It has become increasingly popular to build one's own computer. In many
cases, it saves money, and guarantees that you get what you want. Building your
own computer also assures that you avoid the proprietary designs many companies
use to utilize to keep the customers coming back for new parts. Most
importantly, having built the system, you become very familiar with your system
and with computers in general. There is no reason not to tackle the project of
building your own computer. A very basic knowledge is required, and you can
learn as you go! Materials and Tools Needed Upon having researched the quality
of the parts you want to use to build your computer, you will need the following
basic items to assemble your processor: · Case/Tower · Motherboard · CPU
(central processing unit) · Heat sink and fan · Floppy drive · Hard drive and
CD-ROM · Video card (optional but very recommended) The accessories needed to
put together your processor should come with each of the components purchased.
However, the basic screws that will be required are the following: · Chassis
screws · Smaller screws (these are just like the chassis screws, but have a
smaller diameter) · Standoffs · Washers · Spacers (snap-in and standard) There
are a variety of different tools you may need while building your system. Here
are a few of the most common ones: · Flat head screwdriver · Magnetized Phillips
head screwdriver · Regular Phillips head screwdriver The entire installation
process of the components should take approximately an hour, but this all
depends on the level of experience and knowledge of the builder. Precautions and
warnings There are a few things that you should be aware of when you are
building your computer so you don't hurt yourself or damage any of the
components. · Wash and dry your hands · Make sure you ground yourself by
touching an uncoated part of your computer's chassis prior to touching any of
the components. It is recommended to wear the anti-static strap. · Be careful of
sharp edges within your case · Only handle PCB's (your motherboard, video card,
etc) from the edges whenever possible. Touching the contacts can damage them. ·
Avoid using magnetic screwdrivers when installing your hard drive, since it is a
magnetic storage medium. In the following pages, you will find the instruction
steps to preparing, installing and testing your new processor Preparation At
this point, have the new case in front of you with the cover removed. Before any
installation of the components takes place, you must prepare it for use.
Go through the following checklist to ensure it is prepared. 1. Clean the
case. Clean out the inside with a rag and compressed air to ensure the case is
free of dust. 2. Inspect the power supply. Make sure it is set to the proper
voltage (110V). 3. Install feet. These are tabs inserted into the holes at the
bottom of the case. 4. Install the case fan. Screw the fan onto a rack next to
the vent on the front of the case with the accompanying screws. INSTALLATION
PROCESS Installing the CPU CAUTION: Installing the CPU is straight forward, but
doing this step too fast or carelessly can result in damage to the processor. 5.
Install the processor rack into Slot 1 (a PCI slot) of the motherboard, which is
a support for the CPU to rest in. 6. Position a rail on each end of the Slot.
Use the small screws on each end of the slot to tighten it into place onto the
motherboard. 7. Insert the Processor into the Slot. Push the processor into the
guide rails and down all the way to the surface of the slot. Installing the Heat
Sink Now that the CPU is installed in the motherboard, the installation of the
heat sink and fan are required. 8. Attach the fan to the heat sink using the
four screws provided with the CPU fan. 9. Apply the heat sink compound to cover
surface of the chip. 10. Attach the heat sink on top of the processor, pressing
down lightly.
