Proper preparation is the key to a successful build. Before you begin, make
sure you have all the tools you will need, and secure a clear, well-lit workspace.
Gather all the components youll be using and unpack them one at a time,
verifying that everything that is supposed to be there is actually present. At
this point you should leave the parts themselves in their protective anti-static
bags, and assemble all the accompanying manuals. Now I know you want to
get started, but trust me, read the manuals, check the diagrams, make sure you
understand where each part goes and how it attaches. If there is anything you
dont understand, now is the time to do a little extra internet research or call
the manufacturer with your questions.
Find a dry, well-ventilated place to do your work. You should have plenty
of light to see your components with, and if possible, you should choose an area
without carpet on the floor, as carpet tends to generate a lot of static, and this
can be ameliorated by choosing a nonconductive floor surface. An unfurnished
basement is a good work location.
Safety precautions
1. Static electricity is the biggest danger to the expensive parts you are about
assemble, even a tiny shock, much too small for you to feel, can damage
or ruin the delicate electronic traces, many times smaller than a human
hair, that make up your CPU, RAM and other chips. Its important to use
your anti-static wrist strap. Once you have the powersupply installed in
the case, clip the end of the wrist strap to the outside of the powersupply.
(Never plug your computer in while you are connected to it by a wrist
strap.) This will ensure that you, the case and the power supply are all
connected to a common ground, in other words there will be no inequality
of charge that will allow a spark to jump from you to the case. Its also
helpful to have an antistatic mat to set the case and other components on.
2. Nobody but you is at fault if you shock your components with static electricity.
Make sure that you take the precautions in the previous paragraph
to ground yourself from static electricity. (Note: if you really must work
on a computer and haven’t got proper anti-static equipment, it is usually
OK if you make sure that you don’t move about much; are not wearing
any static-prone clothing; handle components by the edges; and regularly
(once a minute or so), touch a grounded object.). The case metal of your
PC’s power supply will usually be a suitable grounded object. As noted
above, touch it every few minutes while you are working on your PC if
you havent got a wrist strap.
3. Turn off your computer and unplug your Power Supply before installing
or removing any components—if power is flowing to components as they
are installed or removed, they can be seriously damaged.
4. Never cut the grounding pin off your power cord. This “safety ground”
stands between you and potentially lethal voltages inside the power supply.
5. Be wary of sharp edges! Many lower-end PC cases have sharp, unfinished
edges. This is especially so on interior surfaces, and where the case has
been cut or punched-out. Use care and take your time to avoid cutting
your hands.If your case has this problem, a little time with some sandpaper
before you begin construction can spare you a lot of pain.
6. Dismantling discrete electronic components such as your Power Supply or
Monitor is dangerous. They contain high voltage capacitors, which can
cause a severe electric shock if you touch them. These hold a charge even
when the unit is not plugged in and are capable of delivering a fatal shock.