Install Computer Hardware
Installing computer hardware may seem to be a difficult task but once you know what to do it will be very easy process.
Contents
Steps
- Turn Off the computer and unplug all wires connected to the tower and if there is a power switch on the back switch it off.
- Take out the screws on the back of the tower, take out the panel, then wear an anti-static wrist strap to protect components by earthing your static electricity, and then take out the motherboard tray.
- Take the motherboard and screw it on to the motherboard tray then slide it back into the case.
- Firmly insert RAM(Random Access Memory) sticks into the long and narrow slots usually located at the top right of the motherboard.
- Carefully place the CPU into the socket that is square shaped on the motherboard then place the CPU fan on top.
- For video cards, look for a slot about the length of your middle finger and has very small lever. Take out the small case panel about the size of your finger on the back and firmly insert the card into the slot, make sure the back of the card comes outside.
- For sound/network cards look for a slot similar to the video card slot, but slightly shorter and without the lever.
- Slowly slide the hard drive into the hard drive bay usually located at the front of the tower then connected the cables from the back of the hard drive to the motherboard.
- CD(compact Disk)/DVD(Digital Video Disc) ROM(Read Only Memory) drives are similar to hard drives, just slide it into the bay at the top (right or left depending on the panel that was open) and connect the wires.
- For audio devices match the colors and USB is pretty much self explanatory.
- If you have a video card the back of it should be sticking outside which is where you connect the monitor cable to, unless there is no video card then you connect to the motherboard. Video cards now a days come with adapters for older monitors so make sure to connect the adapter to the back of the video card before plugging in the monitor.
Tips
- While working on the components of your computer, its always good practice to use an anti static strap clipped to the frame of your case to minimize the risk of zapping your components. If you don't have an anti static strap , touching either the frame of your case or your power supply will ground you enough so that you can work on the delicate parts of your PC.
- Do not power on the computer until all components are installed.
- Motherboard, hard drive, and video cards usually come with electrostatic bags. Before working rub your hands on the bags to release any static electricity in your hands.
Warnings
- If you think you have static and have no electrostatic bag either buy grounding equipment or rub your hands on the outside of the tower.
- NEVER have any form of liquid near the computer.
Related Articles
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- Buy a Power Supply
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- Install or Change a Computer's Optical Drive
