down on the lever and gently pull to the side (away from the kickstand) to open the kickstand tray.

STEP 2: (Optional) Install the M.2 SSDs

Parts/tools: motherboard, M.2 SSD, Phillips #0 screwdriver, motherboard user manual

If you want to install an M.2 SSD, this is a good time to do so. First locate the M.2 slot on the motherboard. It's a small, horizontal slot with a tiny screw running through it. If you can't find it, if you can find multiple M.2 slots, or if you plan to install more than one M.2 SSD, refer to the user manual that came with your motherboard.

Remove the small screw with a Phillips #0 screwdriver. Don't lose it.

Slide the M.2 SSD gently into the slot. When fully seated, it will protrude from the base plate at about a 35 degree angle. Push the SSD down and replace the small screw to lock it in place.

STEP 3: Install the CPU cooler

Parts/Tools: Motherboard with CPU installed, CPU cooler, Thermal paste, CPU cooler manual

There are different types of CPU coolers. For exact installation instructions, we recommend that you refer to the manual that came with your CPU cooler.

Some refrigerators require a mounting bracket. The motherboard might have a clamp pre-installed. You may need to remove this clamp if your fridge doesn't need it, or replace it if your fridge uses a different clamp. Do this before placing the motherboard inside the case.

STEP 4: Install the memory (RAM)

Parts/tools: motherboard, RAM, motherboard user manual

Determine how many RAM slots your motherboard has (most have two or four). If you are going to use all the available RAM slots, just insert the RAM instead. If you are not going to use all of the RAM slots, check your owner's manual to find out the correct setting and use the RAM slots appropriately.

STEP 5: (Optional) Test Out of Cabinet

Parts/tools: motherboard with CPU and CPU cooler installed, RAM, GPU, PSU, screwdriver, motherboard user manual, PC monitor (connected to GPU)

Now that you've installed the CPU and CPU cooler, you might want to do a quick test run of the components to make sure they all work. This test is much more difficult to perform (and more difficult to troubleshoot) once everything is installed in the chassis. To do this test, install the GPU and connect everything to the power supply (if you don't know how to install the GPU, see the next section). Make sure the power supply is connected to the motherboard (both CPU 8pin and 24pin) and GPU, then plug in and power on.

STEP 6: Mount the power supply

Parts/Tools: PSU, cabinet, PSU cables, Phillips #2 screwdriver

Unpack the PSU (or disconnect it from the components if you opted for a test run) and move the cables out of the way (if it's a full or semi-modular unit).

Take a look at the case and figure out where the PSU should go (probably on the bottom, near the back) and how it could be oriented. Ideally, you'll want to orient the PSU so that the fan is facing out of the case (through a vent). If the case has a bottom vent, you can mount the PSU upside down, as long as the bottom vent gets decent airflow when the PC is finished.

If the case does not have vents, mount the PSU so the fan is facing up (into the case) and make sure there is enough clearance.

STEP 7: Install the motherboard

Parts/Tools: Case, motherboard, I/O shield (if not attached to motherboard), Phillips #2 screwdriver, screws, motherboard user manual

If your motherboard came with an unattached I/O shield (a rectangular sheet of metal with cutouts for motherboard ports), you must first snap it into place on the back of the case (make sure the orientation is correct). I/O shields have sharp edges, so watch your fingers.

Once you have attached the I/O shield, you can install the motherboard. Double check to make sure all the cables are routed in the correct place, and then fit the motherboard (align it with the I/O shield first). If you are using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, install the first screw (the center screw) to hold the motherboard in place. Make sure not to drag the motherboard on the standoffs installed on the chassis.

STEP 8: Install the GPU

Parts/tools: motherboard, GPU, Phillips #2 screwdriver, screws, motherboard user manual

Find the PCIe x16 slot on your motherboard. It will be the longest PCIe slot and might be a different color than the others. If your motherboard has more than one PCIe x16 slot, check your user manual to see if any slots need to be prioritized. If any slot can be used, determine which slot to use based on where the components are placed. It is recommended that the GPU have some space to ventilate.

Depending on your case, it may be necessary to remove the I/O covers (small metal tabs that lock the back panel of the case) to house the GPU I/O (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, etc.) and allow access from outside the chassis.

Remove the GPU from its antistatic packaging and carefully align it with the rear retention clip and the slot itself, then gently push it into the PCIe x16 slot (you may hear a click). The PCIe tab on the motherboard can be moved to the locked position, should you need to reseat the GPU.

STEP 9: Install the storage

Parts/Tools: Motherboard, SSD, HDD, Phillips #2 Screwdriver, Screws, Chassis/Enclosure User Manual

First, inspect the cabinet. Every cabinet is different when it comes to compartment options.

You should find a stack of compartments of different sizes somewhere inside the cabinet. They might have little plastic switches, in which case they're tool-less compartments, or they might just look like metal clips.

Storage generally comes in two sizes, 2.5-inch (HDD and SSD) and 3.5-inch (HDD). Most 3.5-inch drive bays will accept 2.5-inch drives, but not the other way around (some 3.5-inch drive bays will have trays not designed for 2.5-inch drives, but all modes can accommodate 2.5-inch bays). You might also see bigger compartments in the cabinet. They are for larger drives like optical drives and are usually located at the front of the case, near the top.

If you have tool-free bays, each bay will have its own plastic switch or lever. Open or unlock the lever or switch and you can remove the tray. Place the drive on the tray. Some 3.5-inch trays have been designed to accept 2.5-inch trays. If that's the case, you'll need to screw the 2.5-inch drive to the 3.5-inch tray to keep it from moving.

STEP 10: Install the operating system

Parts/Tools: PC, monitor, mouse, keyboard, operating system saved on a USB flash drive

If you don't already have the operating system (OS) on a USB flash drive, it's time to prepare it. (See the section above on operating systems, under "STEP: 3: Selecting Components" for more details.)

Plug in the USB flash drive containing the operating system, plus a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and turn on the PC.

The first screen you see will tell you to press a key to enter system setup or BIOS. Press the key to open the BIOS. (If the screen flickers too quickly to see the key, see your motherboard's user manual.)

First of all, you should check if all the components are installed and recognized. Find the page in the BIOS that shows your PC's system information (different motherboards will have different BIOS settings, but you should be able to find a screen that gives you this information) and check if the system is recognizing everything you've installed so far. the moment.

Next, browse the BIOS until you find the Boot page (it might be called "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority"). Change the boot order so that your USB flash drive is first and the drive you want to install your OS on (if you're using an SSD as your boot drive, you'll want to install the OS here) is second.

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