How to Build a Computer

Topics We Will Cover

• Evaluating your needs — what's best for you?
• Overview of the parts in a modern computer
• Planning and specifying parts
• Finding and buying parts
• Putting it together
• Installation, test and troubleshooting

Objectives

(What do you hope to get out of this?)

• Learn how to put together a computer
• Learn how to analyse your needs (what kind of computer do I need?)
• Learn what makes up a computer, how to specify and buy the parts
• Learn general maintenance and troubleshooting (even for existing computers you own)

Who Can Build a Computer?

Pretty much anyone

... but ...

You need to be willing to spend the time to learn how to do it, and to troubleshoot if required

Need to be comfortable with the thought of plugging in electronics (it's a bit like Lego though these days)

Why Build Yourself?

Evaluating Needs

• Budget
• Expected usage:
  • General/office
  • Video or photo editing
  • Gaming
• Space
• Portability

Balancing Needs

Usually we have to make trade-offs on meeting needs versus limitations.

Budget usually constrains performance, portability and space aspects. Often all of these clash.

Portability vs Performance/Upgrade

Is a desktop computer what you need? If portability is imperative, it may not be.

Parts

Modern computers are very complex, but (mostly) standardised

• Brands
• Compatibility
• Power consumption

Core Components in a Computer

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Motherboard
• Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD)
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU aka graphics card)
• Case
• Cooling
• Wireless
• Peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers)

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The "brain" of the computer, processes software instructions.

Improvements in raw CPU performance has plateaued. Focus is on multiple cores.

Two primary brands today: Intel and AMD.

Intel are faster (clock for clock) and more efficient. AMD are cheaper.

Intel have names like: Celeron, Pentium, i3, i5, i7.

AMD have two CPU lines: the FX series and the APU series.

The primary feature advertised is usually "clock" speed, a number with GHz after it. This doesn't allow comparison of performance across brands or even different releases from the same brand.

Each CPU type is physically different shape and requires a compatible motherboard.

Motherboard

The internal skeleton of the computer.

Connect up the internal parts and offer input/output ports to the user.

Must be paired with a CPU that matches the socket.

Socket 1150 motherboards are for current Intel CPUs.

AMD motherboards are either AM3+ (for the "FX" series) or FM2+ (for the "APU" series).

Various brands available, such as Asus, Gigabyte, Asrock, MSI

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is the working or runtime memory for the computer

Much faster than a hard drive, but slower than the memory inside the CPU

Most CPUs/motherboards support DDR3 RAM

Most motherboard support "dual channel" mode when with two sticks

Comes in various sizes (2GB, 4GB, 8GB) and speeds (specified in MHz, 1333, 1600, 1866, 2133, 2400)

Other main spec is the timings, designated with a "CL" number — the lower the better

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Currently the most common mass storage device

Stores data after the power is turned off (unlike RAM, which requires power)

Comes in various sizes usually in terrabytes (TB)

Have different speeds that broadly define performance, 5400 and 7200RPM are the most common

HDDs use standard SATA connectors, and require a data cable from the motherboard, and a power cable from the power supply

Internally, HDDs physically spin so a "head" can read data from platters

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Like HDDs, store data after power is turned off

Unlike HDDs, have no moving parts and so use less power and are quieter and more resilient physically

Also much faster than hard drives, and are great to install your operating system and applications to as everything loads much faster

Cost more in dollars per gigabyte

Initial reliability issues have mostly been solved, and they are now very reliable

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Provides power to all other components inside the computer

Often called the "heart" of the computer

Quality is important in power supplies, bad things can happen with low-quality units

How much power do I need?

How to determine quality of a power supply

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A GPU is a dedicated processor for video output

Can be a separate card, or build into a CPU (for example, Intel Pentium/Core series or AMD APUs)

With onboard graphics, ports are built into the motherboard. A dedicated GPU has its own ports

Primarily for high-end graphics like gaming, but can be used by other software such as CAD or Photoshop

Usually the highest power component; tends to determine PSU requirements

Go out of date much faster than CPUs

Case

Determines the appearance of the machine and provides external skeleton

Come in various shapes, sizes, colours. Much of the decision is about looks

Form factors: ATX (tower), Micro-ATX (mid-tower/compact), Mini-ITX (small form factor), DTX

Usually come with fans for cooling (some cheaper cases have one or zero) and screws and other odds and ends

Can provide convenience ports on the front

Other than cooling, provides no performance benefit to the computer

Cooling

Every component needs appropriate cooling

Generally motherboards, HDDs, GPUs and RAM need no additional cooling

CPUs come with a "stock" cooler, but you can augment with a bigger and better "after market" cooler

Cases come with stock fans, but usually have slots for other fans

Wireless

While laptops usually have wireless built-in, most desktops don't

Some motherboards (usually small ITX ones) can have a wireless adapter built-in

Adapters come as small cards (PCIe, PCI) or as USB

Generally any adapter will be good enough, but depends on distance from router and what requirements you have

Peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers)

Cabled or wireless options for keyboard and mouse, USB vs PS/2

Mechanical keyboards for enthusiast level

Monitor panel types (TN, IPS/PLS, VA)

Resolution, refresh rates, and input lag

Speakers vs headphones

End of Session 1

Things to think about before next time:

• What is your intended usage? If there are multiple uses, relative priority
• What is your budget? How flexible is it?
• Is portability an issue?
• Do you have space limitations?

What kind of computer do I want?
What kind of computer do I need to get?

Recap of Session 1

Components: CPU, RAM, HDD, SSD, PSU, GPU...

Hopefully the answer to "what kind of computer should I get?" is clear.

Planning

Depending on your intended usage and budget, we can start to spec out some parts

Given the broad usage types, you will tend to focus on particular parts:

Build "Theory"

Relative allocation of budget to various parts.

With approximately 1K budget, for a gaming computer, rule-of-thumb proportions:

Ignores cost of operating system and peripherals

_{(Be careful, I made this up myself...)}

Compatibility Checklist Table (part 1)

When putting together a list of parts, there are a number of things you need to check to ensure compatibility. The next three slides are a brief summary to help.

Compatibility checklist table (part 1):

Compatibility Checklist Table (part 2)

Compatibility Checklist Table (part 3)

Estimating Power Requirements

Simplest technique: Add up the TDP of all parts, double it

Depends on CPU/GPU; RAM/motherboard a few watts; USB devices a few watts; SSDs a couple of watts; HDDs 10W; DVDs 20W; fans 5W each

Thermal Design Power (TDP) is not power consumption, but a useful shorthand

Refinements:

• Look at power consumption results for the parts on review sites
• Consider current parts but also possible upgrades in future
• Accounting for aging
• Add up the TDP, then add 20-25% for headroom
• Rule of thumb: single GPU => 500-600W; dual GPU => 750-850W

Beware cheap power supplies. Look at reviews that load them up to test them. Understand "continuous" vs "peak" specifications. Weigh the 12V rail specifications over the 5V/3.3V.

Putting Together a Parts List

• Helps to start with the store you're planning to buy from, to cut down the possibilities to parts that are in-stock.
• Can use a site like PC Part Picker (with proviso)
• Recommend finding a good computer forum with a "building" section to double-check the list.

Blank Parts List

• CPU:
• Motherboard:
• Cooler:
• RAM:
• SSD:
• HDD:
• DVD:
• GPU:
• Case:
• PSU:
• Wireless:
• Peripherals:

Example Parts List

• CPU: AMD FX-8320 ($200)
• Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 R2.0 ($130)
• Cooler: Coolermaster Hyper 212X ($40)
• RAM: G-Skill Ares 2x4GB ($90)
• SSD: Crucial BX-100 250GB ($130)
• HDD: WD Blue 1TB ($70)
• ODD: LiteOn DVD-RW ($20)
• GPU: MSI R9 280 3GB ($250)
• Case: Fractal Design Core 2500 ($90)
• PSU: Antec HCG-520M ($100)
• Wifi: D-Link DWA-548 ($20)

PC Part Picker link for this example build

Example Parts List (Modified)

• CPU: AMD FX-8320 ($220) A8 7650K
• Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 R2.0 ($140) MSI A78M-E35
• Cooler: Coolermaster Hyper 212X ($50)
• RAM: G-Skill Ares 2x4GB ($80)
• SSD: Crucial BX-100 250GB ($130)
• HDD: WD Blue 1TB ($70)
• ODD: LiteOn DVD-RW ($20)
• GPU: MSI R9 380 4GB ($300)
• Case: Fractal Design Core 2500 ($80) Deepcool Tesseract
• PSU: FAntec HCG-520M ($100) EVGA 80+ 430W
• Wifi: D-Link DWA-548 ($20)

Reduces total cost from about $1200 to about $550

End of Session 2

Things to do before next time:

Create a proposed parts list to bring along to the next session

Resources like pcpartpicker.com, PCCG wishlist, Centrecom/Umart build tool, etc. may be useful to construct the list

Make sure it's either accessible via the internet or bring a printed copy to the session

Review Parts List

Take some time to show your parts lists to the group

Looking for compatibility, availability and fit for purpose

Where and How to Buy Recap

Last time we looked at some of the issues involved in buying parts

Any experiences to share in trying to find and buy parts?

Can't Find the Parts?

Computer parts stores are often out of stock of that one part that you want

Options for handling this situation:

• Swap to an alternative compatible part
• Find an alternative shop (local)
• Find an alternative shop (interstate/overseas)
• Do without? Upgrade later?

Step 1a: Prep the Case

Open up the case, ensure screws and other parts are included

Take out the power supply and insert in the appropriate place

Most cases have the power supply slot at the bottom of the case; some still have it at the top

Standard is to put the PSU fan down (whether at the bottom or the top of the case)

The power supply will come with four screws to secure it to the case

Step 1b: Prep Motherboard I/O Shield

In the motherboard box there will be a silver "I/O Shield"

This needs to be placed at the case; later when installing the motherboard into the case, it will guide the back I/O panel placement

The size is standardised — all cases will support any motherboard's shield

Step 1c: Prep Motherboard Risers in Case

Motherboard risers are small screws that elevate the motherboard so it won't touch the case

It's crucial that they're installed — the board will short circuit if it's touching the motherboard while powered

Cases usually have labels for the motherboard size (ATX, micro-ATX, etc) as to where the risers should go

Or you can just line up with the holes in the board

Some cases have inbuilt "bubbles" that act as risers; these are rare

Some cases come with the some or all the risers pre-installed. Still check they're secure

Step 2: Install CPU Into Motherboard

CPU alignment

Remove the plastic tab from the CPU socket on the motherboard

Should drop right into place without any force

The lever to hold the CPU in place can make the board creak

Be careful not to bend any pins!

Step 3: Install CPU Cooler

Without a correctly installed cooler, a CPU will overheat in seconds

Various styles of cooler: Intel stock; AMD stock; after market air; water cooling

After market coolers usually have a back plate to support the extra weight

Plug fan into the 4-pin "CPU fan header" on the motherboard

Unless looking at enthusiast level, air coolers are general easier and perform well

Step 4: Install RAM

Only goes in one way

Shouldn't need to force, but it can take some pressure to click into place

Step 5: Install Motherboard Into Case

Align the motherboard with I/O shield and risers

Screw in all holes on the motherboard

Make sure you use the right screw — cases often comes with screws that are similar in gauge

Step 6: Plug In Case Fans

Number of fans depends on the case

Can plug either into "headers" on the motherboard, use a fan controller, or directly into the PSU

Avoid the last option since they will run full speed (noisy)

Step 7: Plug In Power Supply Cables

Types of connectors in a power supply:

• 24 pin motherboard
• 4+4 pin CPU power (top left of motherboard
• 4 pin Molex and SATA (drives and peripherals)
• 6+2 pin PCIe (for graphics cards)

Modular vs Semi-modular vs Non-modular

Not everything has a place — don't plug in the floppy drive connector!

Step 8: Install Drives

Types of drives (SSD, HDD, DVD/BR)

Screws vs tool-less installs

SSD slots — nice, but not imperative

Step 9: Install Drive Cables

Each drive will generally need two cables: data, and power

SATA data comes from the motherboard to the drive

SATA power comes from the PSU to the drive

Can use a single power cable to power multiple drives

May need to use a couple of PSU cables depending on drive location

Try and plug SSDs into SATA 6 Gbps ports on the motherboard

Step 10: Install Front-of-Case Cables

One of the most finnicky parts of the build

Use the motherboard manual, diagram of where pins go

Tip: Labels out

Tip: P-LED vs PWR-LED

There's not a whole lot that can go wrong, things just won't work

Step 11: Install Graphics Card (if needed)

Graphics cards should go in the main (long) PCIe slot

Remove the braces from the side of the case

Clicks into place with a latch

Step 12: Plug In Graphics Card Cables

A graphics card may need no extra power, or a combination of 6/8 pin connectors

If a port requires 8-pins, plug in an 8-pin connector!

Modular power supplies will require cables to be plugged in both ends

Step 13: Finishing Up and Cable Management

Install any other cards or peripherals (for example, wireless)

Do some cable management to neaten up the cables

End of Session 3

Things to do before next time:

Buy the parts (if you're confident)

Or, continue to research and revise your list

Bring parts (or an old computer) to next session

Build Process Recap

The Build Process

Review Lists

Break into groups to look through each other's lists

Keep an eye out for compatibility issues (refer to the compatibility checklist)

...suggested fixes?

Build!

If you have parts here, let's put them together

Completing the Build

Continue putting the machine together.

Refer to the steps in the previous section if needed..

A few video resources on how to put a computer together:

• Newegg's "How to Build a PC"
• Tech Report guide
• Beginners Guide (JayzTwoCents)
• Easy PC Builder
• Gaming PC Build (PCDIY)

First Boot

Double check connections

Ensure the power supply O | I switch is flicked on

Moment of truth!

Troubleshooting

If the machine doesn't boot, track down the problems based on symptoms

More Troubleshooting

Previously noted some common issues

Some symptoms have less common or harder to diagnose causes

For example, graphics not working could be a dead PCIe slot on the motherboard

Refusing to boot could be bent pins on the motherboard

Isolation testing: try alternate parts one at a time to identify problem part

Other troubleshooting techniques:

• The minimal parts required for the machine to run
• Bench test
• Motherboard speaker and error beeps
• Test RAM: Memtest86+
• Dead PSU: the paperclip test

If the machine is getting to "POST", begin installing software

Installing Software

USB vs DVD option

With Windows, always have HDDs unplugged when installing to an SSD

Have motherboard drivers handy — may or may not be needed

For potential driver issues, try a Linux Live CD/USB

Maintenance

Keeping the machine free of dust

Motherboard battery

Backups!

Appendices

Collection of resources on the internet to help in speccing out and building your machine

Guides to Specifying Parts

• Whirlpool PC Suggestions Wiki
• staticice.com.au (price comparison)
• PC Part Picker
• Forums (Whirlpool, OCAU, Reddit /r/buildapc)

Guides to Building

• OCAU Guide to Building your Own PC
• Youtube (search terms like "how to build a computer")
• A few youtube video links:
• Newegg's "How to Build a PC"
• Tech Report guide
• Beginners Guide (JayzTwoCents)
• Easy PC Builder
• Gaming PC Build (PCDIY)
• PC Part Picker
• Guide (from Asus) on how to install Intel socket 1150 CPUs

Compatibility and Quality

• Manufacturer websites (for example, G-Skill have compatibility lists for their RAM)
• Review sites (Anandtech, Tom's Hardware, JonnyGuru, Hardware Secrets, HardOCP, KitGuru, PC Perspective, Guru3D, RealHardTechX PSU review database)
• PC Part Picker shows compatibility, but not foolproof

Troubleshooting and Help:

• Forums (Whirlpool, OCAU, Reddit /r/buildapc)
• Whirlpool troubleshooting guides (a little old but still potentially useful)
• Superuser.com
• Memtest86+ for testing RAM
• Antec paperclip test for power supplies