Computer Hardware:
     • Tools, Static & Cleaning
     • Form Factor
     • PC Case & Fans
     • Motherboard
     • Processor (CPU)
     • Power Supply Unit
     • RAM
     • Hard Drive
     • Solid State Drive
     • Optical Drive
     • Floppy Disk Drive
     • Graphics Card
     • Sound Card
     • Network Card
     • Computer Monitor
     • Keyboard & Mouse
     • Laptop / Netbook
     • Building a Computer
     • Overclocking

Operating System & Backup:
     • Operating System
     • Drivers
     • Windows Tools
     • User Accounts
     • Backup
     • Windows 10

Internet & Network:
     • Internet
     • Wi-fi or Cable
     • Improve Broadband Speed
     • Network Computers

Computer Peripherals:
     • Printer
     • Scanner
     • External Hard Drive
     • USB Flash Drive

Computer Security:
     • Anti-virus
     • Anti-Spyware
     • Phishing
     • Firewall

Common PC Problems:
     • Slow Computer
     • Hardware Failure
     • Software Failure
     • Printing Problems

Miscellaneous:
     • Windows Shortcuts
     • Glossary of Terms
     • HTML Colour Picker
     • Number Base Converter

Building a Desktop Computer part 2

Now that we have the Computer Case, Power Supply Unit (PSU), Motherboard, Central Processing Unit (CPU), and RAM we can start to assemble them.

If you bought a Motherboard bundle then it will most likely have the CPU, Cooler, and RAM already assembled. Otherwise you will want to install the CPU and Cooler (heatsink & fan) first before installing the Motherboard into the Computer Case.

The CPU that we are using is the Intel i7 4770K processor which includes the stock cooler (heatsink & fan). As this particular CPU is a 'K' version then it is unlocked which means it can be overclocked for a faster performance. If you intend to overclock your new computer from the start then you are recommended to use a better aftermarket cooler, or maybe water cooling, which will offer a better cooling solution for your CPU.

When handling your CPU you will need to hold it carefully at the edges without touching the contacts (pads) and must follow anti-static procedures so that you do not damage the processor.
Intel i7 4770K CPU & Socket 1150.
Your Motherboard Manual will include information on installing a CPU. First, you need to locate the CPU socket on the Motherboard (ASUS Z87-K) and open the lever on the socket (socket 1150) so that you can release and open the latch plate. The CPU will only fit one way round and has a gold arrow on one corner of the CPU which matches up with an arrow mark on the CPU socket. Once the CPU has been seated correctly into the socket then close the latch plate and gently but firmly close the lever to secure the CPU.

CPU Cooler.

Before installing the cooler you must have thermal paste between the CPU and the cooler's heatsink. In most cases there will already be thermal compound on the new heatsink but if this is not the case then you will need to buy thermal compound and spread it on the top of the CPU but make sure it is spread thinly and evenly with an old credit card and don't get any on your hands.

The cooler has four plastic securing pins which locate into four holes in the motherboard. You will notice that the pins have arrows showing which way to turn the pin to secure them. First, make sure the pins are in the undone position (clockwise) and insert the cooler and plastic pins into the Motherboard. Then turn the plastic pins to lock them into position on the Motherboard.

There will be a wire and connector on the fan which plugs into the Motherboard's CPU fan header and it is important to remember to plug this in so that the CPU fan will operate when the computer is switched on.

The Memory module (single 8GB DDR3 1600MHz) is then plugged into the memory slot marked DIMM_A1 on this Motherboard. This is done by pressing the retaining clips outward to unlock the memory slot, then align the memory module with the memory slot so that the notch on the module lines up with the key in the slot. As you push the module into the slot then the retaining clips will lock the module into place.

More information about upgrading the Motherboard, CPU, RAM. and PSU.

Installing the PSU and Motherboard into the Computer Case

Zalman Z9 plus case and backplate.
On this particular Computer Case (Zalman Z9 plus) the Power Supply Unit (PSU) is fixed into the bottom of the case with four screws which should be supplied with the PSU. There will be a power switch on the PSU which faces towards the back of the case. The modular PSU will have two cables attached which will plug into the Motherboard when it has been installed.

Remember to follow anti-static procedures when building your new computer.

The Motherboard (ASUS Z87-K) will fit into the case with the I/O ports facing the back of the case. You will notice that this Motherboard has six mounting holes and you need to match up these with six risers (standoffs) inside the case. You will most likely need to move or add some more risers to the case. The case should have plenty of additional risers, and an assortment of screws for fixing various components. Make sure that you only have six risers in the case that correspond to the six mounting holes in the Motherboard so that there is no possibility of the Motherboard shorting out. Do not overtighten the risers in the case.

Next, you need to snap the backplate (which came with the Motherboard) into the back of the case. Make sure the backplate is the correct way round. Now you can insert the Motherboard into the case so that the I/O ports fit into the backplate. Gently push the Motherboard towards the backplate and the holes in the Motherboard should line up with the risers in the case. The Motherboard will include screws that are to be used to secure the Motherboard to the case. Put all six of the screws in loosely and then only lightly tighten each one until the Motherboard is secure.

You can now locate the two wires leading from the PSU. One will have a 24 pin connector which will fit into the 24 pin socket on the Motherboard. The other lead will have an 8 pin plug and will fit into an 8 pin socket on the Motherboard. Both these connectors will only fit one way and the clip on the connector should line up with the clip on the socket. It is recommended to consult your Motherboard manual to see how they fit. These two cables should be routed neatly along the case and you may find that you need an extension for the 8 pin plug so that it reaches okay and there is one included with this particular case.

MENU (Building a Computer):
1. Part one 2. Part two 3. Part three
4. Part four 5. Part five 6. Part six