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11. Check all connections
Yes, that's right, you're going to want to check your connections AGAIN! There's no such thing as too safe when you're working with electronic components that are sensitive to electricity.
This step will provide a checklist for you to go over, making sure that all your cables are properly connected and secure:
Check List
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Make sure all the cards are seated well and screwed in
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Check the power connections
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Check the IDE and Floppy cables and master/slave settings
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Check the front panel connectors
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Check any other connections
1. Make sure all the cards are seated well and screwed in:
This includes the RAM. You want to make sure everything is secure in it's slot and doesn't shift around when you lightly push it back and forth.
2. Check the power connections
Make sure all the power connections are secure and can't be easily pulled out. This includes the power to the motherboard, CD/DVD drive, floppy drive, and any other place that is using a power cable from the power supply.
3. Check the IDE and Floppy cables and master/slave settings
Make sure the hard drive is on the cable that is connected to the primary plug on the motherboard. Also check to make sure it is the master, and the other device on that cable (if there is one) is the slave. Check the other IDE cable as well and make sure all of them are securely plugged in.
4. Check the front panel connectors
Refer to your manual and double check all the connectors for the front panel. Make sure that small triangle on the plastic plug leading from the case is on the positively charged pin on the motherboard.
5. Check any other connections
Double check any other connections you may have made and MAKE SURE that no wires are near any moving parts such as the processor fan or the video card fan. If possible, bundle the power cables together with a Velcro strap or even a zip tie.
Once you're sure everything is ready ,