Building Your Own Computer

Created by: Skyler Little, Gavin Rosenvall, Elliot Berg,

Michael Sharich, & Taylor Peterson

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
INTRODUCTION -
Skyler Little 3
COMPONENTS - E
lliot Berg 3
TOOLS -
Elliot Berg 5
ASSEMBLY -
Michael Sharich, Gavin Rosenvall 6
DOWNLOADING SOFTWARE - Taylor Peterson 9
MAINTENANCE - Skyler Little 9
SOURCES 11

Introduction Author: Skyler Little

Building your own personal computer is a wise investment and one of
the greatest learning experiences that one can undergo. Whether you are
building your computer for gaming, internet surfing, school, or anything
between the following technical manual will teach you, the reader, the basic
knowledge needed to go about building your own computer from start to
finish. The sections go in chronological order and outline what to do and why
to do it. Good luck!

Components Author: Elliot Berg

The type and style of components in a computer directly determine what
functions of the computer and its performance. The typical desktop computer
(PC) needs a minimum of 10 components listed here.

C PU/Processor - The CPU or processor is the "brains" of the

computer. It does the majority of the processing in the computer and

controls the overall function of the computer.

Motherboard - If the processor is the brain, the motherboard could
be compared to the nervous system. The CPU provides directions, and
then the motherboard communicates with all the other key components
in the gaming PC such as graphics cards, memory, and hard drives. There
are different motherboard sizes such as ATX, MATX, ITX and Etc. The
size of the motherboard dictates the amount of components it can hold.
Small motherboards can sometimes only hold a few RAM modules and
have limited expansion slots. Larger motherboards sometimes have
locations for two CPUs and have many more RAM slots and expansion
slots.

Memory - RAM, or random access memory, will help your PC access
files quickly and run multiple instructions at once without slowing
performance.

G raphics card - Graphics processing unit (GPU), is the visual

component of the computer. This component controls the signals sent to

the monitors of the computer. It processes the graphical data to play

video games, movies and to every display the operation system.


S torage, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), Optical

drives - Every computer needs a way to store data for later use, whether
this be text files, images or software, it all needs to be stored so it can be
accessed later. There are two types of storage devices, hard disk drive
(HDD) and solid-state drive (SSD). Hard Drives are a system of spinning
magnetic disks that are used to store data, because the disks physically
move this style of storage is lower and requires more power. Solid State
drives are typically faster and have no moving parts, they require lower
amounts of power but are typically more expensive and have smaller
storage amounts when compared to Hard Drives. Optical drives, or CD
ROM drives are used for loading data from CDs or DVDs onto a computer.
CDs and DVDs storage data for later use and are typically used to install
software or transfer data between computers physically.

P ower supply unit (PSU) - All of the components in the computer

require power, the PSU is the unit that converts 120V wall power to the
power used by the computer.

Cooling system (fans or liquid) - Almost all of the components in the
computer will produce heat as they operate. Fans or liquid cooling is
needed to keep the components cool so they can continue to operate.

C ase - The case is where all of the components will go. A typical case

will have specially build holes and locations for the motherboard PSU
and hard drives. The size of the case will depend on the size of the
motherboard

P eripherals (keyboards, mice, monitor ) - Every computer needs

some sort of user input. Keyboards, mice and monitors allow the user to
control the computer and to use it more effectively.

Operation system - Typically called an OS, the computer will require a
software package to be able to be used effectively. Most computers use a
graphical based OS such as Windows, or Apple OS but others can be used
depending on the purpose of the computer.

Modern computer components are designed to be user friendly and
compatible with similar technical generation hardware. The hardest part of
building a computer is understanding what components are needed and which
components are compatible with one another. The general rule is, buy
components that are made for the technological generation of the CPU and
Motherboard that is to be used. The type of motherboard will dictate the CPU,
RAM, Graphics card and Hard Drives that can be used. Every motherboard
manufacturer will list the hardware that is compatible with each motherboard
model. Follow the guidelines posted by the manufacturer when buying
components for a computer build. This will simplify the process and guarantee
that all components are compatible and will function as expected.

Tools A
uthor: Elliot Berg

When building a computer hand tools are needed to assembly the
components into the case of the computer. The types and styles of tools needed
will depend on the complexity of the computer build. Typically most other
tools and supplies needed will be listed by the manufacture of the computer
components. Here are the minimum amount of tools needed to build a desktop
PC:

S
crew driver - Is the most important tool needed for building a

computer. Typically, a screw driver with an adjustable heads is needed

because of the different screw types and sizes in the computer.

N eedle nose pliers - Many of the cables and connectors on the

motherboard are small and hard to reach with other components in the
way. A set of small needle nose pliers will help when connecting small
connectors in hard to reach places.

A static free work zone and grounding strap - Computers are

sensitive to Electrostatic discharge or ESD. Have you ever rubbed your

head on a balloon then touched someone? That shock you and them feel
is an electrostatic discharge, this shock can damage components in a
computer and can lead to component failure. Do not build a computer on
carpet or on a rug. Use a desk clean desk or other work surface that is
away from electrostatic sources. Typically a grounding strap is also used.

Assembly Authors: Michael Sharich & Gavin Rosenvall


I nstalling the CPU -
Following
the CPUs instructions, you will
attach the CPU by inserting it
into the small case on the
motherboard and closing the
lever arm that holds it securely. It
is very important that you do not
touch the top or bottom of the
CPU with your bare hands. The
acids on your skin will cause
problems on the chips surface.


I nstalling the CPU Cooler
Following the CPUs instructions,
you will apply a small drop of heat
paste to the CPU before fastening
a fan to the CPU. In other more
demanding systems, A liquid
cooled plate will be attached and
connected to a radiator as seen in
the figure to the right.

I nstalling RAM - To install the

RAM, you simply need to slide your
RAM sticks into the designated clips.
Depending on how many sticks of RAM
you have, you may fill all four clips;. If
you dont have four sticks of RAM,
only fill the lowest labeled numbers
starting with clip 1, then clip 2, etc.



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I nstalling the GPU -
Your
GPU will fit into a very similar
clip as the RAM, but will also
need to fit through the back
ports of your case when put
into the case. For now, just
attach your GPU into the
lowest numbered GPU clip on
your motherboard.

I nstalling the Motherboard

Following your cases and
motherboards instructions,
slide the motherboard into
place in the case making sure
that the GPU fits correctly into
the case and the screw points
on the motherboard match up
with the screw points in the
case.


I nstalling the Hard Drives
Hard drive installation works
much the same as an optical
drive installation, there is
both tool-less and screw in
methods. For the tool-less
installation, the hard drive
will be placed within a frame
that slides into the slot
(located at the bottom right,
below the optical drive slots).
For one that needs to be
screwed in you will need to
place the hard drive within the slot and screw it in.

I nstalling the Power Supply
Attach the Power Supply to the
case as it is shown in the
instructions included within
the case. You will need to get
your 18-24 pin connector that
is either already attached to
the power supply or attach it
(it will be the biggest
connector to the power supply) and plug it into the motherboard. The
connector on the motherboard is usually located to the far right (front
end). There may also be an 8-10 pin connector that will typically go in
the top left (back of motherboard with USB and video ports) that you
may also need to plug in.

I nstalling Optical Drives Some

optical drives have a tool-less
installation and some require a
screwdriver and four screws. For the
tool-less installation the optical
drive will typically be placed within
a frame that slides out of the 5 in
slot (located at the top right of the
case) which is then re-inserted and
then locked into place. Otherwise
you will need to place the optical
drive within the slot and screw in two screws on each side.

F
inishing Up -
Connect the wires on the power supply to all of their
corresponding labels. The instructions of the Power Supply will provide a
guide of all the labels and what components they each go to. Try a few
different ways of routing cables to hide them behind the motherboard if
you would like. Turn on both the Power Supply and the cases power
button. If the computer does not turn on, make sure all of your
components are hooked up correctly to the power supply. Once on, your
new desktop is built and ready for software.

DOWNLOADING SOFTWARE A
uthor: Taylor Peterson

Downloading software is generally the easiest part of any computer

setup process. Initially within a setup, there are programs that are essential to
running a proper and clean system. Program suggestions can range from
Microsoft Word to the most simple of things, like G oogle Chrome.

I nstall Windows - F irst off, any person with downloading software
will need to properly install windows to their machine. Follow all the
prompts that are given to install windows. Once windows is installed,
you can now begin your process of installing any program you want.

I nstall Desired Programs - Open up a browser and type in the
program you want. If you want Google Chrome, just type the words
Google Chrome into the browser and scroll until you find the official
page for the program.

Repeat this process for any program you want.

Always make sure that you are careful with the software you
install. If you do this incorrectly, you could install a malicious
software called Malware, which effectively disables and harms
your computer, and could potentially steal sensitive personal
information. If you are unaware of how to check for malware,
check with your internet provider to see if they offer free Malware
Protection programs.

Once you have these programs all setup and ready to go, you are ready to
start surfing the web and enjoy the beautiful piece of machinery you built!

Maintenance Author: Skyler Little

Keep up to date with your drivers and all the required updates that your
computer needs at least once per week. If you have a part that needs replacing,
consult an expert before purchasing a new part. Inner components rarely wear
out but occasionally you will need to replace something. To diagnose which
component isnt working properly follow these steps.

M
otherboard Posting - When you start your computer the
Motherboard has a small speaker attached that will beep if something is
wrong with your Motherboard itself.

S
earch the Error Message - Perform an online search if an error

message is coming up on a solid blue screen when your PC is turned on

and follow the online instructions to solve the problem.

C heck Hard Drive S.M.A.R.T. Status - Hard Drives have a built in

system to analyze and report on their status. Access this report through
your Motherboards menu and make sure the Hard Drive is not
compromised.

T est RAM - Use your operating systems built in memory diagnostic

tool to test whether or not your RAM is returning information to the

other components correctly.

M
ake Sure Fans Work - Check all the fans and the temperature of
your computer on your Motherboards menu.

T est CPU - Download a stress utility (such as Prime95) to stress test

your CPU to check if it can handle the load of information passing

through it.

S
wap Parts - If the problem is not found yet try changing out every

part with a spare until you find which component is not functioning
properly. Most likely you will not have extra parts laying around so
consult a reliable computer parts store and bring your PC into them to
swap parts and diagnose your issue.

10


Sources


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AwesomeSauceNews. How to Build a PC! Step-by-Step. YouTube, YouTube, 23 May

2017, w
ww.youtube.com/watch?v=IhX0fOUYd8Q.

All assembly images are still frames captured from here:

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July 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=FODVbe97z9A.

Title Image
WD Diagram. PC Diagram. MakeUseOf, MakeUseOf, 2017, cdn.makeuseof.com/.

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