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
Below are instructions to upgrade your computer case. You may want to remove your motherboard and components from an old case and put them into a better case which has more room for expansion and better cooling options or you may be building a new computer and wish to install your new motherboard and components into the computer case.
First, make sure your new case is compatible with your motherboard. Common motherboard form factors include microATX and ATX.
If you are removing the motherboard and components from an old case then make detailed notes of how it was wired (particularly the front panel connectors) and put the notes into the old case so that you can easily return the motherboard at a later date if required.
Upgrading your Computer Case
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.
4. If you are building a new computer from scratch with a new motherboard then jump to step 6.
5. Switch off the computer and unplug it from the mains. Remove cables - Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse etc and remove side of the computer case.
6. Remove expansion cards, and drives including data and power connectors. Unplug the Power connectors from the motherboard (24 pin & 4 pin/8 pin connectors). Remove the front panel connectors from the motherboard and make detailed notes of how they were connected. Unplug any case fan connectors and then you can remove the motherboard from your old case. This may be a good time to give the motherboard and components a clean to remove any dust.
7. Fit your Power Supply Unit into the new case which is usually fixed with four screws at the top or bottom of the case (see case instructions).
8. Before fitting your motherboard to the new case you must make sure that the risers in the case match the screw holes on the motherboard. You will probably need to move or add risers on the case so they match the motherboard. Risers should be included with your new case (see case instructions).
9. Fit the blanking plate (where the motherboard ports are at the back of the case) by firstly checking that it fits over the rear panel ports on the motherboard okay then snapping it into the back of the computer case.
10. 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.
11. Fit your drives (optical, SSD, HDD)(see case instructions).
12. Connect your front panel connectors to the motherboard front panel headers (Power Switch, Power LED, HDD LED, Reset Switch, Audio sockets, USB connectors etc) (see case instructions).
13. Connect the power connectors (24 pin & 4 pin/8 pin connectors) from the Power Supply Unit to the motherboard. Then connect the power cables and data cables to the drives. You need to keep all these cables tidy and they should be tied to the case so they don't restrict airflow or come into contact with any fans. See case instructions for cable management.
14. Determine which fans to use on the case or move them to where they are required. Plug the fan connectors into the fan headers on the motherboard. You may also have a fan controller which they plug into which is powered directly from the PSU (see case instructions).
15. Install required expansion cards after removing the correct blanking plates from the new case.
16. Check all your wiring is correct and is very tidy. Check that your CPU fan is still plugged into the motherboard.
17. Close the case and connect your monitor, keyboard, mouse, power etc and switch on. You should hear one beep and the computer should start to boot up. Check that the front panel lights, switches, and USB ports are working.
If the computer will not switch on then check the front panel switch is connected to the correct header on the motherboard.
Details of fitting the motherboard, CPU, cooler, RAM, Power Supply Unit, and other components can be found in the relevant sections of this website.
