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How to Build Your Own PC (Page 7/9)
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Posted: September 09, 2002
Written by: Chris Angelini
Step Seven: In Go the Cards
Expansion cards add capabilities beyond what integrated sound and graphics can do. Additionally, you can buy cards that add SCSI, USB 2.0, Gigabit networking – even cable television support!
| Tweak Tip!
Before installing a video card, make sure all memory slots are closed. I’ve broken more than one DIMM slot by aggressively installing video cards.
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Unless your new system is to be used exclusively for business, it’s a safe bet that a new graphics card will find its way into your AGP slot (the brown one in the middle of the motherboard). Nowadays, graphics cards are cooled by heat sinks and fans, much like processors. It should come as no surprise, then, that high-end cards generate lots of heat. When I build a computer, I typically leave the white PCI slot closest to the video card empty for plenty of air flow. Installing the card itself is a snap – position the card over the slot and push down gently until it is fully inserted. Use one of the screws included with the case to secure the card to the chassis. Use the same procedure to install each of your other cards. If you haven’t yet purchased them, consider an upgraded sound card and network card, at the least.
Click to enlarge.
Step Eight: Connecting the Connectors
| Tweak Tip!
If your LEDs don’t light up right away, reverse them on the motherboard. It is entirely possible that you’ve installed them backwards.
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In order for your computer to turn on when you hit the power button, you need to connect the switches and light emitting diodes (LEDs) from your case to the motherboard. The connectors themselves are usually labeled, but it can be a little harder to locate the pins on the motherboard. Your best source for this data is the manual included with the board. Once you have the connectors, well, connected, we can move on to the next step. Don’t worry; we’ll test the lights and switches a little later.
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