7 easy steps to building your computer

How do I build my own computer? Here are seven easy steps:

1. You need a motherboard, processor, heat sink, ram, power supply, case, hard drive, CD/DVD ROM’s and thermal paste to build a PC. It is advisable to read the motherboard user manual to know the specific compatible parts that suit your needs because some motherboards come with integrated sound, video, and ethernet ports.

2. If you don't follow the motherboard user manual installing the motherboard can be difficult, it will guide you on screwing in to the case and for all the jumper settings. An important note to remember is use a grounding strap at all times when handling circuit cards and motherboard!  This step is important and if not followed you could potentially destroy them permanently.

3. After motherboard comes the installation of components. Start with the processor and heat sink not forgetting to ground you before touching any of the components. Processors are easy in installing, you need to lift up the arm on the slot, line up the arrow on the processor with the slot and the push the arm back down. Installing the heat sink isn't difficult either. You need to spread a thin layer of thermal paste on the heat sink and snap it in on top of the processor. Read the manual for proper installation as all heat sink snap in differently. Next comes ram which is the easiest process. You open the snaps on the ram slots on the motherboard, line up the notches, and push it down that’s it!!

4. Next in process is the power supply. First screw into the case and then plug in the power cables in the motherboard. Usually it has a 20 pin connector and a 4 pin that plug straight into the motherboard. The other power connectors will be connected when the CD / DVD ROMs and hard drive are installed.

5. The hard drives and the CD/DVD’s need to be installed precisely after reading the manual if you want the computer to function properly. It just needs to be screwed in and plug it up but that can sometimes differ depending on whether you are using IDE or SATA devices, the power and data cables hook up differently.

6. When all the hardware is installed you have to install add in cards you may have for example sound card, modem or maybe a video card, much them just push in. You line up the card with the empty slot and push in it. If you have any problems refer to the user manual.

7. Last but not the least is giving your PC the software it needs to run and get going. Installing the operating system is very simple, while you are installing the OS screens popup and you click next. Refer to the operating system manual for further details. It will give you a graphical representation for the installation. When you finish installing the OS next are drivers for the system. A CD usually comes with the parts. After they are installed the job is done.