How to build a desktop PC

• Cross-head screwdriver (magnetic tip helps)
• Anti-static wrist strap or a grounded metal surface
• Cable ties or velcro straps
• Torch

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• Case
• Motherboard
• Processor (CPU) and cooler with thermal paste
• Memory (RAM) modules
• Storage drive (SSD)
• Power supply
• Graphics card, if used

1. 1

   Step 1: Check the CPU, motherboard socket, RAM type, cooler, case size and power supply all match before opening anything.

2. 2

   Step 2: Work on a clear table, touch a grounded metal object or wear the wrist strap, and put the motherboard on its box.

3. 3

   Step 3: Lift the CPU socket lever, line up the CPU's triangle mark with the socket's mark, lower it in without pressing, and close the lever.

4. 4

   Step 4: Push the RAM modules into the slots the motherboard manual recommends until both clips click, and fit an M.2 SSD under its screw or clip.

5. 5

   Step 5: Apply thermal paste if the cooler has none pre-applied, then mount the cooler with even pressure and plug its fan into the CPU fan header.

6. 6

   Step 6: Screw the standoffs into the case where the board's holes are, fit the I/O shield, and screw the motherboard down.

7. 7

   Step 7: Fit the power supply and connect the 24-pin motherboard cable and the CPU power cable; fit the graphics card in the top long slot and connect its power cables.

8. 8

   Step 8: Connect the case front-panel leads using the motherboard manual's pin diagram, then tidy the cables so they do not touch fans.

9. 9

   Step 9: Switch on, enter the BIOS to check the CPU, RAM and drive are detected, then install the operating system.

• Forgetting the motherboard standoffs, which can short the board against the case.
• RAM not fully clicked in, so the PC does not boot.
• Bending CPU socket pins by dropping or sliding the CPU.