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Computer Assembly Tips

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Since there are a plethora of combinations of components available today, writing a one-size-fits-all tutorial (like this one) can only cover so much. Reading some of the generic assembly tutorials that are available on the web can lead to considerable confusion if you're not working with the components used in the tutorial. Many of these tutorials have not been updated in more than a year which means they recommend outdated products and discuss obsolete practices. Any quality computer reference website will have a date on their website, if not on individual pages, so you know how current the information is.

If you would like to learn how to build a computer for the first time, check out the guide I put together to help you. It uses a pretty standard set of components and will show you the process first-hand. The tutorial will not only tell you how to assemble that set of components, but it will tell you how to apply this new knowledge to any other configuration you want, easily and confidently. This is the ultimate guide for new computer builders. Check it out on the guide page.

In this section I have included some general tips that I think will help make your build more successful.

  • Make sure you're wearing an anti-static wrist band when you touch any component. This eliminates the risk of static damage to your sensitive components.
  • Before you install your motherboard, set it on its anti-static bag and attach the processor and heatsink first. This will open things up and allow you use any angle you need. Make sure your heatsink is not being blocked by any transistors or other things protruding from the motherboard. If the heatsink is resting on a transistor, it won't be doing its job.
  • If you're thinking about over-clocking, apply Arctic Silver thermal compound in between the CPU and heatsink. Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to clean both surfaces prior to application. This compound will help to lower your CPU temperature.
  • Plug in the power cord to your heatsink fan. This has potential to be an expensive "duh" moment if you forget, since you might fry your CPU.
  • When you install your system memory, make sure the notch on the RAM is properly aligned with the notch in the slot. Don't try to force it in the wrong way.
  • Always read your motherboard manual. Always. This will save you a considerable headache and help you avoid costly mistakes.
  • If you're installing a 3.5" floppy drive, it's very hard to tell which way to connect the IDE cable to the drive. If, when you power on your computer, the floppy drive's activity light maintains a steady glow, you have it plugged in upside down and the drive will not work until you flip it.
  • When using more than one IDE device on the same cable, you need to set the jumpers on the back of both drives. Usually the primary hard drive should be set to master, and anything else set to slave. If you have the option of using different cables for your hard drive and optical drive, you should put them on separate channels to maximize their speed.
  • If you live in the United States, make sure the voltage switch (by the power switch) on you power supply says 110V. For all other countries, set it to 220V.
  • Before your initial boot, double check everything. Make sure all connections are tight, power cables are plugged in, and fan blades are clear of stray cables.
  • If your computer won't start when you push the power button, the most common problem is that the case connections to the motherboard are incorrect (specifically the one labeled "PWR" or "PWR-SW". Your motherboard's manual will tell you exactly how to configure these connections. These are often referred to as front-panel connectors.
  • In the BIOS menu, ensure your first boot device is set to "CD-ROM" if you are installing from a CD, or set to "Floppy" if you're booting from a floppy disk.
  • Install anti-virus software (a great, free anti-virus is AVG Anti-Virus) and enable your Windows firewall (if using Windows XP) before you connect your new system to the Internet. As soon as you're on the Internet, download the current updates and definitions for your anti-virus software and for Windows, then install everything else. Now you're much better protected than if you saved it for later.
  • Enjoy your new PC!

If you have any questions or additional nuggets of advice, visit the forum and let me know!