Building a PC ߀” Step by Step

PC & IT Hardware PC Building & Assembly / Guide

Building a PC ߀” Step by Step

A practical assembly guide from unboxing to first boot.

Before You Start

Tools you need:

  • Phillips-head screwdriver (#2)
  • Anti-static wrist strap or work on a grounded surface
  • Good lighting and a clean flat surface

Check compatibility before buying: CPU socket must match motherboard, RAM type must match motherboard, PSU wattage must cover all components.

Step 1 ߀” Prepare the Case

  1. Remove side panels from the case
  2. Install the I/O shield (the metal plate that came with the motherboard) into the rear of the case ߀” it snaps in from the inside
  3. Install case standoffs ߀” brass risers that lift the motherboard off the metal tray. The motherboard manual shows which holes to use

Step 2 ߀” Install the CPU

  1. Open the CPU socket lever on the motherboard
  2. Align the CPU ߀” look for the triangle marker on one corner of the CPU and the matching marker on the socket
  3. Lower the CPU gently ߀” never force it; it should drop in with no pressure
  4. Close and lock the lever (Intel: push lever under retaining tab; AMD: close latch)

ß? ?? Never touch the CPU pins or pads. Hold it by the edges.

Step 3 ߀” Install RAM

  1. Check your motherboard manual for the recommended slots for dual-channel (usually slots 2 and 4)
  2. Open the retention clips on both ends of the slot
  3. Align the RAM notch with the slot key
  4. Press firmly and evenly until both clips click

Step 4 ߀” Install the M.2 SSD (if applicable)

  1. Locate the M.2 slot on the motherboard (covered by a heatsink on most modern boards)
  2. Remove the heatsink screw and heatsink
  3. Insert the SSD at a 30?° angle and press it flat
  4. Secure with the retaining screw, replace the heatsink

Step 5 ߀” Install CPU Cooler

  1. Apply thermal paste: a pea-sized dot in the centre of the CPU IHS (integrated heat spreader)
  2. Mount the cooler according to its instructions ߀” most use a backplate + screws or push pins
  3. Connect the CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) on the motherboard

Step 6 ߀” Install the Motherboard

  1. Lower the motherboard into the case, aligning rear ports with the I/O shield
  2. Align screw holes with standoffs
  3. Hand-tighten all screws first, then snug them down in a cross pattern ߀” do not overtighten

Step 7 ߀” Install the PSU

  1. Slide the PSU into its bay (usually bottom-rear of the case)
  2. Secure with four screws from the back panel
  3. Route cables through cable management holes before connecting

Step 8 ߀” Install the GPU

  1. Remove the relevant PCIe slot covers from the case rear
  2. Seat the GPU in the top PCIe x16 slot ߀” push until it clicks
  3. Secure the GPU bracket with screws
  4. Connect PCIe power cables from the PSU

Step 9 ߀” Connect All Cables

Cable Connect to
24-pin ATX Main motherboard power connector
8-pin EPS CPU power (top-left of motherboard)
SATA power Any SATA drives
PCIe 6/8-pin GPU
Front panel headers Power button, reset, LEDs (see mobo manual)
USB 3.0 header Front panel USB ports
SATA data SATA drives to motherboard SATA ports

Step 10 ߀” First Boot

  1. Double-check all connections before closing the case
  2. Connect monitor, keyboard, mouse
  3. Press the power button ߀” fans should spin, POST screen should appear
  4. Enter the BIOS (usually Delete or F2) to confirm RAM is detected at correct speed and storage is visible
  5. Install your OS from a USB drive
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