Mistakes to avoid when assembling a computer

There are many reasons why we should assemble the computer ourselves instead of buying an original "ready" one of the most important of which is to be able to choose the components we want and take advantage of special offers, discounts and cheap selling prices for some components. In addition, we will be able to install a professional cooling system and choose the theme that matches the room decor of your computer. Not to mention the advantage of being able to upgrade computer components in the future in order to tackle heavy tasks and keep up with the demands of modern software and applications.

 

Above all, no one can deny that the process of assembling the computer ourselves is an interesting process in itself and makes us more knowledgeable and able to understand the device better. Unfortunately, there are many expected errors that some novice users can make when building the computer themselves for the first time. In this article, we will highlight these errors in order to avoid them when building your computer.

 

Purchase incompatible components

 

This is one of the most common mistakes some beginners make in building and assembling computers. It is possible that you buy a CPU that is not compatible with the motherboard, or you may rush to buy RAM that is not compatible with the motherboard.

 

For example, if you are going to buy a 10th generation Intel processor with LGA 1200 socket, the motherboard should be LGA 1200 such as the one that contains the H410, B460, H470 or Z490 chipset, and certainly the new generation motherboards will also support LGA 1200 processors. But You can't buy a processor like the Core I7-8700 to run on one of those boards, instead you can buy a motherboard with an LGA 1150 socket.

 

You should also make sure that your motherboard supports the type of RAM you have chosen. There are many types of RAM that are not compatible with some motherboards. If you want a good source that you can rely on to make sure that components are compatible and compatible with each other, you will find no better than PC Part Picker. At the same time you can get expert advice on the Internet before buying.

 

Buy a cheap power supply

 

Chances are you'll misjudge the right computer power supply and parts for your purchase.

The most power-hungry components are graphics cards and CPUs. Therefore, you can check the official sources of the graphics card, such as the Nvidia or AMD website, to first check the requirements of the graphics card for the power supply.

 

It is also necessary to choose a power supply that is “at least” approved with a bronze or gold certificate to be sure that it is able to extract its full potential under heavy pressure and under high temperatures. Professional and certified power supplies contain Japanese and Taiwanese-made capacitors capable of operating at a temperature of 105C and have many necessary protection methods and systems against electrical hazards and faults.

 

Of course, there are many professional power supplies that you can rely on such as EVGA, Seasonic, Corsair, FSP, Antec, BeQuiet and many others, but do not try to buy a Chinese or Korean power supply even if it is 1000W because in fact it will not be able to provide 200 watts for the device under heavy pressure. Therefore, in short, if you are not sure, you can ask the experts about the right provider for your device, and the more you pay, the better power supply you will get with a longer warranty period and able to last for long periods of life.

 

Failure to choose a safe place and a clean surface during installation

 

This point is very necessary if you want to install the computer correctly and without errors. Never assume that any place will do the trick. You should choose a clean surface free of any blemishes that might cause you to be distracted or annoyed during installation. Try to choose a large table that allows you to put all the cables, wires, and screws close to your hands during installation. It should be noted that you should not install on the ground and carpets, but if you prefer to install on the ground but without connecting the device to electricity, there is no problem. But of course a wooden table will be the safest in this process for your safety.

 

Forgetting to install the motherboard bases in the case

 

Most novice users will get this 50% wrong because they often don't know what the importance of having the mounting screws is. These metal bases are very necessary in order to install the motherboard in the box which allows you to better fix the fastening screws. In addition, its main purpose is not to cause a short circuit due to contact of the motherboard with the metal case. So do not rush to install the motherboard inside the box, instead install the metal bases first in the box and then put the motherboard parallel to these metal bases.

 

Forgetting to install the motherboard I/O Shield

 

Many novice users think that you are supposed to install the motherboard and then the rear motherboard metal plate in the case, but in this case you will discover that you are unable to install the I/O Shield if you quickly install the motherboard. Therefore, you should install the rear I/O board first in the case and then install the motherboard in the case and in this way you will notice that the ports of the rear motherboard find the exact places that correspond to the I/O board.

 

Incorrect installation of the CPU

 

This is another common mistake that occurs among novice computer users, which is installing the CPU incorrectly, which may cause a broken or bent one of the central processor pins or the fixed processor socket on the motherboard. Therefore, you should watch explanations on YouTube that show you the correct installation method in order to avoid this error. It's very easy, you will find a "small arrow" symbol facing down on the CPU and the motherboard socket as well, and you should align this mark correctly and gently install the processor.

 

Cables not installed correctly

 

Yes, the computer needs you to be gentle during installation so as not to damage anything, but don't be too thin. If you have installed all the cables, and yet you cannot start the computer correctly, this means that there are cables that are not connected correctly to the ports of the motherboard. So make sure that all cables are firmly attached - but don't use excessive force - just make sure that the cables are connected and tied to the end and that the memory sticks are aligned in the RAM slots correctly.

 

Use a lot of thermal paste

 

Adding paste is a simple matter, but it requires art and professionalism, because a lot of paste may cause damage to the components of the motherboard, and at the same time, its decrease and not adding it correctly may cause the central processor to overheat. Therefore, in order to add the paste correctly, add an amount similar to a large pea or in the form of a diagonal line only on the surface of the processor. Do not add too much so that it does not become messy

Thermal paste: what are its types? And how to add it correctly to the processor