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.
SysMedic 