Part 7: Tips for actually assembling your computer

In this series of articles, I will be giving my opinions on the best ways to get started in building your own computer. I’m going to go into detail about how you can select the right components for you.

We’ve already looked at why you might build your own computer and what all the parts actually do, as well as chosen the parts. We’ll now look at some of the tips for putting the parts together.

1. Introduction to PC building
2. Choosing a processor (CPU) and motherboard
3. Choosing a case, memory (RAM) and cooler
4. Choosing a graphics card (GPU)
5. Choosing storage and operating system
6. Choosing a power supply (PSU) and case cooling
7. Tips for actually assembling your computer
8. Example build – The “cheapest (good)” build your own PC in Spring 2022
9. Example build – The “making your money go furthest” build your own PC in Spring 2022
10. Example build – The best “high-end enthusiast” build your own PC in Spring 2022

Now put it all together!

Once you have bought all your components, it’s time for the fun to really start! As I said way back at the start of this guide, it’s best to watch a few YouTube videos to see how people put computers together. I really think it’s a good idea if you can to find a video that actually shows someone building in the case you have chosen, but most builds tend to follow a similar pattern. I have my build order and top tips listed below. Make sure you read both lists before you start building.

This is the order I usually install my components:

1. Install the CPU, thermal paste, cooler and RAM on the motherboard. If you have an m.2 NVMe SSD, install that now too.
2. Install the motherboard into the case. Some people like to lie the case down, others like to install with the case standing up.
   • If you have an AIO cooler: attach the radiator to the case at this point. Ensure that the radiator is located higher than the CPU – there is a pump in the CPU block and if there are any air bubbles in the loop, you don’t want them gather in the pump. See this video for more on this.
3. Depending on the case, I would normally install the power supply next. If you have a modular PSU, just install the power supply – as long as you can access the ports for the modular cables, you can add them a bit later.
4. I would install case fans next, taking care to note the direction of airflow.
5. Connect all cables you need to your motherboard now. You should definitely read your motherboard’s manual for this part. Typically, you will have to connect some cables from your case, power supply and your components. Ensure you read your manual carefully, but the following is a list of cables that are often required to be connected. Remember, this is not a list for your specific build, just a helpful checklist so you don’t miss anything important:
   • 24 pin (sometimes labelled motherboard) and 8 pin (sometimes labelled CPU) from your power supply to your motherboard
   • CPU cooler to the CPU Fan header on your motherboard
   • USB port cables (from your case) to the USB header(s) on your motherboard
   • Front audio cable from your case to your motherboard
   • Front panel (Power switch, reset switch) from your case to your motherboard
6. If you have a GPU, you should insert it into the PCIe slot closest to your CPU now. If it needs additional power from your PSU (usually with 6, 8 or 12 pin sockets), connect that now too.
7. If you have additional storage (SSD, HDD), install that next. Remember it will need two cables – one from the PSU, the other will usually be a SATA cable that connects to a SATA port on your motherboard.
8. Plug in your mouse, keyboard, monitor and the USB stick that contains your OS (e.g. Windows) installation.
   Important: plug your monitor into the socket on your graphics card if you have one, or directly into the motherboard if you don’t.
9. Press the power switch. It is OK if the case is still open at this point. If you have done everything correctly, the computer should switch on and you can follow the steps to install the operating system. If your computer does not switch on, look for any reasons it might not power up. For example, your 24-pin plug may be loose, or you might not have flicked the power switch on the back of your PSU. If your computer does power up but does not function correctly (for example, constantly restarting or no display), check your motherboard for any diagnostic lights or displays, which will usually give you a good idea of what has gone wrong. You will have to Google the next troubleshooting steps yourself, but don’t panic yet! In many situations, there are simple solutions that are easy to fix once you track them down.
10. When you have confirmed that the computer is working correctly, shut it down. Using cable ties, try to bunch any cables together and attach them to your case. This will aid airflow and cooling, as well as neatening up your build. Look for videos on cable management for more help on this.
11. Restart your computer. If it suddenly doesn’t work any more, you may have dislodged a cable during the cable management process. Fix this now.
12. Finally, shut down your computer and close up the case. You’ve done it!

Here are a few tips from what I have learned to to to make the process easier:

1. Check you’ve got everything. You don’t want to start and then find out something is missing, although that might still happen!
2. Make sure your workspace is clear and tidy and that you can leave a half-built computer there if you don’t get it finished within your expected timeframe.
3. Work on a surface that you don’t mind damaging or protect your table top with a rubber mat or large piece of cardboard, as computer cases can get heavy and corners can damage work surfaces.
4. Get your tools ready beforehand. Technically, you’ll only need a screwdriver, but other tools such as tweezers, screw tray and torch can make the build much easier.
5. Ground yourself.
6. Make sure you have your motherboard manual handy. You will need to refer to it.
7. Look up any terms you don’t understand, don’t just muddle through.
8. The motherboard box is great for doing the first bit of work in – leave it in the box and install the RAM, CPU, thermal paste and CPU cooler right there.
9. Put RAM in the right slots – on a 4-slot board, this should be either slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 for dual channel mode. Check the motherboard manual.
10. Make sure the motherboard is only touching the case at the screw points. If the back of the motherboard directly touches the case, it can short circuit.
11. Don’t be afraid to go into the BIOS (UEFI these days) but write down any changes you make so you can put them back if it all goes wrong.
12. Learn what CMOS is and how to reset it on your board. This will reset the BIOS to factory settings. You normally need to connect two pins for a short time or remove a small battery.
13. Plan your case airflow and ensure you look at the arrows on the fans to make sure they’re blowing in the right direction (they blow in the direction of the arrow). I’d recommend they suck air in at the front and bottom of the case, expelling air out of the rear and top of the case.
14. Take your time and do things properly. You might take photos of your build from time to time, particularly when you make changes, so that you know what you have changed if you need to put it back the way it was.
15. Don’t close up the case until you’ve tested it working. It’s bad karma.

Most importantly, don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t work perfectly first time. Troubleshooting is part and parcel of the process – if it gets overwhelming, take a break. It will be worth it in the end and every time you use your new computer, you’ll think, “I built that!”

Good luck!

James