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To build a standard desktop computer from scratch, you must have the following parts:

1) ATX computer case or chassis

2) Mainboard or motherboard

3) Memory or RAM

4) CPU or processor

5) Hard drive

6) Video Card (if not already integrated into the motherboard)

7) Sound Card

8) CD-Rom or DVD-Rom drive (or CD-R or DVD-R if you wish to make your own CD or DVD discs)

9) PSU (Power Supply Unit)

10) Network/Ethernet Card (NIC) (optional and may already be integrated on the motherboard).

10) Miscellaneous parts (ex: fans, cables, heatsink)

11) An Operating System on CD or DVD such as WindowsXP, Windows Vista, Linux, etc.,

You should already have a mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers, printer, and any other peripherals you will want to connect to your computer once the build it complete. Start off by selecting a processor by reading online reviews for Intel or AMD processors on sites such as amazon.com or cnet.com. Your choice may be influenced by your budget or you might make your decision based on the CPU that offers the most bang for your buck. Once you have chosen a CPU, the next step is to choose a motherboard whose CPU socket type matches the CPU you have selected. Again, you may choose to read some online reviews. Higher end motherboards oftentimes feature performance options such as faster chipsets, extra slots for future RAM upgrades, and/or faster slots for video cards. Once you have chosen your motherboard you can then download its manual online and make note of the port types it features for the hard drive (ex: SATA, SATAII, eSATA), sound card (ex: PCI, ISA), RAM (ex: DDR, DDR2), CD or DVD drive (ex: IDE), network card (ex: PCI), and video card (ex: AGP 2X, AGP 8X, PCI express). You can then research these items and make purchases that meet your budget and/or performance requirements. Next, choose an ATX computer case that works for you. Also, make sure that you have the proper fans (if the case does not already include them). If the fans are not included make sure you purchase the right size fans as specified by the computer case manufacturer. Next purchase the cables for your CD/DVD drive and hard drive as specified by the motherboard or the drives themselves (ex: SATA, IDE). Next, purchase your power supply unit after reviewing the power and connection requirements of the motherboard found in the manual that you downloaded. One of the most overlooked parts of an otherwise stable and well performing machine is the PSU and on that note, I would recommend you not pinch pennies in this category. Finally, purchase a CPU fan (also known as a heatsink) according to your CPUs socket type to help keep your CPU cool and a tube of thermal grease (the grease eases the transfer of heat from the CPU to the heatsink).

Once the parts arrive, you should avoid building the computer on any surface that can transfer an electrostatic charge to your parts (read: no rugs). I like to lay out sections of cardboard as a workspace. Now the next steps may be slightly out of order since different parts come in different sizes and may need to be installed in an alternate order to fit properly, but it will suffice as a general outline. I cannot stress the importance of taking your time and double checking each step as you work. Doing so will prevent the need to hunt for a problem once everything is in place:

Using your motherboard's installation manual as a reference guide perform the following:

1) Install the motherboard inside the ATX case.

2) Install the PSU into the space provided in the case and attach the required power cables to the motherboard.

3) Install the CPU and its heatsink (refer to the instructions provided with the heatsink). Ensure the thermal grease is in place before installing the heatsink onto the CPU.

4) Install the memory chips.

5) Install the video card (if applicable).

6) Install the sound card.

7) Install the network card (if applicable).

8) Install the case fans (if applicable).

9) Install the hard drive into the proper bay.

10) Install the CD (or DVD) drive into the proper bay.

11) Connect the audio cable from the CD or DVD to the proper jack on the motherboard (if applicable).

12) Connect the hard drive data cable from the drive to the proper slot on the motherboard.

13) Connect the CD (or DVD) data cable from your optical drive to the proper slot on the motherboard.

14) Connect the power plugs from the PSU to the fans, hard drive, and optical drive. If you do not have enough power plugs you can buy a Y splitter at a computer hardware store to give you extra plugs.

15) Connect your power button, power LED, Reset switch, and any other miscellaneous cables that came with the case to the motherboard.

Finally, connect your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers to the proper connections at the back of the case. Plug your ethernet cable into the ethernet jack (or phone cable if you need to connect through a modem to your modem's phone jack). DSL and broadband cable will use network cables from the modem to your PC's ethernet port. Double check all connections, making sure all your cards are firmly seated into the motherboard, all power and data cables are properly connected, your RAM is completed seated and clipped. Finally, plug your power cable into the PSU from your electrical outlet, cross your fingers, and press the power button.....

If all has gone well the monitor will display the POST screen and will show your devices along with a RAM check. If you have your Operating System disc loaded in your CD or DVD drive and it does not automatically start the OS setup program, you will need to go into your motherboard's BIOS and set the CD (DVD) drive as the primary boot device. The reason for this is that most motherboard's set the hard drive as the primary boot device and since you have no operating system loaded yet, you might be met with a "Boot Disk Error" or "Operating System not found" message. Oftentimes pressing the DEL (delete) key during the POST screen will get you into the BIOS (check your motherboard's manual for exact directions).

Once the Operating System is loaded, it is time to install the drivers for your hardware (video card, sound card, network card, etc.,) using the discs that came with your hardware.

Voila! You are finished!

If you are still having trouble getting your computer to post, recheck your connections. Sometimes all it takes is one loose connection or small oversight to botch your entire install. Check the power switch on the back of PSU (it should be switched to ON with 110 volts set for US users). It may be a hassle, but sometimes reassembling the PC will solve the problem. Also, make sure your power button, reset, and LED cables are wired to the motherboard correctly.Â Although individual hardware manufacturers can at times offer little support, you might try contacting your motherboard's manufacturer.