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Building Your Own Computer - Part 1
Building Your Own Computer - Part 2
Building Your Own Computer - Part 3
Building Your Own Computer - Part 4
Building Your Own Computer - Part 5
Building Your Own Computer - Part 6
Building Your Own Computer - Part 7
CD DVD
CPU
Components
Computer Accessories Part 2
Hard Drives - Part 1
Hard Drives - Part 2
Memory
Motherboard - Part 1
Motherboard - Part 2
Sound Cards
Video Cards |
Building Your Own Computer - Part 2
CD DVDThere are many ways to store computer data. Most of the data is kept on hard drives which are ..... After purchasing all the components for your new computer, you can start putting it all together. Choose a dry, dust-free work area that has plenty of light. To minimize static, it is best that you not work in a carpeted area.
You just need basic tools; a Phillips screwdriver and an anti-static wrist strap. Static electricity can destroy computer components so try to do everything possible to minimize the build-up of static. A wrist strap is the minimum. You should also use an antistatic mat if one is available.
Opening the Case
Computer cases come in many different designs and each manufacturer has their own method for securing the case. Traditional designs use screws on the back of the case for holding the side plates in place. Newer designs use screw-less attachment systems and the side plates simply slide into place.
Open the case and if possible take out the motherboard mounting plate. The case should come with a supply of screws and attachments for mounting the motherboard and installing hard drives and other components. There should be two sizes of screws; the larger ones are for securing add-on cards and hard drives, while the smaller ones are for holding the motherboard in place.
The case may need some preparation work before actually installing any components into it. Some cases do not have the feet attached, but can be easily secured to the bottom of the case. You may also need to remove metal plates that are covering the drive bays and the I/O (input/output) connections.
Hard Drives - Part 2How big should your hard drive be? As we saw in the previous article, the file system your computer uses can determine the ..... Power and Cooling
If the case did not come with a power supply, this is the first thing you will need to install. It goes in the back of the case at the top, and there are usually little supports for guiding the installation orientation. The power supply is secured with the larger case screws.
You will also wish to install a cooling fan for the case. This is attached at the front of the case below the hard drive bays.
Motherboard Plate
Once the inside of the case has been prepared, you are ready to attach the motherboard to the motherboard plate. The motherboard plate should be removed from the case before installing the motherboard. If your case does not feature a removable plate, you must attach all the components on the motherboard before installing it in the case.
The first step is to put the standoffs in place. These are the small supports that will raise the motherboard from the surface of the case. The motherboard mounting plate should have a variety of standoff locations to accommodate the layout of various motherboards.
Using the motherboard as a guide, install the standoffs so that there is one under every mounting hole of the motherboard. There should be several around the edges and two or three supporting the middle part of the motherboard. Once the standoffs are in place, place the motherboard on the plate.
Some motherboards have circular metal areas around the screw holes which prevent the screws from shorting the motherboard, but it is still a good idea to use washers under the mounting screws to give a little bit of extra cushioning between the screw and the motherboard.
Insert the screws into the mounting holes and turn them a few times by hand. Once they are all in place, tighten them gently with a screwdriver. Be sure not to over-tighten the screws. Use just enough force to hold the motherboard securely in place.
Sound CardsComputers are becoming more and more important as multimedia entertainment stations daily. They are .....
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