Videomaker (2019-03)

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26 VIDEOMAKER >>> MARCH 2019

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling

a Video Editing Computer from Scratch

A successful DIY computer build requires only pati ence and attention to detail. It can be nerve-wracking

to handle these delicate, expensive components, but once you know the process, it’s not too difficult.

382 F01 Assembling a Computer.indd 26 1/21/19 10:02 AM

VIDEOMAKER >>> MARCH 2019 27

BY ZACH SOLOMON

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling

a Video Editing Computer from Scratch

A successful DIY computer build requires only pati ence and attention to detail. It can be nerve-wracking

to handle these delicate, expensive components, but once you know the process, it’s not too difficult.

W

ith a little research, you will probably

have an idea of which components

you’ll want to use and what you want

your video editing computer to look like. If

you’re still deciding which components to in-

clude in your custom build, check out our guide

to selecting the best components for your needs

along with our list of the best PC components

currently available on page 20.

Once you have a solid shopping list, double

check and make sure all of your components are

going to fi t together inside the case you’re going

to use — motherboards and other components

come in different sizes, so don’t expect a full-

sized motherboard to fi t into a small form-factor

case without issues. Larger video cards can also

cause problems with smaller cases.

Since you’ll likely choose a processor as the

basis for the rest of your system, it’s also important

that you choose a motherboard that is compatible

with the processor you will be using. AMD and

Intel processors have different sockets, so choosing

the correct motherboard for your socket type is the

most important thing to consider. Otherwise, ev-

erything else is fairly modular. RAM, power supply,

hard drives and your video card should be chosen

to suit the requirements of what you want to do

with your new machine.

Getting Started

Assembling your computer only takes attention

to detail and some patience. Make sure to ana-

lyze your parts fi rst to get an idea of what they

look like and read any instructions that were

included. Take extra time with the motherboard

to understand where the different components

and cables will be connected. Organize your

workspace on a non-conductive surface; your

dining room table will do fi ne. And don’t forget

your screwdriver.

Step 1: Install the Motherboard

You’ll want to start with preparing the empty

case for the motherboard. Lay the case on its

Seat the Processor Install the Heat Sink

382 F01 Assembling a Computer.indd 27 1/21/19 10:02 AM