is there an order to installing PC components?

[jpr21b]

I heard that when building a computer you need to do the components in a certain order, like CPU first, memory, then video card.

is this true? what order do people normally do?

My problem is that my computer isnt booting correctly and i have no clue what the cause is except maybe components being inserted at a off sequence.

 

[o1die]

You can do a minimal install on a flat non conductive surface, such as a phonebook. Use just your cpu/heatsink, one stick of memory, and video card. Connect the atx 20 pin and 12v 4 pin connectors, and power switch lead. Your board should post.

 

[Kogan]

If you've got good quality stuff, just plug it all up and turn it on - it should work

Only when you're having problems with booting the system should you install stuff in different orders. - like put in the cpu and ram only first and if it boots, then those parts are fine - then put in the video card - if it boots fine, then start putting in other components, etc, etc..

And as for an order for putting cpu, memory and video in - that doesn't matter at all, although the video card may be in the way when trying to put in the cpu/heatsink, so most people put it in after the cpu.