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 6


Wi-fi Card
To access the Internet you will either need to connect a network cable from your Broadband Router to the RJ-45 LAN port on the Computer or you can install a Wi-fi Card to access the Broadband Router wirelessly.

PCIe x1 Wi-fi Card and Expansion slots on Motherboard.

To install a Wi-fi card you should first follow anti-static procedures. Switch off the computer and remove the mains lead, then remove the Computer Case cover.

Remove the antenna sticks from the Wi-fi Card if they are fitted. As this is a PCIe x1 Card then you need to locate a free PCIe x1 expansion slot on the Motherboard and remove the corresponding plastic backplate from the case. Insert the Card into the expansion slot and secure the card with a single screw. Screw the antenna sticks back into the Wi-fi Card from the back of the case.

Now that the Wi-fi card has been installed then replace the computer cover and plug in the Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, and Power. Switch on the Computer and when Windows has loaded then insert the disk that came with the Wi-fi Card and install the driver and any software. It is also recommended to visit the manufacturer's website and install the latest driver.

The Wi-fi card software will display all the names (SSID) of Wi-fi signals in your local area. Select your SSID and then enter your Security Key. You should now be able to access the Internet wirelessly from your Computer.

More information on Wi-fi Internet.

Front Cover USB 3.0 Ports
There are four USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports on the back of the Computer but only four USB 2.0 ports on the front of the case. To add a couple of USB 3.0 ports to the front we need to add a Front Cover USB 3.0 bracket.

Front Cover USB 3.0 bracket & USB 3.0 header on Motherboard.

To install the USB 3.0 bracket you should first follow anti-static procedures. Switch off the computer and remove the mains lead, then remove the Computer Case cover.

In this particular Computer Case (Zalman Z-9 plus) there is a bracket in one of the 5.25 Drive bays which we can remove and then screw the USB 3.0 bracket to it. This USB 3.0 bracket is designed to fit in place of a Floppy Disk Drive (FDD). As we did when we installed an Optical Drive we need to unclip the front of the case and remove the plastic cover and also front fascia which corresponds to the Floppy Disk Drive bay that will hold the USB 3.0 bracket. Insert the USB 3.0 bracket into the Floppy Disk Drive bay and make sure it will be flush with the front of the case before screwing it into position. Replace the front of the case.

USB 3.0 ports on front of Computer case.

At the back of the USB 3.0 bracket will be a wire with a connector which will plug into the Motherboard's USB 3.0 header. The connector will fit only one way.

Now that the USB 3.0 bracket has been installed then replace the computer cover and plug in the Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, and Power. Switch on the Computer and when Windows has loaded then test that the USB 3.0 ports work okay.

We have now completed the Computer build but still have plenty of room for upgrades in the future.

Future Upgrades
We installed one 8GB DIMM but still have another three DIMM slots for adding up to 32GB of RAM. The System memory on this Motherboard (ASUS Z87-K) is Dual Channel and color coded so you would match each channel (colour) with the exact same type and size of RAM.

This Computer uses an SSD for the primary drive which contains the Operating System, as well as two Hard Disk Drives for data storage. There are still two free SATA ports and room for another two Hard Disk Drives inside the case for future upgrades.

There are also free PCIe and PCI expansion slots available for adding cards in the future.

Finally, the CPU (Intel i7 4770K) is unlocked and capable of being overclocked and the Motherboard (ASUS Z87-K) has plenty of overclocking features. If you intend to overclock then a better aftermarket cooler or water cooling is recommended. Also, the Graphics card can be overclocked with the included software

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