Main  DIY Computer  Site Map  Email:  Webmaster Introduction This is meant to be a general guide towards building a computer. Obviously, computers and computer equipment change rapidly, so there really is no way to cover all of the aspects of building a computer. But as specifications change, the general process for building a computer from parts remains the same. The general rules in this guide should be valid for at least a year or two, and I will attempt to keep it updated as things change. If you decide to build a computer from parts, the most important thing to have is patience. Computers will never work properly the first time. There will always be that one thing that you forget to do. Be it forgetting to connect a cable, or forgetting something else, there will always be something. This guide will hopefully reduce the chances of forgetting something. If you build the computer, and it doesn't fire up correctly the first time, just be patient and check everything again. I've built more computers than I can remember, and I still always forget at least one thing every time. Another thing to remember is to electrically ground yourself whenever your hands are in the computer case. I can not emphasize this enough. It is extremely easy to static shock a computer component, which will render it useless. Grounding yourself is very simple. If you are right-handed, always keep your left hand on the case itself (on an area that isn't painted). This will keep your electric potential the same as the computer itself, which will prevent static shocking. If you see a spark jump from your finger to a computer component, chances are that you have fried it. Immediately test it before you waste any more time. When an installation sequence requires both of your hands, it is usually possible to rest one or both of your wrists against the case as you are working, which will accomplish the same thing. In general, the most difficult part of building a computer is selecting the components. The next most difficult part is getting the operating system installed. The easiest part is physically connecting all of the parts. If you have selected the components well, connecting them all together once they arrive should be a snap. If you have any questions, or if you think that I have left something out of this guide, please feel free to email me. Back    Index   Next Sections Introduction Selecting the Components Mounting the Motherboard Mounting the CPU Installing the RAM Case Connections Mounting the Floppy Drive Mounting Drives Installing Cards External Connections POST Screen BIOS Setup Windows 2000 Biorobots Home  Site Map      Server Project Main      FAQ      How To      New Account Copyright 2006 Case Western Reserve University, Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. All rights reserved.