PC Assembly Guide

Questions and Answers

The triangle corner of the CPU with the triangle corner of the motherboard socket

To find the recommended RAM slots to use

Bottom back of the case Signup and view all the answers

Motherboard power Signup and view all the answers

Plugging in the SATA power cable and SATA data cable Signup and view all the answers

In the top-most PCI Express slot Signup and view all the answers

Installing the operating system of your choice Signup and view all the answers

To find the location of the motherboard's SATA port Signup and view all the answers

Boot into BIOS to ensure it's working Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

There are seven main PC components in a computer: CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, graphics card, power supply, and case.
Use PCPartPicker.com to ensure compatibility between all components.

Locate the golden triangle corner of the CPU and align it with the triangle corner of the motherboard socket.
The CPU should drop into place without forcing it and lock into the socket.
If the CPU cooler does not have thermal paste, apply a dot or cross to the CPU before installing the cooler.
Plug in the CPU cooler fan into the CPU fan header on the motherboard.

Install RAM in dual channel whenever possible.
Check the motherboard's manual for recommended RAM slots to use.
Align the single gap in the RAM stick with the single bump in the RAM slot on the motherboard.
Press down to click the RAM into place.

Install the motherboard into the case by inserting the IO shield into the back of the case.
Place the motherboard on the case standoffs and screw it into place to secure it.

Install the power supply in the bottom back of the case.
Secure it with screws.
Perform cable management: plug in the largest power supply cable to the motherboard power, CPU power cable to the top side of the motherboard, and plug in case cables (USB and front panel cables).