The first time assembling a PC with your own hands always leads to errors. As a rule, completely harmless. But a few missteps can permanently damage components, damage the drive, or force you to spend days figuring out what the problem is. Information portal makeuseof.com speakHow to avoid the most common mistakes when assembling a computer.
You need to be careful with the CPU socket
Nothing will break a brand new, unassembled computer faster than a processor that has been sloppily inserted into the socket. Even if you just miss the slots by a little, pressure on the CPU can instantly break hundreds of fragile contacts. Bent pins are often the result of applying too much force to the lever to secure the chip.
When installing the processor and when working with any socket on the motherboard, you should be slow and careful. Find the small cutout on the CPU, place it on the board, and check that the pins fit into the slots a few times before doing anything further. If the chip is properly positioned in the socket, gravity will do most of the work for you.
Pay attention to the motherboard stand
The little screws for the brackets may not seem that important, but never forget them. They are one of many ways to insulate the motherboard to prevent short circuits. If the board comes into contact with the case in any way, the PC will not turn on.
Before tightening the brackets, lift the board over them and check which holes line up. Install only these brackets, then attach the board and tighten each screw. But not too tight! Remember, you are installing a computer part, not bolting a wheel to a car.
RAM must be installed in the correct slot
Incorrect memory settings can halve your RAM bandwidth or prevent your PC from booting completely. Many boards are designed for two RAM sticks in slot A2/B2, but the pursuit of visual aesthetics and ignorance sometimes lead to people placing them in slot A1/B1. And often beginners don't insert them completely – for example, DDR5 dies need to be pressed harder than you might think until they click.
Don't apply too much thermal paste on your processor.
The amount of thermal paste between the CPU and heatsink directly affects the cooling effect. Thermal paste essentially fills in the microscopic gaps between the chip and the cooler. If there is too much glue, it can leak out and stain the socket; too little will leave air pockets, leading to overheating. Just squeeze a dollop of thermal paste no larger than a pea onto the chip.
Connect the front connectors to the correct slots
A mistake that even experienced assemblers sometimes make. She's not scary at all, but she can be annoying at times. Imagine the situation: you built a PC and are trying to turn it on for the first time but it doesn't work. What's up? Often, the front buttons of the system device are connected incorrectly. The power and reset button pins vary depending on the motherboard. Open your board's manual and find the front panel diagram so you know where to connect what.
Don't be lazy to place the cables carefully
No, cable management isn't a story just for those who care about the aesthetics and appearance of their PC. Poor cable management not only leads to clutter but also causes a number of problems including poor airflow, dust accumulation, and overheating. Try to plan your cable routing in advance.
The fan must be placed in the correct direction
The fan looks symmetrical so installing it incorrectly is a fairly common mistake. If all fans operate only when blowing or blowing, the system unit may overheat or accumulate too much dust. That's why some have arrows – so users know which direction they're blowing. Just in case, it never hurts to check the instructions.
