Hello everyone,

In part 1 of this series I discussed how I teach the major hardware components, and in part 2 I talked about teaching software. In this part 3 I would like to give you a ten step sequence when building a computer.

This post is not intended to be an exhaustive explanation of every tiny detail, but an overview of what I consider to be the proper order of steps when building a computer. I assume you have all of the parts (case, motherboard, processor, memory, power supply, optical drive, and hard drive) ready to go. Now follow these ten steps:

1) Install the CPU onto the Motherboard (do this outside of the case and make sure to match up the cpu notches to the corresponding notches which appear on the cpu motherboard socket).

2) Attach the CPU Fan to the top of the CPU (apply thermal paste if needed – also do this before inserting the mobo into the case – plug the cpu fan cable into the motherboard).

3) Snap in the Memory Modules (do this with the mobo still outside of the case – snap the modules into the appropriate slots on the motherboard).

4) Open both sides of the Case (the case will come with screws, keep track of these screws).

5) Snap in the I/O Shield (snap it into the back of the case in the same direction as the mobo i/o inputs).

6) Set Motherboard into the Case (line up the mobo holes with the case standoff holes – tighten down the motherboard with the appropriate screws).

7) Put in the Power Supply (line up the power supply holes with the case holes – secure with the appropriate screws).

8) Connect main Power Supply connectors to the Motherboard, connect Case Fan cable to mobo, connect Audio and USB front of case cables to the motherboard, connect Reset, HD LED, Power LED, and Power Switch cables to the motherboard.

9) Put in the Hard Drive, Optical Drive, Floppy Drive (connect the power and data cables to both mobo and drives).

10) Connect Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, and Power Cord to the back of the computer (plug in the power cord and turn on the computer – the computer will boot up and you will see the BIOS). You’re done! Now all you have to do is install the Operating System of your choice and you’re “home free”. Congatulations!

Professor Randy says: Building a computer is a lot easier when following an orderly sequence of steps. The suggested steps should help you to stay organized and thus avoid any mistakes when building. Enjoy your new computer!