Installing CPU and RAM on Motherboard & Mounting Motherboard in Case & Installing Power Supply and Routing Cables & Graphics Card and Expansion Card Installation & Drive Installation and Connection
Installing the CPU and memory before mounting the motherboard in the case provides better access and reduces the risk of damage from awkward angles or limited workspace.
CPU Installation Process
Align the CPU with the socket using the alignment markers – there's usually a small triangle on both the CPU and socket that must align. For Intel CPUs, the processor should drop into place without any pressure once properly aligned. Lower the retention arm, which again requires significant force and may produce concerning creaking sounds – this is normal. For AMD processors, the process is similar, but the pins are on the CPU itself, making handling even more critical.
Memory Installation Procedure
Memory installation is typically straightforward but requires attention to slot configuration and proper seating. Consult your motherboard manual for the preferred slots when installing two memory sticks – this is usually slots 2 and 4 (often color-coded) to enable dual-channel operation. Open the retention clips on the selected memory slots.Align the memory stick with the slot, noting the offset notch that prevents incorrect insertion. Apply firm, even pressure straight down until the retention clips snap into place automatically. The memory stick should be fully seated with no gold contacts visible above the slot. If installing four memory sticks, populate all slots following the same procedure, but be aware that some motherboards may require BIOS adjustments for optimal four-stick operation.
Initial Visual Inspection
After CPU and memory installation, perform a visual inspection to ensure everything is properly seated. The CPU retention arm should be fully closed and locked, and memory sticks should be evenly seated with retention clips properly engaged. Take a moment to verify that no bent pins are visible (for AMD CPUs) and that the CPU cooler mounting area is clean and ready for thermal paste application.Thermal Paste Application
If your CPU cooler doesn't have pre-applied thermal paste, now is the time to apply it. Clean the CPU heat spreader with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth if necessary. Apply a small amount of thermal paste – about the size of a grain of rice for most CPUs, slightly larger for large processors like AMD Threadripper or Intel HEDT chips. Don't spread the paste manually; the cooler mounting pressure will distribute it evenly.CPU Cooler Installation
CPU cooler installation varies significantly between models, so follow the specific instructions for your cooler. Stock Intel coolers use push-pin fasteners that require pressing down and turning, while AMD stock coolers typically use a retention bracket with a cam lever. Aftermarket coolers often require mounting brackets attached to the motherboard's back side.Ensure the cooler is making even contact across the CPU surface – it should sit flat without rocking. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard, usually located near the CPU socket. This connection is crucial for temperature monitoring and fan speed control.
With CPU, memory, and cooler installed on the motherboard, it's time to install this assembly into your case. This step requires careful alignment and gentle handling to avoid damaging components or the motherboard itself.
Standoff Verification and Adjustment
Before placing the motherboard in the case, double-check that standoffs are installed in the correct positions. Standoffs should only be installed where your motherboard has mounting holes – extra standoffs can cause short circuits. Most ATX cases have standoffs pre-installed for standard ATX boards, but always verify the positions match your specific motherboard.Motherboard Positioning and Alignment
Carefully lower the motherboard into the case, aligning the rear I/O ports with the I/O shield opening. The motherboard should sit flat against all standoffs without forcing or bending. If the board doesn't align properly, lift it out and check standoff positions rather than forcing the alignment.Once positioned correctly, the mounting holes in the motherboard should align perfectly with the standoffs. Start by installing screws in opposite corners to secure the board's position, then work around the perimeter installing the remaining screws. Use moderate pressure – enough to secure the board firmly, but not so tight that you risk cracking the PCB.
I/O Shield Alignment Check
Verify that the I/O shield isn't blocking any ports and that all rear connectors are properly accessible through their respective openings. Sometimes the small metal tabs on the I/O shield can block ports or create grounding issues. Gently bend any problematic tabs out of the way, but don't remove them entirely as they help with electromagnetic interference shielding.Initial Cable Connection Planning
With the motherboard installed, take a moment to plan your cable routing. Identify where the 24-pin power connector, CPU power connector, front panel connectors, and any other necessary cables will connect. Modern cases often have cable routing holes positioned to make clean installations possible, so plan your routes to take advantage of these features.The power supply installation and initial cable routing set the foundation for your entire cable management strategy. Proper PSU orientation and thoughtful cable routing make the difference between a clean, professional-looking build and a tangled mess.
Power Supply Orientation Decision
Most modern cases support multiple PSU orientations, and the correct choice depends on your case design and system configuration. If your case has a bottom-mounted PSU with a filtered intake, orient the PSU with the fan facing down to draw cool air from outside the case. If mounting in an older case or if the bottom intake isn't filtered, orient the fan upward to draw air from inside the case.The PSU should be positioned so that the power switch and cable connections are accessible, typically toward the rear of the case. Some builders prefer to orient the PSU so that its cables exit toward the motherboard tray for cleaner cable routing.
Secure Mounting Procedure
Install the PSU using the four screws provided with your case, ensuring it's firmly secured but not over-tightened. The PSU should sit flush against the case mounting area without gaps or misalignment. If your case has a PSU shroud, you may need to install it either before or after PSU installation – consult your case manual for the preferred sequence.Essential Cable Routing Strategy
Begin by connecting the most critical cables: the 24-pin motherboard power connector and the 8-pin CPU power connector. Route the 24-pin cable along the right side of the case (when viewing from the front) and bring it through the cable routing hole closest to the connector. The CPU power cable typically routes along the top or left side of the case, depending on your motherboard layout.Route cables with gentle curves rather than sharp bends, and use the case's built-in cable routing holes whenever possible. Some builders prefer to connect all necessary cables to the PSU first, then route them to their destinations, while others prefer to route cables one at a time as they make connections.
Modular Cable Management
If you're using a modular power supply, only connect the cables you actually need. Start with the essential connections (24-pin motherboard, 8-pin CPU, and any required PCIe power connectors for your graphics card), then add additional cables as needed for storage drives and other components. This approach reduces cable clutter and improves airflow.Cable Securing and Organization
Use velcro ties or loose zip ties to secure cable runs, but avoid making them too tight until you're certain of your final layout. Group related cables together where possible – for example, SATA power and data cables can often be routed together to storage drives. Leave yourself some slack in cable runs for future adjustments or component additions.Graphics card installation is often the most satisfying part of a PC build, as these large, impressive components immediately transform the look of your system. However, modern graphics cards are also among the heaviest components in a PC, requiring careful installation and proper support.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before installing your graphics card, remove the appropriate slot covers from the rear of your case. Most modern graphics cards are dual-slot designs, requiring removal of two adjacent slot covers. Some high-end cards may require three slots, so check your card's specifications. Remove the protective plastic covers from the card's display outputs, but save them in case you need to return the card.PCIe Slot Preparation
Identify the primary PCIe x16 slot on your motherboard – this is usually the top slot and is often reinforced or color-coded differently. Open the retention clip at the end of the slot by gently pressing it away from the slot. Some motherboards have tool-less retention mechanisms that don't require manual operation.Graphics Card Installation Process
Carefully remove the graphics card from its anti-static packaging, handling it by the edges of the PCB or the cooler shroud. Align the card with the PCIe slot, ensuring the rear bracket aligns with the slot opening in the case. The card should slide into the slot smoothly with moderate pressure – never force it.When properly seated, the retention clip should snap back into place automatically, securing the rear of the card. Install screws through the rear bracket into the case's slot cover mounting points. These screws are crucial for supporting the card's weight and should be tightened securely but not over-tightened.
Power Connection and Support
Connect any required PCIe power cables to your graphics card. Modern high-end cards typically require one or two 8-pin connectors, while mid-range cards might use 6-pin connectors or draw power entirely through the PCIe slot. Ensure power connectors are fully seated – they should click into place and sit flush with the card's power input.For heavy graphics cards, consider using a GPU support bracket or sag bracket to prevent long-term damage from card sag. These supports attach to the case and provide upward pressure on the front corner of the graphics card, maintaining proper alignment and reducing stress on the PCIe slot.
Additional Expansion Cards
If installing additional expansion cards (sound cards, network cards, etc.), follow similar procedures but pay attention to slot spacing and potential conflicts with your graphics card's cooling solution. Some large graphics cards may block adjacent slots or interfere with tall components on the motherboard.Storage drive installation varies significantly between drive types and case designs, but the principles remain consistent: secure mounting, proper cable connections, and consideration for airflow and vibration control.
SSD Installation Procedures
2.5-inch SATA SSDs typically mount in dedicated drive bays or behind the motherboard tray in modern cases. Use the provided screws to secure the drive in its mounting bracket, ensuring it sits flat and stable. Some cases use tool-less mounting systems with sliding brackets or snap-in mechanisms.M.2 NVMe SSDs install directly on the motherboard and require careful handling due to their small size. Locate the appropriate M.2 slot (many motherboards have multiple slots with different configurations), remove the mounting screw, and gently insert the drive at a 30-degree angle. Press the drive down flat against the mounting standoff and secure it with the screw. Be careful not to over-tighten, as M.2 drives use delicate PCBs.
Hard Drive Installation
Traditional 3.5-inch hard drives require more robust mounting due to their weight and vibration. Install drives in drive cages using the provided screws, ensuring they're mounted securely but with consideration for vibration dampening. Some cases include rubber washers or vibration dampening mechanisms – use these if available.Position hard drives with adequate airflow around them, as they generate more heat than SSDs. If your case has front intake fans, position drives to benefit from this airflow. Avoid mounting drives directly adjacent to high-heat components like graphics cards if possible.
SATA Cable Management
SATA data cables should be connected with the L-shaped connector oriented correctly – forcing these connectors can damage both the cable and the drive. Route SATA cables cleanly along with power cables where possible, using cable combs or ties to keep groups organized. Some builders prefer angled SATA connectors for cleaner routing in tight spaces.Connect SATA data cables to motherboard SATA ports, typically found along the edge of the board near the drive bays. Consult your motherboard manual for any special considerations regarding SATA port configuration or shared lanes with M.2 slots.