How to assemble a system unit?

Answer 1

You would start with the motherboard manual and other manuals within reach. The first thing you do is to prepare the motherboard. That means installing the CPU, the CPU heat sink, the RAM, and setting any switches or jumpers. If the heat sink is new and came with the CPU, it should come with CPU "grease" on it. If not, then make sure you have the appropriate heat sink grease before proceeding and apply that between the CPU and the heat sink. Arctic Silver is a good brand, and they even have it at Radio Shack. The next thing you do is install the standoffs in the case. You would install them exactly where the holes are on the board. You may wish to attach your case wires to the board at this point or wait until you mount the board. Then you would insert the screws with the proper threads through the motherboard and into the standoffs, preferably with fiber washers. Don't make them too tight, but make them firm and even. Attach the case and power supply wiring if you haven't already. Then you would mount your peripherals and cards and attach the cables to the appropriate places.

Now it is time to test everything. If it comes up, the OS can install, and you have no trouble, then you can double check your screws, make sure everything is mounted properly, and make sure the wires are secure and out of the way. Then you put the case together.