Build It!
32 MA XIMUMPC NOVEMBER 2004
Build It Checklist: The Short, Short Version
Use this step-by-step list anytime you build a PC
Prep your case. Get your case
ready before you get started.Add power. If your case didn’t
come with a power supply,
install the PSU now.Prep your mobo. Screw the moth-
erboard mounts into your case.Install the backplate. It’s impor-
tant to install the proper ATX back-
plate for your mobo into your case.Mount the mobo. Hey, it’s easier
said than done.Socket your processor. Install
your CPU. Take your time—a
faulty install can fry your processor!Add the memory. Install your
RAM modules.Arm the switches. Connect
the case switches and lights
to your motherboard.Power external peripherals. If
your case and mobo have them,
now is the time to connect yourinternal USB and FireWire headers
to the case-mounted ports.Install the videocard. The
title says it all. Plug your
videocard into its PCI Express
or AGP slot.Take your rig for a test ride. Take
a minute to plug your machine
in and give it a test boot. It’s much
easier to troubleshoot now before
you install the rest of your hardware.Prep the hard drives. Before
you can install your hard
drives, you need to configure them
and affix whatever mounting devic-
es your case demands.Mount the hard drives. Screw,
slide, or hook. Now is the time
to put the hard drives in your case
enclosure.Connect your hard drives.
Whether you’re using Serial
ATA or parallel IDE drives, you
need to connect them to your
motherboard and power supply.Prep optical drives. Get drives
ready for mounting, set any
jumpers, and attach drive rails.Mount the optical drives. Slip
‘em into your case, then per-
manently attach them.Connect the optical drives.
Just like you hard drives, your
CD and DVD drives are just bay dec-
orations unless you connect them
to your mobo and power supply.Install the rest of your cards.
Your soundcard, TV tuner, and
any other internal peripherals need
to be installed now.Last-minute housekeeping.
Connect any remaining periph-
erals to the power supply. Don’t for-
get the fans for your case and video-
card!Configure your BIOS. Set
your CPU speed and
designate a boot drive.Install Windows XP. Install
the OS, your drivers, Service
Packs, and security updates.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10
11
14
12
13
16
17
18
19
20
15
21
MOTHERBOARD MODEL:CPU SPEED:VIDEOCARD MODEL:WINDOWS XP SERIAL KEY:DIAL-UP INFORMATION (OR PPPOE LOGIN)DIAL-UP NUMBER:USERNAME/PASSWORD HINT:TECH SUPPORT PHONE NUMBER:NETWORK INFO:WIRELESS NETWORK NAME:WIRELESS NETWORK WEP KEY:STATIC IP ADDRESS:DNS ADDRESS:SUBNET MASK:GATEWAY:Quick Reference: Crucial Information
There are some names and numbers you absolutely must have when you configure a new machine, and it
helps to have them handy. Here’s our list—clip this out and tape it to the inside of your case.5
6
Caution!
install the PSU now.3
Caution!
to your motherboard.9
Caution!
enclosure.14
Caution!
Whether you’re using SerialCaution!
Caution!