Cheap Computers and Parts

Step 1: Pre-Boot Checklist

Before we boot up for the first time, it is best we check everything over one last time. Taking time to ensure everything was done properly is well worth it. If you feel you may have missed something, go over our lessons one more time before continuing. If you feel good, go through our list below then proceed to our next lesson.

Make sure:

• Power supply is connected to the motherboard.
• Your Heat Sink/Processor Fan is mounted securely. (do not remove, just check it)
• The connection for the Processor Fan is connected to the motherboard.
• The RAM is secure and properly installed.
• All drives (Hard Drive(s), CD-ROM drive(s) and Floppy Disk Drive) are secure and connected to the correct power supply connectors.
• All drives (Hard Drive(s), CD-ROM drive(s) and Floppy Disk Drive) are connected to the motherboard via SATA cables.
• All components are secure and installed properly.
• Case fan(s) are secure and connected to the motherboard and/or power supply.

Step 2: Prepare the case

While the case is on it's side, go ahead and put the side cover back on. Screw in any screws or thumbscrews if needed then stand it up.

Step 3: Plug it all in

Hooking up your monitor, keyboard, speakers...ect is all pretty much self explanatory when you look at it. They can be plugged in, in any order.

Use the diagram below to see where each plug goes. Some plugs (i.e. keyboard & mouse if PS/2, speaker) are colored so match them up with the correct color on the back of the computer. There's only one way they can go in.

Step 4: Plug everything into an outlet

Hopefully you purchased a surge protector or UPS. Plug everything into the surge protector such as the system power cord, monitor power cord, speaker power cord...etc, then plug the surge protector or UPS into a wall outlet.

Next Lesson:

In the next lesson, we will start the boot process. Let's continue to Lesson 19: Booting Up.