Instruction Set Essays - IBM PC Compatibles, Computer Enclosure

Instruction Set It has become increasingly popular to build one's own computer. In many cases, it saves money, and guarantees that you get what you want. Building your own computer also assures that you avoid the proprietary designs many companies use to utilize to keep the customers coming back for new parts. Most importantly, having built the system, you become very familiar with your system and with computers in general. There is no reason not to tackle the project of building your own computer. A very basic knowledge is required, and you can learn as you go! Materials and Tools Needed Upon having researched the quality of the parts you want to use to build your computer, you will need the following basic items to assemble your processor: ? Case/Tower ? Motherboard ? CPU (central processing unit) ? Heat sink and fan ? Floppy drive ? Hard drive and CD-ROM ? Video card (optional but very recommended) The accessories needed to put together your processor should come with each of the components purchased. However, the basic screws that will be required are the following: ? Chassis screws ? Smaller screws (these are just like the chassis screws, but have a smaller diameter) ? Standoffs ? Washers ? Spacers (snap-in and standard) There are a variety of different tools you may need while building your system. Here are a few of the most common ones: ? Flat head screwdriver ? Magnetized Phillips head screwdriver ? Regular Phillips head screwdriver The entire installation process of the components should take approximately an hour, but this all depends on the level of experience and knowledge of the builder. Precautions and warnings There are a few things that you should be aware of when you are building your computer so you don't hurt yourself or damage any of the components. ? Wash and dry your hands ? Make sure you ground yourself by touching an uncoated part of your computer's chassis prior to touching any of the components. It is recommended to wear the anti-static strap. ? Be careful of sharp edges within your case ? Only handle PCB's (your motherboard, video card, etc) from the edges whenever possible. Touching the contacts can damage them. ? Avoid using magnetic screwdrivers when installing your hard drive, since it is a magnetic storage medium. In the following pages, you will find the instruction steps to preparing, installing and testing your new processor Preparation At this point, have the new case in front of you with the cover removed. Before any installation of the components takes place, you must prepare it for use. Go through the following checklist to ensure it is prepared. 1. Clean the case. Clean out the inside with a rag and compressed air to ensure the case is free of dust. 2. Inspect the power supply. Make sure it is set to the proper voltage (110V). 3. Install feet. These are tabs inserted into the holes at the bottom of the case. 4. Install the case fan. Screw the fan onto a rack next to the vent on the front of the case with the accompanying screws. INSTALLATION PROCESS Installing the CPU CAUTION: Installing the CPU is straight forward, but doing this step too fast or carelessly can result in damage to the processor. 5. Install the processor rack into Slot 1 (a PCI slot) of the motherboard, which is a support for the CPU to rest in. 6. Position a rail on each end of the Slot. Use the small screws on each end of the slot to tighten it into place onto the motherboard. 7. Insert the Processor into the Slot. Push the processor into the guide rails and down all the way to the surface of the slot. Installing the Heat Sink Now that the CPU is installed in the motherboard, the installation of the heat sink and fan are required. 8. Attach the fan to the heat sink using the four screws provided with the CPU fan. 9. Apply the heat sink compound to cover surface of the chip. 10. Attach the heat sink on top of the processor, pressing down lightly. 11. Make sure all areas of the chip are in contact with the heat sink. Wipe off any excess of the compound that may have oozed out the sides. Installing the Memory Installing the memory modules, otherwise known as SIMMS or DIMMS are placed in the memory slots of the motherboard. 12. Install the memory module (SIMM