Julian Blanco
TVL100-1:30-2:30
it’s important to prepare your workspace. Ensure you have all your components and
tools ready. At a minimum, you’ll need:
● Phillips head screwdrivers (#1 and #2)
● Your motherboard manual
● Zip ties or twist ties for organizing cables
● A flashlight (for when you drop screws)
● Thermal paste (many coolers come with this pre-applied)
● A container for screws (like a cup or a magnetic tray)
● Installation media for your chosen operating system
● Band-aids (just in case)
Some builders recommend using anti-static mats or wrist straps. However, if you’re
not in a very dry environment, aren’t working on a metal or entirely plastic surface,
and aren’t wearing socks on carpet, you should be fine without them. Still, if you’re
concerned about static, it’s a good idea to take precautions and use an anti-static
strap.
Installing the CPU
To install your CPU, first remove the plastic cover from the socket, then lift the
tension lever and, if applicable, the metal retaining bracket. Drop the processor into
the socket, ensuring it aligns with the arrow or triangle markings on both the CPU
and socket.
Recent Intel motherboards and AMD's AM5 platform have pins in the socket, while
older AMD AM4 CPUs have pins on the chip itself—be careful with these to avoid
bending them. Once the CPU is in place, make sure it sits evenly, then lower the
retaining bracket and press the tension lever down firmly. For Intel's 12th and 13th
Gen boards, this may require extra force, but ensure the CPU is seated properly first
to avoid damage.
Keep in mind that this guide covers mainstream AMD and Intel platforms; enthusiast
setups like Intel's Xeon or AMD's Threadripper have more complex installation
processes, which we don't recommend for first-time builders.
.
Installing the Cooler
Cooler Type:
● Stock coolers are good enough for non-overclockers and have pre-applied
thermal paste. Aftermarket coolers offer more power, quieter operation, and
require extra installation steps.
Thermal Paste:
● If no paste is pre-applied, add a pea-sized dot for AMD or five dots for Intel
CPUs. Avoid excess paste.
Mounting:
● Intel Stock Coolers: Use push pins; apply even pressure.
● AMD Stock Coolers: Snap into plastic brackets. Remove these for
aftermarket coolers.
Backplate:
● Aftermarket coolers often need a backplate, installed before mounting the
motherboard.
RAM First:
● Install RAM before large air coolers to avoid obstruction.
Connections:
● Plug the CPU fan into CPU_FAN; for dual fans or pumps, use CPU_AUX or
CPU_PUMP headers.
PC Build Summary:
1. RAM Installation:
○ Open RAM slot latches. Align RAM with the slot and snap it in. Ensure
correct placement for dual sticks by checking the motherboard manual.
○
2. M.2 SSD Installation:
○ Install in the correct M.2 slot. Align the notch, insert at an angle, lay it
flat, and secure with a screw. Replace heatsink if necessary.
○
3. Motherboard Installation:
○ Install standoffs in the case. Attach the I/O shield and place the
motherboard, ensuring ports align. Secure with screws.
4. Power Supply & SATA Storage:
○ Mount the PSU, connect the 24-pin and CPU power connectors. Install
SATA drives and connect power/data cables.
5. Graphics Card:
○ Install into the PCIe slot and connect PCIe power cables if required.
○
6. Cable Connections:
○ Connect fans, front panel, and USB/audio cables as per the
motherboard manual.
7. Cable Management & Final Steps:
○ Neatly route cables, install the operating system, and update drivers.
○
Installing an Operating System, Drivers, and Updates:
1. Create USB Installation Drive:
○ Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website to create a
bootable USB for Windows 10 or 11 (requires 8GB+ USB)
○ .
2. Install the OS:
○ Insert the USB into your new PC, boot into the installer, and follow the
on-screen steps. If the USB isn’t detected, adjust the boot order in the BIOS.
3. Drivers and Updates:
○ After OS installation, connect to the internet. Windows will auto-install many
drivers, but manually check manufacturer websites for updates.
4. Enjoy Your PC:
○ Once updated, your PC is ready for use! Install programs, games, or upgrade
hardware when needed.
Uwi or not to Uwi
That is the question,
Whether going home
today at an earlier
time and avoid my office
duty hours,
or stay for a while and
be as productive
as time would allow.
Work– Homework
and by Homework it means work we do at home.
But should my sense of time fail me I’d do the work at school and It’d be called
schoolwork all the same.
To Uwi, To go Home — Aye there’s the rub.
If I go home now I’ll be home at Exactly 5,
If I stay here any longer I’d have to fall in line,
Arrive at 9
and tell my mom “it was cause of traffic Inay”
Thus, time makes procrastinators of us all,
And the only way to get things done.
Is to forget about having fun.
I'd finish this poem…
But I have to run.
