Flight Sim enthusiasts demand the most from their systems. Many have thought about building their own, but building a computer for the first time can be an intimidating experience. Conversely having your own custom built computer allows you to extract the most performance possible while keeping cost typically lower than commercially available systems.
Anyone who wants to undertake such a task, while relatively simple, needs to remember that they have to do so at their own risk. Paxx created this helpful guide for a member posting here, but this guide is by no means the word or advice of flightsim.com, it's owners or any associated businesses or websites, nor is it the last word on how to build a computer.
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If you can use a screwdriver you can build a computer. It is important to understand and follow the correct anti-static electricity prevention procedures.
Here are the basic steps off the top of my head.
1) Admire all your new components laid out on a table, take a picture.
2) Open the motherboard box and read the manual. Open the CPU box and read the manual. Open CPU heat sink box and read the manual.
3) Install the CPU onto the motherboard.
4) Install the CPU heat sink paying particular attention to the thermal compound application.
5) Install the RAM, paying attention to the correct configuration outlined in the motherboard manual.
6) Install the motherboard into the case using the brass motherboard posts supplied with your case.
7) Install your CD/DVD/BR burner and any other accessory components you will have sticking out of the front of your system (media readers, fan controllers, additional USB ports etc.).Connect it/them to the motherboard with supplied cable(s).
8) Install your hard drive(s) and connect it/them to the motherboard with supplied cable(s).
9) Install your video card into the correct slot for your motherboard, consult motherboard manual.
10) Install any additional 'out-the-back' PCI/PCIe components (sound card, TV tuner, 56k modem etc.).
11) Install any additional case fans.
12) Install your Power Supply Unit (PSU).
13) Connect your case's front panel (Power switch, Reset switch, Power LED indicator, HD (hard drive) activity LED, USB/Sound/eSATA) leads to the motherboard as described in, you guessed it, your motherboard manual.
14) Run your power cables from the PSU to the system components. You will need to connect the motherboard main power supply, CPU power, video card power, CD/DVD/BR burner and any other accessory components power, hard drive(s) power and your case fans. Once again you will need to consult your manuals.
15) Assemble your case sides you are done inside (hopefully).
16) Attach your monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, and anything else.
17) Consult motherboard manual BIOS section for how to access the BIOS upon powering up.
18) Power up and enter the BIOS.
19) Look around. Check your BIOS system monitor (may be called something else) CPU/system temperatures.
20) Exit BIOS changing nothing.
21) Insert Windows 7 disk.
22) Reboot and follow the prompts, installing your operating system.
23) Locate and download your latest motherboard chipset, sound, and LAN drivers from the manufacturer. Do the same for all your other component drivers (video card, sound card if separate, modem etc.). This can be done before assembly.
24) Install your drivers starting with the motherboard drivers.
25) Reboot and your computer is ready for use.
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Anyone who wants to undertake such a task, while relatively simple, needs to remember that they have to do so under their own risk. Paxx created this helpful guide for a member posting here, but this guide is by no means the word or advice of flightsim.com, it's owners or any associated businesses or websites. Paxx is not liable either!
