Build your own PC

Traditionally, every year we take you through the steps of how to assemble a PC. 

This year, however, we’ve made a slight change. Instead of assembling a single PC, we’ll take you through the steps, covering all the options. That is, instead of assembling a Celeron or an AMD PC, we’ll show you how to do it, irrespective of what options you choose.

Before you start



Before you start assembling, ensure that you have all the required parts, and a stable and clear tabletop to work on. A Philips head screwdriver (the one with a cross on the tip) is a must and one with a magnetized tip is best. A good forceps can make life easier. You’re most likely to forget to buy spacers and screws. So watch out for them.

Experts recommend that you use wrist straps to prevent damage from static discharges. If a wrist strap is not available, frequently touch a metal water pipe.

And finally, a friend who’ll advise and won’t criticize will greatly increase the fun that you’ll have.

1				Now it’s time to fix the CPU. A Slot 1 CPU–a PII/PIII would go in like this. The AMD K7 also goes in similarly
2				Now it''s time to fix the CPU. A slot 1 CPU--a PII/PIII would go in like this. The AMD K7 also goes in similarly7
3
Ensure that the CPU fan is connected. CPU generate a lot of heat, and not having the CPU fans working could land you in serious trouble
4				A Socket 370 (or a Socket 7) CPU aligns with the ZIF socket only in one direction. This is identified by the cut corner on the CPU
5
Open the lock, insert the CPU without applying any force, and push the lock back into the locked position