Build Your Own PC

Your new PC is almost ready to turn on for the first time. You have the basics installed and connected. All extras, such as a modem, sound card, etcetera can be installed after the initial boot-up, just to make sure everything is working before adding new hardware.

Before jumping right into booting, though, it is recommended that you take a minute to investigate and check your work with a flashlight. It's better to "waste" the time than to fry your system after all of this work, don't you agree?

Pay attention to the following list:

• Drives properly connected to power
• CPU fan attached to power
• Power switch is off
• P8 and P9 are connected properly, with black wires in middle.
• The 110/220 volt switch is configured properly for your area
• Ribbon cables attached correctly, red edge on pin 1
• All connection tight, no connectors off by one set of pins
• CPU voltage settings correct
• Cards fully in slots
• No wires protruding into fans