Cheap Computers and Parts

Before we begin

If you did Lesson 6: Testing the Motherboard, then you probably know what we are about to do. Everything on the front panel needs to be connected to the motherboard. This includes your Power/Reset buttons, your headphone/mic jacks and may also include any USB/Firewire ports.

Step 1: Find the front panel pins on the motherboard

First, we need to read through the motherboard owners manual and locate the pins that control the front panel system power. This section will tell you where the other pins are located. There should be a diagram somewhere in the manual showing you all the locations.

On the motherboard itself, it should be in a cluster of pins that looks similar to the one in the image below:

Note: Depending on your motherboard, not all front panel connections may be in this cluster. Carefully read the motherboard manual for the correct location of all your pins.

Consult your motherboard owners manual to determine which pin is Positive and which one is Negative.

Step 2: Plug the case into the motherboard

Inside the case are a cluster of thin wires. Each one should be labeled on the tips. We need to locate where each of these go on the motherboard.

Note: Sometimes you purchase a case that has extra ports on the front panel, such as USB/Firewire ports, and your motherboard does not support these additional ports. If this is the case, just tuck them away in one of the drive bays.

Once you locate each wire and it's pin, plug it into the appropriate pins on the motherboard.

There's usually a small triangle on one of the sides near the tip indicating which side is positive. Line this up with the positive pin on your motherboard. If it doesn't work, then flip it around.

Next Lesson: Plugging in external hardware

Our build is almost complete. In the next lesson, we will start to apply the finishing touches. Lesson 18: Pre-Boot Checklist.