user: How do I build a PC?

assistant: You generally build a PC buy purchasing the part, most likely online. The main parts are: motherboard, cpu, ram, storage and a power supply unit (PSU). Don't forget a case to put everything in. Once you have all the parts you can assemble your PC.

user: I have all my parts, what order should I install them in?

assistant: As there is a lot of variability in computer hardware it is important that during this process you also read through the steps in your motherboard manual. I can give a good general approach but please do not rely solely on this guidance when installing your hardware.

Before you build your computer, you will need a screwdriver and some thermal compound. It a good idea to pick a working area that is clear of clutter, food and drink and preferably isn’t carpeted as carpet can accelerate the build up of static electricity which can damage computer components when discharged. To prevent the build up and discharge of static electricity you may also want to consider an anti-static wrist strap, or alternatively you can leave the power supply plugged but **with both the power supply and mains power turned off**; static electricity can be safely discharged to earth by touching the PSU enclosure. 

### Step 1 – Install the CPU
Start by taking your motherboard out of its packaging and placing it on top of the box. At this stage it is a good idea to inspect the CPU or Motherboard CPU socket for bent pins, but do not touch any of the pins or pads. A PGA CPU will have pins on the CPU, a LGA CPU will have pins on the socket. **If there are any bent pins, seek further advice and do not proceed with the installation**. If there are no bent pins you will want to open the socket retention latch and place the CPU in the socket, it’s important to ensure you have the right orientation, modern Intel CPU’s tend to have notches to ensure it can only be installed one way but in other instances there may be a an arrow or dot on the corner of the CPU and the socket that you align to ensure it’s installed in the correct orientation. The CPU should just drop into the socket without resistance, if it doesn’t check the orientation, **do not push, or force the CPU into the socket**. Once the CPU is seated, re-latch the retention lock. 

### Step 2 – Install the RAM
Install your ram, it’s often easier to do this step before the CPU cooler. Refer to your motherboard manual for advice on the best slots to install the ram into as this can vary depending on the motherboard and memory you have purchased. To install the ram, you push down on the clips at the edge of the memory slots, they should move to the side opening up the slot for installation. The ram will only install in one orientation, so line up the notch in the memory module with the divider on the ram socket. Insert the ram into the socket, apply a little bit of force until you hear a distinct click and the locking mechanisms at the side of the module snap back into place. 

### Step 3 – Install any M.2 SSDs
Install any M.2 SSD’s you have into the system. Refer to the manual for the location of these slots and installation procedures. Ideally for your boot SSD you will want to pick a slot that is connected directly to the CPU rather than the motherboard chipset. 

### Step 4 – Install the CPU Cooler
Now you will want to install the CPU cooler it is very important to refer to the manual during this step as the installation procedure varies significant between coolers and sockets. But some general rules and good practices at this step include; ensuring that you remove the plastic cover, if you have thermal compound then clean off the thermal pad/compound that comes pre-applied to the cooler.  If you have thermal compound, you will then want to apply a small pea sized blob to the center of the CPU. Install the cooler following the instructions in the manual and don’t forget to plug the CPU’s fan into the CPU fan header on the motherboard. 

**Now would be a good opportunity to test the hardware is functional before installing it in the case, You can seek further advise or prompt on how to properly when you are at this stage.**

### Step 5 – Prepare the Case
Now you will want to prepare the case, install the IO shield if an installable one came with the motherboard. Install the motherboard standoffs into the case, you will want to **be very careful to ensure that these line up with the holes on the motherboard as any additional standoffs that aren’t aligned with motherboard holes can short and destroy the motherboard**. Place the motherboard in the case and screw it into the standoffs. Here you may want to start with the center of the board and not fully tighten the screws until you have several in, this will give you more slack and make it easier to align the other screws. 

### Step 6 – Plug in front panel headers
Plug in the front panel headers, USB headers and I/O headers. Refer to the manual for the location of these on your board. Be careful with the USB 3 header as it is easy to bend the pins on the board and ensure that the little arrow on the front panel headers aligns with the 1 that is printed on the motherboard. 

### Step 7 – Install any SATA Drives
Install any SATA drives you have and plug the SATA data cables into the motherboard. 

### Step 8 – Install any case fans.
Install any case fans you may have.

### Step 9 – Install the power supply.
Install the power supply. Your motherboard will probably have multiple connectors including a 24pin main connector and one or more CPU power connectors, plug those in. Plug in the power connectors to any SATA drives.

### Step 10 – Install your GPU
If you have one, install your GPU. This generally goes into the long PCI-E socket closest to the CPU. You will want to remove the slot covers on your case. There is usually also a latching mechanism on the motherboard, the type of this mechanism can vary from board to board so consult your manual but typically you just press down on the end (similar to ram) before installing the GPU. Place the GPU in the socket and press down gently until it clips into place. Connect the power supply to the PCI-E power connectors on the card and screw in the GPUS. slot covers. 

### Step 11 – Plug it in and turn on the PSU power and mains power switch.

That is the main process and order for installing the parts in a computer and an appropriate order to do it in. Again, you will want to read through your manual for additional guidance during these steps as there can be slight variations depending on the hardware choices. After the installation process you will need to set up your operating system.