DIY PC - Preparation

Setting up.

Preparing to build the PC.

Safety.

Before setting out to build a PC you have to have enough skill to make sure you are not going to actually harm yourself. Do you have the required knowledge of electricity? Little is required, but if you are not confident of your abilities then stop now. For example, you may be required to have the machine open while it is switched on and connected to the mains electricity supply. If this is beyond you then admit it... Stay safe.

  Static.

  The components inside a PC are a marvel of micro electronics. They can be treated relatively roughly, but only once you know how to treat them in the first place. When I was younger I was amazed that you could break CMOS chips just by touching the legs, and that knowledge has taught me to respect the chips inside my PCs (Or is it the fact that they cost 200 pounds?). Well, either way, the first rule is to avoid touching the legs of the chips or the edge connectors of the cards.

  Secondly, what are you wearing? If you are wearing that nylon sweater that crackles when you take it off at night, then maybe you'd be better off a little colder. The same goes for 'combinations' wool over nylon, etc.

  Next, remember that you should earth yourself before working on the PC. Touch the metal case of the computer before you touch any of the parts inside... and remember to do this every time you go back inside it or open another component box. The case itself should be earthed by means of the plug being in the wall socket with the power off.

  Lastly, where are you doing the job? If you are sitting on a carpet then you'll be sure to generate static as you move around on it, better, find a low table and build the PC on that.

  With the above precautions I think you can forget the anti-static strap that the suppliers are always trying to sell you if they know you are building your own computer. Even if you do want do get one, remember all it comes down to is a bare copper wire from you to the computer's case, there is nothing magical about it. Be careful though, we don't want you connecting yourself to the power at any stage.

  Equipment.

  Philips/cross head screwdriver(s).
  Fine-nose pliers. (not vital, but can be useful for jumpers etc)
  Mains power testing screwdriver.
  Cable ties.

  Leads, connectors, bits and bobs.

  The PSU will have all the power cables required to power the motherboard and internal devices, sticking out of its end. The PSU should come with the case, and if you ever need a replacement, they are not difficult to come by and install.

  The case, if of a decent quality, should provide a speaker, with leads to fit it to the motherboard. The LEDs on the case will also have the leads needed to connect them to the motherboard. Again, a decent case will label these for you. It is not disaterous if you put these the wrong way around.

The CD ROM, the HD and FDD should come with all the cables needed to connect them into the computer. If they do not (eg if you bought them as bare drives), then you could also come by them via an input/output card or sound card with IDE interface. Your supplier shouldn't really be trying to sell you these leads, they should come with, well, something!.

The case should also provide all the screws, spacers, nuts, bolts, washers needed to fix the motherboard down, and really should have some left over for the internal devices. Depending on your case, you may need to adapt the drive bay to hold a 3.5" HD if you bought one. Though again, really you should not have to.

  Finally.

  Allow enough time for the job.

  Preferably don't work with an audience.

  Check and recheck that the power really is off.

  To assemble the computer you will also need a brain. If you don't have one, or have currently turned it off, I advise you to go and sort this out before you start.

A page from James David Chapman's website. Located at: http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~jchap/ Site mirrored here at: http://www.j.chap.btinternet.co.uk
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