Is this still how to build a PC?

[SaltyNuts]

Been YEARS since I built one. But here is what I remember:

1. Plug the CPU/memory into the motherboard.

2. Screw the motherboard into the case.

3. Put the video card in the motherboard.

4. Turn on computer to make sure it turns on - then at least you know motherboard, video card and CPU work.

5. Plug in hard drive, DVD player, keyboard, mouse.

6. Put Windows in DVD player. Set bios to boot to DVD.

7. Install Windows on hard drive. (Do you have to separately format a hard drive these days? Or does windows do it for you?)

8. Install networking cable for internet.

9. Party like a rock star.

That more or less it? Anything I'm forgetting?

Thanks!

 

[Essence_of_War]

More or less! Here's a more careful walk-through for peace-of-mind.

http://techbuyersguru.com/buildersguide2.php

 

[Zorander]

More or less the same, I'd say.

It's definitely easier and faster now the advent of SSDs and colour-coded ports on motherboard.

 

[lehtv]

I'd do

A. test drive
1. attach CPU and memory to motherboard on top of the motherboard cardboard box
2. if you don't have integrated graphics, install graphics card
3. attach necessary PSU cables and peripherals
4. test to see that nothing's DOA so far

B. actual build
1. attach 5.25" drive to case
2. attach motherboard to case
3. install PSU and draw all the cables behind the tray through cable routing holes
4. attach hard disk(s) to disk cage
5. if you don't have integrated graphics, install video card
6. route and attach all power cables, SATA cables etc.
7. power on and check that BIOS recognizes everything, make sure SATA is in AHCI mode, set correct boot order for drives
8. install Windows
9. if you did have integrated graphics, finalize setting up Windows before installing graphics card and its drivers (along with other possible add-on cards)

If you only need the DVD drive for installing Windows, don't bother attaching it to the case, just use it once with an open case. You also have the option of installing from a USB drive.

 

[MongGrel]

A SSD in there is an upgrade these days, of course.

I've always put the CPU in after putting the MOBO in the case and after the aftermarket fan mounts to OC, then the TIM and CPU of choice cooler and various fan things, but yeah.

 

[Eeqmcsq]

That's pretty much it. Depending on how far back you've been, some minor things have changed. For example, with SATA being the standard for HDD/SSD/CD/DVD drives, you don't have to mess with master/slave jumpers any more. Just plug in the data and power cables and you're done. Power supplies have gotten a bit more complicated - now they have the 6 pin or 6+2 pin PCI Express connector for graphics cards.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Motherboards/ram tend to be more picky with each other compared to before so you want to try to have a mobo/ram combo that is compatible together. Can be a bit of work cross referencing between the compatibility lists and finding a combo that you can actually buy at the same retailer. Typically I find the ram manufacturer lists are pretty decent.

For storage, now that stuff is pretty much all transitioned to SATA it makes things easier when it comes to drives. There was a point where you still needed IDE for stuff like cdrom drive but sata was still new and required to load a driver before you load the OS etc... now you don't have to do that anymore which is nice.

Also video cards need LOT of power. 100's of watts. They also use 2 slots, so you lose 3 slots (can't really use the 3rd as it will block air flow to the video card) so consider slot layout when picking a motherboard.

For OS drive I'd definitely go with a SSD as well.

 

[mfenn]

Motherboards/ram tend to be more picky with each other compared to before so you want to try to have a mobo/ram combo that is compatible together. C

I find it's actually the opposite with DDR3 unless you're going with some bespoke RAM that has unusual timings or voltages.

 

[mfenn]

Been YEARS since I built one. But here is what I remember:

1. Plug the CPU/memory/HSF into the motherboard.

2. Screw the motherboard into the case.

2b. Install PSU into the case

3. Put the video card in the motherboard.

4. Turn on computer to make sure it turns on - then at least you know motherboard, video card and CPU work.

5. Plug in hard drive, DVD player, keyboard, mouse.

6. Put Windows in DVD player. Set bios to boot to DVD.

7. Install Windows on hard drive. (Do you have to separately format a hard drive these days? Or does windows do it for you?)

8. Install networking cable for internet.

9. Party like a rock star.

That more or less it? Anything I'm forgetting?

Thanks!

Added some stuff that you forgot.