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PersonalComputer Building Tips

Building your own personal computer from custom componentscan seem like a daunting task.How do you know which CPU, motherboard, hard drive or monitor to buy?How do the components fit together? Will the final computer system workflawlessly?

Here you can find simple tips that will help you understandthe easiest way to build your own Personal Computer. You don'thave to be a Hardware engineer to follow these simple Tips.

Last Updated - 29th September 2005

In order to build your own computer you're going to need some basiccheap computer tool kits. If you shop around online you should be ableto find some good, cheap deals.

Tools Required - (Need to be NonMagnetic)

Antistatic wrist band - Your computer's components are verysensitive to static electricity. Make sure that you always have youranti static wrist band on when working on your computer. Other optionsinclude working on anti static mats while wearing a wristband.

Needle-nose pliers and Tweezers - These tools come in usewhen handling small screws and bits of metal. Your computer's circuitryis very precise and you'll need some good tweezers and pliers to holdthings into place.

Screwdrivers - You should have at least one small Phillipsand Flathead screwdriver in your kit.

Spare parts container - They can be used to store small parts,screws, spacers, etc.

Nut drivers - Although these aren't a requirement for yourtool kit, most tool kits come with some nut drivers.

Small flash light - It is a good thing to have when yourworking in a dark computer case.

Computer Parts Required .

Computer case - You have tonsof choices for these; colors, sizes, number of drive bays, etc. Mostmotherboards are built for an ATX case, which are larger than theAT cases. Make sure you have at least two hard drive bays and threeto four 5.25" drive bays for things like CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs.Keep in mind when you choose computer parts that you can get computercases with one clear side so you can show of those colorful and glowingparts. Also, some cases come with a power supply, so look into thatas well.

Power Supply - Most basic computers are fine with a 250 to300 watt power supply. But if you plan on adding more demanding videoand sound cards, you may want to get a more powerful power supply.

Motherboard - This is the core computer part. It determineshow easily you can upgrade your computer in the future. Try to selectone that will easily allow you to add RAM, upgrade processors, builtin Ethernet, and allow you to use many PCI cards. Try to stay awayfrom motherboards with built in video; they tend to become outdatedvery quickly.

Processor - This is the second most important decision you'llmake when you choose computer parts. When building a new computer,you'll want to get at least a Pentium 3 or an AMD processor. Try toget at least 2 GHz of speed on that processor or it will become veryobsolete and you'll find your computer getting sluggish over time.

Types of RAM - Although Windows XP recommends a ridiculouslylow amount of RAM, it's advisable to get at least 256 MB to start.When you're ready for more speed, it's just a simple addition of moreRAM!

Floppy disk drive - There is really no "special"type of floppy drive to get. Just get a basic one, they can be hadfor pretty cheap.

Hard drive - Consider getting at least one hard drive with40 GB of space. Manufacturers have made it extremely cheap to geta hard drive with a ton of free space.

CD-ROM - Get at least a CD-ROM drive, but preferably a CD-RWso you can store more data or burn your own CD's. A 32x speed shouldbe plenty fast.

DVD-ROM - If you ever want to view DVD movies on your computer,then this would be a great investment. You can also get DVD-ROMs thatread CD-ROMs and that can also burn CD's, so shop around!

Graphics Card - A good graphics card can be the differencebetween good and great image quality on any monitor. Be sure to geta 32 MB AGP at the least.

Ethernet Card - Try to get a motherboard with a built-inEthernet plug. These type are generally more reliable and you won'thave to take up a PCI slot to have the Internet.

Sound Card - If you don't plan on having surround sound oranything that requires crystal clear quality sound, look for a motherboardwith built in sound.

Modem - Although dial-up is becoming increasingly less popular,if you have it then you need a good modem. Modems are so cheap todayyou should opt to get a 56K modem to give you a little extra speedout of your dial up.

Monitor - If you have extra money in your budget, definitelyspring for an LCD. Not only are they more attractive than a CRT, butthey don't take up hardly any room on your desk.

Keyboard and Mouse - There are two main types of keyboards,corded and cordless. If you want to cut back on the amount of cords,then get a cordless keyboard, but keep in mind that it'll use batteries.Ball mouses are pretty obsolete. Get at least an optical mouse anda cordless one if you don't like the cords!

Opening the Case -

Don't stress out about it when you decide to choose computer parts.Just be sure to do your research, make sure you have options to upgradecheaply in the future, and compare prices. If you do all of thoseyou shouldn't have any trouble when you choose computer parts!

Although it is relatively simple to open a computer case, if you'venever had the need to, then you probably don't know how.

If your computer has hardware installed, be sure to disconnect thepower cable.

Locate the screws on the rear of the computer, there should be acouple on the top and a couple on each side. Remove them.

Now to open a computer case, you need to pull up and towards thefront of the computer. It should come off easily. If your computercase is not coming of, look for any screws that you might have missedand remove them.

Replacing the computer case is just the opposite of when you opena computer case.

Installing PCI Cards

To install PCI cards, you need to:

Unplug your computer from the wall and remove your computer's casecover so that you have plenty of room to work. Also have your antistaticwristband on because PCI cards are VERY sensitive to static electricity.

Locate your PCI card slots on your motherboard. Then use a screwdriverto remove the screw holding the PCI slot cover. Once removed, setaside the screw, you'll need that later!

Align your PCI card with the slots on the motherboard and make surethe hole in the face of the PCI card lines up over the hole whichyou removed the screw.

Now to install the PCI slot card, firmly press down on it untilit is in position. Finally, replace the screw that you removed beforeto secure the PCI card into place.

Plug your computer back in and turn it on. Your computer shoulddetect the new card and be prepared to install any new drivers.

Troubleshooting when you install PCI cards

If your computer doesn't turn on make sure the power cable is pluggedinto the wall and plugged into the computer's power supply.

After installing your PCI card, if your computer turns on but beepsa couple times and the operating system does not load, repeat theinstall process but try the PCI card in different slots on the motherboard,it is possible that you have a bad slot.

If all else fails when you install your PCI card, contact its manufacturerfor more help.

Installing a CPU

Remove the mother board form the cabinet before you install theCPU

Pull up the lever beside the CPU's socket.

The CPU will only go into the socket one way, by lining up the notchin the socket and the gold triangle on the CPU. Then CPU should simplydrop into place. You should not have to force the CPU into the socket.

Now pull the lever down to lock the CPU into place and secure thelever in its plastic retainer, if there is one available.

Now you're almost done installing a processor. The final step isthe CPU fan installation, to keep that CPU cool.

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Installing a Motherboard

If your computer is plugged in, unplug it. Make sure you have yourantistatic wrist band on and open the computer's case.

Next, screw in the spacers that should have come with your caseinto the holes that you selected above. Some computers may also havesnap-in spacers instead of the screw in spacers.

Hold the motherboard just above the case to find which holes ofthe case line up with the holes in the mother board.

Once the spacers are securely in, it's time to install your motherboardby gently laying it in the case onto the spacers. When the holes ofthe motherboard line up with the holes of the spacers, screw the motherboardin place with the screws provided with the case. Do not over tightenthese screws as they can crack and ruin your motherboard. If the screw'shead looks too wide and it may disrupt the motherboards circuitryyou can place a rubber buffer between the screw and the board.

Finally, the last step for installing a motherboard is to make someof the basic connections. Which include the case's on/off switch,case indicator lights, reset button, and speakers. The location ofthese connections are different in every computer, so check your motherboard'suser manual. Also connect the computer power supply to the motherboard,usually two to three connections depending on your motherboard, andyou are ready to do a preliminary test.

Testing a Motherboard

Insert your video graphics card into the AGP slot of your motherboard and secure it to the computer case with a screw.

Hook up your monitor, keyboard, and mouse; and plug the computerinto a power outlet.

Your computer should beep and display the basic BIOS informationon the screen. If this doesn't happen or your computer doesn't turnon, check all of the connections you made while installing your motherboard.

If you've completed installing a motherboard, congratulations.

Install Power Supply

Open up your computer case so you have plenty of room to installa power supply. Also make sure you have your antistatic wrist bandon.

While removing the power supply, it helps to make a diagram to rememberwhere everything goes when you are ready to install a power supply.

Remove the screws holding the power supply into the case. Be sureto support it so that it doesn't fall after the screws have been removed.

Disconnect the power supply from the motherboard and from the drivesand any fans that it is connected directly to.

Carefully remove the power supply from the computer case.

That's it for removing a power supply.

And now how to install a power supply. It's not difficult at all,installation is the exact opposite of removing a power supply. Placeyour new power supply in the same location of the old one. Note thelocation of screw holes and make sure they line up! Install the screwsto secure it in place. Connect the power supply to the motherboard,the amount of connections vary between motherboards, mine has three.Then connect the power supply to all of the drives and any extra fansyou might have.

Double check all of your work, make sure all connections are goodand secure. Also make sure that your power supply is securely screwedin.

Plug in your computer and make sure it turns on and everything isrunning ok. Then continue by placing the computer's case back ontothe computer.

Install Ram Memory

It's extremely easy to install RAM memory onto your computer's motherboard.Has your computer been getting sluggish lately? Installing new RAM isa very cost effective way to give your computer some extra juice.

Upgrading your RAM memory gives you the most bang for the buck whenattempting to make your computer faster and it doesn't take a specialistto do it.

First, you need to unplug your computer from the wall and open yourcomputer case to get access to the motherboard.

In order to install RAM you must first locate where your currentRAM is on your motherboard and what it looks like. Chances are thereare extra slots next to your current RAM. The great thing about mosttypes of RAM is you can leave your current memory in your computerand place your new RAM in the next available slot.

Remove your RAM from its antistatic bag and hold it by the edges.Make sure you have your antistatic wrist band on so that you don'truin your new RAM.

To next step to install your RAM is to determine which slot to placeit into. You want to install your RAM in the lowest numbered slotor the empty slot that is closest to your filled memory slots.

You can only install RAM in one direction. Look on the bottom ofthe RAM stick. You need to line up the notches in the RAM with thekeys in the slot on your motherboard.

Make sure the retainer clips for the RAM are all the way open. Placethe RAM in the slot and gently push it straight down with your thumbs.You may have to press hard to "set" the RAM correctly. Whenyou press down hard enough the retaining clips on either side of theRAM will snap into place, making a "clicking" sound.

Before closing the computer case up you should test to see if youwere able to install the RAM correctly. Power up your PC and everythingshould work normally.

Ram Installation Troubleshooting

If you powered on your PC and it did not turn on, IMMEDIATELY turnyour computer off.

Check the simple things first, make sure your computer is properlyconnected to a power source.

Make sure the RAM is set all the way down in its slot. The retainingclips on either side should be all the way up. Also, make sure yourRAM is installed in the lowest numbered slot or in the slot closestto you current RAM.

If trying the above fails, contact the manufacturer of the RAM andthey should be able to help you install RAM in no time!

Install a Hard Drive

Unplug the power cable and open up your computer case. Make sureyou have your antistatic wrist band on.

Pick the drive bay that you are going to install the hard drivein. You'll want to install it in the farthest drive bay down.

Before you install a hard drive, make sure you set the proper jumpersettings. Since we are only installing a single hard drive, set thejumpers as MASTER. The jumper settings are different for each harddrive, so consult your owner's manual so you know which pins to coverup.

Now that you have the jumpers set, it's time to install your harddrive in the computer's case. Secure the hard drive in the drive baythat you selected above with some screws.

First, connect the power cable to the back of the hard drive. Next,connect the ribbon cable to the back of the hard drive. Note thatthe ribbon cable has 3 connectors, one on each end and one in themiddle. Connect your hard drive to one of the end connectors, andthen connect the other end connector to the motherboard. There aretwo slots on a motherboard that will connect to a ribbon cable. Selectthe one that is red or the one that is labeled with the lowest number.The unused middle connector on the ribbon cable is a "SLAVE"connector that is used when you install a second hard drive.

Plug in your computer and power it on. Your computer should recognizethe new hard drive. If it doesn't, go into your motherboards BIOSand search around for the IDE channels, they need to be set to AUTO.

That's all there is to install a hard drive.

Now you should be ready to format the disk with software providedby your hard drives manufacturer and install an operating system.

Install a CD-ROM / DVD-ROM Drive

Want to record your own CD's or watch your favorite DVD's on yourcomputer? Installing a new CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM makes this possibleand we show you how here!

Unplug the power cable from your power supply and open up your computercase. Don't forget to wear your antistatic wrist band.

Determine which drive bay you are going to install a CD-ROM into.You should pick on of the uppermost drive bays.

Before you install a CD-ROM, make sure you have the proper jumpersettings. Since we are only installing a single CD-ROM, set the jumpersas MASTER. The jumper settings are different for each CD-ROM drive,so consult your owner's manual so you know which pins to cover up.

Once you have the jumpers set, install your CD-ROM in the computer'scase. How you secure the CD-ROM in one of the uppermost drive baysdepends on your case. Some CD-ROM drives have to be screwed into thedrive bay, like how you install a floppy drive, while other casescome with brackets to attach to the CD-ROM drive so that it slidesinto the drive bay and locks in place.

Connect the power to the back of the CD-ROM drive, then connectthe ribbon cable to the back of the CD-ROM drive. Your ribbon cablehas three connectors, one in the middle and one on each end. The middleconnector is a "SLAVE" connector that is used if you wouldinstall an additional CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. Connect one of theend connectors to the CD-ROM drive, and connect the other end connectorto the appropriate spot on your motherboard. Note, hard drives andCD-ROM drives have the same style of connector on the motherboard.You want to connect your CD-ROM drive to the motherboard slot thatisn't red or is the highest numbered of all the IDE slots.

Power on your computer after you plug it in. Your computer shouldrecognize the new CD-ROM. If it doesn't, go into your motherboardsBIOS and search around for the IDE channels, they need to be set toAUTO.

That's all there is to install a CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM.

Install a Floppy Drive

One of the most basic drives on your computer is the floppy drive.Sometimes they will unexpectedly stop working and you'll need to installa new floppy drive.

Unplug your computer and open the computer's case so you can workon it. Also make sure your grounded with a antistatic wrist band soyou don't fry your PC's components.

If you already have a floppy drive installed, you'll have to removeit first, just follow these directions in reverse.

Mount your floppy disk drive in the case. For most computers cases,you slide the floppy drive into the empty drive bay from the front.Use the screws provided to install a floppy drive into the drive bay.If your drive bay does not slide out you may have to screw in therear screw by hand like how I did.

Once you've installed your floppy drive in the case, connect a powersource to the floppy drive. Then you must connect the ribbon cableto the back of the floppy drive. Now you must note the where the floppydrive connects to the motherboard, use the other end of the ribboncable to make this connection.

Plug in your computer and power it on. Your computer should automaticallyrecognize the new floppy disk drive.

Disclaimer: The Computer Building Tips / Informationpresented and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors anddo not necessarily represent the views of TipsAndTreats.com and/orits partners.

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