How to Assemble Your First PC – What You Need to Know

Before you start: Work on a clean, flat surface. Touch your metal case or PSU frame periodically to discharge static. Handle PCBs (motherboard, GPU, RAM) by the edges. Keep screws in a small tray or cup.

Tools: #2 Phillips screwdriver, zip ties/Velcro straps, isopropyl wipes or microfiber, thermal paste (if cooler isn’t pre-applied).

Pre-Build Checklist

Unbox and inspect all parts; check that standoffs, screws, cables, and brackets are included.
Download motherboard manual (PDF) to your phone for reference (front panel pins, M.2 slots, fan headers).
Have your OS installer ready (USB for Windows/Linux) and any Wi-Fi/Ethernet access for drivers.
Plan airflow: front/bottom = intake, rear/top = exhaust. Aim for slight positive pressure.

Step 1 — CPU, RAM & NVMe on the Motherboard (Outside the Case)

CPU: Open the socket latch, align triangle markers, place gently, lock lever.
RAM: Use the recommended slots (often A2+B2). Press until latches click.
NVMe SSD: Insert at an angle, press flat, screw down; apply M.2 heatsink if provided.
Cooler backplate: If required, mount the backplate now (easier outside the case).

CPU, RAM, and NVMe installed on motherboard

Step 2 — Case Prep & Standoffs

Remove both side panels. Install the I/O shield (if separate) into the case.
Check that motherboard standoffs match your board size (ATX/mATX/ITX). Move/add as needed.
Pre-install front intake and rear/top exhaust fans if the case doesn’t include them.

PC case with standoffs and fans pre-installed

Step 3 — Mount the Motherboard

Lower the board into the case, align with I/O shield and standoffs, then screw down in a cross pattern.
Connect front-panel cables later (power switch, reset, LEDs) — note the pin diagram in the manual.

Motherboard being installed into the case

Step 4 — Power Supply (PSU) & Main Cables

Install the PSU (fan facing case vent if applicable). Use the included screws.
Pre-route: 24-pin ATX, 8-pin (4+4) CPU EPS, PCIe/12VHPWR for GPU, SATA power for drives/fans.
Leave ~30% wattage headroom for future upgrades; avoid cable tension or sharp bends.

Step 5 — CPU Cooler Installation

If your cooler has pre-applied paste, you’re set. Otherwise, apply a pea-sized dot of thermal paste.
Mount the cooler evenly (tighten in a cross pattern). Plug the fan into CPU_FAN header.
For AIO: mount radiator (top or front), observe tube orientation, connect pump header (PUMP/AIO_PUMP).

Step 6 — Storage & 2.5″/3.5″ Drives

Mount 2.5″ SSDs or 3.5″ HDDs in their trays/cages. Use short cables to reduce clutter.
Connect SATA data to motherboard and SATA power from PSU. NVMe needs no cables.

Step 7 — Front-Panel, Fans & USB Headers

Connect front-panel: PWR SW, RESET, HDD/POWER LED (polarity matters on LEDs).
Front USB (3.0/3.2) and front audio headers; consult the manual for locations.
Case fans into SYS_FAN headers or hub; plan intake/exhaust direction.

Step 8 — Install the GPU

Remove the correct PCIe slot covers, seat the GPU into the top x16 slot until it clicks.
Screw the bracket, connect PCIe/12VHPWR power firmly; avoid cable sag or stress.
Check clearance with side panel and front fans/radiator before closing the case.

Graphics card seated in the PCIe x16 slot

Cable Management — Quick Wins

Route the thick 24-pin and EPS cables behind the motherboard tray; use the nearest grommets.
Bunch extra cable length in the PSU shroud area; secure with Velcro/zip ties.
Keep cables off fan paths and away from the CPU cooler area for better airflow.
Do a final tie-down after your first successful boot — you may re-route one or two cables.

Neat cables tied behind the motherboard tray

First Boot & Essential BIOS Settings

Connect monitor, keyboard, and power. Flip PSU switch on, press the case power button.
Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually Del or F2).
Enable XMP/EXPO for RAM speed; set boot order to your OS USB.
Check CPU temps (idle), confirm storage detection (NVMe/SATA drives), and update BIOS if recommended.
Save & exit, install OS, then chipset/GPU/LAN/Wi-Fi drivers.

No Display or No Boot? Quick Fixes

Reseat RAM (try one stick in the recommended slot), check the 8-pin CPU power and 24-pin ATX.
Ensure GPU is fully clicked in and powered; try motherboard HDMI if using an iGPU.
Double-check front-panel power switch pins and the PSU rocker switch (I = on).
Clear CMOS (refer to manual) if settings seem stuck; try a bare-minimum boot (CPU+1 RAM+GPU).

Post-Build Checks

Run Windows Update (or distro updates) and install the latest GPU drivers.
Set a basic fan curve in BIOS or vendor software for quieter operation.
Stress-test lightly (15–20 minutes) and watch temps: CPU under ~85°C, GPU under ~85°C for typical air cooling.
Back up your OS drive image once everything is stable.

System running with monitoring tools open

In short: Build outside the case first (CPU, RAM, NVMe), prep the case, mount the board, wire PSU and headers, install the cooler, storage, and GPU, then tidy cables. Enable XMP/EXPO, set boot order, install drivers, and check temps. Simple, methodical steps = a smooth first-boot.

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