Monday, October 11, 2010

How to install parts

I would not generally advise people to install their own parts, but with places charging 20+ dollars I am almost obligated to tell how to do it by yourself.

Before you do anything when installing something into a computer you have to make sure that you are not wearing anything that can cause you to build up static electricity since that can fry part. The casing on most computers are made to prevent static shocks so as long as you first touch the inside of the case before any parts you should be safe. Also in any stock computer every thing that is currently plugged into something will not end up unplugged (never leave an unplugged plug unplugged).

First I will start with something any person should be able to do themselves, RAM. You will be putting this on the motherboard and there will already be similar parts plugged in that looks like the RAM you have bought. The main problem with RAM is compatibility, if you do not have the RAM made for your motherboard it will not work. You can generally figure this out by looking up your computer at the manufacturing site.Following is a picture showing what the slot where the RAM goes looks like
Next is something that will only be a tad bit more difficult which will be the video card. The video card will be installed in a slot that is positioned at the back of the tower. First you will have to remove the metal plate that is covering a hole in the back of the computer. DO NOT USE A MAGNETIC SCREWDRIVER!!! This is one of the only times you will put a screwdriver inside of you computer. Once the plate is removed then you should be able to put the video card into the slot without much force. There are few problems concerning compatibility but it is always good to double check for good measure. Following is a picture of where the video card is installed.
Now the most difficult part I have personally installed, the power supply. Now when you buy a power supply they are usually made with all the cords so it can be installed in any tower. The problem is that you will only use ~1/5 of the cords and will have to find space to cram it in. When installing a power supply you will have to first remove the current power supply. I suggest that you mark every thing that you unplug with a piece of sticky paper so you do not forget to replug it. As long as you have replaced every plug, it should be easy to install. The thing that you should make sure of is that none of the cords are near or touching any fans when the tower is standing upright.

For now this will be the end of my update and if you have any request just put it in a comment and I will help if i can.

72 comments:

  1. Mmm good tips for all who don't know how to. Thanks for educating other people man. Hopefully they realize Best Buy is ripping them off.

    http://quarterqwerty.blogspot.com/

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  2. Excellent guide for the beginning computer builder.

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  3. Man, it's amazing what people will pay for when they could easily do it themselves.

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  4. Most things computer hardware related are simple. Normal people are just generally intimidated by stuff like that though.

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  5. i have installed ram onto this pc but thats about it

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  6. I really need to start building my own computers...I actually just have my dad do it lol

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  7. Is it ever possible to mod laptops? I don't have a PC. Only thing I've ever done for my laptop is thermal paste.

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  8. Damien: laptops are more difficult to mod. i think some stuff has come out recently

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  9. good stuff hopefully some newbies got a brainfull

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  10. I install my own parts all the time. Honestly the one I had the biggest trouble with was replacing my power supply.

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  11. i gotta start doing this as well

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  12. interesting article! Thanks for visiting.

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  13. thanks you very much for posting htis, i'v been looking at building computers for a while now, this post and i just might have to start my abomination haha :P

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  14. thanks this will help

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  15. Good guide but I must say that it costs more like $50+ at most places.

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  16. My younger brother taught me this. Now I know it too!

    Check my new blog, I only recently started!

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  17. is this is much harder to do to a laptop?

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  18. No magnetic screwdriver! Didn't even think I about that. I used to do repairs all the time for my uni. Never thought about it once... but... our weren't magnetized anyway :-|

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  19. Wonderful guide. Maybe this will help my mom out haha.

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  20. wow this is awesome thanks for telling me about this man!

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  21. I think every computer savvy person should learn this. I built my own rig and saved over $300.

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  22. Placing your own parts is part of natural selection, where stupid people get to break their PC.

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  23. I'm gonna send this article to some of my friends I am sick and tired of being everyones handy man >.<

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  24. Guide for Macs-

    How to install parts, send it away to apple.

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  25. is the cool post man thnc great verry great

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  26. i bought a high end computer dirt cheap a few years ago because when they built it they didnt connect a few things and they thought the computer didnt work right and they didnt have the receipt. saved myself $500 bucks. knowing how to plug stuff in can save you so much money.

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  27. i'm swapping out the ram in my desktop today.

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  28. Very helpful cool idea!

    http://freaklossy.blogspot.com/

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  29. Good tip about the static, man. I've known a few people to fry a couple sensitive pieces from not grounding out first..

    http://allepsstencils.blogspot.com/

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  30. Ive always installed my own stuff but this post had some tips I diddnt know about, and yhea, static SUX.

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  31. perfect! you just saved me some $$, not paying anybody to do this crap anymore.

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  32. Thanks i'll use your blog next time i build a pc

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  33. i remember the firs time i had to do this

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  34. I knew a bit of this, but I really didn't know that the RAM had to match up with your motherboard. Kinda surprised me, i really thought most parts were interchangeable with each other if they had the right connectors.

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  35. knew that already, but thanks for the post!

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  36. A good tech blog is always good to have on hand. Thanks for the info.

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  37. I work in a pc service. Really I`ve tried on multiple occasion to teach our clients hot to do this stuff by themselfes but they still want us to do it and pay us. But a good thorough guide non the less

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  38. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  39. plugged? unplugged? I'm so confused... how do you add more ram to a 286?

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  40. :O you forgot to say to unplug the power first!

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  41. post something new dude :)
    I like your blog !

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  42. I like the content of your blog, this is one I'll need to keep an eye on :)

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  43. this is a pretty good tutorial. thank you

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  44. I used magnetic screwdriver once ^^

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  45. Very well written, I think this will help a lot of people.

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  46. Wow you are now my fav blogger!
    This is fantastic stuff
    cheers for blogging mate!

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  47. we need a new post! on a good way to turn .avi into dvd's for free and without having to burn 40 discs for one movie :) thank you

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  48. wow this it help alot to know this?

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  49. Looks good, I'm going to be getting a graphics card from a friend and this will come in handy, cheers.

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  50. damn nigg i needs me some RAM

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  51. I needed this when I was installing my 6gb of RAM, kept getting ACPI error because they weren't fully in there :(

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  52. I'm an A+ certified technician, I often build and repair computers. And I can tell you that Best Buy charges $60.00 for "Ram Installation Service". Holy crap! How hard is it to install ram? XD

    I'll be following your blog

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