How to Build a Computer

How to Build a Computer By: Anthony Blackstone

Table of Contents 00 01 02 03 04 05

Introduction............................ 02 CPU......................................... 08 CPU Cooling........................... 14 RAM........................................ 20 PSU......................................... 26

06 07 08 09 10

GPU......................................... 38 Case Fans.............................. 44 Storage................................... 46 Clean Up................................. 52 Operating System.................. 56

Motherboard Installation....... 32 Table of Contents // 01

00 Introduction Building a computer is for everyone! In this book, we break up the process into manageable, easyto-follow steps to make the building experience less frightening, frustrating, and intimidating. There are many benefits to learning about how to build a computer. It not only teaches you a great skill but also allows you to pick the parts that meet your needs while sticking to your budget. Whether you have no building experience at all or have a prebuilt computer you are looking to change parts in, don’t worry, this book is here to help! First, let’s go over the prepping stages to make sure that you have everything you need to start building!

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Tools First, you want to make sure you have all the necessary tools, so your building process goes smoothly. You will need to make sure that your workspace is clean, in a well-lit area, and spacious. It is important to know that working on an uncarpeted surface helps prevent any static discharge which can damage sensitive parts. Now, here are the tools that you will need:

Screwdrivers - A Philips-head screwdriver will work for the screws you will be using.

You can also use magnetic screwdrivers, so the screws don’t drop as you are building.

Don’t worry, the magnetic part is not strong enough to damage anything.

Organization tray - This is to make it easier to find what you need and keep you from getting your items get mixed up while you are working. Some parts come with optional or additional pieces that you may not need, so organizing them all in a tray is helpful when deciding what is important to add and what isn’t. You can also use it to place things like screws, zip ties, and other assorted pieces.

Anti-static strap - This can be useful to help prevent any accidental static which can damage some components of the computer.

It is always better to be on the safe side just in case.

Scissors - You will need these to cut zip ties and to help you open packaging.

Next, we will talk about the case for the computer. The case is what will house all the parts and provide areas for system cooling. Some cases have a glass side that allows you to look inside while the computer is on, and some even come with colorful lighting options known as RGB.

Zip Ties - These are great to use for cable management to help make your computer look nice and clean inside. Most of the time, the parts you buy will come with zip ties or Velcro straps, but having extra is also good.

Introduction // 03

Cases Shopping around for cases can be overwhelming with so many different styles and size options to choose from. Make sure to choose a case that suits your space and style before moving on to the rest of the build. The sizes include: Full Tower - A full tower case fits extended and standard full-size Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX) motherboards. This case size is great if you want to put in an extensive cooling system like water cooling. However, these cases tend to be the most expensive.

Mid tower - These cases are the most common size and fit standard full-size ATX motherboards. This is a great budgetfriendly size and has enough room to house gaming parts with a nice cooling system if you are building for gaming.

Mini tower - This size case is also known as small form factor (SFF) and fits mini Information Technology eXtended (ITX) motherboards. These cases require careful planning when building due to their compact size. They will only work with parts of a specific size and need a well-thought-out cooling system. This size is recommended for builders who have a good amount of experience.specific size parts and

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cooling. This size is recommend for builders who have a good amount of experience.

If you are struggling to decide which size case you want to use, just remember that it’s better to go bigger. Bigger cases make building and upgrading a little bit easier. However, keep in mind that bigger cases need more cooling.

Be careful when handling tempered glass side panel cases. This is part is very fragile and can be broken easily if handled incorrectly.

Let’s move on to the parts you’ll need as you build your computer. This chapter shows the different parts within a computer and why each part is necessary. It is also a guide to show you what to look for when considering purchasing a certain part. Make sure to create a list of all your choices so it’s easier for you to plan your build. Or, if you have a prebuilt computer and would like to upgrade or replace parts, you can start looking through this section to see what fits your needs.

CPU - This part is called the Central Processing Unit (CPU). This is the “brain” of the computer, and it lets other parts know when to start doing the things you tell it to do. Your CPU should have at least four cores, but we will go more into that later.

Parts It is also helpful to have a budget plan before buying parts.

Use the list you create and your budget to come up with a plan for what works best for you. Remember, one of the most vital things to do as you choose computer parts is to make sure that they are all compatible with each other! Once you have purchased all the parts, it’s time to start building.

Motherboard - The motherboard connects all of your computer parts. None of the other components of the computer will work without your motherboard. You want to be sure that everything that you put into the computer is compatible with the motherboard. The sizes of motherboards are ATX, Extended ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX.

Introduction // 05

RAM - Random Access Memory (RAM) plays the role of the computer’s short-term memory.

It is very important to remember that when buying RAM you make sure it is compatible with your motherboard and CPU. 8-16GB is usually enough to get started.

However, it’s better to have too much storage space in your RAM than too little.

Storage - When choosing a storage device for your computer there are two main types, Solid State Drives (SSD) and Hard Disk Drives (HDD). SSDs are much faster but can be more expensive. HDDs are much more affordable for lots of storage space. Sometimes people have both storage devices in their computer, but the choice here is completely up to you.

GPU - Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) allows you to have a picture on your monitor. The two types of GPUs are: integrated and discrete. Discrete GPUs are more powerful, larger, have higher frame rates, and have an active cooling system. We will go over the two types in more detail later in the book.

PSU - The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is critical as it sends power to all your computer parts.

Without it, your computer would not turn on. There are different types of PSUs that we will discuss later, but for now, you must find a good, reliable PSU that is strong and has enough strength to power your computer.

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System cooling - Cooling your system is crucial so that your components don’t overheat.

There are two types: air and liquid cooling. You will need to have cooling for your CPU and inside your case. For now, it is important to know that liquid cooling is much more expensive than air cooling systems. Be sure to look at both options to see what is right for your build.

These are all the main parts that go into building a computer, but there are some other parts that you need to consider too. You will have to consider an Operating System (OS) which is software that is needed for your computer to manage communication between the computer’s hardware and programs. Your computer can’t be complete without a keyboard, mouse, monitor, headset, speakers, or whatever other accessories you plan on using for your computer.

However, we will cover those areas in a little more detail at the end of the book.

Again, remember that every part you consider buying needs to be compatible with your motherboard, CPU, and other components. Next, we will start installing parts and building your computer one step at a time.

Introduction // 07

01 CPU What you will need

Let’s talk about the CPU! Central Processing Unit (CPU) is also referred to as the Processor. It is so important that it is also known as the “brain” of your computer.

What does the CPU do?

Motherboard

CPU

The first part of your computer building journey will be to install the CPU. In this section, we are going to learn about the CPU, its function, handling tips, and how to install it to your motherboard.

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The CPU follows instructions sent by different computer programs that tell what data it needs to process and how to process it. The CPU is made up of multiple cores that help it process many instructions at the same time. If you are just starting out, you want to make sure that your CPU has at least four cores.

WARNING! The CPU is very sensitive to static charges!

• Be sure to handle it very carefully.

• Only hold the CPU by its edges, and never touch the top or gold pins on the bottom.

Top

• Make sure that your CPU is compatible with your motherboard’s chipset.

Bottom CPU // 09

What are cores?

Cores affect how fast a CPU can process data. You can think of cores as their own little CPUs. These cores greatly increase the amount of time it takes to process information, and in turn increase how fast a program can run. When you are looking to buy your CPU, it is recommended that you buy one that has at least four cores. The core count also lets you know how many tasks the CPU can run at the same time.

CPU Speed The speed of a CPU is called the clock speed and is measured in gigahertz (GHz). A CPUs clock speed determines the calculations it can process each second.

Compatibility The chipset of a motherboard determines which CPU it can and cannot take. For example, you could not put an Intel CPU inside an AMD chipset motherboard and vice versa.

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Now, let’s examine the top and bottom of the CPU. One thing to watch out for is the bottom of the CPU and the many gold pins. It is crucial not to touch the top or bottom of your CPU since the oil and dust on your fingers can damage these sensitive parts.

CPU // 11

Lets Install the CPU! In this section, we will begin installing the CPU. One thing you should know before you install is that there is a tiny arrow on the top and bottom of the CPU. Once you open the CPU socket on the motherboard you will see the same arrow. These arrows need to match so that you install the CPU correctly and minimize the chance of damaging the pins underneath.

The first thing that you will want to do is take the motherboard out of its anti-static packaging. Once the motherboard is out, you will want to place it gently on your work surface and locate the CPU socket.

The CPU socket will have a plastic covering and a tiny metal lever. Make sure that you find the small arrow on both the socket and the CPU itself. These arrows will need to be lined up with each other when you install it. You will now have to lift the plastic covering by gently pushing down on the lever attached and moving it away from the socket to open the tray.

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This is when you can open the CPU from its packaging, but please remember to be very careful when handling it.

The CPU and its socket can be very easily damaged, so it is important that you hold the CPU by its edges.

IMPORTANT! • Never touch the top or gold pins on the bottom!

• Only handle the CPU by its edges.

• Your fingers have oil and dust that can cause damage.

Make sure that the arrows on the CPU and the arrow on the CPU socket match up as mentioned before. The CPU will not require any force to put into place. The pins can be easily damaged or break off if you move it around too much, so be sure to lower the CPU in the socket gently. Once it is set in place, we can lower the lever and remove the plastic covering.

Bringing the lever back down to its original position might take a bit of force, but once you push it back in place, the plastic cover will pop off. Please don’t try to remove the cap yourself. The lever will do the work for you as you push it down to its original position.

Congratulations on installing your CPU! Now that this part is finished, we can move on to installing the CPU cooler. Some things to note before moving on is that some CPU coolers need thermal paste and others come with thermal paste preapplied. Once you have these things together, we can jump into the next section.

CPU // 13

02 CPU Cooling Let’s talk about CPU Cooling

What you will need

Cooling your CPU is essential so that it doesn’t overheat. There are different ways that you can install CPU cooling such as liquid and air-cooling systems. A liquid cooling system is going to be much more expensive than an air-cooled system. In most cases, you will have a fan that is installed over your CPU.

How do I choose the right one?

Motherboard

CPU fan

The second part of your computer building journey will be to install the CPU cooler. This is required to keep your CPU from overheating. We will also talk about other materials that you might need like thermal paste, and safe handling and application tips.

Some CPUs come with coolers as a packaged deal. If your CPU did not include a cooler, then you must purchase it separately. The CPU cooler is crucial so that your CPU gets good airflow and does not overheat, which could cause parts of your computer to short circuit or melt. If you need to shop for a cooler, here are some things to think about when choosing one: • Find out the amount of heat your CPU puts out.

• Know the socket types and layouts of your motherboard.

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• Make sure the cooler fits on the motherboard and inside your case to eliminate clutter.

If you’re still unsure, consult your user manuals and visit various websites to check for compatibility.

How does it work?

Air-cooled systems such as fans use heatsinks that are copper, aluminum, or sometimes both that move heat from the cooler’s base. The heat travels from the cooler’s base through heat pipes to the heatsink, then a fan blows air through the heatsink. This happens so that the heat will move into the air and out of your system, effectively keeping your CPU at safe temperatures for operation.

Now we are going to take a more detailed look at the part itself. We will also start talking about thermal paste, and some preparatory steps before we install it.

Liquid-cooled systems apply the same idea, but they use tubes filled with thermally conductive liquid that is pumped to a radiator instead of using heat pipes. When it comes to thermal conduction, copper works the best, and aluminum works about half as well.

CPU Cooling // 15

Thermal Paste Thermal paste is a grayish-looking substance that comes in a tube and is applied to the top of the CPU before installing your cooling system. Thermal paste allows for heat to transfer efficiently from the integrated heat spreader of the processor to the base plate of the CPU cooler. Thermal paste is required to prevent your CPU from overheating, and without thermal paste, your CPU would overheat in a matter of seconds.

Understanding Temperatures The temperature of your CPU can greatly depend on which CPU you are using. When looking at temperatures we generally want to see between 40°C and 65°c which is 104°F to 149°F. While this sounds hot already this is actually within the safe range during a normal workload.

However, if you do anything demanding, such as high-end gaming, then it can cause the temperature to rise between 75°C and 80°C. Although it’s a bit higher than the normal range, this temperature is still safe for a well-built computer.

Try to make a habit of checking the temperatures periodically so the CPU does not overheat.

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Let’s look at the CPU fan in more detail before we start installing it. This is a great way to identify certain parts and understand how each part works.

Screws Most of the time the CPU fan will come with screws attached to it. These screws need to be tightened in a cross pattern.

Heatsink These metal fin-like structures draw heat away from the CPU by sitting directly on top of it.

Rotor This is the part the fan blades are attached to, and the rotor spins at an average speed of 5,000 RPMs.

CPU Cooling // 17

Let’s install the CPU cooling system!

Now we are going to install the CPU cooler. Sometimes coolers need mounting brackets, and sometimes motherboards have the brackets installed to them. First, you will want to check if your cooler needs a bracket or not, and if it doesn’t, then you will need to remove it from the motherboard. You might also have to replace it if your cooler uses a different bracket. Make sure you have the CPU cooler on the motherboard before installing it in your case.

The next step is to check if your cooler needs thermal paste, or already has it applied. If your cooler does not have thermal paste already applied, then you will have to apply it. To apply the thermal paste, squeeze out a very small dot onto the middle of the CPU. Once the thermal paste is put onto the CPU, you will place the CPU cooler on top of the CPU, and the pressure will cause the thermal paste to spread evenly.

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IMPORTANT! • Make sure that the first squeeze of thermal paste is on a piece of paper so that you do not get a big accidental glob on the CPU. • If your cooler came with thermal paste applied to it, but you want to use a different type, use a lint-free cloth with 90% isopropyl alcohol and wipe it off.

• When you attach the cooler to the motherboard make sure you tighten the screws using a cross pattern.

• If you accidentally make a mistake while applying the thermal paste, just wipe it off the CPU and base of the cooler and start the application process again.

If your cooler needed thermal paste and a bracket installed, and you have completed those steps, it is now time to put the cooler on the motherboard. Now that the cooler has been set in place, you can attach it to the motherboard by screwing it down. Most coolers come with the screws attached, but if they are not then they will be included in the cooler box. You will want to tighten the screws in a cross-pattern method to make sure that the pressure is evenly distributed across the CPU. For example, if you tighten the top left screw the next one to tighten will be the bottom right diagonally from the first one, then tighten the top right and move to the bottom left.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed the CPU cooler. Our next part to install is going to be the RAM. We will talk about how much RAM you need, how to handle and install RAM safely and correctly, and break down its function.

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03 RAM What you will need

Let’s talk about RAM! RAM is an acronym that means Random Access Memory.

This is an important component of your computer which allows many programs to run at the same time. RAM is basically your computer’s short-term memory. This means that the memory stored in it while the computer is on is erased when the computer is turned off.

Motherboard

RAM

The third part of your computer building journey will be about installing RAM. We will learn what RAM is, important handling and installation tips, and how much RAM you will need. This section will also teach you how to remove RAM if you are interested in upgrading.

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How does it work?

RAM uses Gigabytes (GB) to measure the amount of storage it can have. The benefit of having more RAM is that your programs will run faster. This also means that you can run more programs at the same time more smoothly. In addition to that, your computer needs RAM to use basic programs and surf the web.

When checking your RAMs speed, you will notice that it is in megahertz (MHz). The speed makes it much faster for data

to move in and out, but you will want to make sure that you follow the speed specifications set by the motherboard to avoid overheating. You do not need much RAM to get started, and you can always add or upgrade more RAM at any time.

Getting the Right RAM There is a big difference between laptop RAM and desktop RAM, and since we are not building a laptop, we want to make sure that we have desktop RAM. Desktop RAM uses Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) and laptop RAM uses Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM).

When you are searching for RAM you will want to make sure it is DIMM and not SO-DIMM. Remember that these two types of RAM are incompatible.

Next, we are going to take a detailed look at the RAM stick to understand the important parts. We will also be looking at what to look for when buying RAM, how much RAM you will need, and explain DDR.

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How much RAM do you need?

Determining how much you will need will all depend on your computer’s main function. Just surfing the web while using more than a couple of tabs at once and using basic programs will require a minimum of 4GB of RAM. If you plan on using demanding programs, or you know that you are going to be multitasking with lots of programs all at once, you might want to consider 8 to 16 GB.

How much is too much?

Many people wonder, “How much RAM is too much?”. Many people believe that 32GB is just enough before it can be considered too much or overkill. This amount will be more than enough if you plan on doing high-end gaming, editing 4K video, and multitasking demanding programs.

What is DDR? DDR stands for Double Data Rate and can transfer data twice in a single cycle. Different versions such as DDR3 and DDR4 are just updated versions of the previous number.

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Remember to consult your motherboard manual for the RAM it requires, but it is easy to tell if you have the wrong one. Each generation has the notch cut differently in the stick, so you cannot mix them up or worry about damaging the motherboard.

What to look for when buying RAM. Whether you are buying your initial RAM or upgrading it, here are some things to consider when shopping around: • Always follow the recommendations of your motherboard, CPU, etc. to make sure that your new RAM will fit and is supported.

• It is also important to remember that laptops and desktops use different types of RAM. • When checking for the speed of your RAM make sure that you check your CPU specs for the recommended speeds.

IMPORTANT: • Make sure not to touch the gold fingers.

• The notch is not centered, so make sure you are aligning the RAM correctly.

• The RAM should snap in place when inserted correctly.

RAM // 23

Let’s install the RAM! Your motherboard will have either two or four RAM slots. If you aren’t going to fill all the slots, make sure you check the configuration that is recommended by your motherboard. This will make sure that you place them accordingly. However, if you are going to fill all the slots simply snap them into place.

If you are upgrading or replacing RAM, make sure that your computer is shut down and all cables connected to it are unplugged. You will also need to remove the side of the case so that you can access the RAM slots. Pushing the plastic retention clips at both ends will release the RAM stick and allow you to remove it and replace it.

Motherboards sometimes have tabs that help with RAM installation, so you do not have to move the tabs yourself. You may not be able to turn your computer on if the RAM does not get seated correctly the first time. If this happens, just reseat the RAM and try again.

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WARNING! • RAM sticks are very sensitive to static charges!

• Be sure to handle it very carefully.

• Never hold them by their edges or touch the metal conductors if they are visible.

• Make sure that your RAM is compatible with your motherboard before installing it.

Congratulations! Now that we installed the RAM, it is time to move on to the next step: the power supply. We are going to go over what the power supply is, why it is important, and how to install it. Also, we are going to finally start putting our parts inside the case, starting with the power supply.

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04 PSU The fourth part of your computer building journey will be installing the power supply. We are also going to start putting the parts inside the case starting with the Power Supply Unit (PSU). In this section, we will take a detailed look at the PSU, and learn about its function.

What you will need

Let’s talk about the PSU

Case

Power Supply

If you build your computer without including this part, all you have is computer parts in a plastic case that does absolutely nothing. The PSU powers every part of your computer! Because it is so vital, you want to make sure that it is strong enough to power all the parts that you decide to put into your build.

The PSU also has its own cooling system with a built-in fan, and sometimes they have RGB color options. But, unlike the other parts we have installed so far, the power supply gets screwed directly into the case.

Screwdriver 26 // How to Build a Computer

What wattage should I get?

The wattage of your PSU is very important, if it is not strong enough to meet the combined wattage of all your parts then it could overheat. One thing to know is that your PSU will only draw the power that it needs, so having a higher wattage count than your parts have combined is a safe way to ensure that your computer is getting enough power.

Bronze or Gold?

You will notice bronze or gold ratings on your PSU, but what is the difference? This rating simply shows the efficiency rate of your PSU. The bronze-rated PSUs run at 80% efficiency, which is the most popular for budget builds, and are usually more than enough to meet the needs of your build.

Now, let’s look more closely at the details of the PSU. We will also start focusing on why you need proper airflow and talk about the best position for the PSU inside your case.

Gold-rated PSUs have a higher price tag and are considered to be premium grade. These run at an 87% efficiency rate which makes the gold-rated PSUs the most reliable of the two types. Gold-rated PSUs often perform better than their bronze counterpart. So, if you can afford it, a gold PSU will give you great peace of mind for your computer.

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Airflow Not having good airflow for your PSU can cause it to overheat and damage the motherboard. Since PSUs have their own cooling systems, they use fans to pull the cool outside air into the PSU and expel hot air generated from the PSU outside of the case. The cooler airflow into the PSU improves its efficiency and creates a longer life span. Since airflow is so important, you want to make sure that you have a case with a decent amount of ventilation.

Another thing to make sure you have sufficient airflow to your PSU is to have an air filter on the case. This filter looks like a screen and helps prevent lots of dust and debris from getting inside the PSU. Also, having the fan of the PSU facing the air filter or vent of the case will help to make sure that nothing from inside the computer accidentally falls into it.

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Let us look at some of the components of the PSU up close to explain their function. You want to have a basic understanding of the different parts before moving on to mounting it in the case.

Plug This plug is designed to take the female end of the power cable which came with your PSU while the male end of the cable plugs into the wall.

Power switch This switch is what will turn the electrical current going into the PSU, which sends power to the other parts of your system, on and off.

Fan The fan on the PSU is designed to be placed on a vent inside the case. It should face the outside to bring in cool air.

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Let’s install the PSU! The first step in installing the PSU is to take it out of its packaging and find the four screws that will be used for fastening it to the case. Next, you will find the location in your case where you are going to mount it. Sometimes the mounting will be at the top of the case, but you will often mount it on the bottom of the case.

In your case, you will see a large opening toward the bottom where you will be able to access the plug and power switch.

Once the PSU is inside your case, make sure that the plug and power switch are facing the back opening of the case. Next, make sure that the fan of the PSU is facing the bottom of the case where the vent is. At this time, you will grab the four screws and use a screwdriver to mount the PSU to the case.

To do this, you will screw in from the outside of the case, but make sure the holes line up.

Once all the screws are in, you are finished mounting the PSU inside your case! Later on, we will connect all of the cables to the motherboard. Before we can do that, we will have to mount the motherboard to the inside of the case.

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IMPORTANT: Make sure your mounting location is secure.

This is where you will screw the PSU to the case.

Remember to have the fan of the PSU facing the bottom of the case towards the vent and air filter.

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05 Motherboard Installation At this point in your computer building journey, we will mount the motherboard to the inside of the case. There are a few additional parts you might need, but these extra parts will be in the box your motherboard came in.

What you will need

In your box, you will find standoffs, screws, and the I/O shield, but sometimes your case will come with these items already installed in your case. Let’s talk about some of these parts in a little more detail.

Motherboard

Screwdriver 32 // How to Build a Computer

Case

I/O shield The I/O shield is a small rectangular sheet of metal that is sometimes silver or black in color. This piece protects the ports of your motherboard that face the back opening of the case. This will be pressed into that back opening of the case, but be sure to remember that the orientation needs to be correct when you install it to the case.

Standoffs

Let’s go over some important safety tips when it comes to motherboard installation.

Standoffs are small screw-like parts that allow the motherboard to stand off the side of the case. This way it is not touching the case which is important for the circuitry on the bottom of the motherboard. The standoffs also allow for the motherboard to be screwed into them which holds it snugly in place. One important note when you get to mounting the motherboard: make sure that you do not drag it across the standoffs to avoid damaging it!

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Connecting the PSU You will then want to get ready to start connecting the PSU to the motherboard. You will notice cables coming out of the PSU you installed earlier, and out of those cables, there is an 8-pin connector and a 24-pin connector. These will be connected to the motherboard after it is installed in the case.

Power cables The power cables are the 8-pin and 24-pin cables coming from the PSU. Here, we will look into detail at where exactly these connectors are on the motherboard. It is good to be prepared in knowing where these are so that when it comes time to connect you will know where to put them. These cables send the electricity coming from the PSU to power the motherboard and all the components connected to it.

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IMPORTANT! • Be careful that you do not drag the motherboard across the standoffs on the case.

• Wear your anti-static wrist strap so you do not accidentally short circuit anything with a static charge.

• Do not over-tighten the screws to the motherboard.

• Be careful handling the I/O shield so it does not break, and make sure it is oriented correctly.

8-pin connector

24-pin connector

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Let’s mount the motherboard!

Now we are going to install the motherboard. To do this you might need to go back to the box your motherboard came in and find the screws and I/O shield. In most cases, your motherboard will come with nine screws which we will use for mounting.

The I/O shield is a piece designed to go in the case before the motherboard so that the ports will match up and be protected by it. If this piece is not attached you will simply want to snap it into place on the back of your case, but make sure that the orientation of the cutouts is correct. Once the I/O shield is in its correct place, we can start installing the motherboard.

A full ATX motherboard will normally come with nine screws, but different sizes can have different amounts of screws. Place the motherboard into the case by carefully aligning it with the I/O shield and start attaching at the center screw. Once all screws are in place, you will want to connect the PSU to the motherboard using the 8- and 24-pin connector cables coming out of the PSU.

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Congratulations on installing the motherboard! It is finally starting to come together. Our next install is going to be the GPU which is a very exciting part that sends a picture to your monitor!

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06 GPU The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is also known as the graphics card or video card. We are going to learn some important things about the GPU and why it is so vital to have in a computer. At the end of this section, we will learn how to install the GPU. For now, let’s talk about the two types of GPUs which are integrated and discrete.

What you will need

Integrated GPU GPU

Case 38 // How to Build a Computer

Motherboard

Screwdriver

An integrated GPU is located on the CPU and shares memory based on the CPU’s processor. This makes them smaller and more energy-efficient. They also cost much less than having a discrete GPU. You will see this type of GPU in smaller-sized electronics like smartphones, tablets, and some low-end laptops. This type of GPU will not allow for high-end gaming or other high graphic demanding programs.

Discrete GPU A discrete GPU is also known as a dedicated graphics card or video card. These GPUs will provide significantly better graphics than their integrated counterpart. These GPUs even have RAM and an active cooling system since they tend to generate much more heat. These GPUs are also much more expensive and sometimes powerful enough to take on any task. Desktops and some high-end laptops have this type of GPU, but this is where the price of your computer building budget gets the most expensive.

Next, we will talk about the RAM inside of the GPU and identify some of its parts in more detail. Oh, and did you know that discrete GPUs are also used for crypto mining?

In this computer build, we are going to show the installation process of a discrete GPU since they offer the best performance and have their own memory. These GPUs are also easy to take out if you wanted to upgrade to a better one down the road. One thing to understand about this part of the build is that it is the most expensive, and in some cases, this could be half the cost of your building budget.

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GPU RAM The RAM inside a GPU is called Graphics Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (GDDR SRAM) Which you will mainly see advertised as GDDR. This is like DDR RAM in the sense that the number that comes after it is just a new update version of the previous model, for example, GDDR5 and GDDR6. GDDR memory is only in GPUs and is designed to help aid in the use of high-end gaming, intense video editing, etc.

PCIe Peripheral Component Interface express (PCIe) slots exist on the motherboard allowing you to use expansion cards that are inserted into these slots. The types of parts that can go into PCIe slots are sound cards, co-processors, graphics cards, and several other computer parts. The PCIe slots make the communication between the motherboard and these parts much faster.

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IMPORTANT! • Be sure to wear an anti-static wrist strap when handling.

• Make sure to not put your fingers on the gold pins.

• Make sure your case is big enough with plenty of ventilation, so the GPU will fit properly.

Fan The fan on the GPU is designed to cool it down since it tends to generate heat very rapidly.

Pins This part of the GPU is what is connected to the motherboard through a PCIe slot which provides power and other information to the GPU.

Display ports The ports normally consist of HDMI, DVI-D, and mini display port sockets so that they can be connected to a monitor.

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Let’s install the GPU! First, you will want to check motherboard and find the PCIe slot. This slot should be the longest out of the other PCIe slots, or, in some cases, it may be a different color. This is to make sure that your GPU gets plenty of ventilation inside the case.

Next, you will need to remove some small metal tabs which are located on the back of the case behind the PCIe slot the GPU will go into. These need to be removed so that you can access the display ports on the back of the GPU.

Now, you will remove the GPU from its anti-static packaging.

The GPU will go in similarly to how the RAM was installed since there is only one way for it to go in. You will follow the notch just like with the RAM and gently push down until you hear the retention clip click. Remember this does not require force and is easy to re-seat if need be.

Once this is done and the GPU is sitting nicely in the PCIe slot, you will have to screw it into the back of the case to secure it in place. This will more than likely require two screws, which can usually be found in the GPU box. You also might have to connect it to your PSU, but your PSU should already have this power connector ready for you.

Congratulations! Your GPU is now installed! Your computer is starting to look finished, but there is still one more important part to the build … the storage. The the next section is about storage. We will explore the different types of storage options and learn how to install them in your computer.

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07 Case Fans What you will need

This section of the building process will be brief and cover adding fans to your case. The purpose of this is to generate good airflow, and help reduce dust build up inside your computer. Case fans also help keep the inside temperature of your system down by cooling excess heat.

Case fans Case

Screwdriver

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All computers need more than one fan inside, especially since the parts in your computer are putting off a large amount of heat, and require a lot of energy to power. Normally you will see on average five fans that are mounted inside the case, and some cases come with one or more fans pre-installed. You will want to purchase some extra fans, but make sure that the size fan you buy fits your case. The most common size fan is 120mm, but consult the make and model of your case for the appropriate size. Now, lets start installing your case fans.

Case locations These are the main areas where you will be putting your fans. Most often you will put two or three fans in the top and front of the case, and one or two at the back. How many fans you will need in these areas are based on the size, make, and model of your case.

Let’s install the case fan!

Installing the fan is pretty easy, and once you install one all of the others are done the same way. Each fan has four holes that will match up to areas on the case to be screwed in. The screws you will need are included with the fan.

The front and back fans need to be positioned so that they are pulling in the outside air to blow inside of your case. The top fans will be doing the opposite, and should be placed to pull in the air from inside the case to be blown outside. Having your fans this way will help keep the inside cool, circulate airflow, and push some dust out.

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08 Storage What you will need

SSD

The storage devices we are going to talk about in this section are Solid State Drives (SSD) and Hard Disk Drives (HDD). These storage devices can be used at the same time in your computer if you so choose, and they are also easily interchangeable if you needed to upgrade to more space.

The storage device is also a very important part since it stores all your data, programs, operating system, and so much more. The two types of storage devices are primary and secondary.

Motherboard

Primary storage device These storage devices are usually smaller and are designed to be installed internally in your computer. They also store data temporarily but have the fastest speed for data access.

Case

Screwdriver

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Secondary storage devices These storage devices have more storage capacity, and unlike primary storage, they store data permanently. These storage devices can be installed or plugged in to you computer. The different types of secondary storage are HDD, USB, etc. There are other types of storage such as cloud and virtual.

Cloud Storage Cloud storage is one of the newest ways of storing various types of media that is accessible from anywhere. This type of storage allows you to store any data virtually instead of using a physical storage device. Cloud storage is a great way to back up your physical HDD or SSD in the event that they get damaged or erased, but this form of storage also has a cost.

Now that we understand what types of storage are available for your computer, let’s talk about how HDD and SSD storage devices differ from one another.

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SSD SSD storage devices do not use a spinning disk as the HDD does, but instead, they use what is called flash memory. SSDs tend to be much smaller than HDDs and can access data much faster. They can also provide faster boot-up times for your operating system and programs. In fact, most desktops and laptops are coming preinstalled with SSD for the improved speed and performance over HDD. However, this does mean that SSDs tend to cost a little more. For this build, we will be installing an SSD.

HDD HDD storage is much slower than SSDs, but they are generally cheaper for a lot more storage space. These hard drives are not using flash memory, rather, they use a disk that reads and writes data to it. The data stored on an HDD is done magnetically which can make them susceptible to data loss. The nice thing about both storage devices is that they use standard Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) connections for install.

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Now that we’ve covered that, let’s take a look at the SSD and get familiar with connectors before we begin the installation.

SATA connector This where you plug your SSD into your motherboard with a SATA cable.

Power connector This is also a SATA cable, but this one is larger and is connected from your PSU.

Retention clip These four holes allow for the plastic storage bay to clip into place and secure the SSD to the bay.

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Let’s install the SSD! First, we will find the drive bays. These bays are typically plastic and located towards the front of the case in a stack formation. The benefit of these bays is that they do not require you to use tools to install your storage device. They can usually take SSD and HDD storage devices. You will notice they are in a stack so that you can put more than one storage device here if you choose. Once the SSD is in the plastic tray simply push the tray back into the bay until it clicks into place. You should not have to force this into place.

If you do not have these plastic bays in your case, you will have to screw the SSD to the side of the case. This will only take two or four screws to secure it in place. In the package of your SSD, you will notice a metal bracket to slide the SSD into. Once that is finished, line the screw holes up to the holes on your case to screw it in place.

Connecting the SATA cables Now, we need to connect it to the motherboard and PSU with SATA cables. As illustrated earlier, you will need to find the SATA connector and the power connector, but usually, your SSD will come with a SATA cable in the box. The power 50 // How to Build a Computer

connector is longer than the SATA connector and is inserted into its proper place on the SSD. After these connectors are inserted into the SSD, you will need to locate the SATA cable and plug that into its appropriate labeled spot on the motherboard. If you are also installing an HDD, it is done the same way. The only difference is that you cannot mount it to the side of the case. The HDD will have to go into the plastic tray.

Congratulations on installing your storage device! This means that all your parts are finally installed into our computer! The only thing left now is cable management so that cables aren’t in the way of other parts. Next, we will talk about the operating system and other things needed to complete the build.

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09 Clean Up Great job on building your first computer! This is an excellent achievement that you have accomplished. While we have all of our parts installed there are still a few things left to take care of. We will have to tackle cable management within your computer so that there are no cables and cords hanging inside your computer. This can be dangerous by restricting airflow and can even get in the way of certain fans, plus it looks cluttered, and is difficult to see all of the hard work you put into your build.

Cable Management Cable management is different for every case. You will want to check the user manual that came with your case for the best way to organize cable management within your case.

However, let’s go over a few standard cable managing tips that will generally work well for everyone:

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• Take off the non-glass side of your case, if you don’t have a glass side it is the side facing the back of the motherboard. This is where you tuck cables out of sight.

• Using the zip ties or Velcro straps that came with some of your parts helps group cables together.

• Make sure you don’t group too many cables together; this will create a cable bulge and can prevent the case from closing.

• It is important to leave space behind the motherboard incase you want to change out parts in the future.

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Once you have all the cables out of the way, and it is looking nice and tidy, we can move on to peripherals you will most likely need when using your computer.

Peripherals Input peripherals are more than likely going to plug into your computer such as a keyboard, mouse, drawing pad, scanner, etc. It is up to you which of these you would like to have for your computer. Output peripherals are items that will be receiving an output directly from your computer such as monitors, printers, or speakers.

Sometimes you can have peripherals that are both input and output. These are things like external hard drives, USB flash drives, external CD or DVD drives (also known as optical drives), webcams, headsets, microphones, etc. These all send and receive data directly from your computer.

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These peripherals can come in so many different shapes, sizes, and features. Lots of these items have RGB lighting that you can sync to the lighting in your computer.

Once you have all the peripherals you need or want, then we can quickly talk about the operating system and what you should do to start installing it.

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10 Operating System The last piece to complete your computer build is installing the Operating System (OS). Before we start getting more in-depth into installing the OS you will need to have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and blank flash drive. For the OS, we recommend Windows 10 since there are lots of ways to download it for free, or you can have a paid version of Windows, either one will work just fine.

Let’s install the OS! First, you will want to use another computer like a laptop or a friend’s computer, and download the Windows 10 OS to a blank flash drive that has at least 8GB of free space.

Next, you will plug in the keyboard, mouse, and monitor to your computer. Then plug in the USB flash drive with the OS on it into your newly built computer.

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The first thing that you will see on your monitor is a screen that tells you to press a key to open the BIOS. This is where the computer will show you all the parts that are connected and installed. Here is where you check to make sure that your computer is recognizing all of the parts we installed so far.

Next, you will want to look around the BIOS page and locate the boot page, this could have other names such as boot order or boot priority. Once you have found this page you will want to change the boot order to your flash drive. This will put the flash drive first and the second thing should be the drive you want to install the OS on, which in our case is the SSD that we installed earlier.

Finally, restart your computer to now boot from the USB, then the OS installation screen will show up. From here just follow the instructions to finish the installation.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of computer building! Also, Congratulations on making it all the way to the end of your first computer build! Now that you have built a computer you can start customizing and personalizing it. Later on, you can upgrade parts that you might have originally wanted, but couldn’t afford in your budget at the time.

Great job on building your first computer!

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Bibliography Betts, Andy, and Andy Betts (223 Articles Published) . Integrated vs. Dedicated Graphics Card: 7 Things You Need to Know. 13 Dec. 2019, www.makeuseof.com/tag/can-shared-graphics-finally-compete-with-a-dedicated-graphicscard/#:~:text=Integrated%20graphics%20refers%20to%20a,same%20die%20as%20the%20CPU.&text=If%20 your%20computer%20has%204GB,processors%20have%20an%20integrated%20GPU. Christensson, Per. “SSD.” SSD (Solid State Drive) Definition, 13 Jan. 2011, techterms.com/definition/ssd#:~:text=Stands%20 for%20%22Solid%20State%20Drive,permanent%20state%20even%20without%20power.&text=Instead%20of%20 storing%20data%20on,store%20data%20using%20flash%20memory.

Ducpham, Thomas. “ RAM Explained - A Guide to Understanding Computer Memory.” Central Valley Computer Parts, 8 June 2018, centralvalleycomputerparts.com/articles/-ram-explained/.

Falk, Richard. “A Brief Explanation on CPU Coolers.” TechSpot, TechSpot, 17 Aug. 2016, www.techspot.com/news/65997brief-explanation-cpu-coolers.html.

“How to Build a Gaming PC.” Intel, www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/resources/how-to-build-a-gaming-pc.html.

“How to Install a Motherboard: Helpful Beginner’s Guide (& Photos).” How To Build Gaming Computers, 16 Sept. 2019, www. build-gaming-computers.com/how-to-install-motherboard.html.

“How to Install an SSD in Your Desktop.” How to Install an SSD in Your Desktop PC, www.crucial.com/articles/about-ssd/ how-to-install-solid-state-drive.

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Jones, Ryan. “What Is a CPU? A Beginner’s Guide to Processors.” Trusted Reviews, 25 Mar. 2021, www.trustedreviews.com/ news/what-is-a-cpu-2950255.

Phillips, Gavin, and Gavin Phillips (809 Articles Published) . “A Quick and Dirty Guide to RAM: What You Need to Know.”

MUO, 2 Apr. 2021, www.makeuseof.com/tag/quick-dirty-guide-ram-need-know/.

Pinkerton, Nick. “Basics of Cable Management - Beginner’s How-To Guide.” Guides, 7 Aug. 2012, 11:19am, www.gamersnexus. net/guides/892-basics-of-cable-management.

“Storage Device.” Techopedia, www.techopedia.com/definition/1119/storage-device#:~:text=A%20storage%20device%20 is%20any,computer%2C%20server%20or%20computing%20device.

Wallossek, Igor. “How To: Properly Plan And Pick Parts For An Air-Cooled PC, Part 1.” Tom’s Hardware, Tom’s Hardware, 8 Nov. 2011, www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cooling-airflow-heatsink,3053-4.html.

“What Is a CPU: Understanding the Basics - The Plug.” HelloTech, 4 Jan. 2020, www.hellotech.com/blog/what-is-cpu-coreswhat-cpu-do-i-have.

Wilson, Bill. The Difference: Gold vs Bronze Rated Power Supplies. 10 Sept. 2019, appuals.com/gold-vs-bronze-psu/.

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How to Build a Computer Have you ever wanted to build your own computer? Are you interested in learning how the different parts work? Do you just simply want to replace parts in your current computer but do not know how? In How to Build a Computer you will follow along on your very own journey to build a computer! You will also learn the important parts that go into a computer and how they function. So, if you want to follow along and build your own computer, but do not know how, this book is for you!