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The next step is to get the memory installed and this is a very easy step.

1. Remove the memory from the packaging and notice the number of pins on the bottom of the memory module. One side will have more pins than the other side, and there will be a large gap in between the two sides of pins.
   
   
2. Look at the memory slots on the motherboard and you can see the same pattern, with one side having more pins than the other.
   
   
3. Make sure you match the pattern up on both the memory stick and the motherboard, and place the memory into the slot, and firmly push down. 
   
   
4. The memory should 'snap' into place, and you want to make sure that the plastic tabs at each end of the memory slot are tightly secure to the sides of the memory.
   
   
5. If you have more than one memory module, repeat the above process to install the remainder of the memory.

NOTE: You should not have to really force the memory into the slot, it should go fairly easily. Make sure you have the memory turned the right way, and that the side tabs are not in your way as you push it into the slot.

That was easy huh? Now that we have the 'core' of our components installed on the motherboard, it is time to install the motherboard itself. We installed the CPU and memory before installing the motherboard because it is generally easier to work with the motherboard out of the case. You could however install these things while the motherboard was in the case.

Next Step: Motherboard Installation >

Now we are getting started! This isn't very hard is it?

Inspect the CPU

Before installing the CPU, we recommend that you take it out of the packaging and verify that you have received the correct one that you ordered. With all of the different core types and speeds, it is necessary to check before installing. You also want to check the pins on the underside of the processor, and make sure that all are straight with no damage. Try to avoid touching the pins with your bare fingers if possible.

If everything looks good continue on below.

CPU Installation

Depending on your choice of Intel or AMD, your socket type may look different. Generally, all sockets on a motherboard have a latching feature, which holds the CPU in place.

NOTE: If these instructions do not match your motherboard and CPU type then consult the directions that came with your CPU for proper installation.

1. Unlatch the socket on the motherboard by pulling the lever up.
   
   
2. You should see a small triangle on one corner of the socket. You will need to match this up to the triangle on the processor, so the triangles are oriented and in the same position. Once you have these lined up, simply set the CPU onto the socket and gently move until it falls into place. (You shouldn't have to force the CPU in the socket, and if it is not going in easily, something is wrong. Check the pins for damage if it is not sliding in correctly)
   
   
3. Push the lever back down to secure the CPU into the socket.

Heatsink/Fan Installation

Processors run very hot, and it is necessary to attach a cooling device to control the temperature as your computer runs. If you bought the retail version of your CPU selection like we recommended, it should have come with a fan and heatsink combo. Again, depending on your choice between AMD and Intel, your heatsink and fan may look different. We recommend following the directions that came with your CPU for specifics on attaching to the top of the CPU, but here are the general directions.

1. Remove the heatsink/fan from the box, and make sure to remove the plastic cover that is over the bottom. This plastic cover is to keep the thermal grease in place with shipment. You need to remove the plastic cover so the thermal grease can attach to the CPU and improve heat transfer.
   
   
2. Place the heatsink and fan combo squarely on the CPU
   
   
3. Attach the mounting brackets from the heatsink over the tabbed parts of your CPU socket. Many times this is a small square tab sticking out on each side of the socket. It will probably be necessary to use a flat screwdriver to push down when attaching the second side. 
   
   
4. There may be a large lever that you need to turn clockwise and push down to finish attaching the heatsink. This insures the heatsink and fan are firmly attached.

Connect CPU Fan to Motherboard

Your motherboard should have a place to connect the wire from the CPU fan to, and it should match the number of pins that the connector has. Please consult your motherboard manual to see where you need to connect your CPU fan to for power. This is an important step, because we do not want to run the computer without proper cooling to the CPU, as it may cause damage.

We have just installed the Processor and are ready to continue building your new computer. The next step in the process is memory installation.

Next Step: Memory Installation >

It may not even be necessary to do anything on this step, depending on the age and type of your motherboard.

Motherboards over time have lost many of the 'jumpers' that were required for configuring the board. Most of the setup is done with the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) that is accessible when you first turn on your computer.

You will need to view your motherboard instruction manual, and see if any jumpers need to be set on the motherboard itself for configuration. Common settings include CPU voltage and bus speed, so read through the directions and make sure that these or anything else does not need to be configured on motherboard before continuing.

After you set anything on the motherboard that is necessary, you will want to lay out the number of screws you need to install the motherboard inside the case, and set the motherboard on a flat surface so we can install the CPU and memory. It is a good idea to keep the motherboard on the anti static bag that it came with to reduce the possibility of damage due to static.

We also recommend to have the motherboard manual handy as we start to build your computer.

Let's move on to installing the CPU and heatsink next!

Next Step: CPU and Heatsink Installation >

If the case that you bought already has a power supply installed, then you can skip this step. If not continue on below.

1. Take the power supply out of the box and make sure to switch to 240v if it is not already (If you are inside the United States, this will be different)
   
   
2. Mount the power supply to the upper back part of the case by inserting the power supply through the side of the case, and then sliding it on the support rails in the back. (NOTE: If your power supply has two fans, make sure the second fan is pointing down.) 
   
   
3. If you have everything lined up correctly, you should be able to attach the power supply to the case with the four screws in the back that hold it in place.

We now have the power source necessary to run everything! The next step is to prepare the motherboard for installation.

Next Step: Preparing the Motherboard >

Now that we have our workspace ready to go with our parts and tools laid out, we need to get our case ready to install everything. Most cases are laid out generally the same way, but our example assumes that you are using a standard sized ATX type case. Some cases have a removable tray that the motherboard fits on also, but the holes to install the motherboard will be the same. If these directions don't match the type of case you have, make sure to consult the documentation that came with your case.

We have included some photos to help you understand the steps involved.

Opening the Case

1. Open the left side of the case, by removing the two screws in the back that hold the side on. Once the screws are removed, you may need to slide the panel back completely along the rails to remove it. Your case may have clips instead of screws, and you will need to undo the clips to remove the side. If you have a more expensive case that is locking, make sure the lock is undone before trying to remove the side of the case. 
   
   
2. Once you have access to the inside of the case, you will probably see some hardware that has been included, including instructions. You may want to go ahead and open the bag of hardware and have the instructions handy as you follow along.

Now is probably the best time to get your wrist strap out and get yourself properly grounded to avoid damage to your parts as we start working. Follow the installation directions of your wrist strap and continue on below. If you choose to work without a wrist strap, make sure to touch the case every time you start working on the computer, to remove static electricity from your body.

Understanding the Inside of the Case

After taking a look inside the case for the first time, you should see a lot of wires running every which way. The twisted looking wires are used to connect such things are your case speaker, hard drive light, power light, and power switch. There may be an extra set of wires running from the top or the bottom of the case as well that connect to the USB ports on the front of your case if it so equipped.

You may have a fan at the bottom front of the case with a power wire running from it, which is used for cooling and airflow. There should be a speaker mounted somewhere on the front part of the case with a wire coming from it that will later be attached to the motherboard.

If you bought a case that already has a power supply installed, you will see the power supply mounted in the upper rear, with many different power connectors coming out of it. These various connectors are used to supply power to your hard drive, CD/Rom and DVD drives, floppy drive, speaker, and motherboard etc.

We won't be doing anything with these wires until we get the motherboard installed, so move everything aside as good as you can, to make a clear open space to mount the motherboard into the case.

Install Motherboard Standoffs

Now you will want to get that bag of hardware back out that came with your case, and remove the motherboard standoffs. You will probably also need to get your needle nose pliers ready for screwing them in. The motherboard standoffs are the small screws that have a male and female end to them. This will allow a base for your motherboard to set on, that you can then attach the screws to.

1. Remove your motherboard from the case and packaging and examine the holes that are present on the motherboard. This is where the screws will go. 
   
   
2. Examine the holes inside the case, and hold the motherboard inside the case, and figure out where you need to screw the standoffs into the case to match the holes on the motherboard. When you think you have them all in correctly, set the motherboard on top of the standoffs one last time to make sure you didn't miss any.

Make sure you get the standoffs screwed in tightly, as these will serve as the base and support for your motherboard on the case. You can now remove the motherboard, set it aside, and continue below.

Install I/O Plate

The I/O plate is the metallic looking piece that fits in the large rectangular space on the back of the case. It should snap into the space with ease, and it will fit around all of the I/O ports on the back of the motherboard when it is installed.

Remove front Covers on Case

Now would also be a good time to figure out think about where you want to install your DVD/CD Rom drive and floppy drive at.

On the front of the case, you will see the individual panels that can be removed. Depending on the size of your case, you should have a few of the larger panels towards the top. Think about where you want the DVD/CD Rom to be installed, and pop out that section. For aesthetics, generally the top most slot works the best.

Repeat this process for the floppy drive if you bought one, and remove the smaller panel below where you want your floppy drive to sit at.

NOTE: You may need to use your flat head screwdriver to gently pry the panels loose. Don't put too much effort into it though, as they should easily come out.

When it comes time to install these drives, you will now be able to slide them in from the front of the case.

We have successfully prepared the case for installing parts, and now it is time to move on and install the power supply if your case did not come with one already.

Next Step: Power Supply Installation >