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
• 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
If you intend to upgrade your computer's motherboard then it is more than likely that you will want to upgrade your CPU and RAM too. You may be able to use your existing case, hard drives, optical drives, graphics card, monitor, keyboard and mouse.
If you choose an ATX motherboard then you will need to make sure your existing case is big enough. Your power supply unit (PSU) will also need all the correct connectors and have sufficent wattage to power your new motherboard and components (see your motherboard manual for details).
You may also want to upgrade your operating system to the latest version once you have fitted your motherboard and assembled your computer.
If you purchase your motherboard from new then it will most likely come with a manual, screws, cables, and a disk containing drivers and other software.
Upgrading your Motherboard
1. Back-up all of your important files.2. Make sure the power is unplugged and press the power button to drain any power from the computer.
3. Follow anti-static procedures, and have your tools at hand. Open the computer case.
4. If you are using an existing case then you will need to remove the old motherboard making sure that the power is unplugged and that you press the power switch to drain any power from the computer. You will need to remove expansion cards, cables connected to the old motherboard, and anything else that is in the way. Unscrew the motherboard from the chassis and remove it from the computer. Also remove the old blanking plate at the back of the computer which covered the rear panel ports. It is now a good idea to clean the inside of the case. The existing risers in the case may have to be moved to match the holes in the new motherboard.
5. If you are using a new case then you need to insert the risers (standoffs) into the case to match the holes in the new motherboard. The Motherboard should sit on these risers so that it is lifted clear of the base of the case. Make sure that there are the same number of risers in the case as holes in the Motherboard so that there is no possibility of the Motherboard shorting out.
6. Now is a good time to fit the CPU, cooler, and also the RAM to the motherboard before you screw it to the case. This just makes it easier to work on the computer before it is inside the case and hard to get at.
7. Fit the new blanking plate by firstly checking that it fits over the rear panel ports on the new motherboard okay then snapping it into the back of the computer case.
8. Place the new motherboard inside the case and slide the ports into the blanking plate and screw the motherboard to the risers. Do not overtighten the screws and make sure the motherboard does not bend or flex in any way.
9. Next you will need to attach the tiny cables from the front of the case to the motherboard. These control the LEDs and power switch on the front of the case. The motherboard manual should give details on this but the connectors and motherboard are usually labeled to help you connect them up.
Details of fitting the CPU, Cooler, RAM, Power Supply Unit, and other components can be found in the relevant sections of this website.
