A step-by-step guide to assembling a computer case

Currently there are ready-to-buy cases in the market that you can choose an ideal option for your work very easily and without any trouble. However, nothing is more interesting than assembling a computer or closing a system with your own hands. Although assembling a computer is not a difficult task at all, maybe you do not know exactly how to close a computer system due to inexperience. In this article, we will teach you step by step how you can do this, that is, assembling the computer. buy separately and then assemble; That is, install the parts together correctly. Usually, each person buys and assembles various parts depending on the conditions and expectations he has from his system. In this article, in addition to the full introduction of the parts, additional accessories such as RGB lighting and the highly advanced liquid cooling system of the computer system are also discussed.
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Processor or CPU
The first step to assemble the computer is to install the processor. Whether you bought your desired CPU from Intel or from AMD, the first step to place this part on the motherboard is to release the tension lever of this part so that you can insert this part into the CPU socket. The important difference between the installation process of Intel and AMD parts is that in Intel parts, the pins are located on the socket, but in AMD cases, the pins are located on the processor. The top of the processor needs to be aligned with the top of the socket or socket cover. Never try to install the processor with the arrow in the wrong direction; Because in this situation there is a possibility of damage to the chipset, motherboard or both. As soon as the processor and socket are properly positioned, you can place the chip in place and the desired part will be in place. If the processor setup is not done correctly, repeat this process. Be aware that you should not force the processor into the socket; Because this process should never be done by force. Once the processor is properly seated, push the tension lever as shown in the photo above. This pressure also includes the metal part that holds the processor.
This instruction is fully applicable for AMD (socket AM4) and Intel (socket 1700 LGA) parts. Other platforms such as AMD's Core X (2066 LGA) and Threadripper (sTRX4) processors have a more complicated and different processor installation process. For example, Intel chips have two levers, and the Threadripper part requires a Torx screw and a plastic bracket. Due to the subtleties of installing Threadripper processors and the very high price of TRX40 motherboards, we do not recommend that you do this processor as the first system assembly by yourself.
After installing the cooling system, connect the fan connector In your head section, connect to the motherboard. This serial part is usually close to the CPU socket and has a label called CPU_FAN.
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Cooling system (cooler)
One of the most important components in the computer assembly is the ventilation and cooling system. Many processors have a cooler system in their package. If you don't do heavy overclocking, these types of coolers are good enough for you. However, most people want to install more powerful coolers available in the market.
If you have decided to use a stock cooler, the company has most likely put the thermal paste on the part itself. If you are going to use aftermarket coolers, you should generally prepare the thermal paste yourself. However, there is no need for special trouble; Because you only need a pea-sized amount of thermal paste to put on the center of the CPU. After this, spread the paste well on the surface.
Buying a processor cooler from SafirSoftThis instruction is very simple for overclockers and experienced people, but it is very difficult for people who only work on their system. They do not want, using thermal paste in a very small amount is sufficient. You just have to be careful not to pour a lot of paste on the CPU, which will spill from the sides on the socket and around the motherboard.
Stock coolers for Intel processors use pins that go through holes in the motherboard. We recommend pushing the opposite corners inward to spread the thermal paste evenly and avoid putting undue pressure on one side of the CPU. Stock AMD coolers have iron arms which fit into the notches on a plastic bracket on each side of the socket. Aftermarket coolers are installed in various ways; Therefore, be sure to read the installation instructions carefully. These types of coolers can be surprisingly complicated to install and often have a large backplate that must be mounted behind the motherboard.
RAM
Installing the piece is very simple. First, make sure that the latches for each memory slot are open. Some motherboards have latches on both sides of the RAM slot, while some other motherboards have a movable RAM latch on one side and a fixed latch on the other side. After opening the latches of the RAM slot, carefully observe the lower part of the RAM and observe the height and height of the part. After making sure that the RAM is properly seated, carefully insert the RAM into its slot. If you place the RAM correctly, you will hear a special click and the latches will close immediately. You need to put a little force in your hands to insert the RAM, but if there is no benefit in pushing for a few seconds to insert the RAM, do not try to force the RAM into place by forcing it more. Maybe the direction of placing the RAM is wrong.
Buy computer RAM from SafirSoftIf you are going to install two RAMs on the motherboard, pay attention to the instructions of the motherboard; Because some RAMs should only be placed in a certain place to show the best performance. Maybe even after installing the RAM, your computer's operating system will only recognize some limited RAMs and not recognize some RAMs that are in wrong places.
M.2 SSD
If You are using an M.2 SSD, now it's time to install it.
If this part is already installed, remove the screw in front of the M.2 slot and slide the SSD in at an angle. Make sure the cut lines match the slot; Exactly the same procedure you followed to install RAM.
Buying SSD memory from SafirSoftIf the cut is not properly placed, your drive may not be compatible with the slot. Gently lay the SSD flat and tighten the mounting screw. This small screw can be easily dropped and lost; For this reason, it is better to install the M.2 drives before placing the other components of the motherboard into the case, so that if you lose a screw inside the case, you can easily find the screw.
Supports
First, find the fixing screws inside the case and install them in the appropriate positions. Most likely, their position is marked on the case, and based on the size of the screws, you can guess what to install where. Of course, most cases have these screws installed in place at the factory, so if you have purchased such a case, skip this section. If you have problems installing the screws, don't worry. You can try your luck again using different tools such as a thin tail.
I/O Shield
As the name of this part suggests, this part of the system should cover the ports of your device components that are placed on the motherboard. Before putting the protector inside the motherboard, you have to put the protector inside its chassis. Of course, after installation, carefully observe the back of the case so that the motherboard ports are all correctly placed. To place the protector, you need to use a little force so that all four corners of the piece are connected in their right place. Be aware of the sharp edges of the protector; Because in the worst possible case, you can hurt yourself. However, it is interesting to know that today's advanced and modern cases have their input/output shields installed on the case body by default. For this reason, if you have purchased such a case, you can easily pass this step.
Motherboard
Now it's time to put the motherboard in the case. Make sure the holes on the motherboard line up with the mounting screws and stand you installed earlier. Also, pay attention to the input/output shield that should cover the ports. After placing the motherboard correctly in the case, you should use a screwdriver to close the screws of the motherboard in their correct place to prevent the motherboard from shaking. Do not connect directly to the motherboard, install them in their correct place.
Power supply
SATA Storage
A little earlier we installed the M.2 hard drive on the system, now it's time to install the SATA drives. These types of drives can be 2.5-inch SSDs or conventional 3.5-inch hard drives on the market. Connect the SATA data cable to the motherboard and the SATA drive, and then connect the SATA power supply connector from the power supply to your drive. Put the hard drive or SSD in the appropriate bracket and try to put it in place with a screwdriver or push. It is necessary to mention that the bracket/drive installation methods are different from the chassis models.
Graphic card installation
For some systems, installing a graphics card is optional. If you use certain processors from Intel and AMD that are integrated with graphics cards, you can not install a separate graphics card. Of course, on the condition that you are not a fan of modern video games and you are not interested in doing graphic work such as editing images and video clips. However, many Intel and AMD processors do not have so-called on-board graphics, and for this reason, you must buy a graphics card for your device to be able to have the image on your monitor.
Purchase Graphics card from SafirSoftTo install the graphics card, you probably have to remove some covers of the back of the case to reveal the graphics card slots such as HDMI and DVI on the back of the case so that you can easily connect the monitor cables to the back of the case. Connect.
Place your graphics card in the PCIe X16 slot on the motherboard. The location of the graphics card is clearly visible on the motherboard due to its large size. If needed, connect the PCIe power connector from the power supply to your graphics card. If your graphics card is an old model, this is not necessary.
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Wi-Fi card Install (if necessary)
Most motherboards have at least one Ethernet port, and some motherboards come with Wi-Fi installed at the factory. Of course, if you need Wi-Fi internet and your computer does not have a Wi-Fi card, you can buy a Wi-Fi card before assembling the computer and connect it to one of the PCIe or M.2 slots. Of course, there are some Wi-Fi components that are designed as dongles that are easily connected to the USB port. With all these interpretations, if you are into video games, Ethernet connection point will definitely be the best and most reliable type of connection for you.
Latest connecting cables
Only a few more cables left until you can finally turn on your computer. Make sure the connectors on each fan are connected to the motherboard fan header. Next, connect the front panel audio cable as well as the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 case connectors to these headers. For this, it is better to read the instructions of the motherboard; Because the position of the mentioned items is different in each motherboard model.
Finally, there is a small front panel connector such as power, reset, optical activity (RGB) and... These connectors must be placed in their correct pins on the motherboard, which can usually be found in the lower right corner of the motherboard. Of course, this address is correct when your motherboard parts are arranged in the old style. To connect these connectors, it is better to read the instructions of the motherboard carefully; Because like the connectors of the USB ports, these connectors have different positions on each motherboard model.
Be sure to check several times that you have used the correct headers. These components of the system are small and their labels are therefore written in fine print. Therefore, if you don't pay attention, you can easily make a mistake in this section.
Turn on the computer
Once you've connected all the parts, it's a good idea to check the extra power cables and fan headers again. After ensuring the correct installation of all parts, insert the two power plugs of the case into the outlet. Connect the monitor cables to the graphics card ports on the back of the case. Make sure to connect the keyboard and mouse wires to the motherboard. Finally, press the monitor and case power button to turn on the computer system. If everything is connected correctly, the computer will turn on and run basic system tests automatically. Because there is no operating system installed on the computer, you will be faced with missing boot drive messages or directly directed to the UEFI/BIOS screen.
Cable Management
After After making sure that the computer is upgraded in terms of software, now it's time to manage the cables inside the case. It is better to do this for sure; Because regularizing the cables can improve the flow of air going back and forth to the case. Be aware that before organizing the cables inside the case, first turn off the system and then disconnect the power cables from the case in order to do your work comfortably and with full security.
Routing some cables through the back of the case during the computer assembly process is a very good first step for a neat assembly, but at the end of the computer assembly work It is better to collect the cables with different zip ties and move the extra part of the cables inside the case. If you are patient, the whole process of managing and organizing the cables inside the case will take at least 15 minutes.
Installing the operating system, drivers and updates
For ease of work, it is better to put the desired Windows (Windows 10, Windows 11 or Linux) on a flash drive before starting to assemble the computer. You can install Windows on the flash drive by downloading different versions of Windows and using external software such as Rufus. The download process can be in two ways; Either download the operating system you want through the internal sites or through the official page of Microsoft.
To prepare Windows 10 or 11, go to the operating system download page in Microsoft and click on the "Download Tool Now" option. click. You download a file called Media Creation Tool, which after downloading and installing it on the flash drive, it has a volume of approximately 4 GB. Therefore, it is better to use flash drives with a capacity of at least 8 GB to install Windows. Finally, after turning on the computer and connecting the flash drive to the USB port, the installation file will run automatically. If this does not happen automatically, you need to go to the BIOS page and look for this option in the settings menu so that the system will first try to mount the flash drive instead of the internal hard drive.
After installing the operating system, it is better to download and install the necessary updates for your operating system as soon as you connect to the Internet. You have successfully assembled your computer. Your computer system is ready to work and you can easily do whatever you want with the computer. It should be noted that you can upgrade the various components of your computer whenever you want. However, before buying a new part, it is better to read carefully about the features of the part and your motherboard; Because the new parts must be compatible with your system so that the best quality and efficiency can be expected from the system.
Source: tomshardware a >