Home | Parts | Tips | Let's Build! | Accessories | Site Map | Contact Us!
Page 1 | Page 2
*Make sure to check out the Tips page before getting started.
1. Ensure that you have all of the Parts that you will need.
2. Once you have all of your parts you will first want to attach the Motherboard inside of the Case. To do this first align your motherboards mounting holes up with the mounting screw holes located inside of the case. Once you have located which set of holes to use you will need to screw the gold mounting pins (supplied with the case or motherboard) into these holes and tighten them down with a pliers or similar wrench (Ensure that you do not over tighten the screws or they will strip out). Then place the motherboard onto the mounting pins and attach the motherboard using mounting screws provided. (Once again do not over tighten the screws or you may damage the motherboard.)
3. After the motherboard is securely mounted inside of the case you can then install the CPU (central processing unit). To do this you will have to line up the cpu properly with the cpu socket on the motherboard. There is generally a blunt corner on the cpu that will line up with the blunt corner on the motherboard's socket. For further reference consult your motherboard manual. When the cpu is aligned apply firm downward pressure until the cpu locks into place, some sockets will have a small lever you must first lift and then press down to lock the cpu in place.
4. With the CPU in place you can then install the cpu fan. Since there are many different types of cpu fans available installation will vary greatly and it is recommended that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the fan. Always ensure that you apply a heat sink compound to the top of the cpu before placing the fan on the cpu. The heat sink compound will help to transfer the heat so that the cpu will not overheat. Then with the heat sink compound in place attach the fan. Once the fan is installed on the cpu you will need to hook up the power supply to the fan to ensure that it will work. To attach the power supply wire to the proper place on the motherboard. Generally the cpu's power supply on the motherboard is labeled as CPUFAN. Check with your motherboard manual for further assistance.
5. With the CPU and CPU fan in place you can then install the RAM on the motherboard. To do this locate the RAM slots on your motherboard and then press the clips down to open them. Next insert the RAM sticks into the slots starting with slot one. Make sure that the RAM is placed in the correct way, usually just look at the slots and the RAM stick to ensure that the slots line up, then press down firmly until the clips lock into place.
6. Next comes your video card. Locate your AGP slot (some motherboards do not have an AGP slot and may use onboard graphics or a PCI slot for a graphics card. Check with your motherboard handbook for further reference) and take out the correct slot cover on the back of the case. The slot covers can be removed by first removing the screw that is holding them in and then twisting on them with a screwdriver or a pliers. Next, ensure that any clips that may be a part of the slot are open and firmly press the video card into place ensuring that the pins are lined up. Once the card is locked into place replace the slot cover screw to ensure that the video card is firmly locked into place and will not come loose.
7. If you wish to install a sound card you can do so at this time also. To install the sound card first remove a slot cover from the case, that lines up with the correct PCI slot. Then line up the pins as you did with the video card and firmly press the sound card into place. Once the sound card is seated correctly replace the slot cover screw.