Assembling a PC: By Arun Mapari

When buying a new PC, everyone is faced with the choice between a branded and an assembled one. Those who don’t want to go through the daunting task of shopping for components and assembling the PC themselves, often choose an easy way out by opting for a branded PC. There are very few adventurous ones who upgrade or build their own PC.

There are more drawbacks than advantages in buying a branded pre-built or a customized PC. No doubt that you won’t have to worry about maintenance. However, you’ll be stranded if the company technician doesn’t turn up on time. Also, you cannot tinker with the hardware or resort to your tech-savvy friends or some technician in case of emergencies. Finally, service and upgrades are heavy on the pocket. With an assembled PC, the biggest advantage is that you can pick the components of your choice to suit your budget and requirements. Unlike branded PCs, you have the freedom to troubleshoot problems and upgrade hardware yourself as and when you like—and that too without paying any service fee.
So how about assembling your own PC?

Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Even if you’re a first timer, you’ll still be able to assemble a PC unerringly by reading this lucid step-by-step guide. This guide can not only be used to build a new PC but also be referred to if you are planning to upgrade a few components such as the processor, memory or graphics card. With regards to choosing the components, you can refer to the PC Configs in the Hardware section of the magazine.
Finally, this guide assumes that you know how to install the operating system. If you don’t know, you can seek the help of a technician or a friend who is willing to spend a couple of hours installing the operating system.
Are you ready for the ride?

So roll up your sleeves, grab a screwdriver and let’s get started!
The ingredients

Just like you need certain ingredients to prepare a dish, you need the following components to build a PC—processor, motherboard, memory (RAM) modules, graphics card, optical drive, PC case, power supply unit, monitor, speakers, mouse, and keyboard. Also, note that you need a graphics card only if your motherboard doesn’t have integrated graphics or if you’re a gamer. Likewise, you need a power supply unit only if your PC case doesn’t come fitted with one. Most entry-level PC cases come fitted with a power supply unit. However, such power supply units are only suitable for entry-level PCs. Therefore we would suggest you invest in a good power supply unit if you want to build a powerful PC. Lastly, you also need a Philips screwdriver and some cable ties.

Preparing for take off

On unpacking the PC case, you will come across a packet that contains screws and mounting nuts. Empty the contents in a small tray. If the bundled power supply unit didn’t come fitted to the PC case, keep it aside. To begin with, unpack the motherboard to find a back plate. This plate is meant for covering the rear panel of the motherboard except the essential ports and connectors so that dust doesn’t creep into the case. The back plate should fit into the slot provided on the rear panel of the case. If you find that the slot is sealed by a metal plate, then you need to extract it using a pair of pliers. While you are fitting the back plate, you must ensure that the openings correspond to the ports and connectors on the motherboard’s rear panel. This is very important because none of the essential ports and connectors should be blocked by the back plate.

Installing the motherboard

In order to fit the motherboard into the case, you first have to fit mounting nuts in the holes provided on the case’s motherboard panel. While you are placing the motherboard on the motherboard panel aligned to the back plate you just fitted, note the spots where you need to fit mounting nuts. You can locate these easily by looking through the screw holes that are provided on the motherboard. After fastening the mounting nuts with a pair of pliers, fit the motherboard into the case using screws that match the screw threading on top of the mounting nuts—note that using wrong screws may result in the screws jamming into the mounting nut. Completely tightening the screws might result in unwanted stress by the graphics card or other add-on cards. Therefore, do not tighten the screws completely. Also, ensure that the screws are used in the right places.

Install the processor

Depending on which processor you have purchased, follow the relevant step: INTEL PROCESSORS: You have to release the lever of the CPU socket and then lift the socket cover that opens up from the opposite side. You will find a golden triangle on one of the top corners of the processor. Align the triangle with a similar golden triangle on the CPU socket and then fit the processor into the socket. Now, close the socket cover and fasten it with the lever. Note that you will find the lever is offering some resistance now.AMD PROCESSORS: With AMD processors, you have to release the lever of the CPU socket. You will find a golden triangle on one of the top corners of the processor. Align the triangle with a similar golden triangle on the CPU socket and then fit the processor into the socket. The processor should gently slide into the socket. Push down the lever into its place.
Install the CPU cooler

If you have purchased an AMD processor, fitting the CPU cooler will be a cakewalk for you. You simply have to place it on the processor with the lever towards the center of the motherboard. Then fit the clips and carefully push the lever down. Finally, you have to connect the fan connector to the CPU fan header on the motherboard.Fitting an Intel CPU cooler is a tricky affair. Place the CPU cooler on the processor with the fasteners on the corners aligned to the holes surrounding the CPU socket. Push down each fastener while holding the CPU cooler in place. You should hear a click when the fasteners clamp to the motherboard. After ensuring that the fasteners are in place, connect the fan to the motherboard’s CPU fan header. The CPU fan header is usually labelled and placed quite close to the CPU socket.

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