How to assemble a computer from components yourself. How to build a good computer yourself exactly for your needs. Examples of ready-made assemblies. Close the case cover

Video card;
processor, cooler and thermal paste;
RAM;
motherboard;
case with power supply;
Screwdriver Set.

Instructions for assembling a personal computer from components

1 To prepare complete set

We will prepare all the components, once again take a look at them that we have not forgotten anything. I will build a computer from this.

2 Training motherboard

Let's open the box with the motherboard and take it out. The box usually contains an instruction manual, a CD with drivers, a back panel, cables for a drive and a hard drive.

It is important not to damage the motherboard with static electricity. Therefore, first discharge the static charge from yourself, “ground yourself” before picking it up. It is advisable not to wear synthetic clothing and your hands should not be excessively dry.

We take out the motherboard from the factory box

3 Installation central processing unit

The first step is to install the central processing unit (CPU, CPU) into the connector on the board. One corner of the processor is usually marked with a triangle. There is a similar triangle on the board. We set the processor so that the labels match. And then we press it with a special lever located on one of the edges of the processor (socket) footprint.

4 Installation heatsink and cooler

Now you need to install a heatsink with a cooler and connect it to the power connector on the board. If the heat sink has already been coated with thermal paste, then it is ready for installation. If there is no thermal paste, it must be applied in an even, thin, neat layer to the surface that will adhere directly to the processor. Then place the heatsink on the processor, rub it thoroughly so that the paste is evenly distributed in the space between the heatsink and the processor. Then close the locking latches. The final touch is to connect the fan wire to the power connector on the motherboard, usually labeled "CPU FAN".

Depending on the processor family, the heatsink installation options may differ slightly from those described. Usually, the technique is described in detail in the passport for the motherboard, read it before starting work.

5 Installing modules random access memory

The next step is to install RAM modules. If you have one module, then put it in the first slot. It is usually marked as "DIMM_A1" or simply "DIMM_1". If there are more than two memory slots, and there are several memory modules, then put them first in the slots of the same color: so the RAM will run faster.

6 Installation back panel

Now we install a shiny metal back panel with holes for all connectors into the case. It is installed from the inside by simply pressing it out.

7 Installation motherboard

The board has holes for fastening, and in the case there are holes and a number of metal racks, usually at least 6 pieces. Depending on the size of your board, you need to place the stands in the case so that they are under the mounting holes of the board. Now we place the motherboard in the case. There should be racks under all the holes. The motherboard connectors should fit clearly into the holes in the rear panel. We fasten the motherboard with screws to the racks.

8 Installation video cards

The turn of the video card has come. Modern video cards usually have a PCI-Express slot. We put it in the slot until it clicks and fasten it to the back wall with a screw.

9 Installation and connection power supply

Now we connect the power supply to the motherboard. The first step is to connect the large 20-pin, dual inline header (“8” in the picture) to the motherboard. Then connect the 4-pin connector "7". It can be placed either side by side or elsewhere on the board. A modern hard disk and DVD drive are connected with type "3" connectors, old ones - with type "2" connectors. If you have a powerful video card, then it requires additional power supply - connectors "5" and "6". The type "1" connector is used to power the legacy floppy drive.

10 Connecting ports and indicators

We connect USB ports, additional audio connectors, an internal speaker and front panel buttons: power and restart buttons, hard disk indicators and turn on the computer. Usually these connectors are all located side by side and are labeled on the motherboard like this: USB, PWR_SW, RST_SW, SPEAKER, HDD_LED, POWER_LED.

To avoid mistakes, carefully study the instructions for your motherboard model and follow them when connecting the front panel, buttons and LED indicators.

11 Connecting hard drives HDD, CD and DVD drives

12 Turning on the computer and installing device drivers

Let's check everything again and then turn on the computer. If you had an operating system installed earlier, then it should boot immediately. Naturally, the first time you turn it on, you will need to install all the drivers: first on the motherboard and all its devices, and then on the video card.

The first time you turn it on, it is advisable to connect the monitor to the built-in video adapter of the motherboard, and not to a discrete video card in the PCI-Express slot. Then, when all the drivers are installed, switch the monitor to a discrete graphics card.

Read the manual (instruction) for the motherboard before starting work.

If possible, after assembly, use a wire to twist all the wires into one bundle so that nothing unnecessary dangles, does not stick out, and does not interfere with the free circulation of air inside the case.

After installing the drivers on the motherboard, restart the computer and only then install the drivers on the video card.

note

Make sure you are not electrified before handling any computer accessories. If you have static electricity, then moisten your hands, touch the computer case, or the central heating pipe.

1. System unit - how to choose accessories?
2. Installing the processor, RAM and cooling system.
3. Applying thermal paste to the processor
4. Installing the motherboard into the case
5. Connecting the body controls to the motherboard
6. Installing the power supply
7. Installing drives
8. Installing a video card
9. Cable routing and completion of works

Each of us at least once faced a situation when, trusting a sales assistant, he chose a ready-made personal computer, and after a few months he realized that for the same money he could purchase a much more productive version. So that such a story does not happen to any of our readers in the future, we have prepared instructions on how to assemble a computer yourself.

This process, in fact, turns out to be much simpler than many users who are far from technology assume, but still has a number of nuances, which we want to dwell on in detail in our material. And we will start with a brief reminder of what a computer consists of and how not to make a mistake in choosing components.

System unit - how to choose accessories?

When a customer walks into a computer store and sees the breadth of choice of motherboards, processors, video cards and other components, it seems to him that in order to connect all these devices together, you need to have at least a doctorate in technical sciences. But not everything is so bad, the manufacturers of computer hardware took care of us and many years ago adopted a single standard - Advanced Technology Extended, which unifies the entire hardware of a computer.

The choice of components is the most difficult task when assembling a PC, much more laborious than connecting them together, but this material is devoted to just the last task, and you can find a comparison of the characteristics of video cards and processors in our other publications.

The basis of our entire future system is the motherboard, as its name implies. It practically does not affect performance, but it is responsible for the proper operation of all components of our computer.

The whole process of assembling a PC essentially consists in connecting components using connectors and wires to the board, and therefore it is worthwhile to first evaluate what kind of computer you would like to have at the output and, based on this, choose a motherboard with one or another number of cells for RAM, suitable for the desired processor socket, and so on. Another important characteristic of a motherboard is the form factor - it determines what dimensions you need a case, so be careful right away and when purchasing a large E-ATX motherboard do not expect to fit it into a compact case.

Installing the processor, RAM and cooling system.

To assemble a computer at home, we suggest starting by working on an “open stand”, rather than immediately installing your components in the case, not knowing if the system is working or not. The process is as follows: we connect all our parts to the motherboard, update the board firmware, install the operating system and test the resulting assembly for errors and conflicts. If they are not identified, then we are happy to install all this in the case.

Let's start the process by installing the heart of our future PC - the processor. It should be remembered that two market leaders in the production of processors - AMD and Intel, fundamentally use different socket designs, the former have contact pins on the processor, while the latter prefer to place them in the socket.

To install an AMD processor, you need to lift the metal lever, insert the legs into the holes provided for them, and then return the lever to its original position. Thus, we will close the contacts of the processor with the contacts of the socket and reliably fix this position.

When installing Intel, lift the lever and hold-down cover, and after installing the processor, follow these steps in reverse order. Both the one and the other type of processors should be installed in a strictly defined position, which is shown by arrows on the processor itself and on the motherboard socket.

As for cooling the processor, you need to remember that they are all installed in different ways and the only reasonable action would be to strictly follow the instructions. For example, AMD has a passion for fasteners with plastic lugs, and Intel basically doesn't use such a design solution. In general, most processor coolers are quite universal, and therefore can work with chipsets from both companies, but be careful when choosing - there are also models that are loyal to only one brand.

Do not forget that many coolers can be installed in two positions, which determines through which wall the heated air will come out - back or top. Therefore, before installing, weigh the potency of both options and your case and choose the most productive one.

After we secured the heatsink and installed a fan on it, all that remains is to connect the power connector to the corresponding connector on the board called CPU_FAN. More expensive motherboards can provide two similar connectors intended for two coolers at once.

So, to complete the initial work, we just need to install the RAM modules in the DIMM slots. Each bracket has a security key that makes it impossible for you to insert it in the wrong direction, and you will also not be able to insert memory of the same type, for example, DDR3, into a socket on the motherboard that is not provided for it. Thus, installing RAM is the simplest process in the algorithm for assembling a personal computer.

Most processors have a dual-channel set of RAM, and therefore it is recommended to insert an even number of strips. It should be remembered that a sufficiently large processor cooler can overlap the RAM slots on some motherboards, and therefore it is worthwhile to thoroughly study their compatibility before purchasing.

Applying thermal paste to the processor

Many beginners make a common mistake and think that assembly is solely about assembling parts a la constructor. Thermal grease is no less important for the performance of the processor than itself and the cooling system, which helps their tandem to demonstrate maximum performance. As a rule, a small layer has already been applied to the fan sole, so this does not have to be done during the first assembly.

However, if it is not available, just add a couple of drops of the composition and spread them evenly over the CPU heat-distribution cover. Excess, on the contrary, will reduce the thermal conductivity between the processor and the cooler, which will negatively affect the performance of the computer. If you have already decided to assemble a computer with your own hands, then at least do not harm it.

Installing the motherboard into the case

The main line when choosing a case for you should be the one that is responsible for the supported form factors of motherboards. The following are the maximum possible sizes of the installed components - believe me, when it comes time to wire the wires, you will say thank you to yourself for choosing the most comfortable case in which you can install all the desired hardware without unnecessary manipulations.

To install the motherboard, you first need to screw the fastening nuts with external and internal threads. As a rule, all bolts and nuts are included with the body, they are standardized, so you hardly need to look for something unique to install your assembly. By fixing the plugs and screwing the nuts, you can move on.

Connecting Chassis Controls to the Motherboard

The panel of a standard case is usually equipped with on / off buttons, as well as USB ports and a headphone jack. As a rule, these interfaces are located at the bottom of the motherboard, and therefore we find them and connect them to the case.

The set of wires is quite standard:

PWR_SW is responsible for the on / off button;
RESET_SW activates the restart key;
HDD_LED ("plus" and "minus") activates the drive activity indicator;
PWR_LED ("plus" and "minus") is responsible for the operation of the computer status indicator.

Installing the power supply

It's time to install the power supply and connect the cables to the motherboard. All connectors have keys that prevent incorrect connection, so an inexperienced user can handle it. Each connector speaks for itself, and if it says SATA, then it is probably intended for a device with the same interface.

Recently, the compartment for the power supply has been located at the bottom of the case for better ventilation, so make sure that the length of the wires is sufficient for components located in the part of the video card remote from the block. After installing the unit, we stretch two main cables - 24-pin to the motherboard itself and 8-pin to the processor. When purchasing a PSU, we advise you to immediately purchase a bundle of nylon ties so that your bundle does not get confused between the PC parts.

Installing drives

There are several drive form factors: 2.5 ", 3.5", and M2 SSDs. The latter are installed on the motherboard itself, but the first two must first be installed in the case.

Installing a drive into a slot with a slide is as simple as installing RAM, and therefore we will not dwell on this point in detail. It remains only to bring cables to them from the motherboard and power supply unit, which have a SATA connector.

If you want to install an optical drive, then the algorithm is the same - we fix it in the 5.25-inch compartment, remove the front cover and turn on the power.

Installing a graphics card

Since we have set ourselves the goal of assembling a PC correctly, then we cannot do without an item dedicated to the video card. It is installed last and the power cables are pre-wired for it. The graphics accelerator needs to be installed in the very first PCI Express x16 port, but modern video cards take up two or even three slots, so access to the downstream port will be blocked.

After these procedures, it remains only to remove two plugs to which the radiator will be brought out, and also to tightly screw the video card to the motherboard and the back cover of the case. The number of power cables will depend on the power of the video card and in extreme cases you will have to get cables to the power supply unit or use adapters.

Cable routing and completion

The entire list of components is combined into a single system, and therefore it is time to put the finishing touches on it. If the assembly is standard, then you just need to choose what to connect the coolers to: motherboard, reobass or power supply unit. After that, you just need to carefully lay the remaining cables and tighten them with nylon ties, and then close the case cover.

After that, we connect the monitor and other peripherals to the system unit, install the operating system and use a brand new assembled computer.

We hope that our material on how to assemble a computer yourself will help you save money and choose the most successful combination of elements, regardless of the tricks of computer equipment sellers!

After working for 3 years and 5 months in a large company that assembles computer equipment, I decided on a crucial step - dismissal. During this time, I learned how to assemble all kinds of computers, laptops, monitors, monoblocks and nettops. I learned everything that was possible, and further work did not bring the same initial interest.

The principle of correct and quick assembly at the factory is to follow the order. The technological process implies a production conveyor. For example, the daily norm (abstract) of a plant worker is 30 ready-made system units (GSB). The assembler can perform it only if the technology is observed. I’ll tell you about it step by step in this guide.

I clarify that this is exactly the assembly manual. We will not select a kit for your budget here!

Basic tools for work:

Phillips screwdriver;
a spatula or card for applying thermal paste;
ties for tying wires;
nippers;
pliers (in case there is no other tool for tightening the motherboard racks).

In my case, the set of tools is slightly different. I use with a long magnetic bit, wire cutters, 200 mm ties (for small wires I use 100-150 mm), a 5 mm head bit for screwing in the motherboard racks.

You bought a bunch of parts and brought them home. Where to begin? From unpacking, of course. We carefully remove the motherboard, processor, RAM and CPU cooler from the boxes and start assembling (we need to combine it all). I recommend using an anti-static wrist strap so you don't have to buy a new part instead of a burnt one.

Next comes the connection of the additional power supply of the processor, the main power supply of the motherboard (ATX POWER), the hard drive and the SSD (strictly in this order). If you are still using an optical drive in 2018, connect it too.

Here I want to make a digression. In this case, a variant of a simple case is considered, in which the wires do not need to be pulled in a cunning way through special channels through various technological holes.

Laying and tying wires intelligently is a whole science. It took me a long time to learn this. If this article gets ten comments, I will record a video on the correct and beautiful laying of wires inside a PC. In the meantime, we will assume that we are not connecting anything - the main thing is that they do not fall into the moving fan blades.

The final stage of assembly

There is very little left and the new system unit will be assembled.

We connect SATA wires to all drives and DVD drive. The hard disk is connected to slot 0 (or 1 if there is no zero). Drive to slot 2.
If we are assembling a gaming computer and your power supply is quite powerful for connecting a video card, we install it in the motherboard connector, having previously opened the latching mechanism on it. Here again you need to look so that nothing gets into the fan blades, otherwise there is a possibility of their jamming. When the case is closed, it is easy to miss this moment.
We connect the power supply of the video card, if there is a corresponding connector. They are 6-pin and 8-pin. Use an adapter if necessary.

Having examined again what happened for possible jambs, you can start the system. Without closing the cover of the case, we turn on the computer to the network to check its operability. When you press the Power button, the power and HDD indicator should light up, all fans (CPU, GPU, case) should turn on, and a BIOS loading image will appear on the connected monitor.

Diagnostics of possible problems

If the indicators do not light up, you need to check the connection of the front panel wires. If there is no image on the monitor, the RAM is most likely poorly inserted. With a constant reboot, you need to make sure that the add. the processor power has good contact with the mother (did you plug it in at all?). The complete absence of signs of life of the system unit may mean a problem with the power supply, or the wires of the front panel are still incorrectly connected.

I described the algorithm of actions that we used in production. I think that this short instruction will help beginners learn a simple process and learn how to properly assemble a personal computer on their own.

Do you want to build a computer for games or for Photoshop? Looking for instructions with a photo on assembling a computer with your own hands? You have come to the right place.

The article continues the story about assembling a computer at home. As a reminder, we are building a computer for a photographer, which can easily be transformed into a powerful gaming computer by simply adding a graphics card. The choice of components for the collected photo and gaming computer, as well as ways to protect electronic components from static electricity have been described.

Before starting the process of assembling your computer, make sure you have a Phillips screwdriver - this is the only tool you will need. Make sure you have all the components you need to build your PC. Check that you have taken care of the ESD protection of sensitive electronic components. All this was discussed in detail in the previous article. If everything is in order, let's start.

Computer assembly sequence. Step-by-step instruction

It is convenient to start assembling a computer by installing a processor (Core i5 6500) into a socket on the motherboard (H110M PRO-VD). To do this, we remove the motherboard from the antistatic bag, holding it by the ends, and place it on a cotton fabric (coarse calico, satin) folded in several layers. Several layers will gently hold the board, it will not slip and scratch the table. In addition, cotton does not build up static electricity. Raise the lever of the processor pressure plate (slightly press down and move to the side), fold back the processor pressure plate. There is a plastic plug on the pressure plate. We do not touch her, she will then go away by herself. Next, we take the processor out of the box, take it out of the blister. We hold the processor solely by the ends, without touching the contact pads. We combine the triangular key on the processor and on the board. Also on the processor on the opposite side of the key there are 2 notches on the sides, they should also go around the corresponding protrusions on the board socket. With the key and notches aligned, simply place the processor, contacts down, on the socket without effort. If the key and notches are aligned correctly, the processor will lie flat, without distortion. Next, simply lower the pressure plate onto the processor and fix it with a lever. At this point, the plastic plug on the plate should bounce off by itself. We take it aside, it is no longer needed. All processor is installed on the motherboard.

MSI h110m pro-vd CPU installation

The box with the processor also contains a fan, the so-called boxed cooler. Take it out of the box. Be careful not to grease the thermal grease that is applied to the heatsink where it touches the processor. The paste is needed to smooth out irregularities, for a tighter touch of the radiator and the processor case, so that heat is better dissipated. Each time the cooler is mounted and dismantled, a new paste must be applied. So if for any reason you want to remove an already installed cooler, do not forget to buy additional thermal paste in a tube. Installing a boxed cooler is generally simple: you need to rotate the fan around its axis so that the power connector reaches the mating part on the motherboard. Align the 4 holes on the board with the clips on the fan. Press on the clips and they click into place. Clips must be fixed in turn in the following sequence: first, opposite ones along one diagonal, then along the other. Having clicked the clips, we connect the fan power connector to the mating part on the motherboard (marking on the cpufan board).

Next, install 2 RAM strips on the motherboard (Kingston HyperX FURY Black Series 16 GB). The planks are very easy to install. You need to move the levers on the sides of the memory connectors on the motherboard to the sides. Install the bracket into the connector, aligning the only notch on the bracket with the tab in the connector, and gently push down. The bar will sink down, and the side levers will rise and click into place.

CPU cooler and memory sticks on the MSI h110m pro-vd board

Now is the time to install our motherboard into the case of the system unit. We take our case (AEROCOOL MC3), remove the side covers, remove them to the side. We put the body in a horizontal position. The missing support bushings must be installed on the motherboard mounting panel. The four pieces that are found on all board sizes are already installed. We look at how many mounting holes there are on the board; under each hole you need to install a support sleeve. Support sleeves are in a bag with screws included with the body. The same bag contains a hex adapter for a Phillips screwdriver. The adapter is needed to tighten the grommet and panel threaded joint. At first I did not notice this adapter and tightened the bushings with pliers, but you do everything as expected using the adapter.

When all the support sleeves are installed, you can mount the motherboard connector socket on the back of the system unit. The socket is included with the motherboard. There are special notches in the case of the system unit, so this socket kind of snaps into place.

Now you can screw the motherboard itself onto the support bushings. We take the screws for this from the same package complete with the case. By tightening the screws, the board must be pressed against the back panel, since it rests on and springs with special antennae.

Mounting the MSI h110m pro-vd motherboard in the system case

For those who want to build a powerful gaming computer and bought an additional gaming video card such as the GeForce GTX 10 series, it's time to install it on the pci express motherboard connector and fix the socket on the back of the system unit.

We turn the body to an upright position. We will now be installing an optical DVD drive (DVD-RW LG GH24NSD0). Further, in the pictures, the devices are conventionally shown with connected wires. You don't need to do this yet. Installation of wires is taken out in a separate operation. On the front panel of the case of the system unit, you need to remove one of the three removable panels for external devices 5.25 inches. This will be the topmost socket. To remove it, you need to bend one of the side latches from the inside and press on the panel from the outside. The panel will fall inside, after which it can be removed. We insert our optical drive into the hole in the case from the outside, aligning the drive with the front panel of the system unit. We fix the drive in the basket for external devices. On one side of the basket there are clamps for quick fixing; there you just need to bend the lever. On the other hand, there are no such clamps, so we fasten 2 screws from the kit.

Optical drive in the basket for external devices

Now it's the turn of SSD (OCZ Trion 150 TRN150-25SAT3-240G) and HDD (1 TB WD Caviar Blue) drives. We will put the solid-state drive in the basket for internal devices, 2.5-inch bay. On the one hand, we put the pins of the basket into the holes for mounting the disk, and on the other, we fix the disk with two screws from the kit to the case of the system unit. For the hard drive, on one side, screw in the screws with a narrow pin head, they will slide along the guide. We put the pin heads in the guides and insert the disk into the basket for internal devices, 3.5-inch compartment. On the opposite side, we fix the disk with three screws from the system unit case kit.

SSD and HDD drives in the basket for internal devices

Now the next step is the power supply unit (Aerocool KCAS 600W). We take it out of the box and install it on the bottom of the case, with the fan down, towards the ventilation hole. The system unit is on high legs, so there is a place for air to enter. The power cord connector will face outward and the wiring harness toward the inside of the chassis. Fasten 4 screws from the kit from the side of the rear wall.

Power supply at the bottom of the system unit

Now that all the components are in place, you need to connect them with electrical cables. All devices must be connected by interface cables to the motherboard. Plus, you need to connect a power cable from the power supply to each device. In the pictures, all power cables are black plastic braided. Almost all connectors are keyed, so they cannot be confused unless you apply excessive force. Plus, there are signatures of each connector on the board. You should immediately try to lay the cables through the channels and through the technological holes in the case of the system unit, so that later you just have to fix them.

Let's connect the signal wires to the motherboard:

3 SATA3 cables from three devices: DVD drive, HDD, SSD. On one side of the cable, the connector connects to the device, on the other side of the cable, the connector connects to the motherboard. For the HDD, the connector on the motherboard side does not need to be connected yet. We will connect it after installing Windows on the SSD drive, this will be discussed later;
Wires from the front panel of the system unit: blue USB3 connector, audio panel connector, USB2. The buttons and lamps on the front panel of the system unit come to the motherboard in the form of single contacts with markings. To install them, you need to check the diagram supplied with the motherboard. We also connect the front panel fan connector (marking on the sysfan board).

Let's connect the power wires to all devices. We take the wires from the power supply:

Processor power connector;
Motherboard power connector;
Additional power supply to the front panel fan. The Molex connector is mounted in parallel with the signal wires, increasing the cross-section of the power wire;
3 SATA power connectors for each device: DVD drive, HDD, SSD.
Those who installed the video card need to check if it has an additional power connector (for powerful video cards). If so, then it needs to be connected.

Connecting the connectors on the msi h110m pro-vd board is shown in the picture. In this and the rest of the pictures, the wires are conventionally shown with plastic clamps fastened together. There is no need to install clamps yet - this is done at the last stage, when everything is already working.

MSI h110m pro-vd connector connection

After connecting the wires inside the system unit, you can connect the power cord, plug it into an outlet, connect a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and then. If during the setup you need to tweak something, do not forget to remove the plug from the outlet, including from the monitor.

After setting up the BIOS and installing the OS, if everything works, it is necessary to fix the wires in the case of the system unit using plastic clamps so that they do not dangle when moving the computer. If, as in this case, you use an integrated video card, you need to install a plug on the hole of the first PCI expansion slot (on the back wall, there is usually a discrete video card panel). The plug is included with the case of the system unit. You should end up with something like this:

Fully assembled system unit. View from the side of the motherboard

Securing the Cables on the System Board Panel

It remains to screw the side covers of the system unit and the computer can be used.

In this configuration, everything was assembled and worked for me the first time. I solved my problem: the camera raw developer of Photoshop began to move and process the raw image from the photo matrix (RAW format).

The first thing to understand is why you need such a system. Not only the cost of assembly depends on this, but also the nature of the choice of components. The most ordinary computer that performs standard tasks can be assembled from entry-level elements. It is even possible to play low-cost games. If you are an avid gamer or demanding on graphics, then this choice is indispensable. We need a so-called gaming computer. You will need more RAM (from 16 GB), a processor with at least 4 cores, one or two discrete video cards, and, of course, a powerful power supply that can handle it all. The price of this pleasure can exceed 100 thousand rubles. Is it worth chasing this? Everyone decides for himself. But it is more expedient to opt for a mid-range car.

What you need to assemble a computer

CPU

The "heart" of a computer is the CPU, on the power of which a lot depends - whether an external video card will show its full potential, whether it will be possible to open several resource-intensive applications at once, whether it will be comfortable to watch UltraHD video. For these purposes, Intel processors (i5 or i7) are suitable. The clock speed starts at 3 GHz. It is not surprising that this parameter has increased insignificantly over 10 years. Engineers have achieved a reduction in the technological process, which made it possible to increase the number of transistors on a chip, while reducing power consumption.

It is better to pay attention immediately to the seventh generation of Intel processors, as the integrated graphics card allows you to play video content in the H.265 format, which is gaining popularity. The latest generation codec not only supports high frame rates, but also 10-bit color. At the moment, a dual-core processor with four Pentium threads, the cost of which is minimal, can also decode such material. Therefore, such a CPU is suitable for assembling a non-gaming system. For games in FullHd format, you need to look at the i5 line, in 4K - the i7 series.

A landmark event in 2017 was the release of competitive models from AMD. Ryzen 7 1800X can perform on par with Intel i7-7700k. The most powerful platform for the average user will be based on one of these “stones”. But the cheapest computer on AMD Ryzen cannot be assembled, since these processors do not have an integrated video core.

CPU cooling system

When the “stone” is working, heat is generated, which must be removed. Hence a fan is needed. Central processors are supplied with a cooler (BOX version) and without (OEM). If you are a connoisseur of the silence in the room, then it is better to choose the second option. Usually, third-party coolers have lower noise levels. For example, in the model of the Arctic Cooling company - Alpine 11 PRO - this figure reaches 14 dB, which is 9 dB lower than in box fans. Despite this, it is capable of cooling processors up to 95 watts. But it will not work if you are going to increase the CPU clock speed specified in the specification. For a gaming system, you need to opt for a cooling system with copper heat pipes. Copper base improves heat dissipation performance. For example, the TITAN Hati TTC-NC15TZ / KU cooler is designed for a maximum processor heat dissipation of 160 watts.

Most cooling systems today are made with speed control depending on the CPU temperature. When the system is not loaded, less energy is required. Therefore, the fan should rotate more slowly (from 500 rpm) and generate less noise. This modification has a 4-pin power connector, without control - a 3-pin one.

The cooler has various mounts for AMD and Intel platforms. The most common sockets are LGA 2011 and 1151, and AMD Ryzen processors have started to release boards with AM4. Compatibility is very important, check it in the instructions or on the manufacturer's website.

Motherboard

The foundation that holds the entire system is called the computer's motherboard. The models differ in the socket where the central processor is installed. This was mentioned earlier. In turn, they are categorized by the type of chipset, which is the link between the components. For example, Intel has Z270 or X99, AMD has X370 or 970.

The form factor also matters (ATX, mATX or mini-ITX). It depends on the type of case in which all the elements of the computer are located. Inexpensive car can be obtained on the basis of mATX. Such a motherboard has a shortened size, while retaining all the necessary functions. The gaming modification does not imply savings, the ATX type is suitable for it. For enthusiasts who need maximum performance and detailed rendering in games, manufacturers have added SLI and CrossFire functions (combining the power of several video adapters). Modern technology allows you to install up to four video cards with one GPU. If the word “Gaming” appears in the name of the model, be sure - it is supported here. Backlighting can be a nice addition.

The backplane contains two or four memory slots. For the future, it is better to purchase with four, so that later you can increase the total memory capacity. It is more profitable to choose a platform that supports DDR4 memory, the price of which is equal to DDR3. Check the compatibility on the manufacturer's website.

If the video is embedded in the central processor, you need to pay attention to which outputs are used to communicate with the monitor. HDMI and DVI interfaces are widespread.

There are also USB ports on the rear panel. At the moment, their fastest type is USB 3.1, including the input for various gadgets - Type-C.

All modern cards have PCI-E 3.0 x16 slots.

An audio controller will be essential for music lovers or movie lovers with high quality sound. We choose the most effective - SupremeFX S1220 or Realtek ALC1150 / 1220. Digital audio has better performance than analog audio. Therefore, manufacturers began to include an optical S / PDIF connector. An audio device with HDMI input can be connected through the corresponding output of the video card.

The power supply of the motherboard and processor must be 24 + 8 pin.

RAM

Previously, its volume was measured in megabytes. Now 4 GB is not enough. Memory strips are located in slots on the system board. Some applications and, moreover, games require large resources. The minimum required volume can be considered 8 GB. For gamers, 16 GB is already required.

The performance of the RAM is increased if it works in 2 or 4 channel modes. Therefore, we choose two strips of 4 or 8 GB, depending on the needs.

DDR4 bandwidth is higher than DDR3. At the same time, the power consumption is less. If the first works in the voltage range of 1.2 - 1.35 V, then the second - at 1.5 V.

Memory frequency is critical if the video adapter is built into the processor. Otherwise, strips with a frequency from 2133 to 2666 MHz and a voltage of 1.2 V will do. Increasing the frequency will require an increase in the supply voltage to 1.35 V, which will lead to high energy consumption.

The ideal option is to purchase two 8 GB memory sticks with a frequency of 2666 MHz.

Video card

The graphic card is an important element for transferring video information from the computer to the display. It comes in two types - built-in and external. The first does not require additional power supply and is not intended for games. The most advanced video core in Intel processors is the HD Graphics 630, which is capable of decoding high bitrate video in H.265 format. If you are satisfied with this, then you can significantly save on assembly without resorting to using an external adapter. Otherwise, you cannot do without it.

It all comes down to price and performance. The market offers many options for discrete graphics cards. Their power has grown so much that none of them can do without fans, the number of which reaches three. Another important parameter appears - the noise level.

Two manufacturers are fighting for a buyer in this segment - NVidia, which is more productive and colder, and AMD - a balance of price and quality.

For an ordinary user, for whom the maximum requirement is the availability of network games, a model from the younger NVidia line - GTX 1050TI is suitable. It is equipped with a sufficient amount of 4 GB video memory, the recommended power supply unit is only 300 watts, and supports a high resolution of 7680 x 4320.

Fans of high-end games need a more powerful video adapter. They can choose from the following models - GeForce GTX 1060, GTX 1070, GTX 1080, GTX 1080TI and GTX Titan X. The latter has 12 GB of the fastest GDDR5X memory, but requires 250 watts of power. GeForce GTX 1080 with 8GB VRAM and 180W power consumption is the best choice for games in 4K resolution of the highest detail. If you are comfortable playing with medium settings, then the GTX 1070 is the price / performance ratio.

To improve energy efficiency, some models have idle cooling systems capable of stopping the fans from rotating to reduce noise. The use of two or more coolers increases the reliability of the video system as a whole in the event of a failure of one of them.

Information carriers

Any computer cannot do without hard drives, which will store personal data or install the operating system. To boot up and run Windows faster, you need at least 120GB of SSD storage. It uses less power than a mechanical drive, is quiet and takes up less space in the case. But it is not without its drawbacks. The main ones are MTBF and higher prices. Therefore, if you record a large amount of information, it is cheaper to buy an internal or external hard drive with a size of 4 TB or more.

Power Supply

When all the components of the PC platform are selected, let's start looking for the most important element on which the stability of the system depends. The power supply is involved in the distribution of energy and stabilization of the mains voltage.

If you got an office version of a computer (for example, without an external video card), then 400 watts of power will be enough. The average video adapter will require a 500-watt PSU. To power a GTX Titan X or several devices in SLI / CrossFire mode, you need a unit from 750 watts.

There are two main indicators - efficiency and PFC. Power supplies with an efficiency of more than 80% (80 Plus standard) are considered more efficient. How much useful energy is transferred to the PC components depends on the efficiency. The larger it is, the less the power unit heats up. It is recommended to use a power supply unit with active power factor correction (APFC), as it additionally smooths out the voltage supplied to it. But it has a significant drawback - this type of device does not imply the use of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

For more information about the selection of a power supply, see the article Choosing a power supply for a computer.

Frame

All elements of the future system are placed in a metal box. The thicker the sheet, the more reliable it is. In terms of size, they are subdivided into ATX, mATX and mini-ITX. The choice is yours. Small enclosures have limited space for good ventilation, but take up less space. The ATX size allows you to install a long video card.

A case with a transparent cover will look spectacular, where you can see the LED backlight inside. Inexpensive models are equipped with an additional cooling system. This is important for a gaming PC that experiences intense heat.

It is better to choose the bottom location of the power supply, as it draws cold air from under the bottom.

Peripherals

But the choice is not over yet. It is impossible to use a computer without input manipulators. The mouse and keyboard are wired (USB and PS / 2) and battery powered. The second option is more practical, but the communication signal sometimes disappears. It is cheaper to buy a set immediately. For a gaming PC, a mouse with multimedia buttons or a gamepad will work.

If there is a need to record information on optical media, then we purchase any DVD-RW drive.

Searching for a monitor is a separate topic. We only note that you need to select LED displays, flicker-free and with the ability to reduce blue radiation. It is recommended to check the comfort of viewing in the store, since TN + film, IPS and VA matrices differ in contrast and color reproduction. Otherwise, the difference is only in resolution and diagonal.

How to assemble a computer yourself from components

PC components are purchased. You can proceed directly to the assembly.

We take the motherboard out of the box and place it on a cardboard or foam rubber. We find on the board a socket for installing the CPU. We take the processor and carefully insert it there without additional effort.

Thermal grease is included with the cooler for the central processor. We smear it with a thin layer on the surface of the “stone”. After reading the instructions, we install the propeller on the base of the board. We check the tightness of the bases to each other. We connect the cooler power wires to the “CPU_Fan” connector. We find a similar connector for connecting a case fan.

We place the power supply in the case, which is fastened with screws.

In the front part of the case, we fix the existing hard drives, SSD drives and floppy drives on a metal stand.

Before installing the motherboard, we screw special legs into the holes in the case to prevent short circuits.

The set with the backplane comes with a rear bracket for connectors for external parts of the PC: monitor, speakers, USB devices.

Carefully place the board on the legs and fasten it with screws.

Remove the cover from the back of the case and insert the discrete graphics card into the PCI Express x16 slot.

It's time to connect all the installed elements with cables.

We connect the plugs on the front panel of the case - indicators of hard drives operation and power availability, buttons for restarting and shutting down the PC, as well as for USB ports. The connectors are usually located in one place under the PCI slots and are signed.

We connect hard drives and drives to the motherboard with SATA cables.

It's time to start connecting components to the power supply. First we insert the 24-pin (or 20 + 4 pin) cable, which is responsible for supplying power to the motherboard, then the 8-pin cable that powers the CPU.

Let's supply power to the devices for recording and storing information.

An external video accelerator usually requires additional power. We find this wire at the power supply unit (6 and 8-pin) and insert it into the connector on the device.

Assembling the computer from scratch is now complete. We close the case with a lid. We connect the monitor with a wire for transferring video data, plug the network cable into the power supply unit, and the mouse and keyboard into the corresponding USB or PS / 2 ports. We turn on the computer.

Important steps in assembling a PC are determining the functions that it will perform and calculating the power of the power supply. This will save you a lot of money. Next, we find out if you need an external video card. She's not cheap either. SSD drives are essential for maximum system performance. Effective cooling in the case will require an additional turntable. If the motherboard and graphics card have LED backlighting, then it is advisable to choose a frame with a window on the side wall. The main advantage of self-assembly is the ability to replace components at any time.