How To Design Your Own Computer Unit

This guide will show you how to design your own computer unit. No matter what kind of computer you want, whether it is for casual use, gaming or graphics, this article will guide you through the steps on how to design your own computer unit.

1. Get your tools and materials together. Get all the parts of the computer unit and gather them close to you.
2. Find the motherboard. If your case didn’t come with a motherboard already installed you need to screw it into your case. When you purchase a motherboard you have to be sure it is compatible with the case you purchase. You will not be able to design your own computer unit without the correct motherboard.
3. Install the memory. Next we need to insert the memory into the motherboard. You can’t put them in wrong because they only go in one way. You will see clips on the side. You need to refer to the motherboard user manual for reference. RAM also needs to be compliant with your motherboard. You can refer to your user manual for this information.
4. Install CPU and heatsink.  Most CPUs today come with a factory heatsink. This makes it much easier than it was in the past. It should just clip or screw onto your motherboard. You will need to refer to your user manual for the exact instructions on how to install the CPU. It usually just fits right into the socket. This really isn’t hard to do. Your instructions will tell you exactly where it goes. Once the heatsink is in you need to put on the heatsink (depending on which one you purchased)
5. Install video card. Now that the hardest part is over let’s install a video card. Depending upon which video card you purchased some require extra power. If you are building a gaming computer, for instance, your video card would need extra power. There is only one slot the video card will fit in. If you see two slots put it in the top one as this is the primary slot. Some motherboards come with onboard video. If this is the case you will need to refer to your motherboard’s instruction manual to disable the onboard video. You’re doing great in learning how to design your own computer unit.  Keep going!
6. Install the hard drive.  There are different types of hard drives. If your drive is a SATA drive then you will only have one connecter to connect to the motherboard. If you drive is not a SATA drive, you will have a ribbon cable and power port. Be sure your motherboard supports the hard drive you purchase.
7. Install power supply. The power supply is very easy to install. You only need to screw it into your case. Depending on your case it will either be at the top or the bottom. Next you need to connect the power to the components inside of the case. Do not force a connecter as they will only fit into certain ports on your board.
8. Install CD/DVD Drive. In most cases you only need to slide in the CD/DVD drive in from the front of the case then screw it in. Refer to the user’s manual to see how to take off the front of your case. Next connect the power to it and hook up the cable to the board.
9. Install fans. If the fan was not preinstalled, then you need to put it in.  Put the fan in and connect the power.
10. Install Operating System. You may have purchased XP, Vista or in most cases Windows 7. Put the installation disk into the CD/DVD drive and follow the onscreen instructions.

Don’t you feel great that you’ve learned how to design your own computer unit? Designing your own computer unit is great because you put in it what you want. If anything goes wrong with your computer unit you will know where everything is and how to fix it. Enjoy your new computer!