| <<< Which Parts |
| Getting Started |
| Motherboards |
| CPUs |
| RAM Memory |
| Power Supply |
| Video Card |
| Drive Jumpers |
| Drive Install |
| PCI Expansions |
| Boot Up |
| Peripherals |
| Choosing and Installing Software >>> |
| Optimizing and Overclocking your PC >>> |
Motherboard
The motherboard is basically the spine of the computer, which everything is built onto. Therefore it is the first step of your build.
Try to find the motherboard standoffs that should have come with the case. They are screws with screw holes on the top.
Insert the standoffs into the holes on the motherboard plate in the case that correspond with the holes on your motherboard and screw them into the bottom of the case. Also replace the I/O shield that came with the case with the one that came with your motherboard.
Since most case styles make it difficult to install the motherboard and CPU with the power supply installed, now would be a good time to remove it. We'll re-install it, or more likely a better one, later.
Insert the motherboard by placing it into the open case. The ports in the upper left hand corner should line up with the I/O Shield and go through the openings. The screw holes in the motherboard should line up with those of the standoffs; firmly screw down the motherboard to the standoffs.
Now that you have your motherboard in, you may plug in the other components.
