Tips on assembling a computer

[Technique]

Just as the title says, ive never really built a computer so i just wanna know if theres anything i need to know before starting.

I kinda think abt it, i was j/w...is building a computer easy and straightforward? Meaning, is it just about sticking the parts in their designated slots? Or is it more complicated than that?

Just wanna know what u experienced builders think. ty.

[Chris_Rootes_Wizard]

Buy "Haynes Build Your Own Computer" Simple, tells you everything you need to know, from shopping for componants to building an Penium based pc to a Athlon based SFF Pc

I havent done it before, but its pritty easy, dont forget that antistatic bag, and/or wriststrap.

Oh, read the mo/bo manual, thatll tell you every place that youll need to connect to/ what order you put ram sticks in to etc

[rjfvillarosa]

Have a good read around this forum and don't be affraid to ask questions no matter how menial or immaterial you think they are.
You will find everything you need to know and get all the advice you need here.

[swampdonkey]

Installing everything is pretty much straightforward. It really doesnt take an expert to build a computer. As long as you have a basic knowledge of what you are doing you should be ok. Like RJF said, dont be afraid to ask questions, we are all here to help you out!

[blue60007]

Couple tips:

-Take your time! it's not a race
-Read all the manuals and such and have a general idea of what you're doing before you start (looking around here and reading guides and such should get you there)
-Generally, you don't need to use extreme force to fit anything - although, I'll warn you, sometimes when you're installing the CPU heatsink it'll take some force - but other than that, if it doesn't fit, don't force it
-If you're not sure, ask here
-The most time consuming part is usually the software end (installing the OS, programs, drivers, etc)

[inflames988]

read a basic guide on how to build a pc, read the manuals (at least the important stuff) for anything thats not totally straightforward. take your time, make sure you dont forget anything, cuz if you do youll probably go to power up and nothing will happen and you will freak out open the ZIF socket before putting the processor in--my frined put one in an didnt open the zif so it was sitting on top, i can see how that would hapen since the processors so flat and it woudl look like it was in. luckily even afte rputting his HSF on top of it and locking it in, not a single pin got bent.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Common Sense----------------------->Your best friend.



Good luck.

[doubledragon5]

I have built five so far, the last one about 3 yrs ago... This new one two days ago.. I sitll had problems, but pcmech always has helped.. Don't be afraid to ask questions....

[Chris_Rootes_Wizard]

Yeah, if in doubt, consolt the manual, if still in doubt come here

[rspassey]

PCM had a basic guide available online for free - http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/

And a more extensive guide for purchase - http://www.pcmech.com/store/

And while the guides detail exactly what to do, the only think you need to bring to the table is confidence.

[Chris_Rootes_Wizard]

Yeah, i printed the online free on, and if you dont know that the parts are, its kinda confusing (if your a complete noob) like i was when i read it back then.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Technique Just as the title says, ive never really built a computer so i just wanna know if theres anything i need to know before starting.

Yes, there are a lot of things you need to know before you start building your first computer.

Originally Posted by Technique I kinda think abt it, i was j/w...is building a computer easy and straightforward? Meaning, is it just about sticking the parts in their designated slots? Or is it more complicated than that?

The actual assembly of a computer isn't that hard. If you know how to follow instructions and can use a Philips screwdriver you can pretty much assemble a computer with no problems. The hard part about building a computer is picking out the right parts.

Originally Posted by Technique Just wanna know what u experienced builders think.

I think when it comes to building a computer for the first time it's good to take a cautious approach and do your research before you begin. Learn what you can prior to starting and pay attention to static precautions...you don't want to zap anything before you can even start the computer for the first time.

Keep an open mind and consider everything the folks here tell you...the worst thing would be to take the attitude that you know it already and don't need to know the basics and then mess up during the assembly. Good computer parts aren't cheap and you really don't want to damage anything just because you thought you knew what you were doing but really didn't.

One of the most important things to do once you get your parts is to read the motherboard manual front to back and then read it again. Many novice builders make the mistake of not reading the motherboard manual and end up having problems. Another thing you should do is to assemble the core parts out of the case (motherboard, CPU, heatsink, RAM, video card, power supply, PC case speaker and monitor) for the first POST. This eliminates the chance that the motherboard is shorting/grounding out to the case and will let you know if any of the core parts is bad or not.

Here's a good tutorial for building a computer: Guide To Building Your First PC From Parts.

Cricket

[blue60007]

Oh, and if things don't work right the first time - don't get excited - people can do stupid things when they are angry.

[chuck4456]

You can do it. It will make you feel good too. My problem was that after I built my first, I wanted to build one every week. Getting it put together is very straightforward. When it's power-up and bios time, you can come here if you need advice.

[Chris_Rootes_Wizard]

Simple there too, but installing OS you may need a little help, cause there is a misleading part on there i belive

"press any key to boot from CD..." after it restats, cause you shouldnt.