1 standoffs - use them. Standoffs are small pieces that come with cases. They screw into the case and intern the motherboard screws into them their purpose is to stand off the sensitive motherboard from the metal case as to prevent a short circuit(or int his case potentially hundreds or thousands of shorts) 2 be ware of tracing. Most motherboards are sturdier than we give them credit for. That said they're still sensitive electronics. The PCB on a board has litterally thousands of small electrical traces(think small wires) which run through it. Be ware not to break any of them by modifying the sizes of mounting holes in excess, or through the reckless use of a screw driver or wrench 3 be wary of ESD(electrostatic discharge) that static electricity that makes a balloon stick to a wall can also fry valuable electronics. If you don't have a grounding strap, try plugging the power supply into the wall after it's been mounted to the case, then ensure that the PSU receives no power(either via a switch on the PSU or my turning off a switch on a surge protector which most systems should be plugged into regardless) this will ensure that the system is connected to a ground but receives no electric current. Then touch an unpainted, metallic part of the case this should discharge you of pretty much all static. 4 caution while changing RAM, especially DDR2 and DDR3 RAM since they're more sensitive. When your system is "off" but still plugged into the wall it's still receiving current(that's why your network card still leaves it's little LED light on or why the board has a sensor light on, it's getting power) usually drawing around 5-13W. When changing RAM be wary of this. flip the switch on the PSU to ensure that the system receives no power. If the PSU has no switch, then flip the switch on the surge protector or unplug the unit from the wall. Then press the power button once or twice. This will cause the system to discharge any store electricity. Then change your RAM. Also while changing RAM ensure that it's in the right way and that it is fully inserted. more coming soon. feel free to add in your own content.
ESD, always touch the back of the case near to the PSU before anything else and make sure your earthed too.
People start to add in a lot more things and always forget the basics. It's nice to return to the basics. My dad, who had no idea how to, changed the RAM under my advice. I think he put in in the wrong way at first, then fixed it, and somehow it works better than the old RAM this computer is running. Personally, I can build computer, though I'm learning, so thanks for posting up the list xlink.
I think building is easy for the most part. I'm fairly new and am still learning more about building computers. But its difficult to know if it will work properly or work like you would want it to.
most common sense, not much too it. prep case install PSU and drives insert CPU onto board and install heatsink install board to case insert RAM and addon cards connect any power or data cables necessary. fans too close case pop in CD install OS pop in more CDs/download from internet install drivers and programs done don't necessarily have to go in that order but that's the idea. I admit I tend to neglect it a bit. then again there's no carpet in the house so the need is greatly reduced.
I have yet to build a computer, but after examining my own, and surfing the internet for everything computer related (mods, building, hardwar,e the whole shebang) for nearly 2 years, I'm pretty sure that when the time comes, I'll be ready.
