Assemble a Computer

Fit the CPU to the Motherboard

1. Carefully unpack the motherboard, inspect it for damage, especially to corners and connectors/connector headers.

2. Place the motherboard in your work area. You may want to rest it on the delivery box to avoid scratching your desk or ESD mat.

3. If you are just using a charge equalization wrist strap, clip it into one of the motherboard mounting holes so that it’s making contact with the metal plating around the hole, taking care not to damage any nearby components.

4. Prepare the CPU socket to accept the processor. Double-check that the socket and CPU are compatible. Some sockets have a cover that pops off when the CPU is clamped into place; for others, you need to remove the cover manually.

5. Place the CPU into the socket, making sure it’s oriented correctly according to the motherboard markings, and close down the socket’s CPU latching mechanism. Don't disturb any thermal paste or pads on the CPU.

Fit the CPU Cooling Device

1. Locate the CPU cooler and any CPU/socket-specific mounting pieces you set aside and make sure they are all present.

2. If the block is part of a water-cooling arrangement, check whether any liquid flow pipes need to be positioned in a specific direction. It is usually towards the back of the motherboard/case. If the CPU cooling system includes a pipe and fan assembly, do not fit this yet.

3. If the top of the CPU or the heatsink base does not come with a TIM , add your own thin layer by placing a small blob in the center of the top of the CPU.

4. Fit the cooling block (heatsink) to the CPU as per the instructions. If you use thermal paste, gently twist the heatsink a few degrees clockwise and counter-clockwise to spread the paste. You do not have to twist if you are using a thermal pad.

5. Connect the heatsink fan cable or pump to the right headers on the motherboard - these are often labeled as follows (or similar):

• CPU FAN - Heatsink fan, or possibly the liquid pump if there is no fan.

• CPU OPT - The liquid pump if there is already a fan on the other connector.

• The SYS FAN connectors are for case fans.

For a demonstration of fitting a CPU and cooler, watch the following video from Builds with V:

How to Install a Ryzen CPU and Cooler

Fit the RAM

1. Unpack and inspect the RAM.

2. Check which motherboard sockets (banks) the RAM needs to be fitted and open the connector fixing clips.

3.  Observing the notches on the modules and motherboard RAM connectors, then push the RAM firmly and parallel to the socket until the mounting clips lock into place. They might need a bit of help to lock completely.

For a demonstration of fitting RAM, watch the following video from Builds with V:

How to Install DDR4 RAM

Let’s Recap!

• A methodical approach to PC assembly makes the process simpler to check and repeat later.

• Do you have all the parts to assemble your PC, and are they all compatible?

• Is the workspace ready? Tidy and ESD safe?

• Always check your work as you go, and then check when done - never assume!

That’s the motherboard prepped for installation, so let’s go install it.