Introduction
Despite having been in the market for more than four decades, brand computers remain as expensive as they were during the last decade. Besides, they sometimes lack the specific specs that a customer is interested in. Thus, it is necessary to acquire explicit knowledge on how to build and customized a personal computer that is relatively affordable. This reflective treatise attempts to prove that it is really not hard to build your own cheaper computer, than taking it somewhere to have it done, by following these simple steps.
Building a personal computer
Preparation and Materials
In order to build a personal computer, it is necessary to choose the performance that you want by considering the aspects such as the desired processor speed, the memory, and storage capacity. This will ensure that you buy materials that will give you the desired performance level. This step is followed by getting the hardwares and tools for the actual construction process.
The hardwares for a typical computer include the processor, motherboard, RAM (Random Access Memory), hard drive, video card, case, power supply, keyboard, and a mouse. It is important to carry out research on each hardware component before making a purchase. Fortunately, magazines such as Maximum PC, Custom PC, and PC World may give you an insight on the hardwares. The tools you may use include a set of screw drivers and screw holder.
Step by Step Instruction
Step 1: Verification
The first step involves opening the cases to verify if all the components are in good state. It is necessary to observe personal safety by wearing a protective glove when opening the case.
Step 2: Power supply installation
Install the power supply by putting the motherboard into the case. Place the data and power lines in the backboard of the case. It is important to ensure that the power supply is properly attached to the motherboard. In addition, ensure that the power supply is stable enough to handle any power need in the computer. After installing the power supply, you should ground yourself to avoid power shock from the electrostatic discharge.
Step 3: Motherboard installation
Start this stage by unpacking the motherboard from its storage container. Place the motherboard on the work station table. However, be considerate of the fact that the motherboard is highly conductive and should not be placed on a surface with electric currents. You may wish to add any special elements in the motherboard to suit your needs.
The components that may be added include the power regulator, double switch, and extra cables. Upon affixing the additional components on to the motherboard, properly install it in the case of the computer.
Proceed to install the processor by mounting it accurately onto the motherboard via the plug spaces. There is always an arrow at the base of the processor to guide the pairing process. To make the process of inserting the processor into the motherboard easier, you may need to carefully undo the socket for the CPU. It is important to note that the pairing process is smooth and should not depend on any force. Should you notice that it cannot slip right in, you should probably try to realign the pairing.
After successfully pairing the pins, proceed to tighten the CPU socket through properly securing it on the arm that supports the case. You should then close the CPU socket and secure it on the support arm. Apply the thermal paste gently all over the surface of the mounted processor. Excessive paste might result in very slow heat transfer and may make the CPU cooling process ineffective. Depending on the type of the processor, it might be necessary to affix the heat sink in the stock cooler.
The next step involves installation of the RAM. Start by unfastening the latches and driving the RAM gently into the case until the holes in the handle matches the holes on the case. Each of the holes is keyed to fit in any case without any difficulty. After this, remove the backplate gently from the computer case by applying a consistent thrush, especially for the case that is not screwed.
You may remove any unnecessary covering on the plate before returning it in its position. This stage is completed by securing the motherboard. The motherboard is locked by pushing it gently upwards against the backplate. Each back port on the motherboard should be fitted into the ports on the backplate to confirm that is well positioned.
Step 4: Installing extra cards and drives
In order to install graphic cards, start by removing the covers on the back panel around the PCI slot. The graphic cards may then be inserted through the cover opening. This might require slight bending of the card to fit into position. You may repeat the procedure for other PCI cards as need may require.
In order to add any relevant drive, you should open the panel cover on the front of the case, on the upper chamber. You may then insert the drive while making sure that the case and the drive are in an upward position. You should secure the drives, when they do not fit perfectly in the panel, by fastening with screws on the left and rights sides. The same procedure can be repeated for the hard disk while making sure that it is inserted in the right opening marked as ‘hard disk’.
After inserting the hard drives and the hard disk, do not forget to attach the SATA cables that connect them to the motherboard. Ensure that each cable is inserted in the right port. Each port is appropriately marked besides having different pairing holes. Interestingly, the SATA cables may be inserted in either direction since both ends have similar connector.
Step 5: The finished product
Start by connecting the power supply directly to the port on the motherboard and the video card. You may proceed by connecting the power supply further to the different drives while adjusting the wire placement to ensure good airflow. Finally, you should install the air fan on to the motherboard and optimize its performance by following the arrow indicating the direction of rotation. Close the case and plug in the computer onto a monitor. You can then power the computer and install your preferred operating system.
Conclusion
Making a person computer involves five steps. The first step is verification followed by installing the power supply. The third step involves motherboard installation after which extra cards and other drives are mounted to complete the assembly. Apparently, it is really not that hard to build your own cheaper computer, than taking it somewhere to have it done, by following the above simple steps.