Setting up a system from the ground up

For this tutorial I will assume you have all the required hardware. If you are unsure, consult the components list.
You will ofcourse also need a tower of which to install the components, but please note that not all towers have the same configuration, some are larger, allowing for more devices, or different drive loading mechanisms, such as a clipping tray. Most have a motherboard tray however, so let’s start from there.

Motherboard Installation
Motherboard installation is quick enough. Just pull out the motherboard tray (if the case has one), and place the motherboard over it so that the screw holes go directly over the tray’s corrisponding standoffs, and then fix the motherboard onto the tray with the screws.

CPU and Heatsink Installation
Now that we have the motherboard installed, we’re going to place the CPU, and heatsink. It is very important to apply thermalpaste, so make sure you have some at hand.
First step is to unlock the socket, and gently place down the CPU onto it. The direction of the CPU must coincide with the socket: Both the CPU and the CPU socket have a small triangle on one of the corners, just make sure they align. Once installed, lock down the socket.

Before installing the heatsink, thermalpaste must be applied onto the top of the processor. The paste acts as an excellent heat conductor, transfering it effeciently to the heatsink. Apply some paste onto the top of the processor, and spread it across it’s surface.
Now that the thermalpaste has been applied, we can install the heatsink.
Heatsink installation should be simple enough, just place it down onto the socket so that it locks with the heatsink plugs, and it should all snap together. Heatsinks vary, so if yours has some kind of lever, just push it down.
If present, connect the fan to the motherboard’s CPU_FAN connector.

RAM Installation
Installing ram is simple, just pull back the respective module slot hammers (positioned on either side of each strip) and place down the RAM module. The hammers should snap back up, locking the module in securely in place.

Expansion Card Installation
The process of card installation is simpler than RAM installation, just place it down into the slot.
But before you install any expansino cards, perhaps it is best to reinstall the motherboard tray onto the system case, as the cards must be locked onto the tower itself.
Once you have fixed the tray back onto the case, you can slot the cards onto the motherboard, and screw them securely onto the casing.

Front Panel Connections
I can’t help you much on this part, but to connect the front panel module to the motherboard all you need to do is connect the plugs onto the respective leads on the motherboard. The proper designation is usually on the motherboard itself, but if not, you can always consult it’s maual, which should have it enumerated.

Expansion Card Installation
The process of card installation is simpler than RAM installation, just place it down into the slot.
But before you install any expansino cards, perhaps it is best to reinstall the motherboard tray onto the system case, as the cards must be locked onto the tower itself.
Once you have fixed the tray back onto the case, you can slot the cards onto the motherboard, and screw them securely onto the casing.

PSU Installation
Easy enough, just fix it onto the PSU position(usually the top of the case, but some towers have it on the bottom).
Once installed, connect the motherboard power lead (the longest one) to the motherboard, and the quad connector (if required). We move onto the other connectors soon.

Drive Installation

Before fixing the drives to the tower, make sure they are propery configured to master and slave, or boot select.
Installation may vary depending on the mechanism offered by the case. Most modern towers have a tray which you can screw drives on to, while others use the traditional fixed panel.
Once you have fixed the drives to the case, it is time to connect them to the motherboard and PSU. Connect the data cable between the motherboard and drive (ATA/SATA), and power lead. The connectors are fool-proof, so just see what connects to what, and give it a go.
You may however encounter the smaller IDE connector, which is made for the floppy drive. Note that you can not connect it to normal ATA cables.

You’re Basically Done!
Just connect whatever extas (case fans, etc) you may have to the PSU, and close up the case.

Component System Hardware

Here lies a detailed enumeration of hardware components required for the basic operation of a home computer.

This list is not suited for specific systems such as servers or computer farms, as configurations differ.

A home computer would normally contain the following:
Motherboard
The motherboard is the centerpiece of and system configuration, as it provides a base for all hardware intercommunication, including the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
All components must be compatable with the motherboard’s specifications, and vice-versa.
Go to motherboard troubleshooting

Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The PSU is responsible for powering the entire system, including the motherboard and disk drives.
The PSU can vary in connector type, so make sure it is compatable with your motherboard.
Go to PSU troubleshooting

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU acts as the main processor, taking in and computing most requests.
Go to CPU troubleshooting

Random Access Memory (RAM)
Provides a volatile storage medium, which is used for quick data reading and writing
Go to RAM troubleshooting

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The GPU usually resides on a graphics card/adapter. It’s main function is the processing of visual data, relieving the CPU of the task. On onboard video systems, the CPU takes charge of video rendering, and the video RAM is shared with the system RAM.
Go to GPU troubleshooting

Hard Disk Drive/Solid State Drive (HDD/SSD)
A permanent storage device, which can be solid state or platter based.
Unlike data stored on RAM, data stored on drives stay permanently, until deleted.
Go to HDD/SSD troubleshooting

Optical Drives
Although not required, an optical drive is a common component, which permits reading and writing from an optical disk.

Motherboard Troubleshooting

Symptoms and Solutions

The system is not being powered.
Make sure the power supply cable is securely connected to the PSU, and that it is working.

The system powers on, but is non-responsive.
Check wether all expansion cards (AGP, PCI-E, etc) and drives are properly connected.

System only boots from portable media drives (Optical/Magnetic).
Ensure that the HDD is securely connected to the motherboard and PSU. In turn, check if the drive is fully functioning; This can be caused by a controller error, or severe magnetic deterioration of the platters.

The screen displays a CMOS error on startup.
This is most likely due to incorrect data stored on the SETUP/BIOS menu. Attempt to reset BIOS configurations.

System halts on startup, beeps.
Consult the beep list on your motherboard’s support page.

PSU Troubleshooting

Symptoms and Solutions

The system is not being powered.
Make sure the power supply cable is securely connected to the PSU. Also make sure that the connectors are not burnt out, else this could mean that the PSU has overloaded.

The PSU is working, but the system continues underpowered.
Verify that the PSU is adequate for the system at hand, as it may require a more ample wattage.
Also check if the PSU is in fact working by testing the leads with a multimeter.

CPU Troubleshooting

Symptoms and Solutions

not done yet
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RAM Troubleshooting

Symptoms and Solutions

not done yet
bro

HDD/SSD Troubleshooting

Symptoms and Solutions

The hard drive is not detected.
Ensure that it is properly connected to the motherboard and PSU. Controller failure is also a possibility.

The system cannot boot from the hard drive.
This may be caused by a damaged or missing boot record. Try running a system repair from a boot disk. Ensure that it is set to master mode.

The operating system is unstable, and often requires a system restore/repair. Data is also sometimes lost.
This may be due to a magnetic deterioration on the platters. Back up and get a replacement drive.

Hard drive read/write times are slow.
Analize the disk’s fragmentation status, and if needed, perform a defragmentation of the drive.
Drive read/write speeds may also be affected if there are multiple instructions being executed at once.

GPU Troubleshooting

Symptoms and Solutions

The screen is black.
Ensure the monitor is securely connected to the video card and power supply, and that the video card itself is secure to the motherboard.

The monitor is displaying glitches, bright colours.
This is usually caused by an overheating GPU. It is recommended to shut down the system for a while, and then ensure that the cooling system is fully functional.

Cannot run a game, even though it is supported by the GPU at hand.
Ensure the adequate graphics libraries(DirectX, OpenGL, etc) are installed, and that the card’s drivers are updated.