How to Build a Computer – Step by Step Video Guide

Few years ago only computer enthusiast and geeks would think of building their own computer. Nowadays, the idea to build your own computer has become so popular that even the average Joe Blogs can do it. Have you decided to build your own computer but don’t know where to start. You probably done some research about the benefit of building your own computer and need that last bit of motivation to make the idea into reality. In this guide we will show you exactly how to build your own computer using step by step illustrations as well a short video of each step.
The aim of this guide is build a computer that has latest hardware but at the same time must be good value for money. The specification would be upper entry level which would be suitable for average users to browse the web, run all latest applications and even play 3D games at low resolution. So let jump into our parts list :
1. Coolermaster Centurium 5 Mini Tower Case
2. OCZ Xstream 400 Watts Power Supply Unit
3. Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H Socket 1156 Motherboard
4. Intel i3 540 Processor
5. Crucial DDR3 SDRAM PC3 10600
6. Seagate Barracuda 500GB SATA Hard drive
7. Pioneer S18 DVD -RW Drive
8. ASUS GeForce GT 430 1GB PCI-E Graphics Card

The parts that i have listed above is perfect for an upper entry level Computer.  You can obviously choose parts that are more or less powerful. When choosing your hardware it is best to choose the parts that is suitable for your needs.  Its always best to do your home work first before shopping around. With all that out the way lets move to Step 1 – Prepare the case and Install Power Supply Unit.

How to install ATX Power Supply | OCZ Xstream 400

I am using an OCZ 400 watts ATX power supply unit. Its enough to power up all the components that we are using. When choosing a PC power supply unit its a good idea to get one that provides slightly more watts than you need. This gives you the flexibility to add more hardware in the future. Before we can install a power supply unit we need to prepare our case. Start off by taking the screws off the case. The cooler master centurium case has 2 screws holding the side panel. Take the screws off and slide open the side panel. If you look at the back of the case you will notice that there is a cut out. This cut out is made for ATX power supply units and therefore any brand of power supply will fit perfectly into place.

Put your case in horizontal position so its easier to work with. Take your power supply and slide it towards the back of the case so that the screw holes on power supply unit align with the holes on the case.

The PSU should fit nicely into place as shown on the image below.

Start putting the screws in using your fingers and then tighten it using a Phillips screw driver as shown. The screws should be supplied with your power supply unit, if not you can use the screws supplied with the case.

Watch the Video Guide :


In the next few guides we will fit the various cables on power supply to the correct sockets on the motherboard.