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PC Building Workshop, Part II Building Process & Assembly Demo. September 2012 University of Lethbridge Department of New Media. Tools, Equipment and Tips. #2 sized Philips screwdriver Needle-nose pliers Anti-static wristband (important in our climate!)
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PC Building Workshop, Part IIBuilding Process & Assembly Demo September 2012 University of Lethbridge Department of New Media
Tools, Equipment and Tips • #2 sized Philips screwdriver • Needle-nose pliers • Anti-static wristband (important in our climate!) • Large, level and non-conductive workspace • Other tools: • Electrical tape, nylon ties, hands free flashlight, extra (working) computer, compressed air, sandpaper, wire snips or X-acto knife…
Safety precautions • Static electricity is not your friend • Never remove components while the computer is powered-on or plugged in • Never cut-off/snap-off the grounding pin • Watch out for sharp edges inside the case • Do not dismantle PSU, monitors or anything that may retain an electrical charge • take your time, ensure you can safely leave your 'mess' for a day (or two) if needed
Set-up & Planning • Unpack & inspect all components (retain boxes until all parts are tested) • Look over manuals for the case, motherboard, PSU, drives, etc. • Try to plan out the assembly process for your specific case and components • Make notes if necessary... conduct research online • Another PC or smartphone with web access is helpful to have around
Prepare the case & mobo • Open case and set down on level work space • Locate standoffs and holes that correspond with your motherboard • Screw standoff into each one (by hand) • Do not apply too much pressure • Remove generic I-O shield from back of case and replace with one that came with your mobo
Optical, HDDs, and PSU • Depending on your case and components, it may be easier to install drives and power supply before installing the motherboard • Install optical drive(s) and card readers, etc. • Install hard disk drives... 2.5” drives such as SSDs may require a bracket • Install power supply (consult case manual) • Make sure PSU cables will reach but do not attach cables yet
Install motherboard • if you haven't done so, install the I-O shield that came with your motherboard • gently place the motherboard into place, lining up ports with the I-O shield and standoffs with mobo holes • look for any problems (like pinched wires from case fans or inaccessible case cables) • insert screws to mount mobo to case and gently tighten screws (gentle hand tightening only)
CPU & heat-sink installation • The most difficult step! • Read the documentation for the CPU and motherboard... and take your time • Compare and orient CPU to socket, take note of proper alignment • Open socket and insert CPU fully into the socket (it should just fall into place with little to no pressure) • Close ZIF socket • Do not attempt powering the computer at this stage
CPU & heat-sink (cont.) • Again, do not power-on the computer at this stage • If using the stock heat-sink/fan, attach following manufacturer's instructions • If using third-party heat-sink, apply the thermal paste on the processor* and attach heat-sink and cooling unit following manufacturer's instructions • Visually inspect CPU-heat-sink assembly, it should be level and firmly seated and no thermal paste should be oozing onto mobo • After this, everything is a breeze *consult various online videos for different methods and procedures relating to the art of thermal paste application
RAM installation • Check RAM manual for the proper sockets to use (dual/tri channel, etc.) according to the number of RAM modules being used • Push clips to the side to allow insertion of the memory modules • Line up notch on RAM with proper area on the slot • Push RAM in with a bit of force; clips should snap closed & the RAM should be level
Graphics card installation • Consult manuals for mobo and graphics card, locate the proper socket for your graphics card • Remove the necessary expansion-card cover(s) and push the card into the slot so it’s securely seated • If necessary, attach any required power cable (usually labelled 'PCI-e') • If using multiple cards, connect them together using SLI or Crossfire bridge (if supported by mobo)
Other connections • Plan how remaining cables will be placed and tied down (good cable management aids air flow) • Connect remaining power cables to mobo • Connect front panel header to mobo (audio, USB, FW, front power and reset switches) • Connect remaining fans to either molex connectors (PSU) or available fan headers on mobo
Prepare for power up! • Double check to make sure everything is connected and seated correctly • Attach keyboard/mouse, monitor, etc. • Check mobo manual for normal post 'beeps' and/or warning 'beeps' during power-up • Take a breath... press the power button • Watch for the CPU fan to start spinning • If it doesn’t, immediately shut off power • Watch/listen for components to start up and anything that may sound “wrong”
(Cont.) • If you are greeted by proper beeps and the MOBO manufacturer's splash screen you’re ready to enter the BIOS and install an OS • If you aren’t… • Unplug the computer right away and double check connections • Restart and look for LEDs warning lights • Listen for different beep sequences and... consult manual or search for what these mean on the manufacturer's website • consult the 'troubleshooting' section in the Guide
BIOS • Optional step • When mobo's splash screen appears, it will indicate a key to access the BIOS or the boot sequence (check manual for this too) • Press button (usually 'F12' or 'DEL') repeatedly to enter BIOS menus • You can check/change date/time, check that all HDDs and optical drives are recognized, check fan speeds are consistent (rpms), and CPU temperature... save and then exit.
Installation of the OS • if prompted, insert operating system CD or DVD... if there is no specific prompting, insert CD/DVD when computer is on and restart the computer • follow on-screen instructions and input necessary information • when OS installation is complete, check for updated drivers for graphics card at manufacturer's website • If using Windows, 'authenticate' Windows and create a restore point
Install cards & peripherals • Shut down the computer and install any other expansion cards such as sound cards, capture cards, etc. • Install any software for expansion cards and check for updated drivers • Install any input-output devices (specialized mice, joysticks, tablets) or other peripherals • Install any software packages • If using Windows, create another restore point
Final testing & set-up • Test input-output ports (USB, USB 3.0, Firewire, eSata, TB, etc.) • If you installed additional HDDs, these drives will need to be mounted and formatted • Make sure the SMART utility is enabled in the BIOS (check mobo manual) • Install any monitoring software like Speccy (Windows) or Disk Utility (Linux) • If using Windows, create final restore point and perhaps back up the HDD with the OS installed
Q&A • Thank you for coming! • Watch out for the PC Planning & Design Workshop in the Spring • Suggestions and comments are welcome • Kris Caldwell • David Clearwater • Matthew Fulton