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Assembly

  1. Assembly Environment

  2. Prepare Case

  3. Install Motherboard

  4. Install Processor

  5. Install RAM

  6. Install Hard Drive

  7. Install Video Card

  8. Install other cards

  9. Install CD/DVD Drive

  10. Connect wires

  11. Check all connections

  12. Close case and turn on

  13. Software Installation

  14. Finishing Up

 


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Assembly

3. Install the Motherboard

This is where a delicate hand will be needed.

When installing most computer parts, and especially the motherboard, you must remember that you shouldn't force anything in, but you can't be too timid as to not apply enough pressure to make things fit.  Since all these computer parts must be universal fitting, the chances of something being just a little off here or there is expected and should not be interpreted as not being able to fit.  There's a certain way of maneuvering the motherboard in that allows it to sort of lock into place just before you screw it in.

Place it in the case:

Touch the case!   Remember, if you're not using a static wristband then make sure you are always touching the case while handling electronic components.  I usually just make sure my forearm is touching the perimeter of the case. Take the motherboard back out of the bag and double check to make sure the risers you installed line up with the holes in the motherboard and the rectangular plate on the back of the case lines up with the ports on the motherboard.  The best way to maneuver the motherboard in there is to have the case on it's side and lower the motherboard slightly at an angle, with the ports going in first.  Push the motherboard against the rectangular port plate so that it's snug, then lower the rest of the motherboard down.  If done correctly the holes in the motherboard should line up with the risers more or less.  If they don't, then try doing this lowering step a couple times or check to see if there are any obstructions between the motherboard and case.

Installing the Motherboard

Secure the motherboard: How To Install a Computer Motherboard - Motherboard Installation

Once the motherboard is positioned, determine how many screws you will need.  Please note that there are usually two different types of threads on the screws included with the case, large and small.  For the motherboard, the screws with larger (more spaced out) threads will be needed.  Take these screws and begin screwing them into the risers, securing the motherboard in place.  Don't tighten them How To Install a Computer Motherboard - Motherboard Installation all the way until they are all in place so if you need to shift the motherboard at all you can still do so.  When you're ready to tighten the screws make sure you do so enough to secure the motherboard, but don't tighten them so much that you crack the board itself.

That's all there is to it, just make sure everything is snug and secure, then move on to

Install the Processor (Step 4)

 

 

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