Hey guys, this is Austin and today I’m here with a tutorial on how to build a
gaming computer.
This is based on my $600 Mini ITX PC inside the Bitfenix
Prodigy however most of this applies to building any computer.
If you’re interested in learning what parts I used feel
free to check out my build guides.
Before we begin you should find a workspace on tile or wood floors to help
prevent static electricity from building up.
Touching the case is a great idea to discharge any static.
As far as tools go all you really need is a Phillips
screwdriver, building a PC is very simple and most of the time you can even use
thumbscrews.
First step is to prepare the case which here is a Bitfenix Prodigy.
On the right side you’ll see the power and reset buttons, headphone and
microphone jacks along with a pair of USB 3.0 ports.
Around back is a 120mm fan, your motherboard tray, slots where the
graphics card will reside and the power supply.
Start by removing the four thumbscrews on the back, you’ll find
one top and bottom on the left side, one on the bottom right and finally one on
the top right.
Now remove the left side panel by pulling it back and then off then
set it aside for later.
Then do the same for the right side panel to free up some
room to work on the case.
Inside you’ll see a box which contains screws so set
that aside for now.
Before working in the case we need to remove the center
drive cage by pressing on the tabs so we have room to install the graphics card.
Set the case aside for a minute and grab the motherboard.
Inside the box you’ll find a pair of SATA cables for connecting
a hard drive or optical drive, the I/O shield for mounting the motherboard, a drivers
DVD and case badge and the manual which will be helpful in a few minutes.
The motherboard itself is sensitive to static and is wrapped in an anti-static
bag.
Gently pull it out by handling it by the plastic components and
then set it down on the box the motherboard comes in.
This is how we’ll be working on it until it’s installed in
the case.
Before we get to work let me take a minute and go over a few
important things to pay attention to.
Around back you’ll find all of your ports including USB, Ethernet and audio out which
will be sticking out the back of the case when we’re done.
You’ll see a pair of long blue connectors which is where
your RAM will be installed.
On one side you’ll be able to press the white clips
back so that we are all ready to install the memory.
The bottom of the board is where you’ll find the long darker blue connector,
this is PCI Express which is what we’ll be using to connect the graphics
card in a few minutes.
Beside the heatsink with the Asus logo are six SATA ports.
These can be used for many things but for this build we’re just going
to be using a single port for the hard drive.
One thing to keep in mind is that the white ports are going to be what
you’ll use if you have an SSD as they’re faster than the blue ports.
In the center of the board is where the CPU is installed
and it should have a plastic cover protecting the socket for now.
Now it’s time to open up the processor, in this
case a Core i3.
Inside the box you’ll find the heatsink and fan which has
preapplied thermal paste on the bottom.
Be sure not to touch this.
There’s also a bit of info on the CPU as well as a Core
i3 case badge if you want to use it.
The CPU itself is inside the cardboard and protected
inside a bit of plastic.
Before removing it keep in mind there are tiny gold
pins on the bottom and you do not want to touch these at all.
Come over to the motherboard and remove the cover
by pulling on the tab labeled remove.
Then push the arm to the side to get access to the socket.
Grab the CPU by the edges and just rest it into the socket.
Don’t press it in at all, it should fit by itself.
There’s a small golden arrow on the edge which will make sure you align it properly.
Set the cover back down and push the arm down to hold it into place.
You’ll have to put a lot of pressure on it
but don’t worry, this is normal.
Time to install the heatsink.
Just align the four pegs over the holes in the motherboard and
press each down until they click.
Once you’re done you can now pick up the motherboard by the heatsink without
any worries.
Installing your RAM is up next.
You’ll find a notch in the memory as well as in the slot on the motherboard so
it only goes in one way.
Line it up with a thumb on each corner and press firmly until
it clicks into place.
Grab the second DIMM, line it up and install it the
same way.
Super easy stuff.
Now it’s time to install the assembled motherboard
into the case.
The Prodigy mounts it laying flat on top of the four built-in standoffs.
First grab your I/O shield that came with the motherboard and pop it into
the back panel.
Press firmly until it snaps into place and don’t worry, you’ll
probably need a minute to get it popped in correctly.
Handling the motherboard by the heatsink carefully align it over the
four standoffs against the back of the I/O shield.
Gently shift the motherboard back so that all of the ports are clear, make
sure that the little metal pins are touching and that each and every port is lined
up.
Now grab the box of hardware we pulled out of the case earlier and you’ll
see a bag of screws.
Open it up and find four of the smaller screws.
If you aren’t sure which to use the Prodigy manual shows the exact design.
Now screw the motherboard into place.
The best way to do it is to start with one corner
and tighten it moderately but not all the way and then go to the opposite corner
and do the same while double checking that it’s still in the correct
spot and everything is visible out the I/O shield.
Then go back and screw the last two screws into place.
Once you’re done and everything looks good tighten each screw
to make sure everything is fully in place.
Nicely done, you’ve got everything assembled on the motherboard and it
securely installed in the case!
That’s it for part one of this tutorial!
If you enjoyed don’t forget to hit up that Like button
and check out part two!
Anyway guys I’ll catch you in the next one!