How to assemble a computer yourself from components? How to assemble a computer correctly using the components yourself

The popularity of the personal computer is obvious; its scope of application is simply limitless. PCs are used in medical, educational, financial and other institutions. Using a computer you can access the Internet, pay public utilities, shop online or just watch movies. Don't forget about the gaming industry, which encourages component manufacturers to produce more powerful hardware.

Naturally, all this played an important role in the popularity of PCs among ordinary users. But perhaps the most important feature of the computer was its ease of assembly. Almost any buyer, after reading several information articles, will probably be able to independently assemble his own PC, for some of his needs, because each task has its own characteristics.

To work with graphics, you need to have a lot of video memory. To install a server or work with a large number of simultaneous tasks, you need a lot RAM. And the speed of video processing directly depends on the power of the processor. We should also not forget about such details as the power supply, because it bears the entire load, and the more powerful the components we have, the more powerful the power supply should be.

Computer assembly. Where to start?

Once we decide for what purposes we need a computer, we can start purchasing components. Let's say we are not professionals in video editing or website building, what kind of computer should we build? Everything is quite simple, in this case we need to assemble “mass-produced” components.

The fact is that specific video cards, processors and motherboards are marked with separate numbers, like “Mining Edition”, and they are more expensive than their counterparts. Also, don't buy latest models, because their advantage is not very big, and the price is much higher. In this case, it is advisable to buy components that are about a year old.

Assembling a computer begins with choosing a motherboard; the fact is that it depends on the motherboard what data transfer speed the processor and RAM will support in the future. If the motherboard budget segment, it will not be able to realize all the capabilities of a premium segment processor or RAM.

Choosing a motherboard.

All motherboards are divided into two types: with support AMD processors(s-AM1 – s-AM4) and Intel support (s-775 – s-2066). Essentially, the choice depends on personal preference.
Some motherboards are sold with pre-installed video card chips, which is quite convenient for those who only need to use a PC as a media center and just to browse the Internet; for more serious tasks, such video cards are usually not enough.

Form factor

This option determines the size of the motherboard, among which the most popular are full-size ATX and slightly trimmed micro-ATX. In terms of functionality, they are no different, and the choice depends only on the size of the case. Also, an ATX motherboard should be purchased if the buyer is going to expand the capabilities of the computer by adding Wi-Fi cards, Sound cards, additional USB connectors, etc.

Memory type

Now, without a doubt, you should take an MP with DDR4 support (the latest one at the moment) or, as a last resort, DDR3.

Number of memory slots

Most often, MPs are sold with 2 or 4 slots; naturally, it is better to purchase one with 4, however, before purchasing, you need to pay attention to the maximum amount of supported memory; if the motherboard is not capable of accepting more than 16 GB of RAM, it is quite possible to take an MP with 2 memory slots.

RAM capacity

The amount of memory primarily affects the number of simultaneously running applications. Modern software consumes quite a lot of memory, for example, browser tabs take up from 100 to 500 MB. Because of this, even a dozen open tabs take up half of the entire RAM. The minimum amount of RAM at the moment is 8 – 16 GB.

RAM frequency

The speed of reading and writing to virtual memory depends on the frequency of the RAM. In other words, the higher the speed, the faster applications will run on our computer, and the faster tabs will open in the browser. However, before buying a RAM stick, you should make sure that the motherboard supports this frequency, otherwise the part may not reveal its capabilities. Until recently, the standard was 1333 MHz frequency, now the maximum frequencies reach 4500 MHz.

Sometimes, when choosing a computer in a store, many are faced with the same problem: none of the computers offered suits your needs (small amount of memory, wrong processor, video card manufacturer is not suitable, etc.).

Preparatory stage

What to do in such situations? Of course, there is a way out. You can purchase all the necessary components and assemble the computer yourself. Well, what if you have never had to do such things before, and a lot of wires just scare you?

There is no need to be afraid; in fact, everything is much simpler than it might seem at first glance. So, you have purchased everything you need at the store, and you want to immediately begin assembling your own computer.

First, free up the space where you want to assemble. To make work convenient, all parts must lie side by side on a flat surface. Prepare a piece of foam rubber or cardboard measuring approximately 40x40x3cm. It will help prevent damage to the table surface and protect the boards from static electricity accumulating on the surface.

Step by step assembly steps

Having arranged it properly workplace, you can begin assembly work.
First, remove the side covers of the case and break out the plug at the back.

Install the power supply onto the seat and secure it with screws.
Then you need to screw in the stands to mount the system board. Next, at the back of the case, having previously bent the grounding bolts, install the system board blank. Place the motherboard on the stands as carefully as possible, being careful not to scratch it. Secure the board with six to eight screws.
Install the processor into the socket located on the system board. On the board, as well as on the processor, you can see a key in the form of a triangle. These keys must match during installation. Open the socket lock.
All processor legs must fit freely into the socket sockets on the motherboard. If this cannot be accomplished without the use of force, then you are doing something wrong. Close the lock.
Thermal paste will help to organize the cooling system. It needs to be uniform thin layer Apply carefully to the processor cover. You should not in any way allow thermal paste to get on the system board - where the socket is located. To apply thermal paste evenly, you can use a plastic card, such as a bank card or business card.
After applying thermal paste, install the processor cooler (fan). To find out how to install a cooler of your design, take a look at the instructions for it.
Next, you can begin installing the RAM. Inspect the bar carefully. There is a key on its surface in the area of the contact tracks; it must match the key of the memory slot, which is located on the motherboard. We move apart the connector fastenings and insert the RAM sticks. You need to lightly press down on the bar so that the mount is closed.
If you have a discrete graphics card, install it in the appropriate slot. Screw the screw into the case to avoid loosening the video card in the slot.
The next step is to install the hard drive and optical drive in their places. Secure them with screws and connect them to the system board.
And finally, the final stage is connecting the signal wires from the front panel to the system board. To do this, use the diagram printed in the manual for the motherboard.

Build your own computer– This is an excellent opportunity to choose computer components in accordance with your individual requirements and preferences. In addition, this allows you to save a considerable amount of money and get exactly what you need, with all the necessary characteristics, without overpaying for assembly and without once again enriching large and not very large large stores office equipment, which often sin by “stuffing” cheap components into an expensive fancy case and selling it at triple the price.

This article will take you step by step collect yours own computer , which will be maximally adapted to your personal needs.

Ready desktop computers often do not have the configuration that meets the needs of a particular buyer. It also happens that the computer being sold has a good configuration, but is overvalued in terms of cost. A finished computer may also satisfy you with almost everything, except for one component. This may not even be related to the functional side of the computer, but to the aesthetic one. For example, you may not like the case system unit.

On the other hand, by carefully selecting each component of your system, you are not only free to choose components from various manufacturers, but also assemble a computer at a much lower price. You don't have to worry about the warranty. This is an argument that many sellers of ready-made computers like to make in order to scare inexperienced buyers. Buying electronic components separately, you also receive a warranty for each of them, and if any hardware problem arises, you can easily fix it by replacing one or another component under warranty. However, I hasten to reassure you that such problems are quite rare, modern computer components are very reliable, so the likelihood of their failure is quite low. Later in the article we will get acquainted with some technical information regarding individual components and manufacturers computer components, she will help you in selecting them and assembling a computer with your own hands.

Selecting components to build a computer

Below are descriptions of the computer components you will need to purchase to build your computer. If you have no questions regarding the choice of components for the system unit, you know what it costs and why, or everything has already been purchased and is waiting in the wings, then you can move on to the second part of the article - directly to. But if you don’t fully understand something and have any questions or doubts, it’s better to read this material again so that you can ultimately choose what you really need, assemble a computer with your own hands, and not overpay.

Let's consider the composition of the system unit, what will we assemble it from? First of all, this is the processor itself, which we will install on the motherboard. The motherboard, in turn, is the foundation of the computer, where, in addition to the processor, RAM, sound and video cards are installed. Below we will look at how to choose both the “motherboard” and other components.

What, in fact, the “thought process” itself takes place in is the computer’s RAM.

The optical disk drive is designed to read information from laser discs various formats. Whether to equip a system unit with it or not is a purely personal matter, it all depends on your goals, objectives, and capabilities. Alternatively, the operating system can be installed using a bootable USB flash drive, and drivers, programs and games can be downloaded on the Internet.

The power supply sometimes comes with the case, but when assembling the computer yourself, it is better to take it separately. Its main characteristic is output power.

And, finally, such devices that belong to the computer, but are not part of the system unit: monitor, mouse, keyboard, source uninterruptible power supply(which can be done without, but is not advisable).

Processor, motherboard and RAM

Processor speed is important. A powerful processor ensures high speed of the computer. If you are going to play computer games or use design programs, then you need a processor with a clock speed of at least 2 GHz and at least 2 GB of RAM. It is better if these two indicators are higher. Some extreme PC games are very resource intensive, so you should be prepared to purchase powerful processor, a representative of the older line of AMD or Intel. Pay attention to such a parameter as cache memory, it works on approximately the same principle as RAM, only much faster and directly affects the speed of the processor. It will be great if its volume is 3 MB or higher. Processors can be supplied in a BOX configuration, which is when it is already equipped with a cooler, or OEM, in which case you will have to buy a cooling system for the processor separately, however, they are relatively inexpensive and available, so this should not be a problem for you.

Read more here: How to choose a processor for your computer>>>

Motherboard

The motherboard is the “foundation” of the computer. Today, several manufacturers are leaders in quality and price: Gigabyte, Asus, Msi, Foxconn, AsRock. Plus, if you are building a powerful gaming computer, it is advisable to take an ATX format motherboard, because it contains more slots and connectors, installation and installation are more convenient, and accordingly, you can attach more different things to it.

Before purchasing a motherboard for the computer you are building, make sure that the processor you choose is compatible with it. Pay attention to the socket (socket for installing a processor), it should be similar to the processor socket, otherwise the “stone” will have to be placed on the “mother” with a hammer, and this is not good. Also pay attention to whether it has all the necessary slots and connectors.

More details here: How to choose a motherboard>>>

RAM

RAM is now common in two types: DDR2 and DDR3. DDR2 is already outliving its allotted time, it is being replaced by the faster DDR3, and DDR4 is on its way. Motherboards can support one or both types. But it’s better to install the same type of RAM, of course. The principle is simple - the larger the volume, the better. And, as has been said more than once, for a modern home computer you need at least 2GB.

Even more here: How to choose RAM>>>

Video card

A good video card will give you excellent quality images, and is mandatory for those who will work with graphics or use a computer assembled with their own hands for computer games. Nvidia and AMD are the most famous brands. Other manufacturers - insofar as. However, it will be extremely difficult for you to “run into” an unscrupulous manufacturer. The fact is that very few people can afford to develop video chips. The vast majority of video card manufacturers use technology and produce their products through licensing from giant manufacturers.

The meaning of the choice here is the same as with RAM - the larger the volume of the video card’s own RAM and its frequency, the more sophisticated toys it will handle. For games, RAM should be at least 1GB; for office, 512MB is enough (or you can get by with the video core built into the processor). No less important is the frequency of the video processor itself (from 600 MHz and above) and throughput data buses (at least 128 bit).

You can find out more here: How to choose a video card>>>

Hard drive, or hard drive, also known as HDD

In order not to rack our brains about what is more important to us, performance, volume or something else, it is best to install at least two hard drives on your computer. One hard drive– with a high rotation speed of 7200-10000 rpm for the operating system (they are currently being replaced by solid-state SSD drives), and second hard a disk with a speed of at least 5400-7200 rpm for storing files. It is recommended to opt for models with a rotation speed of 7200. They optimally combine access speed and moderate heating.

Purpose first hard drive— long-term data storage. Accordingly, you need to choose its capacity depending on how much of this data you are going to store on it. If you are a movie fan and have a large collection of films, especially if the films are in HD format, then the larger the hard drive capacity, the better. Currently, prices for hard drives have dropped significantly. You can buy a 1TB hard drive quite cheaply. Moreover, the cost of storing 1GB of information decreases significantly with an increase in the total volume of the selected hard drive. When choosing a hard drive, pay attention to such a characteristic as the amount of buffer memory. Currently, models with a buffer of 16, 32 and 64 MB are mainly presented. It is preferable to opt for the latter. Also make sure that you buy a SATA3 type hard drive from a good manufacturer and with a warranty provided, this will allow you to repair or replace it free of charge in case of problems.

More details about How to choose a hard drive>>>

Frame

The choice of case will depend on your aesthetic preferences. Some cases come with a pre-installed power supply. If you choose such a case, make sure that the output power of the power supply is sufficient to connect all the necessary system components.

How to choose a computer case >>> read here.

power unit

The best solution would be to purchase a power supply with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). In any case, you take a case with a built-in power supply or purchase them separately.

But, in any case, the main characteristic of the power supply is the total output power, going through several buses with different voltages. The main bus is the one that produces 12V. In addition to it, there are buses with voltages of 3V and 5V, but the main attention should be paid to the main bus. And the total power of the power supply for all outputs should be 40-50 percent greater than the total power consumed by all components of the system unit, which will make it possible for future independent upgrades of the computer without replacing the power supply with a more powerful one. Well, pay attention to the number of connectors and the length of the cables (at least 45-50 cm), especially if the power supply is located at the bottom.

An article about how to choose a power supply>>>

Optical DVD drive

When purchasing a DVD drive, pay attention to the writing and reading speed; the higher the performance, the better. It is advisable that the drive belongs to a well-known brand, for example, Sony, Pioneer, Samsung, they provide good performance and long service life. It is highly undesirable to purchase a CD-ROM, non-writing DVD drive and other outdated components. However, it is quite difficult to find them on sale now. But prices for Blu-Ray recorders are gradually decreasing, so that they will soon displace DVD drives from store shelves.

About how How to choose an optical drive>>>

And, briefly, about choosing additional accessories for self-assembling a home computer.

Keyboard

There are a huge number of models to suit every taste. If you plan to type a lot, take a closer look at models with a pyramid layout; your hands will not get tired as quickly as with keyboards with a regular layout.
If you are a gamer or music lover, then choose keyboards with special buttons that add additional functionality. This provides additional convenience to music lovers and gamers, while simultaneously increasing the price of such a device.

Learn more about How to choose a keyboard>>>

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Mouse

When choosing a mouse, you need to be guided by approximately the same characteristics as when choosing a keyboard. The main thing is convenience. For some users, the appearance of the device will also be important. Some mice have additional buttons, allowing, for example, to control the browser and the speed of cursor movement on the screen. The mouse should optimally fit the size and shape of your palm. These parameters should be decisive for you when choosing and purchasing this device.

Read more about How to choose a mouse for your computer>>>

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Monitor

The cost of the monitor will depend on the size of its diagonal and resolution. Accordingly, the greater these two indicators, the higher the price. It is desirable that the diagonal be at least 17 inches. However, if you are purchasing a computer for work, then you should not chase too much large diagonal. Large screens more suitable for a multimedia computer. Resolution determines the clarity of the image. Decide how important it is for you and, based on this, choose a monitor model. And lastly, when purchasing a monitor, pay attention to which port(s) is used to connect to the motherboard. The sockets must match each other. Although there are various adapters on sale, it is still better to initially select components that suit each other.

The first thing you need to understand is why you need such a system. This affects not only the cost of assembly, but also the nature of the choice of components. Most regular computer, which performs standard tasks, can be assembled from entry-level elements. There is even an opportunity to play low-cost games. If you are an avid gamer or are demanding on graphics, then this choice is indispensable. You need a so-called gaming computer. You will need more RAM (from 16 GB), a processor with at least 4 cores, one or two discrete video cards, and, of course, a powerful power supply that will handle it all. The price of this pleasure can exceed 100 thousand rubles. Is it worth pursuing? Everyone decides for themselves. But it is more advisable to opt for a mid-level car.

What do you need to assemble a computer?

CPU

The “heart” of a computer is considered to be the CPU, on whose power much depends - whether it will show its full potential external video card, will it be possible to open several resource-intensive applications at once, will it be comfortable to watch videos in UltraHD format. Intel processors (i5 or i7) are suitable for these purposes. The clock speed starts at 3 GHz. It should not be surprising that over 10 years this parameter has increased insignificantly. Engineers have achieved reduction technological process, which made it possible to increase the number of transistors on a chip, reducing power consumption.

It’s better to immediately pay attention to the seventh generation of Intel processors, since their built-in graphics card allows you to play video content in the H.265 format, which is gaining popularity. Codec latest generation supports not only high frequency frames, but also 10-bit color. A dual-core processor with four Pentium threads, the cost of which is minimal, can currently decode such material. Therefore, such a CPU is suitable for assembling not gaming system. For games in FullHd format, you need to take a closer look at the i5 line, for 4K games - at the i7 series.

A landmark event in 2017 was the release of competitive models from AMD. The Ryzen 7 1800X can perform on par with the Intel i7-7700k. The most powerful platform for the average user will be based on one of these “stones”. But you cannot build the cheapest computer on AMD Ryzen, since these processors do not have a built-in video core.

CPU cooling system

When the “stone” operates, heat is generated that must be removed. Therefore, a fan is required. CPUs come with a cooler ( BOX version) and without (OEM). If you are a connoisseur of silence in the room, then it is better to choose the second option. Typically, third-party coolers have lower noise levels. For example, in the model from Arctic Cooling - Alpine 11 PRO - this figure reaches 14 dB, which is 9 dB lower than that of “box” fans. Despite this, it is capable of cooling processors up to 95 Watts. But it won't work if you're going to increase clock frequency CPU specified in the specification. For a gaming system, you need to choose a cooling system with copper heat pipes. Copper base improves heat dissipation performance. For example, the TITAN Hati TTC-NC15TZ/KU cooler is designed for a maximum processor heat dissipation of 160 Watts.

Today, most cooling systems are made with speed control depending on the CPU temperature. When the system is not loaded, less energy is required. Therefore, the fan should rotate more slowly (from 500 rpm) and create less noise. This modification has a 4-pin power connector, without control - a 3-pin connector.

The cooler has different mounts for AMD and Intel platforms. The most common sockets are LGA 2011 and 1151, and boards with AM4 have begun to be released for AMD Ryzen processors. Compatibility is very important, check it in the instructions or on the manufacturer’s website.

Motherboard

The foundation on which the entire system rests is called the computer motherboard. Models differ in the socket where the central processor is installed. This has been said before. In turn, they are divided according to the type of chipset, which is link between components. For example, Intel has Z270 or X99, AMD has X370 or 970.

The form factor also matters (ATX, mATX or mini-ITX). It depends on the type of case in which all the elements of the computer are located. You can get an inexpensive machine based on mATX. This motherboard has shortened dimensions while maintaining all the necessary functions. The gaming modification does not involve savings; the ATX type is suitable for it. For enthusiasts who need maximum speed and detailed rendering in games, manufacturers have added SLI and CrossFire functions (combining the power of several video adapters). Modern technologies allow you to install up to four video cards with one GPU. If the model name contains the word “Gaming”, rest assured that it is supported here. A nice addition could be the presence of backlighting.

The backplane contains two or four RAM slots. For the future, it is better to purchase with four, so that later you can increase the total memory capacity. It is more profitable to choose a platform that supports DDR4 memory, the price of which is the same as DDR3. Check compatibility on the manufacturer's website.

If video is built into the central processor, you need to pay attention to which outputs are used to communicate with the monitor. HDMI and DVI interfaces are common.

Also on the rear panel are USB ports. At the moment, their fastest type is USB 3.1, including the input for various gadgets - Type-C.

All modern motherboards have PCI-E 3.0 x16 slots.

An audio controller will be important for music lovers or movie lovers with high-quality sound. We choose the most effective - SupremeFX S1220 or Realtek ALC1150/1220. Digital audio has best characteristics than analog. Therefore, manufacturers began to include an optical S/PDIF connector. Sound device With HDMI input can be connected via the corresponding output of the video card.

The power supply to the motherboard and processor must be 24+8 pin.

RAM

Previously, its volume was measured in megabytes. Now even 4 GB is not enough. Memory sticks are located in slots on the motherboard. Some applications and, especially, games require large resources. The minimum required volume can be considered 8 GB. For gamers, 16 GB is already required.

RAM performance increases if it operates in 2-channel or 4-channel modes. Therefore, we choose two sticks with a capacity of 4 or 8 GB, depending on the needs.

The bandwidth of DDR4 is higher than that of DDR3. At the same time, energy consumption is less. If the first operates in the voltage range of 1.2 - 1.35 V, then the second operates at 1.5 V.

Memory frequency is critical if the video adapter is integrated into the processor. Otherwise, strips with a frequency from 2133 to 2666 MHz and a voltage of 1.2 V are suitable. Increasing the frequency will require increasing the supply voltage to 1.35 V, which will lead to greater energy consumption.

The ideal option is to purchase two sticks of 8 GB RAM with a frequency of 2666 MHz.

Video card

The graphics card is an important element for transmitting video information from the computer to the display. It comes in two types - built-in and external. The first does not require additional power and is not intended for games. The most advanced video core in Intel processors is HD Graphics 630, which is capable of decoding high-bitrate video in H.265 format. If you are happy with this, then you can save a lot on assembly without resorting to an external adapter. Otherwise, you can’t do without it.

It all comes down to price and performance. The market offers many options for discrete video cards. Their power has grown so much that not one of them can do without fans, the number of which reaches three. Another one appears important parameter– noise level.

Two manufacturers are fighting for the buyer in this segment - NVidia, which is more productive and cooler, and AMD, which balances price and quality.

For the average user for whom accessibility is the maximum requirement network games, a model from NVidia’s junior line – GTX 1050TI – is suitable. It is equipped with a sufficient amount of video memory of 4 GB, the recommended power supply is only 300 Watt, supports high resolution 7680 x 4320.

Fans of high-end games need a more powerful video adapter. They have the following models to choose from: GeForce GTX 1060, GTX 1070, GTX 1080, GTX 1080TI and GTX Titan X. The latter has 12 GB of the fastest GDDR5X memory, but requires 250 Watts of power. GeForce GTX 1080 with 8 GB of video memory and consumption of 180 Watts – best option for gaming in 4K resolution with the highest detail. If you are comfortable playing with medium settings, then we choose the GTX 1070 based on the price/performance ratio.

To improve energy efficiency, some cooling systems can stop fans from spinning when idle to reduce noise. The use of two or more coolers increases the reliability of the video system as a whole in the event of failure of one of them.

Storage media

Any computer cannot do without hard drives on which personal data will be stored or the operating system will be installed. For more fast loading and Windows operation will be required SSD drive at least 120 GB. It consumes less power than a mechanical drive, is silent and takes up less space in the case. But it is not without its shortcomings. The main ones are time between failures and a higher price. Therefore, if you record a large amount of information, it is cheaper to buy an internal or external hard drive with a size of 4 TB or more.

power unit

When all components of the PC platform have been selected, let's start searching for the important element, on which the stability of the system depends. The power supply is involved in energy distribution and voltage stabilization.

If you have an office version of the computer (for example, without an external video card), then 400 watts of power will be enough. The average video adapter will require a 500-watt power supply. To power the GTX Titan X or several devices in SLI/CrossFire mode, you need a unit of 750 watts or more.

There are two main indicators - efficiency and PFC. Power supplies with an efficiency of more than 80% (80 Plus standard) are considered more efficient. The efficiency determines how much useful energy is transferred to the PC components. The larger it is, the less the power unit heats up. It is recommended to use a PSU with active power factor correction (APFC), as it further smoothes the voltage supplied to it. But it has a significant drawback - this type of device does not require the use of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

More details about selecting a power supply are written in the article Selecting a power supply for a computer.

Frame

All elements future system placed in a metal box. The thicker the sheet, the more reliable it is. By size they are divided into ATX, mATX and mini-ITX. The choice is yours. Small enclosures have limited volume for good ventilation, but take up less space. ATX size allows you to install a long video card.

A case with a transparent lid, where you can see inside, will look impressive LED backlight. Expensive models are supplied additional system cooling. This is important for a gaming PC that experiences intense heat.

It is better to choose a lower location for the power supply, as it takes in cold air from under the bottom.

Peripherals

But the choice is not over yet. Without input keys it is impossible to use a computer. The mouse and keyboard are wired (USB and PS/2) and battery-powered. The second option is more practical, but the communication signal sometimes disappears. It's cheaper to buy a set at once. For a gaming PC, a mouse with multimedia buttons or a gamepad is suitable.

If there is a need to record information on optical media, then we purchase any DVD-RW drive.

Finding a monitor is a separate issue. We only note that you need to select LED displays, without flickering and with the ability to reduce blue radiation. It is recommended to check viewing comfort in the store, since TN+film, IPS and VA matrices differ in contrast and color rendition. Otherwise, the only difference is in resolution and diagonal.

How to assemble a computer yourself from components

PC components purchased. You can proceed directly to assembly.

We take the motherboard out of the box and place it on cardboard or foam rubber. We find a socket on the board for installing the CPU. We take the processor and carefully insert it there without any additional effort.

Thermal paste is included with the CPU cooler. Apply a thin layer of it to the surface of the “stone”. After reading the instructions, install the propeller on the base of the board. We check the tightness of the bases to each other. Connect the cooler power wires to the “CPU_Fan” connector. We find a similar connector for connecting a case fan.

We place the power supply in the case, which is secured with screws.

In the front part of the case on a metal stand we fix the existing hard drives, SSD drives and disk drives.

Before installing the motherboard, we screw special legs into the holes of the case to prevent short circuits.

Included with the backplane is a rear strip for connectors of external parts of the PC: monitor, sound speakers, USB devices.

Carefully place the board on the legs and fasten it with screws.

Remove the plug from the back of the case and insert it into the connector PCI Express x16 discrete video card.

It's time to connect everything installed elements cables.

We connect the plugs on the front panel of the case - indicators of hard drive operation and power availability, buttons for rebooting and shutting down the PC, as well as for USB ports. The connectors are usually located in one place under the PCI slots and are labeled.

We connect hard drives and drives to the system board with SATA cables.

Now is the time to start connecting components to the power supply. First, we insert a 24-pin (or 20+4 pin) cable, which is responsible for supplying power to the motherboard, then an 8-pin cable that powers the CPU.

Let's supply power to the recording and storage devices.

An external video accelerator usually requires additional power. We find this wire from the power supply (6 and 8-pin) and insert it into the connector on the device.

The computer assembly from scratch is completed. Close the housing with a lid. We connect the monitor with a wire for transmitting video data, plug the network cable into the power supply, and the mouse and keyboard into the corresponding USB or PS/2 ports. Turn on the computer.

Important steps in assembling a PC are determining the functions it will perform and calculating the power of the power supply. This will help save a lot of money. Next, we find out whether an external video card is needed. It's not cheap either. SSD drives are a necessary element for maximum system performance. Effective cooling in the case will require an additional turntable. If the motherboard and graphics card have LED backlighting, then it is advisable to choose a frame with a window on the side wall. The main advantage of the assembly with my own hands– the ability to replace components at any time.

Due to the constant rise in prices, we, PC users, are increasingly faced with the question of how to make a computer yourself? First of all, we select the components necessary for it - components.

This is discussed in detail in previous articles:

When all the components that are compatible with each other are already on our table, we come close to the actual process of assembling our computer. If you are assembling a computer for the first time, then the main thing here is not to rush, but to arm yourself with a Phillips screwdriver, concentrate and carefully follow the instructions. This is what our patient looked like before the “operation” after a little cleaning of dust:

But for now we’ll leave it alone and start with assembling a new motherboard - if you first put it in the case right away, then it will be inconvenient to install the processor and cooler later. I recommend placing it on some plastic, rubber or wooden surface that does not conduct electricity - for this I used the plastic packaging in which the board was wrapped when sold. It is also not recommended during assembly to wear things that contribute to the appearance of static electricity - wool or synthetics. Another tip is to touch the metal pipe to remove the electrical discharge that may have already accumulated on your body. professionals also put a special metal bracelet on their hand to prevent it from appearing in the future during the assembly process.

How to make a computer with your own hands?

So, the preparations are made - let's start assembling the computer. First, open the latch on the socket and carefully remove the processor from the packaging - with AMD you need to be especially careful, since it has connector legs sticking out from the outside, like old Intel ones, which can easily be bent or broken off.

The processor has a corner icon that indicates in what position it should be inserted into the socket - a similar corner is drawn on the socket itself. After inserting it tightly into the grooves, close the socket latch to securely fix the processor.

Now we will install the cooling fan. As a rule, factory thermal paste is already applied to the radiator. Whether you leave it or erase it and use your own is everyone’s personal choice. At first I thought of leaving it, but knowing about the low properties of the Chinese paste, I still decided to erase it and replace it with my own - I use MX-2 from Arctic Cool. At good characteristics it is cheaper than competitors - a large tube costs the same as a small one from others. Apply the paste in a thin, even layer over the surface of the processor—you don’t need to apply a lot of it. The purpose of the paste is to displace air from under the radiator for a closer connection with the processor case.

After that we install the cooler. If the fans have Intel sockets everything is very simple - there are 4 holes and latches, but instead of them there are a pair of ears on which metal mustache holders for the cooler are placed.

There are fan models where the fastening is implemented in the form of a lever, which, when pressed, clamps these whiskers, but in our model they were held on by screws, which, unfortunately, turned out to be poor quality. When, after assembling the cooler and installing it in its original place, I began to screw them back in, it turned out that half of the threads had already been sheared off even when unscrewing them! This is the Chinese quality of the metal - we had to select screws of the appropriate diameter and length from our strategic reserves - in general, we tinkered a little. The main thing when installing a cooling system is to ensure that the radiator fits tightly and evenly over the entire surface, without distortions, to the processor, so be careful.

After that, we look for 4 pins on the motherboard with the inscription “CPU_Fan” - this is the power supply for the cooler. We insert it in accordance with the guides on the plug and in the mount - it is simply impossible to insert it incorrectly - the main thing is not to force anything, if the position is correct, all connections on any plugs are inserted without much effort. If the fan plug has only 3 pins, then you can safely insert it into the 4-pin connector on the board. The fourth contact is used to control the speed, which is configured in the BIOS - in your case this function will simply not be available, but this does not affect the main operation of the cooler.

If there are several such connectors, you can connect them so that the wire goes around the radiator - so as not to get in the way and accidentally get under the blades.

And the final step is installing the RAM. There are no difficulties here - we combine the key on the slot with the lock on the memory module and insert it until the latches click. Our motherboard has 2 memory slots - if you have one stick, you can insert it into any of them, in any case, only 1 channel will be used.

Now it’s time to install the mother into the housing. First, let’s try it on and see which holes the screws will be attached to. If you are collecting new computer, then special non-conductive metal spacers must be attached to the case or board, which are necessary in order to avoid short circuit contacts with the body. Be sure to screw them in.

After this, insert it into the positioned rectangular hole on back cover case, a plug with cutouts for the external outputs of the motherboard - this bracket comes complete with the board.

And finally, we lower the assembled motherboard into the case and adjust it so that the holes in it fit onto the threaded spacers. And we fasten it with screws - you don’t need to screw it all the way, just tighten it tightly so that it doesn’t dangle.

Continued PC assembly - installing SSD and connecting devices

Since we left the HDD and DVD drive in place, all we have to do is install the SSD drive. Here we had to face one problem - the disk size is 2.5 inches, so it does not fit into the standard place for disks - it is too small. In theory, there are special adapters-sleds for this, but we didn’t have them in stock. the solution was found to be very original. A non-working floppy drive for floppy disks was installed in the case. We pulled it out and found that the device has a very convenient and suitable bottom that can be unscrewed and used instead of a sled. There were several holes in the lid, to which the SSD was attached. It turned out really great!

Now you need to connect all devices to the power supply and motherboard. All the connectors of the power supply are described in detail in, and for clarity, I provide a diagram with the power supply connectors of my model.

First, we connect the main multi-wire power cable of the board - it has 20 or 24 contacts. You won't be able to insert it incorrectly, since each cell has its own shape. Another distinctive feature is the presence of a latch - the latch on the cable must coincide with the lock on the board connector. Therefore, first we simply apply a wide plug to the socket so that it falls into place, and then press it to fix it.

Next, we connect the processor power - this is a 4 or 8 pin cable (not to be confused with a 6 pin one!). The slot for connecting it is usually somewhere near the socket. If there is an 8-pin on the board, and 4-pin comes from the power supply, then in principle you can insert it, but perhaps the power will not be enough to operate other expansion cards connected to the board.

After this, you need to run power cables to the remaining devices - HDD, SSD and disk drive. Connecting SATA power supply(narrow wide connector) to wide SATA connectors of drives. I already wrote in detail about all the possible connectors on the motherboard in.

And using separate cables with narrow SATA plugs, we connect the drives (and the DVD drive, if it has such an interface) to the SATA sockets on the motherboard.

If you have more connected devices than power supply connectors, as happened in my case, then you can use a Molex-Sata adapter cable and record it from another cable connector.

We also needed an adapter to connect DVD drive. The fact is that it connected to the motherboard via an outdated IDE cable, and new boards have not had it for a long time. Therefore, to connect it in our computer assembly, we had to use a special adapter that allows us to connect an IDE device to a SATA connector on the board. It has a separate power supply in the form of a 4-pin connector, from which the flopik used to be powered.

Of course, you need to connect another Molex type power cable from the power supply to the drive itself. This is what the whole thing looks like assembled.

It is also worth noting that drivers for this adapter may need to be installed separately later, otherwise the drive may not be detected in Windows and will be impossible to read CD-DVD discs.

After we connected all the devices to the board, all that was left was to connect the case’s power and reset buttons, as well as the USB and audio inputs located on the front panel of the case, from which several multi-colored thin wires extend.

In each motherboard model they are located differently, so you need to look at the instructions specifically for each model - it is either included in the kit or available on the manufacturer’s official website. I will give only generally accepted abbreviations that are applied to the plugs of these wiring:

HDD LED - LED indicating the operation of the system hard drive
POWER SW - on/off button
RESET SW - reset button
POWER LED - LED indicating that the computer is turned on
G - Ground, that is, “earth”

These wires can be either individual or combined into groups - the main thing during assembly is to observe the polarity, which is indicated in the instructions and is also duplicated small print on the board itself. Also, with some modifications, the kit includes convenient adapters for group connection with a clear indication of which wire to insert where.

The same applies to USB inputs, but as a rule they are still made with a single plug. And this is how the contacts for the front panel are located on our AsRock model:

At this point, self-assembly of the computer is completed - all that remains is to turn it on to the network, connect it to the monitor and check whether the BIOS loads. If everything is in order, then you can proceed with the installation. operating system, and then also install the drivers included on the disk on the motherboard.

If you have questions, write in the comments. And finally, watch the video filmed during the assembly of this computer.