Building a computer yourself has 2 advantages. One is that you can get the best combination of components to suit your needs, and the other is that it's cheaper. This deals with how to assemble a computer. Due to the complexity of the process, this is only meant to provide some tips and not as a all-in-one comprehensive guide.
Section 1 - Components
Before you start, you will of course need to buy the components. It is advisable to buy all the components at the same time so that you can put the whole system together quickly, and check that all the components are in working condition.
Do not overlook the fact that you need tools (eg. screw drivers) to assemble the system.
Parts you will need:
01. Processor
02. Heat Sink & Cooling fan
03. Motherboard
04. RAM
05. Hardisk
06. Video Card
07. Monitor
08. Casing
09. Keyboard
10. 1.44Mb Floppy Drive
11. Mouse
12. Sound Card (Optional)
13. CD-ROM or DVD-ROM (Optional)
14. Screw Drivers (A must!) Section 2 - Selecting The Components.
The components must be able to work togther. There is no sense in buying a Pentium 2 (slot 1) and trying to fit it into a Pentium (socket 7) motherboard. Do your homework and choose matching components.
EDO: Triton FX/HX/VX/TX, Intel 440LX/FX, VIA VPX/VP2/VP3, SIS 5571/5581/5591
SDRAM: Triton VX/TX, Intel 440LX, VIA VPX/VP2/VP3, SIS 5571/5581/5591
DDR-SDRAM: VIA VP3
Quick reference AGP guide:
Intel 440LX
VIA VP3
SIS 5591 Section 3 - Installing The CPU.
Before you start, ground yourself to discharge static. Affix the CPU to the heatsink and fan first before fitting it on the motherboard. To fit the CPU into the ZIF (zero insertion force socket) socket, lift the
lever to a vertical position and insert the CPU with the cut-off corner aligned with the "Pin 1" label on the socket. To secure the CPU, push the lever back down and lock it into place. Section 4 - Setting The Jumpers.
The motherboard will have to be configured for bus speed, clock multiplier, CPU voltage and CPU type (certain motherboards). The motherboard's manual will have details on where the switches are located and the combination required to set them.
If you have lost your manual, take a look at the motherboard to see if the settings are printed on it. Those with a jumperless SoftMenu motherboard (The settings are set in the BIOS) can skip this step.
Section 5 - Installing The RAM.
To install a SIMM, slide it into the socket at a 45 degree angle. The angle neccessary to insert the SIMMs will limit the order in which they can be inserted. 72pin SIMMs must be used in pairs and placed in the same bank (1 bank contains 2 SIMMs). Try to use SIMMs that are the same speed, size and type in the same bank. When I mixed 1 EDO SIMM and 1 FPM in the same bank, it reverted to the slower FPM standard. Certain conflicting brands or speeds of memory might not even work. For a DIMM, push it in vertically and lock it into place using the catch on the socket. DIMMs are used individually without any limitation. Section 6 - Installing The Motherboard In The Casing.
First attach the screw mounts (supplied with the casing) in threaded holes on the casing that correspond to holes on the motherboard. Next attach the motherboard to the casing by using the plastic posts (supplied with the casing) that clip onto the motherboard. Finally, place a screw in the holes that have a screw mount below the motherboard on the casing to secure the motherboard in place.
Section 7 - Connecting The Buttons, LED Cables & PC Speaker.
Connect the buttons and LED cables according to what is written in the motherboard's manual. If you have lost the manual, take a look at the motherboard to see if there is anything printed there.
PC Spkr - Connect the PC Speaker here.
Reset - Connect the Reset switch here.
Turbo LED - Connec the Turbo LED cable here.
H.D.D - Connect the hardisk LED cable here.
Pwr - Connect the power LED cable here.
The white coloured wire of each connector is associated with pin 1 on the motherboard. LEDs are diodes (diodes only conduct in 1 direction), so if you get the polarity wrong, it won't light up.
Section 8 - Installing The Ports.
Now install the COM ports, LPT (printer) port and PS/2 mouse cable into the built in I/O controller of the motherboard. When doing this, be sure to align the pin 1 of the cable with the pin 1 on the motherboard. A red stripe on the connector cable indicates the location of pin 1.
Section 9 - Connecting The Hardisk.
Check the jumper settings on the hardisk and set its Master / Slave mode (If it is the only hardisk present, it should be set to master. If there are 2 hardisks on the same IDE channel, set one to master and one to slave. If there are 2 hardisks but on different channels, set both to master). Next, fix the drive in a 3.5" or 5.25" bay depending on its size and screw it into place. Connect the drive to the primary hardisk controller socket on the motherboard.
Section 10 - Connecting The Floppy Drive.
Fix the drive in one of the 3.5" bays and screw it into place. Connect the drive to the floppy drive controller socket on the motherboard.
Section 11 - Connecting The Power Cables.
The power cables to be connected are the ones for the motherboard, the CPU fan, hardisk and floppy drives. For the motherboard, the two black wires should be together in the middle. Section 12 - Installing The Video Card & Monitor.
Insert the video card into an empty PCI slot. If you are using an AGP video card, insert it into a AGP slot. When properly inserted, the top edge of the video card should be parallel to the motherboard and not slanted at an angle. Plug the monitor cable into the video card. This is usually by means of a 15 pin cable for at the back of the monitor.
Section 13 - Setting The BIOS.
Get the BIOS to auto-detect your hardisk and check that the drive perimeters detected are are correct. Those using a jumperless SoftMenu motherboard will have to set the bus speed, clock multiplier and CPU voltage here. Remember to save your settings upon exit.
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