DIY: how to build your own computer?
When someone asks you how good are you with computer you should only tell them that you’re a geek it you’ve assembled your own computer at least once in your life without help. Most of the people fear installing an OS (if they know what that is), so imagine how it would be like for them to build their own computer.
Don't be afraid to get dirty
For me it’s a pleasure so I’m gonna try and ease up thinks for newbies by describing the main steps involved in building your own computer. This is not a step by step illustrated guide, but more of a reference for when you have all the components on the table and don’t know where to start. So there it is:
How do I build a computer?
First make sure your hands are clean, not electrically charged (touch a large metal object to solve this problem with static electricity that can damage chips), you have all the necessary components and tools (a Phillips “crosshead” PH screwdriver and a cutter are usually enough) around the working table.
The main steps in building your own computer are:
- Get the side panels off the computer CASE
- Mount case fans if available or not included with the case
- Mount the power supply and put all the cables to hang outside the case
- Mount the CPU on the motherboard
- Mount the memory modules on the motherboard (check the manual for correct dual-channel or triple channel performance)
- Mount the Cooler on the CPU (if you have a big one it might get hard to put the memory modules in their place that’s why I recommend mounting the memory in step 4) and connect its cable to the motherboard
- Mount the Optical Drive
- Mount the Hard drive
- Screw in the motherboard inside the case
- Put the graphic card in its place
- Connect the power cables to the motherboard
- Connect other power cables to HDD, Optical Drive and Power supply
- Connect Case fans to the motherboard or power supply
- Connect case cables to motherboard (power, reset, usb, firewire, audio connectors and other cables if available). Check the manual for this step as it’s not so intuitive where everything goes
- Plug the power cable to the power supply and start the computer
- Connect the monitor to power and VGA card
- Enter BIOS to set up things
- Install OS and other programs
- Enjoy your DIY build computer
I know, it sounds too easy, but everyone can do it with a little help from someone. You just have to have a little faith in you and read other resources on the Internet.
Here’s a list of sources that might help you build your own computer:
A relaxed guy explains in the video below how a DIY computer should be built:
It’s annoying how cables can really fill the whole case. Luckily there are modular power supplies and additional removable panels in computer cases behind the motherboard where you can hide some unnecessary cables.
The computer assembly process needs some planning in order not to get stuck. Cables are good to be installed at the point when it’s as easy as possible. I’m used to install my motherboard cables before graphics card, sound card etc.
The overall process of putting your own computer is rewarding and teaches you about computers and their troubleshooting.