Hello everyone,

So we went over all of the parts that I chose for my work PC and why I chose them; and also made some recommendations for alternative components.

Now that we have all the parts it’s time to put them all together and make it work. I’m going to walk through the steps that I take when building a PC; while giving some pointers that I have picked up over time.

The first thing I always do when building a PC is to prepare the Case. If the wires for the power button and reset button are in the way; move them to a safe, out of the way position for now. Also remove both side panels for easy access, and wire management. Some cases you may want to take off the front panel; as with the case that I got (the sides bulge out so that  it will not sit flat unless you remove the front panel).

Bottom view with front panel removed

Side view looking at the HDD area

After preparing the case I always start by installing the processor and heat-sink (used to cool the processor) while they are outside of the case. (Some cases have “removable motherboard trays”). If the case you choose does then you will want to remove it and do the installation on the tray while it is removed.

The reason I like to work outside of the case is because installing heat sinks (especially large, aftermarket ones) can be increasingly difficult if you attempt to install them while in the case. Also, many large aftermarket heat sinks (like the one I chose) have a special back plate you will have to install on the bottom-side of the motherboard for extra support so the board does not break.

Heatsink (left), motherboard, processor, thermal compound

Mirror finish on the Heatsink base

Installing the processor itself is simple; and there are instructions provided on how to do so which explain it as good as I can, so I recommend following those instructions.

Once you have installed the processor, you will need to apply thermal compound to both the processor and the heat sink. There are many “techniques” that are recommended to do this. From my experience, do not listen to the instructions telling you to put a “drop” on the middle of the processor and letting the force of the heat sink spread it. I recommend using the technique I have used for a number of years, and always get amazing results.

First, you will need two “tools”. A zip-lock bag, and a used credit-card/ gift card. Then what I do is put a drop on the heat sink (more then a small drop, but not too much) then you are going to want to put the zip lock bag over your hand, and massage the compound into the base of the heat sink; the reason for this is because there are microscopic machining marks that will be filled that increase the heat transfer even further. Once you have done this, put one more small drop on the heat sink, and use the card to spread it evenly across the base. Once you have done this; put another drop on the processor and spread it evenly across the top of the processor. Make sure that none of the metal on the processor is showing, but that the compound is not too thick (paper thin at most).

Spreading the thermal compound on the processor

Spreading the thermal compound on the processor    Once you have done this it is time to install the heat sink. You heat sink may have a different mounting apparatus; so my best advice here is to follow the instructions provided, and if in doubt get online and browse around some forums (overclocking forums are a good place to look) for guides and reviews made by other users. You can find some useful pointers about your heat sink, and the best techniques to use while installing.   For my Zalman cooler that I chose; I have found that the best way to install this is to have a partner handy to help you. The reason for the is because the bracket calls for you to screw in two screws alternating back and forth on each side until the heat sink is securely fastened. The problem that the instructions don’t tell you about is that the bracket is curved (sort of like a U shape slightly). This makes for a nice tight fit once fastened, but also causes a lot of resistance while installing; you can never get one screw quite tight enough to stay in place while you tighten the other screw; I actually stripped one of the sockets the first time I tried to install this cooler (on a different computer) and had to re order a new heat sink. So, the best way is to have a partner with a screwdriver screw in one side a little; while you are also pushing down and screwing in your screw, and alternate back and forth until they are both tightened securely. Installed heat sink

Installed heatsink

Once you have installed the processor and heat sink it’s time to install the motherboard into the case. Make sure you install all of the pegs into their correct positions, and then carefully place the board into place. You will probably have to apply some force to the board (pushing towards the back of the case) while you screw in the peg screws.

The motherboard installed into the case

Installing memory is extremely easy; just match the connectors and apply force. Usually you will hear a “click” but don’t count on it. Watch the clips and observe if there are in the proper place after you have applied force. You can install the memory before or after you install the motherboard into the case; I chose to do it before in this case.

Installing the graphics card is almost identical to installing the RAM, but make sure you take the back-plate off of the case before you try to install the card.

Installing HDD is also fairly simple, but every case has a slightly different type of installation. This particular case came with screw-less installation. Basically, it’s some brackets that you install on each side of the drive, allowing it to slide in and out of the HDD are fairly easily, but hold firm enough to not cause any un-wanted vibration.

Installed Hard drives

Installing the Power supply is straight forward. Just screw the unit into it’s position. I usually try to un-tangle the cables once I get it installed, and plan out which way I want the cables to run; so they do not obstruct air flow, and look kinda pretty to! Any unused cables can be run to the back side of the case (that has no window) so they will be hidden, and not obstructing air flow.

Running cables behind the motherboard tray

And that is all!

You are done building the computer, the only thing you may have to install are the bay devices (Removable HDD tray, CD/DVD drive)

Here is a picture of the finished product:

The finished product

Good luck building, and have fun!

- HDD Doctor